The Valley of Flowers is a national park situated near Ghangaria in Chamoli district of Uttarakhand state. The valley of flowers is spread over an area of about 87.50 km. The valley of flowers was declared a National Park by the World Organization, UNESCO in the year 1982.
Surrounded by glacial mountains and decorated with more than 500 species of flowers, this area became a world-famous venue for flower lovers. It is said that by the name of Nandkanan, its description is also found in "Ramayana and Mahabharata".
It is believed that this is the place from which Hanuman Ji brought Sanjivani for Lord Rama's brother Laxman, but the locals are still afraid to come here after understanding it as "the dwelling place of fairies". In the modern times, British Mountaineer Frank Smith discovered it in the year 1931 and has since become a tourist destination.
Impressed by the beauty here's, Smith returned to this valley in the year 1937 and, in the year 1968, published a book entitled "Valley of Flowers". It is said that there are wonderful medicinal properties in the flowers and all the flowers that are available here are used in medicines.
Apart from this, hundreds of valuable herbs and vegetation are found here, which are extremely rare and are not found anywhere in the world. Located about 2 km from the Ghangaria, this area is surrounded by snow-covered hills. The natural beauty of this valley and various types of colourful flowers attracted to many tourists coming here.
By Air
The nearest airport to Ghangaria is Jolly Grant Airport Dehradun, which is about 298 km away from Ghangaria.
By Train
The nearest railway station of Ghangaria is Rishikesh, which is about 280 km away from Ghangaria.
By Road
The Valley of Flowers is connected up to Govindghat with motorable roads. The Valley of Flowers from to reach, Govindghat to Ghangaria is about 13 km and about 2 km of the trek from Ghangaria.
The months of July, August and September are considered best for touring the valley of flowers, because in these same three months the journey of the valley of flowers remains open. Travelling here in these months is the best and enjoyable.
In the winter season, the journey of here is closed. During the winter season, the weather of here is cold. Due to heavy snowfall in the winter season, the temperature of here goes down very much.
Due to heavy rains in the rainy season, it is a bit difficult to travel of here because of heavy rains threatening landslides.
Shri Hemkund Sahib
