Valley of Flowers

Tucked inside Garhwal Himalayan, in Uttar Pradesh, this flowery kingdom wakes up for a very short period between July and August. The northern end of the Valley is guarded by the snowy mountains-- Nilgiri, Saptashringa and Rataban. The Pushpavati Ganga river cuts across the valley. More than 300 species of flower plants, medicinal herbs and orchids have been identified. The valley has now been accorded the status of a national park. Among the more commonly seen plants here are geraniums, potentilas, primulas, buttercups, orchids like the lady's slipper, the rare blue poppy and Brahma Kamal.

The valley has to be reached through the mountain hamlet of Ghangaria, 4 kilometres away.

BASICS

STD Code: not applicable.
How to go: The Valley of Flowers is about 4 kilometres from the nearest hamlet Ghangaria.
Govindghat, on the Rishikesh-Badrinath route, is the point where you'll have to get off the vehicle. After crossing a bridge over the Alakananda river, you hit the trail. A gradual climb and nearly 13 kilometres away, is Ghangaria, at the end of the trail. The climb itself passes through a scenic route.

Best time: The flowering season is usually between July 15 and August 15. However, rain and frost may shorten the duration.

Accommodation: Limited and basic.
At Ghangaria, there is a Garhwal Mandal Vikas Nigam Tourist Lodge and a 'gurudwar' run by the Sikh pilgrims but open to all.

Local transport: From Govindaghat, on the bus routes ponies, chairs carried by porters are available for carrying the infirm and the weak. But from Ghangaria, one is allowed to the Valley only on foot.

Contact: Garhwal Mandal Vikas Nigam
Muni-ki-reti, Rishikesh-249 201
Tel: (0135) 431793.