Valley of Flowers ( UNESCO World Heritage Site)

 India is the country in which there is no such weather when you cannot go to visit. When the winter season is favorable for Rajasthan and Kerala, the summer season is also favorable for Himachal and Uttarakhand. Even during the rainy season, you can admire the beauty of some very beautiful places in India. Today we are telling you about one such beautiful place.

Valley of Flowers -Uttrakhand ( UNESCO World Heritage Site)

The valley is located in Chamoli, Garhwal close to Nanda Devi National Park and the Holy Temple of Badrinath. It is bout 365 kilometers far from Haridwar. The altitude of the place varies from 10,600 ft to 22,200 ft. It is discovered by British Mountaineer Frank S Smith in the year 1931. While returning after successfully completing his mission he took the western pass and lost his way and reached this valley after many difficulties. All of a sudden he came upon a sea of flowers which totally enchanted him. He put up a tent and stayed here for many days. During these days he collected 260 different species of flowers. Some seeds he took back with him. In 1937, he came back again to this valley and stayed here for a long time. Then he wrote a book called "The Valley of Flowers". Soon after this place became world-famous.  The Valley of Flowers is perched at a height of between 3352m to 3658m above sea level. Till the May, the valley remains covered with snow. The best time to visit here is in the months of July and August after the snow has melted. That's when the weather is pleasant and the flowers are also in their full bloom of about 550 species in the valley. You are sure to see Meadow Geranium, Snake Foil, Hooked Stick Seed, Himalayan Rose, Blue Poppy, River Anemone, White Leaf Hog Foot, and Dog Flower.  No wonder this valley is a botanist dreamland. Park also has some rare endangered animal Asiatic black bear, musk deer,  snow leopard. Bounded by the magnificent mountain ranges and glittering glaciers, this place unfolds the charisma and charm of nature at its best. The moment you enter the valley, you have a sweeping view of its vast expanse covered in a layer of flowers. Flowers, leaves, buds of various shapes, sizes, colors all grow together here. On one side of the flower-decked valley tall cliffs climb to the sky. The other side is guarded by snow-clad mountains. The serene Pushpavati river glides through the middle of the valley.  Clouds hang in between this amphitheater of mountains. At the end of this 8km stretch of valley, you see a glacier that feeds the river.

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The gentle cool breeze and musical sound of the streams and waterfalls seem like heaven on the earth. The movement of the clouds is also a charm for visitors and hence the valley has become one of the most beautiful treks of the world. It is a popular trekking destination that attracts a huge crowd of trekkers and travelers every year! In many places, wire hanging bridges are formed to cross the river. As per Indian Sculptures & Mythology, God Hanuman had taken some medical plants from this valley only. So it has historic importance.

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Many go to Hemkund Sahib for religious reasons. Hemkund Sahib Gurudwara is the crystal clear alpine lake. Snow patches from surrounding mountains feed the lake. Himalayan flowers of Brahmakamal grow around it. These flowers only grow at heights of 10,000 ft to 15,000 ft. Hemkund Sahib is surrounded by a glacial lake and seven mountain peaks. The holy pilgrimage is dedicated to the 10th Sikh Guru, Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji. The total trek to Hemkund Sahib from Ghanagria is 6 km. The major highlights of the trek are dense forests of oaks & pines, gushing waterfalls & streams, captivating views of the Himalayas, alpine flowers, and the crystal clear lake, with the holy shrine of Hemkund Sahib. Ponies and Palki services are available for pilgrims and travelers. The best time to visit Hemkund Sahib is from June to September. The temperature remains a minimum of 12°C (53.6°F) to a maximum of 23°C (73.4°F).

Source-365hops

 How to Reach-

Located in Chamoli District of Uttarakhand, Govind Ghat 285 km from Haridwar, Govind Ghat 255 km from Rishikesh, Govind Ghat 505 km from Delhi

Haridwar/Rishikesh - Joshimath(260 km approx takes 8 to 9 hrs) - Govindghat (approx 25 km , takes 1 to 2 hrs, a vehicle reachable till Govinghat ) - Ghangharia(14 km easy trek)  -Valley of flowers (13 to 14 km trek and takes 7 to 8 hrs)

Ghangharia - Hemkund Sahib ( approx 12 km and 8 to 9 hr trek)

By Air-The Jolly Grant airport, Dehradun is the nearest airport from there one can easily hire a taxi up to Govindghat.

By Train -Rishikesh is the nearest railway station.

Helicopter -Govindghat to Ghangaria (One way and both way available)

Best Time-July, August, and September. 

Opening Hours- 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. (last entry 2 p.m) 

Entry Fees and Charges-INR 650 for foreigners and INR 150 for Indians for a 3-day pass. Each additional day is  INR 250 for foreigners and INR 50 for Indians.
Porter  & Guide  Charges - INR  1000 to INR 2000

Trek Level -Easy to Moderate

Duration - 3 to 5 days

Famous for - Trekking, Camping, Bird watching, Nature beauty, Flora Fauna, Amazing  waterfalls, Yoga & meditation, Spirituals, UNESCO site 

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Nearby Tourist Attractions -

Auli (44 km), Auli is a famous hill station and a popular winter destination as the ski resort of India, 

Badrinath(39 km), the four dominant Char Dham pilgrimage sites of India as well as the Chota Char Dham.

Joshimath(34 km), the sacred town of Joshimath (Jyotirmath) This holy town is revered by the Hindus for being an important pilgrimage center of the country.

Govindghat(14 km), It is located on the way to Badrinath at the confluence of Alaknanda and Lakshman Ganga rivers.

Mana Village(43 km), Mana is a last Indian village from the border of India and Tibet/China in the Himalayas. It is located in the district of Chamoli. It’s been designated as a “Tourism Village” by the Uttarakhand government.

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Accommodation -
stay not allowed in the valley of flowers park at night so Ghangharia or Govindghat is the ideal place to stay, there are lodges and hotels are available as per budget. Garhwal Mandal Vikas Nigam (GMVN) guesthouses are reliable budget options for accommodations in the area, and advance bookings are possible. Camping also available 

Meals -

eating points are not available in the valley so it's recommended to carry your own packed lunch, as it takes 6 to 7 hr trek. Restaurants and hotels are available in Ghangharia where one has North Indian, Punjabi, Chinese and Garwali meals. Non-veg and egg not allowed in camps.

Things to Carry-
raincoat, flashlight, headlamp, sunscreen, cap, water bottles, first aid kit, toiletries, small towel, and plastic bags to protect your electronic items, waterproof hiking shoes, backpack and day pack, Camera, umbrella or Poncho, Gloves (optional), water bottle.

Responsible Tourist -Do not ruin nature and never leave anything behind, always dump in the dustbin . 

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