Area: 87.5 sq. Kms.
Altitude: Between 3,658m to 3,962 m
Best Season: Mid April To Mid August
High
in the Himalayan ranges of Garhwal hills of Uttranchal lies an enchanting
valley. Here flowerful pastures with clear running streams are set against
silver birches and shining snow peaks. Dew lies thick on the flowers,
birds sing in the surrounding forest and the air is pure and charged with
floral smells.
Hidden from the probing eyes of civilization, this valley had been known
to the inhabitants as the Bhyundar Valley, the playground of fairies and
nymphs. Trespassing their celestial abode was avoided although shepherds
did take the liberty to graze their cattle here.
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.
TThe valley was introduced to the world as the Valley of Flowers by Frank
S. Smith - mountaineer, explorer, botanist who camped here for several
weeks in the monsoon of 1937 and did valuable exploratory work. He
authored a book called " The Valley of Flowers ", which unveiled
the beauty and floral splendours of the valley and thus threw open the
doors of this verdant jewel to nature - enthusiasts all over the world.
In
1939, Miss Margarate Legge, a botanist deputed by the botanical gardens of
Edinburgh arrived at the valley for further studies, While she slipped off
and was lost for ever in the garden of the gods. Her sister later visited
the valley and erected a memorial on the spot where she was buried by the
locals. The thoughtful memorial is still there.
The Trek
The trek towards the Valley begins at Govind Ghat, after crossing the
Alaknada river on a hanging bridge. The zig-zig mule track straightens
through an ascending valley of terraced fields and vegetation. In the
midst, Laxman Ganga tumbles down in a haste to join the Alaknanda. 3 kms
further is the small, pretty hamlet, Pulna. Beyond this, the swifter, and
between the green, rocky mountains, you can catch a glimpse of snow - clad
peaks.
The 7 kms. trail from Pulna to Bhyundar village is full of nature's
scenic splendours including cascading water falls and cold water springs.
Shrubs and wild roses grow abundantly and rhododendrons colour the area
with pink and dark red. Small wayside tea stalls run all across the route
and young and enthusiastic tourist guides can be engaged at Bhyundar
village. After resting awhile here, the trek on the right bank of the
Laxman Ganga continues through the rich vegetation till a log bridge,
supported on now, the trail becomes, steeper and harder and 2kms. from
here, you will reach Ghangharia, 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, Ghangharia is the logical base camp for the
trek.
Travel
beyond Ghangharia is on foot at nature's pace since the entry of ponies is
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 Gangea, 3 Kms. from
Ghanghria, the route of the Valley of Flowers separates from that going to
Hemkund Sahib. The Laxman Ganga joins the Pushpawati river 400 mtrs.
downstream. The trek continues along Pushpawati. A couple of kilometers
ahead, the river is crossed over to its right bank on another bridge and
this trail goes upto the Valley of Flowers. Snow bridges can be seen
spanning the river but their strength should be properly judged if they
are to be used to cross the river.
The Guru Govind Singh Gurudwara at Hemkund is also a major attraction.
According to the verses in Guru Gibind Saheb (the holy book of the Sikhs)
Guru Govind Singh meditated hare. Sikhs, Hindus and others revere Guru
Govind Singh and so Hemkund has acquired international renown.
| Place | Altitude (M) | Distance (km) | Accommodation |
| Joshimath | 1875 | -- | TB*, DS*, H* |
| Govind Ghat | 1828 | 20 motor | DS*, V* |
| Pulna | 1920 | 3 trek | |
| Bhyundhar | 2239 | 7 trek | |
| Ghangaria | 3048 | 5 trek | TB*, DS*, F* |
| Valley of Flowers | 3658 | 5 trek | No Camping |
| Hemkund | 4329 | 6 trek | DS* |
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. In case those have not been put up in time, thick glacial bridges
across the streams also serve the purpose.
There
are no side tracks for viewing colonies of flowers away from the main
track so you can either try to wade through knee-deep flowers and foliage,
crushing some on the way or stay on the single track running through the
length of the valley without seeing the best. You may however stand on a
raised vantage point to get a better view of the flowers all around.
Within the main Valley, there are many smaller valleys cared out by
streams of melting glaciers. On the banks of these valleys, you can
encounter the most exciting pattern of flowers. One such Valley exists
along the Donagair Garh, the last of many streams. On its banks flowers
some of the most magnificent plants. Every moist place holds its quota of
glorious flowers which grace the still air with their subtle fragrance.
On the left bank of the Pushpawati, are several shunks 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.
