Valley of Flowers is one of those places which one has to visit atleast once in lifetime. Located at varied height of more than 3200 metres, this UNESCO world heritage site (for natural biosphere) is in Uttarakhand state of India. On way to Badrinath from Rishikesh is famous temple town of Joshimath. Another 12 kilometres from there is Govindghat. From here is a trek to Ghangharia along the Laxman Ganga river. From Ghangharia, there are two route- one takes uphill right to Hemkund and another one left to Valley of Flowers, one of the most beautiful places on this earth, known for high altitude valley carpeted by a rare mix of natural flowers, herbs and shrubs.
This is actually the time of the year, August-September, when valley is at its full bloom. Cloudburst in June this year, made most of this area inaccessible this time, but things are improving . A place to cherish.
A look at the vastness and beauty of the valley…
A gallery of the some of the flowers found in the Valley of Flowers and the Bhyundar valley.
Hi, I Love your photograph’s the places looks amazing! I’m going to India very soon mid October and will be spending some time in the state of Uttarakhand, i’m visiting a friend in Mussoorie, Have you been there? I really want to go to the Valley of Flowers, but as you have said it’s in full bloom now, So i’m a bit undecided as to whether i should go or not!
Hi Katie,
First of all, thanks a lot for stopping by my blog and following it. I went through your blog and it is quite exciting as much as the adventures you have planned through.
Secondly, welcome to India. You still have month to go, but you will certainly thoroughly enjoy it as October onward is perhaps the best time to visit most parts of India, north to south.
Now two things about the valley of flowers. Indeed, August-September is the best time to visit the valley. Since most of the flowers in the valley have a very short life span, they are no more as soon as the temperature starts dipping in October. Secondly, despite this fact, you would have certainly enjoyed the beauty of the valley during October as well, but for the reason that this year in June we had a very severe flooding due to a unusual cloudburst particularly that area. You must would have heard news about calamity in Kedarnath shrine area and Chamoli district. And actually the area around Joshimath had taken a severe beating. Roads and routes simply vanished away. Just ahead of Joshimath on Rishikesh-Badrinath highway is Govindghat, from where there is a trek along the Laxman Ganga river to Ghangriya. Ghangriya is base for treks to either Vaalley of flowers or Hemkund. Now this particular route from Govindghat to Ghangriya was also in turmoil. Govindghat village itself was washed away. So big was the calamity, that it took weeks to vacate thousands of tourists struck at different places. Roads and trekks are yet not back to their normal, hence going there would be quite tough.
Anyway, Mussorie is absolutely fine, so is the whole adjoining beautiful areas of Dhanaulti till Chamba. I can ofcourse share you more details of that area around Mussorie, if you wish. Please do let me know.
Hello Thank you for your reply. I’ve been so busy i didn’t realise you had replied. Thats terrible about the floods i had no idea. I don’t know how this was not on our news over here, however that might be because i don’t watch world new! I cant wait to see Mussoorie, i’d love to hear about the area’s around Mussoorie. 😀 I cant believe i have under a week before i arrive. Thanks again for taking the time to respond 😀
Hi, I presumed that you must be busy with your preparations. But a lot of development has taken place since my earlier reply. The route to Ghangria from Govindghat has been thrown open by the state government (you can check my post on this- http://vagabondimages.in/2013/09/21/yatra-to-hemkund-sahib-resumes/). Effectively until the weather permits, routes to Hemkund and Valley of flowers from Ghangria are also now open for you. Once you reach Mussorie, you can check the weather and if the route is not closed to weather or early snowfall, you can certainly go to Valley of flowers.
There are many places near Mussorie worth having a look. From Mussorie you can go to Dhanaulti, Chamba and Tehri (read: http://vagabondimages.in/2013/06/14/overlooking-submerged-history/). There are many Orchards nearby. There is also a temple of Surkanda Devi. It it located at altitude of 10K fts. Although it is a temple and it is almost an hours climb from the road head, but the view you get from that place is stunning, I can call it one of the most beautiful views of Garhwal Himalayas.
Have a nice trip! Please don’t hesitate in asking more.
Thank you for all your information, i love the sound of going up to the temple of Surkanda Devi, the view sounds amazing. I’ll be in the Mussoorie area for a week so I’ll definitely get out an about to see Dhanaulti, Chamba and Tehri too. 🙂
Hi, just got the news that Valley of Flowers National park will remain closed for this year. Have put a post on this (http://vagabondimages.in/2013/10/09/valley-of-flowers-national-park-to-remain-closed-this-year/). Now there is no way.
Thanks
Thanks for letting me know, such a shame