Valley of Flowers National Park

Appearing as a colourful carpet against a mountainous snow covered background, the Valley of Flowers us a beautiful land. Located high in the Garhwal Himalayan range, it boasts of its arresting beauty. Lies against birches and white snow peak, it is the land where around 500 species of flowers flirt with beautiful running water streams. The history dates back to the year 1931, when it was introduced to the world by a mountaineer Frank S. Smith during his expedition to Mount Kamet. In the year 1982, the valley with a region of 87.50 sq. km was announced as a National Park.

With this dew capped flowers, birds chirping in the encompassing forests and the fresh air filled with flowers' fragrance, the valley is a visual treat for naturalists, tourists, trekkers and environmentalists.

Wildlife in Valley of Flowers National Park

Primarily, the Valley of Flowers is famous its flowering plants, but it also provides shelter to a variety of wild animals. You can see her Musk Deer, Mountain Goats, Himalayan Bear, Red Fox, Common Langur, Bharal, Snow Leopard and Serow. Himalayan Birds, Butterflies, Phigents and Tail Less Rat are other wildlife attractions here.

Flora

There are many beautiful flowering plants which cover the entire valley. Some of the important names in the list include Aquilogia, Anemone, Aconite, Aster, Anaphalis Bistorta, Campanula, Codonopsis, Cypripedium, Corydalis, Dactylorhiza, Delphinium, Geranium, Geum and Himalayanblue poppy. Other important flowering plants include Inula, Impetiens, Lilium, Lobelia, Ligularia, Morina, Marsh, Marigold, Primula, Pedicularis, Potentilla, Rhododendron, Ranunculus, Saxifraga, Straw berries, Saussurea abvallata, Trolises, Trysimum and Thermophis.

Other Attractions

The holy Hindu city of Badrinath is only 14 km (8.6 miles) from Joshimath. It can be easily reached on a day trip from there. The town boasts of a colorful temple, which is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. It is among the Char Dham (four temples) famous with Hindu pilgrims.

Activities

Starting a trek from Govind Ghat to the valley is an adventurous activity is a wonderful opportunity to see closely the beautiful countryside.

Best Time to Visit

From June to October

How to Reach

By Air: Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun is the nearest airport.
By Rail: Rishikesh is the nearest railhead, however it can be accessed through Dehradun and Haridwar railheads.

Accommodation

Not many accommodation options are available here. There is no accommodation facility inside the park. However, the nearby places offer accommodation options like state-run tourist rest houses in Joshimath and Ghangharia. You can also find several private tourist lodges and rest houses at these places.