Valley of Flowers: A Magical Land of Flowers and Legends

There are some things in life that cannot be described in words and are best experienced. Valley of Flowers was that for me. Situated at an altitude of 3,600 meters above sea-level in the Himalayas of Uttaranchal, this wondrous paradisiacal land was unknown to the outside world for centuries. It was in 1931 that British mountaineers lost their way and saw the gorgeous valley brimming with incredible varieties of flora. Hence, the name was born.

Witnessing a golden sunrise in the Valley of Flowers; Photo Credit: Amit Goswami

Valley of Flowers is accessible only for a few months in a year i.e. from mid-May to the last week of September. For the rest of the year, it is covered in snow. But come summers and the snow starts to melt. The dormant seeds start germinating and by the month of July, the valley is splashed with colors courtesy the hundreds of flowers in bloom. More than 600 different types of flowers are found in the Valley of Flowers like the Brahma Kamal, Blue Poppy and Cobra Lily.

A Blue Poppy captured in its glory; Photo Credit: Amit Goswami

Charmed by the Snake Lily; Photo Credit: Amit Goswami

The best season to see most varieties of flowers is during the monsoon between July to August. It is said that Valley of Flowers changes its colours almost every day!

The enchanting land comes with its fair share of legends too. Some believe the valley to be Lord Indra’s garden, Nandan Kanan. Another belief tells that it is here that Hanuman found Sanjeevani, the magical herb that helped revive Lakshman in the Ramayana. Then there are locals who think this place is inhabited by fairies.

The Bladder Campion; Photo Credit: Amit Goswami

It was declared a national park in 1982 and a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 2004. While you are there, do visit Gurudwara Hemkund Sahib which is situated at an altitude of 4320 meters.

Pilgrims on their way to Hemkund Sahib; Photo Credit: Amit Goswami

How to get there

Valley of Flowers is located approximately 300 kms north of Rishikesh near the town of Joshimath. Roads go till Govindghat and from there one needs to trek to Ghangria village that acts as a base camp for travelers going to Valley of Flowers or Hemkund Sahib.