Introduction:
India’s one of the most famous destination Valley of flowers, Trek is very beautiful. This valley is as beautiful as the 15 kms trek which we do to reach here. At first to start the trek you have to reach from where it begins from a small place called Govindghat which is 25 kms from Badrinath. You can experience a floral paradise in the valley of flowers with colourful blossoms.
In Govindghat, Laxman Ganga river meets Alaknanda. To reach the valley of flowers first you have to go to Phulna village. From Govindghat there’s a narrow road which leads to Phulna. You can also get a shared taxi from Govindghat to Phulna. From Govindghat you can hire a taxi to Phulna village which is 3 kms from Govindghat. From Phulna you have to trek to Ghangaria. There is a registration point in Phulna , if you are going to the valley of flowers or Hemkund Sahib. Small homestays, dhabas, and parking facilities are available in Phulna. Phulna market ends at a place and from there the real uphill climb of the trek starts from here. Ghangaria is 10 kms from Phulna. This trek which used to be filled with hundreds of pilgrims was now empty because Badrinath highway was blocked from several places. This trek will test your stamina because the trek is steep. After walking 2 kms from Phulna the trek goes slightly downhill and it passes through a market called Jungle Chatti.
Valley of Flowers and it’s exotic nature:
Valley of flowers is a valley of twelve thousand feet of altitude. Here, we can find several flora and fauna, thousands of exotic flowers, sparkling rivers,waterfalls, frozen glaciers and many natural beauties.The trek starts from Rishikesh which is the starting point and at first you have to reach there. The valley of flowers is a trek that can be attempted by anyone. It is a moderate trek having 14400 feet maximum altitude. Hence good fitness is extremely important to thoroughly enjoy the valley of flowers.The Valley of Flowers, also known as ‘Phoolon Ki Ghati’ in Hindi, stretches over an area of approximately 87.5 square kilometres, sitting at an altitude ranging from 3,200 to 6,600 metres above sea level. This pristine Himalayan treasure remained relatively unknown until its discovery by British mountaineers Frank S. Smythe and R.L. Holdsworth in 1931.Recognizing its exceptional natural beauty and unique floral diversity, they introduced the valley to the world, and it was declared a national park in 1982.
Beautiful experience :
To experience the true magic of the Valley of Flowers, one must embark on a trek that winds through this natural wonderland. The starting point of the trek is usually the base town of Govindghat, which is well-connected by road and offers accommodation options for trekkers. From Govindghat, the trek takes you through a picturesque route along the banks of the Alaknanda River and leads you to Ghangaria, a small settlement that serves as the base camp for the valley. The trekking trail itself is a difficult test to nature’s artistry, with lush green meadows, cascading waterfalls, and rhododendron forests. Trekkers often stop at the awe-inspiring Hemkund Sahib, a sacred Sikh shrine perched at an altitude of 4,329 metres, before reaching the Valley of Flowers.The valley is a moderately challenging trek, with a well-laid path that meanders through the fields of flowers. It offers an opportunity to connect with nature in its purest form, away from the hustle and bustle of city life. The trek usually takes three to four days, allowing trekkers ample time to savour the natural beauty and capture the essence of this Himalayan haven.
In the lap of Floral Paradise:
Most interestingly the Valley of Flowers is primarily celebrated for its floral splendour, it is also home to a variety of wildlife. The birds that remain perching around the beautiful oak trees and the birdwatchers can spot Himalayan monals, redstarts, and many other avian species amid the lush vegetation. However, the valley of flowers has the main attraction remains its flora and fauna and the visitors are urged to maintain a respectful distance from the wildlife to preserve the delicate balance of the ecosystem and also for the adequate safety.