Exploring the Valley of Flowers, Uttarakhand: Top 6 Things To Do (2024)
Out of the many beautiful things that Uttarakhand has to offer, one is the Valley of Flowers. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is a huge meadow measuring over 87 sq. km. This is home to numerous varieties of flora and fauna and is one of the most amazing spots in North India. The Valley of Flowers is one of those magnificent destinations in India where you can get engaged in several activities like trekking, nature walks, bird watching, and more.
In this article, we have listed the top 6 things to do in and around the Valley of Flowers.
The Curtain-Raiser To The Valley Of Flowers, Uttarakhand
Valley of Flowers, located in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand is endorsed as the UNESCO-certified World Heritage Site because of its meadows of alpine flowers and huge varieties of flora. This is the place where the Zanskar and Himalayan ranges meet. It was discovered in 1931 by a Mountaineer named Frank S Smith.
This expansive meadow is 8 km long and 2 km wide and is famous not only for its wild untamed blooms but also for its exotic varieties of medicinal herbs. It is also believed that this is the place from where Hanuman (a major character from the epic Ramayana) brought Sanjivani for Lakshmana( Brother of Lord Rama).
From May to October, it seems like the Valley of Flowers changes its colors as hundreds of different varieties of flowers blooms and change their colors and shades throughout the blooming season. Blue poppy, the Cobra lily, and Bramhakamal are some of the major types of flowers found in this place. The untouched beauty of this valley attracts numerous botanists and nature lovers. Moreover, with a myriad of Himalayan waterfalls and streams, the Valley of Flowers is surely an exemplary place to relax while watching the magnificent beauty of nature.
Exploring the Valley of Flowers, Uttarakhand: Top 6 Things To Do
1. Enjoy Trekking and Nature Walk
The topmost things to do in the Valley of Flowers are to enjoy a great time trekking and going on nature walks. Several treks and nature walks are organized here from June to October and you can witness the magical beauty of the Valley of Flowers National Parks and also the neighboring places like Hemkund Sahib and Hemkund Lake. You get ample scope to explore the magical creation of nature while strolling around the expansive meadow and nearby places.
2. Experience The Wild In The National Parks
Another important thing that can be done in the Valley of Flowers is to experience the wild in the national parks and reap the benefits of exploring different varieties of animals, birds, and plants.
Valley Of Flowers National Parks
The Valley of Flowers National Park is recognized for its mountainous florae. It is also home to several endangered species of animals. June to August are the best times to visit this national park. The green meadowlands, crystal clear rivers, and wonderful foothills together make this place one of the most spectacular destinations for visitors from worldwide.
Nanda Devi National Park
Nanda Devi National Park or Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve situated around the peak of Nanda Devi is the second highest in India. This national park was established in 1982. This biosphere reserve comprises globally threatened species, such as the snow leopard, the Himalayan musk deer, and other animals like the Himalayan brown bear, Asiatic black bear, and Himalayan tahr. It is also a significant bird-watching zone. The national park also includes huge varieties of plant species.
3. Get Involved In Pilgrimage
You can trek to the Valley of Flowers from Govindghat, and to reach this destination spot you first need to reach Rishikesh, which is one of the major Hindu pilgrimage towns in India. Apart from this, Sri Hemkund Sahib Gurudwara is another place of spiritual significance around the Valley of Flowers. The Sikh community values this Gurudwara a lot. This Gurudwara is reachable by trekking and hiking through several waterfalls, dense woodlands, and beautiful nature. Here, you will also come across Hemkund Lake. The spectacular views of snow-clad mountains will also make you feel great here.
4. Check Out The Awe-Inspiring Hemkund Lake
One more thing to do in the Valley of Flowers is to check out the awe-inspiring Hemkund Lake, which is located next to the Hemkund Sahib Gurudwara. This lake has a circumference of around 2 Km. The Hemkund Lake is also known as the “Lake of Snow”. June to October are the best time to visit this lake.
5. Get The Most Out Of Village Expedition
You can also experience some of the most amazing moments of your life through the village expedition here. Ghangaria is a tiny village that is supposed to be the last inhabited village on the trekking route to the Valley of Flowers. This is located in the Northern Himalayas at 3049 meters and is an extremely peaceful place to stay. People here are quite warm and also welcome tourists to their homes.
6. Spend Time Bird Watching And Rendezvous With Wildlife
Another thing that can be done in the Valley of Flowers is to spend time watching different varieties of birds and getting indulged in the wildlife at the Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve and the Valley of Flowers National Park. You will come across some of the exotic species of birds like the Indian Himalayan birds and some commonly found birds like the Himalayan golden eagle, Himalayan snowcock, Himalayan monal pheasant, snow pigeon, etc.
You will also across the mammals like snow leopards, brown bears, Himalayan black bears, blue sheep, and musk deer. So, this spot gives you a stupendous opportunity to rendezvous with wildlife.
Conclusion
So, the Valley of Flowers in Uttarakhand is a beautiful place where you can explore wildlife, and a huge variety of flora, spend time by watching several exotic and common birds, trekking, hiking, and getting engaged in pilgrimage. All these activities along with photography and nature walk make this place one of the starling destinations in the North Indian state of Uttarakhand.
FAQs Related To Valley Of Flowers
What Are The Best Places Near Valley of Flowers?
Some of the best places near the Valley of Flowers include Auli (lying at a distance of 22 km), Joshimath (lying at a distance of 22 km), Rishikesh (located at a distance of 146 km), and Nainital (at a distance of 150 km)
What Is The Best Time To Visit Valley Of Flowers?
The Valley of Flowers in Uttarakhand remains open from July to September. Every year the valley shuts in for visitors during the winters, i.e. from October to May. However, August is the best time to visit this place because this is the best time to see the flowers bloom.
What Is The Best Way To Reach Valley of Flowers?
This valley is not connected well via road. The nearest place connected to the Valley of Flowers is Govindghat (near Joshimath), which is also connected well to the rest of the world. This place is at a distance of 17 km from the valley. From Govindgat you can trek to the Valley of Flowers, crossing the village Gangaria, numerous waterfalls, and natural sites.
Does It Snow In The Valley of Flowers?
Yes. The Valley of Flowers receives a fair amount of snowfall during winter. That is why, the valley remains closed for tourists between November to May.
Are There Accommodation Facilities In Valley of Flowers?
There is no facility for night-stay at the Valley of Flowers. So, you will have to trek back to Govindghat or Ghangaria to find accommodation.
