Valley of Flowers National Park - फूलों की घाटी राष्ट्रीय उद्यान
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 Photo by : 'HD' nature in flickr More images... |
Valley of Flowers National Park is nestled in the Himalayan ranges of Uttaranchal. The park spreads over an area of 87.50 sq km and was declared as a national park in the year 1982. In 1988, UNESCO declared Valley of Flowers National Park of India, together with Nanda Devi National Park, as Nanda Devi and Valley of Flowers National Park World Heritage Site. The altitude of the park ranges between 3,250 m and 6,750 m. There are references of the Valley of Flower National Park in the great Hindu Epics of Ramayana and Mahabharata.
It was in 1931 that a British mountaineer, Franksmith, found this valley while returning from an expedition to Mt. Kamat. Enchanted by the picturesque beauty of the valley, he named it as 'Valley of Flowers'. The main valley starts after crossing the gorge and the stream that starts from Nar Parvat. Ratban Parvat provides a beautiful facade to the Valley of Flowers National Park, while the Kunt Khal forms its backdrop. To the left is Nar Parvat, which separates Badrinath Valley from the Valley of Flowers.
The world famous Valley of Flowers is situated in the upper expan- sions of Bhyundar Ganga in the far int- erior of Garhwal Himalayas. The valley is spread over an area of 87.5 Sq. Kms. And is 3,250 mt to 6,750 mt. Above the mean sea level. The rich references of this colouful and eye catching Valley, are found in the animals of Indian History and literature like that of Ramayana and Mahabharat. The rich references of this colouful and eye catching Valley, are found in the animals of Indian History and literature like that of Ramayana and Mahabharat.But due to its near inaccessible approach it had disappeared from the tourists map until in 1931 when Franksmith a British mountaineer having lost his way while returning from ssuccessful expeditionto mt. Kamat, reached this valley which was full of flowers.He was overwhelmed by its enchanting beauty and named it as “ Valley of Flowers".
The valley of Flowers National Park starts from Ghangharia but the main valley starts after crossing the gorge and the stream starting from nar Parvat, 3 Kms. Away from the Ghangharia. In the front of the Valley stands and snowclad peak of Ratban Parvat and at the block is the kunt Khal, towards the left is Nar Parvat which separates the Badrinath valley from this valley and in the right hill is the dense Birch forest.
Below the forest is the meadow. River pushpavati flows through the valley and there are many aterfalls enhancing the beauty of the valley. The splendour and the scintillating beauty of the valley attracts tourists from all over the world.
The bloom starts immediately after the melting of snow but the peak blooming period is from mid July to mid of August. Almost 300 species of wild flowers bloom here in natural way. Wherein some of the species areAnemone, Geranium, Marsh marigold, Prinula, Potentilla, Geum, Asters, Lilium, Ranunculus, Corydalis, Inula, Braham kamal, Campanula, Pedicularis, Arisaema, Morina, Impatiens, Bistorta, Ligularia, Anaphalis, Saxifrages, Sibbaldia, Thermo- psis, Trollius, Codonopsis, Dactylorhiza, Cypripedium, Str- awberry, Epilobium, Rhododendrons and numerous others. Most of the flowers have medicinal values too. The abundance of Asmanda fern in this valley is a rare sight than in other Himalayan valleys. The valley remains is bloom for three months while the looral composition keeps on changing every few days. By September the hue starts changing and autumn bids farewell to flowers and the entire vegetation remains dormant for about next five months when the valley is snow bound.
Apart from the flowers some species of Butterfly, Musk deer, Blue sheep ( Bharal ), Himalayan bear, Himalayan mouse hare and some Himalayan birds & Snow leopard are also found in this area. Due to these specialities it has always caught the attention of the nature lovers as well as the environmentalists. To conserve the nature's benevolent gift and to maintain the natural balance of the valley-the valley was declared a National Park in 1982.
The park is spread over an area of 192 Sq.km. in Uttarkashi District. Nearest town from the park is Dharkadhi 17 km from the park. The nearest airport is Dehra dun at a distance of 190 km. The rail head is also Dehra Dun.
The forest of the park consists of Chirpine, scrub tropical Euphorbia scrub and oak species.
The wild life species found in the park are panther leopard, snow leopard, leopard cat, the brown and the black Himalayan bear, fishing cat, musk deer, serow, thar, bharal, goral, sambar, wild boar, etc. The birds found are monal, snow pigeon, green pigeon. The best period for visiting the best park is from May to October. Rest house accommodation is available.
Snow Leopard Valley of flowers National Park was a set up in 1981 in Chamoli district covering an area of 87 Sq.km. The nearest town from the park is Karna parayag at a distance of 33 km. The rail head is 290 km at Rishikesh. The nearest airport is at Dehradun which is 330 km from the park.
The fauna in the park include snow leopard, musk deer, Himalayan kthar, monal and pheasants. July- August are the suitable months for visiting the park. The park has rest houses.
Blossoms Period Name of Flowers
February-June Rhododendron arboreum
April-July Primula denticuleta
May-July
Fragaria nubicola, Iris kemaonensis, Fritillaria roylei, Lilium oxypetalum, Arisaema costautum, Thermopsisa barbata, Rosa macrophylla, Caltha palustris
June-August
Anemone obtusiloba, Cypripedium himalaicum, Saxifraga roylei, Rheum australe, Phlomis oracteosa, Hackelia uncinata, Ligularia amplexicaulis, Geum elatum, Geranium wallichianum, Impatiense sulcata, Meconopsis aculeata, Delphenium roylei, Dactylorhiza hatagirea, Pedicularis hoffmeistri, Codonopsis viridis, Origanus vulgare, Hackelia uncinata, Salvia hins/lanata, Viola biflora, Rhodiola heterodonta, Epilohium latifolium
July-September
Senecio jacquemotiamus, Ligularia amplexicaulis, Morina longifolia, Aconitum hookeri, Thalictrum reniforme, Potentilla atrosanguinea, Sedum ewersii, Bistorta affinis, Stachys sericee, Nepeta connata, Pedicularis hoffmeistri, Swertia hookeri, Gentiana ornata, Gaultheria erichophy, Codonopsis affinis, Angelica cyelocarpa, Leontopodium jacotianum, Saussurea fastuosa, Campanula latitotia, Cyananthus lobotus, Sassurea obvallata, Cremanthodium ellisii, Anaphalis triplineruts, Inula grandiflora, Aster albescens, Selinium tenuifolium, Heracleum pinnatum, Epilobium latisperma, Silene setisperma, Arenaria griffithii, Corydalis junecea, Erigerono multiradiatus, Polygonum molle
Total Area: 87.50 Sq km
Altitude: 3,250 m to 6,750 m
National Par: 1982
World Heritage: 1988
Best Time: Mid-July to Mid-September
Climate : July and August
Maximum Temp.: 170 Celsius
Minimum Temp : 70 Celsius
Head Quarters : Joshimath
Nearest Railway Station : Rishikesh, Distt. Dehradun
Nearest Air Port : Jolly Grant, Distt. Dehradun (17 Kms. From Rishikesh)
Nearest petrol pump : Jharkula, Joshimath (22 kms. Before Govindghat)
Nearest Hospital/Market/Bank : Joshimath
Nearest Post & Telegraph Office/Phone : Govindghat
Main Attractions: Snow Leopard, Himalayan Bear, Musk Deer, etc
It was in 1931 that a British mountaineer, Franksmith, found this valley while returning from an expedition to Mt. Kamat. Enchanted by the picturesque beauty of the valley, he named it as 'Valley of Flowers'. The main valley starts after crossing the gorge and the stream that starts from Nar Parvat. Ratban Parvat provides a beautiful facade to the Valley of Flowers National Park, while the Kunt Khal forms its backdrop. To the left is Nar Parvat, which separates Badrinath Valley from the Valley of Flowers.
The world famous Valley of Flowers is situated in the upper expan- sions of Bhyundar Ganga in the far int- erior of Garhwal Himalayas. The valley is spread over an area of 87.5 Sq. Kms. And is 3,250 mt to 6,750 mt. Above the mean sea level. The rich references of this colouful and eye catching Valley, are found in the animals of Indian History and literature like that of Ramayana and Mahabharat. The rich references of this colouful and eye catching Valley, are found in the animals of Indian History and literature like that of Ramayana and Mahabharat.But due to its near inaccessible approach it had disappeared from the tourists map until in 1931 when Franksmith a British mountaineer having lost his way while returning from ssuccessful expeditionto mt. Kamat, reached this valley which was full of flowers.He was overwhelmed by its enchanting beauty and named it as “ Valley of Flowers".
The valley of Flowers National Park starts from Ghangharia but the main valley starts after crossing the gorge and the stream starting from nar Parvat, 3 Kms. Away from the Ghangharia. In the front of the Valley stands and snowclad peak of Ratban Parvat and at the block is the kunt Khal, towards the left is Nar Parvat which separates the Badrinath valley from this valley and in the right hill is the dense Birch forest.
Below the forest is the meadow. River pushpavati flows through the valley and there are many aterfalls enhancing the beauty of the valley. The splendour and the scintillating beauty of the valley attracts tourists from all over the world.
The bloom starts immediately after the melting of snow but the peak blooming period is from mid July to mid of August. Almost 300 species of wild flowers bloom here in natural way. Wherein some of the species areAnemone, Geranium, Marsh marigold, Prinula, Potentilla, Geum, Asters, Lilium, Ranunculus, Corydalis, Inula, Braham kamal, Campanula, Pedicularis, Arisaema, Morina, Impatiens, Bistorta, Ligularia, Anaphalis, Saxifrages, Sibbaldia, Thermo- psis, Trollius, Codonopsis, Dactylorhiza, Cypripedium, Str- awberry, Epilobium, Rhododendrons and numerous others. Most of the flowers have medicinal values too. The abundance of Asmanda fern in this valley is a rare sight than in other Himalayan valleys. The valley remains is bloom for three months while the looral composition keeps on changing every few days. By September the hue starts changing and autumn bids farewell to flowers and the entire vegetation remains dormant for about next five months when the valley is snow bound.
Apart from the flowers some species of Butterfly, Musk deer, Blue sheep ( Bharal ), Himalayan bear, Himalayan mouse hare and some Himalayan birds & Snow leopard are also found in this area. Due to these specialities it has always caught the attention of the nature lovers as well as the environmentalists. To conserve the nature's benevolent gift and to maintain the natural balance of the valley-the valley was declared a National Park in 1982.
The park is spread over an area of 192 Sq.km. in Uttarkashi District. Nearest town from the park is Dharkadhi 17 km from the park. The nearest airport is Dehra dun at a distance of 190 km. The rail head is also Dehra Dun.
The forest of the park consists of Chirpine, scrub tropical Euphorbia scrub and oak species.
The wild life species found in the park are panther leopard, snow leopard, leopard cat, the brown and the black Himalayan bear, fishing cat, musk deer, serow, thar, bharal, goral, sambar, wild boar, etc. The birds found are monal, snow pigeon, green pigeon. The best period for visiting the best park is from May to October. Rest house accommodation is available.
Snow Leopard Valley of flowers National Park was a set up in 1981 in Chamoli district covering an area of 87 Sq.km. The nearest town from the park is Karna parayag at a distance of 33 km. The rail head is 290 km at Rishikesh. The nearest airport is at Dehradun which is 330 km from the park.
The fauna in the park include snow leopard, musk deer, Himalayan kthar, monal and pheasants. July- August are the suitable months for visiting the park. The park has rest houses.
Blossoms Period Name of Flowers
February-June Rhododendron arboreum
April-July Primula denticuleta
May-July
Fragaria nubicola, Iris kemaonensis, Fritillaria roylei, Lilium oxypetalum, Arisaema costautum, Thermopsisa barbata, Rosa macrophylla, Caltha palustris
June-August
Anemone obtusiloba, Cypripedium himalaicum, Saxifraga roylei, Rheum australe, Phlomis oracteosa, Hackelia uncinata, Ligularia amplexicaulis, Geum elatum, Geranium wallichianum, Impatiense sulcata, Meconopsis aculeata, Delphenium roylei, Dactylorhiza hatagirea, Pedicularis hoffmeistri, Codonopsis viridis, Origanus vulgare, Hackelia uncinata, Salvia hins/lanata, Viola biflora, Rhodiola heterodonta, Epilohium latifolium
July-September
Senecio jacquemotiamus, Ligularia amplexicaulis, Morina longifolia, Aconitum hookeri, Thalictrum reniforme, Potentilla atrosanguinea, Sedum ewersii, Bistorta affinis, Stachys sericee, Nepeta connata, Pedicularis hoffmeistri, Swertia hookeri, Gentiana ornata, Gaultheria erichophy, Codonopsis affinis, Angelica cyelocarpa, Leontopodium jacotianum, Saussurea fastuosa, Campanula latitotia, Cyananthus lobotus, Sassurea obvallata, Cremanthodium ellisii, Anaphalis triplineruts, Inula grandiflora, Aster albescens, Selinium tenuifolium, Heracleum pinnatum, Epilobium latisperma, Silene setisperma, Arenaria griffithii, Corydalis junecea, Erigerono multiradiatus, Polygonum molle
Approach
The valley is approachable from Govindghat. There are two ways to reach Govindghat. Rishikesh-Srinagar-Karnprayag-Joshimath-Govindghat-(Distance approx. 270 Kms. On Haridwar-Badrinath highway) Haldwani-Ranikhet-Karnprayag-Joshimath-Govindghat (Distance approx. 332 Kms.) After crossing the Alaknanda river at Govindghat, an ascending bridle path along Bhyundar Ganga leads to Ghangharia which is 13 kms. Away from Govindghat, from wher the Valley is only 3 kms.Flora
Valley of Flowers National Park is fed mainly by Pushpavati River. There are also a number of waterfalls that add to the pristine beauty of the park. Starting from mid-July, the snow melts down and the flowers come out in their full bloom, which continues for around three months. Over 300 species of wild flowers can be seen at the Valley of Flowers National Park. These include Marsh Marigold, Lilium, Campanula, Pedicularis, Arisaema, Geranium, Bistorta, Ligularia, Epilobium, Rhododendrons, Corydalis, Inula, Braham Kamal, Cypripedium, etc.Wildlife
The wildlife found at the Valley of Flowers National Park of India comprises of Snow Leopard, Himalayan Bear, Himalayan Mouse Hare, Musk Deer, Blue Sheep, etc. A number of butterfly species also inhabit this park.How to Reach
By Air
Jolly Grant airport of Dehradun falls the nearest to the Valley of Flowers.By Rail
The railway station nearest to Valley of Flowers is situated at Rishikesh.By Road
Valley of Flowers is well connected with most of the major cities of India.Accommodation
Forest Rest House : Ghangharia (10,800 ft. Above MSL) No. of suites : 2 Electricity : Not available Fooding : Personal arrangement Medium quality meals are available are available in the wayside restaurants at Ghangharia.General Information
Location: On the upper expansions of Bhyundar Ganga in Chamoli District of Uttar Pradesh.Total Area: 87.50 Sq km
Altitude: 3,250 m to 6,750 m
National Par: 1982
World Heritage: 1988
Best Time: Mid-July to Mid-September
Climate : July and August
Maximum Temp.: 170 Celsius
Minimum Temp : 70 Celsius
Head Quarters : Joshimath
Nearest Railway Station : Rishikesh, Distt. Dehradun
Nearest Air Port : Jolly Grant, Distt. Dehradun (17 Kms. From Rishikesh)
Nearest petrol pump : Jharkula, Joshimath (22 kms. Before Govindghat)
Nearest Hospital/Market/Bank : Joshimath
Nearest Post & Telegraph Office/Phone : Govindghat
Main Attractions: Snow Leopard, Himalayan Bear, Musk Deer, etc
 Photo by : sumedhhoskote in webshots |
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