Facts:

• Area: 87.50 sq km
• Altitude: 3250 m and 6750 m
• Geographical Location: Latitude: 30o 44′ N. Longitude. 79o 36′ E
• Climate: micro climate that is shielded from the full monsoon, fog and rain during the summer monsoon
• Rainfall: 1,800.20 cm
• Primary Rainy season: july to august
• Temperatures: 7 c to 17 c

The Valley of Flowers National park is one of the most beautiful destinations you will come across in India.

Stumbled across in 1931 by a British mountaineer was the valley of flowers, the bugyal or high altitude meadows of tall wildflowers are a humbling and at once invigorating sight. On a sunny day, set in by a frame of 6000 meter peaks complete with glaciers and year round snow caps is one of the greatest sights you will find.

There are over 300 species of plants here which has made the valley a unique and rather valuable pharmaceutical resource and along with its national park status may soon be a world heritage site to boot. Sadly most of the flowers bloom in the monsoon season here in July and august, and the rains can make this a dangerously hazardous trek, however there is still plenty to see in September after the rains and is a good experience in any season.

Tourism In Valley of Flowers National Park

The absolutely stunning landscape of The Valley of Flowers National Park comes alive with the monsoon rains. This high-altitude Himalayan valley has around 300 different varieties of alpine flowers, which appear as a bright carpet of colour against a mountainous snow capped peaks of the background. The site is only open from April to October as it’s covered in snow the rest of the year. The best time to visit is from July to August, when the flowers are in full bloom after the first monsoon rain although the rains can make this both dangerous and difficult. If you go before July, you’ll find hardly any flowers at all. While if you go in September after the rains have finished you are still likely to find many beautiful flowers carpeting the valley.

Environmental Initiatives

In an initiative to stop trekkers and livestock having too much of a toll on the valley the park is only open during daylight hours, those being from about 6am-6pm camping is prohibited here and you will find that you need to depart from and return to Ghangaria in the same day.

Wildlife in the Valley of Flowers National Park

The wildlife found at the Valley of Flowers National Park of India is varied and some endangered species can be found here. Snow Leopard, Himalayan Bear, Himalayan Mouse Hare, Musk Deer, Blue Sheep and the likes can all be found here and there are often treks that specifically search for some of these animals. A number of butterfly species also inhabit this park which can be a wonderful sight for many people. Among the important birds that can be found in the park, Himalayan Golden Eagle, Griffon Vulture, Snow Partridge, Himalayan Snowcock, Himalayan Monal, Snow Pigeon, Sparrow Hawk are just a few.

Worth The Visit

While it is a little bit of a trek this national park is well renowned for its flora and fauna and the scenery has brought many people close to tears for its sheer beauty. It is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful places in India and the world and must absolutely be experienced by anyone with the able body to do so.

Nearest Places to Visit

Hemkund Sahib, Nanda Devi National Park, Pushpawati River, Ghangaria, Bedini Bugyal, Badrinath Dham, Vasudhara Falls, Bheem pul, Lakshman Ganga River, Lakshman Ganga River.