Valley of Flower : All you need to know

All the people want to go on the Valley of Flowers Trek, and there’s a reason because a lot of trekkers begin their journey of exploring the Himalayas, and it is the most favorite trek in Uttarakhand. Valley of Flowers is a UNESCO World Heritage site and also India’s largest natural botanical garden. It is located in the Nanda Devi Biosphere. There is a destination that is joining the two treks, the Valley of Flowers and Hemkund Sahib, which are approximately positioned between Joshimath and Badrinath.

It has a story of a valley of flowers where, in the earliest days, there was an Englishwoman, Margaret Lague. She was a lover of flowers, drawn by the stories of their botanical profusion. While reaching out to pluck one, she slipped off a rock and died, to be buried in the midst of the meadows. Today, her tombstone is the only permanent structure in the valley. It says, ‘I will lift my eyes to the hills from whence cometh my strength’.

What makes the Markha Valley special is that it is just 10 kilometers long and two kilometers wide. The exceptional number in such a small area is due to its location between a larger Himalayan transition zone: it is surrounded by the eastern boundaries of the Zanskar and Lesser Himalayan ranges in the north and south, and zone 5 east meets with western Himalayan flora.

The Pushpawati River runs its entire length, with streams and waterfalls along the way. From April through October, climatic and ecological conditions vary each month, resulting in the birth and loss of over 300 plant species. The season begins with glaciers slowly melting and soaking the frozen soil. Soon, new flowers begin to emerge, multiply, and blossom in a rich riot of colors, smells, shapes, and sizes. Rhododendrons are one of the first to appear, followed by sweet-smelling blue primulas, irises, snow-white anemones, two-flower violets, balsams, marsh orchids, and thymus. July brings geraniums, pendicularis, morinas, potentillas, and blue poppies, some of which last up to September. Other vivid bloomers are golden-yellow grandiflora during August–September and wild roses. Out of crevices at awkward angles protrudes the revered Brahma Kamal, a member of the Daisy family.

How to Reach Valley of Flower

Here are the best convenient access options:

By Air: The Jolly Grant Airport is the nearest airport to the Valley of Flowers. If you want to visit the base point for the trek, then you can go from Dehradun, hire a taxi, or take a bus to Joshimath or Govindghat.

By Train: Haridwar Railway Station is the nearest major railway station. From Haridwar, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to Joshimath or Govindghat. There is another option: you can take Rishikesh Railway Station. It’s slightly farther from Govindghat compared to Haridwar. The route from Rishikesh to Govindghat is the same as from Haridwar.

By Road: If you want to travel by road, then you can go from Haridwar or Rishikesh. You can hire a taxi, or take a bus to Govindghat. The journey by road gives you the best view, passing through towns and villages along the way.

The best time to visit Valley of Flower:

The best time to visit the Valley of Flowers in its full glory is during the months of April to October, when the monsoon rains breathe life into the region. In the winter, a layer of snow creates a peaceful tropical paradise.

Places to visit near Valley of Flowers

1) Hemkund Sahib:

Hemkund Sahib is a pilgrimage site for a sikh. It is surrounded by seven peaks in a high-altitude lake. There is a lake, which is called Lokal Lake, whose height is 4,500 meters. It has a small temple nearby dedicated to Lord Laxmana, the brother of Lord Rama, who is said to have performed austerities as well. When the visitors arrived at the hemkund after the labrious hike, they were served tumblers of hot, sweet tea by Gurudwaras sevaks.

2) Govindghat:

Gurudwara Govind Ghat Sahib is situated in Govindghat. If you visit the Hemkund Sahib and the Valley of Flowers, then you should also go to the Gurudwara, which is a spiritual place for travelers. If you want to go to Badrinath, it takes nearly an hour to reach it, which is 25 km away. There is a Neelkand peak that can be seen from Badrinath Temple. This temple is one of the abodes of Chardham Yatra.

3) Badrinath:

Badrinath Temple is located in the town of Badrinath. It has a pilgrimage site for an ancient Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu. If you reach Mana by taxi, then it takes 3 kilometers, and if you go from Mana village to Vasudhara, then it takes 6 kilometers, but it has one of the best routes. If you plan for this trek, then you start early in the morning and return to Mana village by 1 or 2 p.m. On this route, there are no snacks or water available. It is advised that you carry sufficient supplies.

4) Panch Prayag:

The five confluences of rivers in the Garhwal region of Himalayas. Vishnuprayag, Nandaprayag, Karnaprayag, Rudraprayag, and Devprayag, you can see on the way from Joshimath to Haridwar. The color of water varies according to the season and is usually muddy/grey during Jul-Aug due to the monsoon season.

5) Auli:

Auli is a popular skiing destination. It is located in the Himalayas. In the summer, it’s just as beautiful, with lush meadows and views of Nanda Devi.  Auli is the best place for winter sports enthusiasts and summer seekers. The sight of Nanda Devi, which is India’s second-highest mountain, Auli is a year-round sight of natural beauty that passes climates.

The Valley of Flowers is more than a destination. All the travelers want to visit the Valley of Flowers. It is a Himalayan destination and a natural phenomenon that occurs only for two months a year. Even moderately fit people can do this trek in Garhwal. This trek will not cost you much.