The Valley of Flower
The Valley of Flowers lies in Uttaranchal state in northern India. The Valley was introduced to the world by Frank S. Smith - mountaineer, explorer, botanist who camped here for several weeks in the monsoon of1937 and did valuable exploratory work.

In 1939, Miss Margarate Legge, a botanist deputed by the botanical gardens of Edinburgh arrived at the valley for further studies. While she was traversing some rocky slopes to collect flowers, she slipped off and was lost forever in the garden of the gods. Her sister later visited the valley and erected a memorial on the spot where the locals buried her. The thoughtful memorial is still there and the lines inscribed on the marble slab read:

'I will lift up mine eyes unto the Hills from whence cometh my strength'

Legends associate this valley with the area from where Hanumanji of Ramayana collected "Sanjeevani" herbs to revive Lakshmana, the younger brother of Rama. Hanuman had to visit far-flung areas in his search for the life - saving herbs.

Valley Of Flower (The Trek )

The trek towards the Valley begins at Govind Ghat, after crossing the Alaknanda River on a hanging bridge. In the midst, Laxman Ganga rushes to embrace the Alaknanda below in a tumultous embrace. 3 kms. further is the small, picturesque hamlet of Pulna. Beyond this, the trek becomes more exciting - the Laxman Ganga becomes swifter, and between the green, Rocky Mountains, you can catch a glimpse of snow-clad peaks, which play hide and seek in between the mountains.

The 7 kms. Trail from Pulna to Bhyundar village is full of nature's scenic splendors including cascades and cold water springs. Shrubs and wild roses grow abundantly and rhododendrons color the area with pink and dark red. The trek on the right bank of the Laxman Ganga continues through the rich vegetation till a log bridge, supported on huge boulders, is reached. Crossing over to the left bank now, the trail becomes steeper and harder and 2 kms. from here, you will reach Ghanghria, the base camp for treks to Valley of Flowers and Hemkund Sahib.

Since camping and overnight stay is not allowed in the Valley of Flowers, Ghanghria is the logical base camp for the trek. Beyond Ghanghria one can only traverse on foot since ponies are prohibited. The trek is subject to strict ecological discipline and the trekker is expected to be concerned about the ecosystem of the region.

After crossing a log bridge over the Laxman Ganga, 3 kms. from Ghanghria, the route of the Valley of Flowers bifurcates into two, one going to Valley of Flowers, the other going to Hemkund Sahib. The Laxman Ganga joins the Pushpawati river 400 mtrs. downstream. The trek continues along Pushpawati. A couple of kilometres ahead, one crosses the river to go to the right bank across yet another bridge and this trail goes up to the Valley of Flowers.

Valley Of Flower (Topography )

The Valley of Flowers is flanked on either side by majestic peaks, many capped with snow. The Pushpawati River, emerging from the glacial deposits around Rataban and Nilgiri ranges, cuts through the Valley and divides it into two sectors. The major portion of the Valley is on its right bank and is a paradise for trekkers. Many streams flowing from glacial deposits in and around the Valley irrigate it and merge finally into the Pushpawati River. While exploring the Valley, the smaller streams can be easily crossed by wading across but the larger ones need to be crossed on log bridges.

Within the main Valley, there are many smaller valleys carved out by streams of melting glaciers. Here one can encounter the most exciting pattern of flowers. One such Valley exists along the Donagair Garh, the last of many streams. On its banks flower some of the most magnificent plants. On the left bank of the Pushpawati, are several chunks of flat land. One of them is called Nag Tal, literally the place of the venomous serpent - the Nag. It is believed to be infested with poisonous flowers. These flowers are bound to cause harm when plucked, crushed or smelt. Therefore it is advised that visitors should not pluck flowers.

Valley Of Flower (Flora & Fauna)

The Valley of Flowers is an alpine valley, and has been formed by the retreating glaciers whose periodic advances and retreat pulverized hard rocks, resulting in a smooth U-shaped valley which was later colonized by numerous plants adapting themselves to the harsh climatic conditions prevailing there. The Valley remains snow covered form November to May but when the ice envelope thaws in June it is a time for a profusion of colors hidden in petals of alpine herbs to come out in full bloom during July and August. Some important flowering plants having tremendous medicinal values are: Anemone, Geranium, Marsh, Marigold, Primula, Potentilla, Geum, Aster, Lillium, Himalayan blue poppy, Aconite, Delphinium, Ranunculus, Corydalis, Inula, Saussurea abvallata, Campanula, Pedicularis, Trysimum, Morina, Impetiens, Bistorta, Ligularia, Anaphalis Saxifraga, Lobelia, Thermophis, Trolises, Aquilogia, Codonopsis, Dactylorhiza, Bistorta, Ligularia, Anaphalis Saxifraga, Lobelia, Thermophis, Trolises, Aquilogia, Codonopsis Cypripedium, Strawberries and Rhododendorn etc.

Apart from the flowering plants, wild animals like Himalayan birds, pheasants, butterflies, Tendula, Musk deer, Bharal (Mountain goats), Himalayan bear, Tailless rat etc., also form part of the fauna around and enhance the value of the Valley. The Valley of Flowers is an irresistible treat for naturalists, ecologists, environmentalists, zoologists, ornithologists, trekkers, tourists and pilgrims

Valley Of Flowers (Seasons )

The Valley becomes accessible from June when the snow starts melting and flowing down the buttresses and gullies. The spring avalanches pouring down the slopes provide just the right amount of moisture for flowers. The moist turf begins to pulsate with life and from the dead herbage of the previous summer, innumerable shoots of countless plants rise expectantly as though in anticipation of the warm life-giving breath of the approaching monsoon.

Primulas cover up shelves and terraces in the most heavenly French blue. Their soft petals covered with dew, like galaxies of pearls, emanate sweetest of scents. In the lush meadows drifts of snow-white Anemones drench the ground. Anaphalles and Potentillas start establishing their colonies. With the arrival of rains in June, Balsam, Geranium, Pedicularis and many other species, mostly in pink and red set the dominating colour pattern of the Valley without subduing other seasonal shades of yellow, purple and white.

From late July to the end of August, the Valley begins to take on celestial dimensions. The riot of colours is awe-inspiring. The Pedicularis, Grandiflora, Ligularia and many other yellow varieties dominate, with patterns of other colors blending in. The flowers sway to the rhythm of the monsoon breeze as it ripples across the slopes and the atmosphere is filled with an indescribable scent of plant life. By September, the plants start podding and the Valley dons tranquil shades of brown. But visitors during September and October get to witness the Valley in a crystal atmosphere - the mountain ranges shining like polished steel in the sunlight, rain washed rocks with gurgling streams and sun-kissed meadows about to be covered soon with a spotless white sheet of snow.

It is often said that the rootstock of almost all high altitude alpine flowers lies in and around the Valley of Flowers. The oak trees, blue pine and other conifers between Ghanghria and the bridge on Pushpawati are sometimes laden with ferns and tendrils hanging from their branches. The forests on the higher formations are full of birch trees, popularly known as bhojpatra whose bark was supposedly used to write scriptures in ancient times.

Although the main land of the Valley is about 4kms. from Ghanghria, flowers and foliage in exotic varieties can be spotted throughout the route. Immediately after crossing the Laxman Ganga, colonies of blue Hackelia uncinata, commonly known as 'forget me not' can be seen in the midst of shrubs and foliage along the roadside. Primulas, Morinas, wild roses and many other species are also quite abundant.

On reaching the banks of Pushpawati, a rich formation of blue poppies, sunflowers, Ligularia and Pink Andsosace can be seen between the rocky stretches near the bridge abetment. After crossing the rivers, to its right bank, one can see various flowers in small pockets dotting the entire distance. Pedicularis in pink and yellow, Phlomis in purple and Potentilla in all shades can be seen. Further on, towards the approach of the main Valley, are gorgeous varieties of wild roses, Rhododendron, Geranium and the killer plant Polygonum that is at present offsetting the floral composition of the valley. A large variety of ferns like Epiphytic, Maidenhair and Oak Fern can be seen.

The Valley is rich in herbal plants, many of these being flowering plants - Bergenia, wood lily, Trillium govanianum and marsh orchid are the popular ones. At several places, the abundant growth of flowering and non-flowering plants gives the Valley the look of a thick carpet with splashes of colour. A forbiddingly beautiful plant is the Arisaema costatum popularly known as Arum. Its head resembling that of a cobra, the plant grows in shady recesses, often in isolated family groups.

Anemones, white dwarf rhododendrons, Primulas and Anaphallis smother the valley in a burst of white which is further accentuated with the varying colors of other flowers. The violet Iris kumaonesis, the superb Primula denticuleata in purple and Potentillas in red, yellow and pink can be seen in colonies. Along the riverside there are small patches of land between scattered boulders, which have become the natural habitat for a majestic flower-the blue poppy. Known as meconopsis aculeata to botanists, it is a solitary flower and has the color of the sky at dawn. Like most poppies, it is open and wide, droops slightly, has a center of golden stamens, and is so fragile that its petals are detached merely by brushing against them. It protects itself with sharp spines arranged on the stem and buds.

An unobstrusive flower with unsurpassable delicacy and grace is the Fritillaria roylei. As the green bells on the springy stem nod and dip vivaciously in the monsoon wind, one may be tempted to strain oner ears to hear their tinkling. The Corydalis cashemiriana, with narrow pipe-like stems and flowers tipped in dark blue grow in colonies of thousands. A plant which is one of the rarest and the most beautiful of its family-the lilly-like Nomocharis oxypetala revels in the sun on well-warmed, well drained meadows and slopes of the Valley. The rose-colored Cyprip edium himalaicum has earned the popular title of 'lady's slipper' and there are so many of these flowers that they impart the slopes with a rosy glow.

The pinkish glow of the Valley can be attributed to the large colonies of Androsace, Marsh orchid, Geranium. Pedicularis and the carpetting Thymus, all in near pink. Splashes of golden lily and creamy bell-shaped Codonopsis are also seen. The pink Pedicuaris gives way to its yellow cousin-the mainstay of the August bloom.Yellow flowers bedeck the Valley as July proceeds - Pedicularis, Grandiflora, Ligularia, Saxifraga and Potentillas. The Potentillas are the first to appear and last to disappear in the Valley.