VALLEY OF FLOWERS

With the awe-inspiring backdrop of the mighty Himalayan ranges, the Valley of Flowers National Park presents an ethereal view and an unforgettable experience for visitors. Spread over an area of 87 sq km in Chamoli district, the Valley of Flowers National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and forms one of the two core zones of the Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve (the other being Nanda Devi National Park).

The valley is believed to have been discovered in 1931 by three British climbers – led by Frank S Smith – who lost their way and stumbled upon this spectacular gorge. Attracted by the beauty of the place, he named the place “Valley of Flowers”.

As the name suggests, Valley of Flowers is a place where nature blooms in full glory and offers a breathtaking experience. Exotic flowers (more than 600 species) like orchids, poppies, primulas, marigolds, daisies and anemones are an eye-catching sight. Sub-alpine forests of birch and rhododendron cover part of the park’s territory. A trek to the valley offers spectacular sights like cascading waterfalls and wild streams. Situated at an altitude of about 3,600 meters above sea level, the valley is also home to rare and amazing wildlife species like gray langur, flying squirrel, Himalayan weasel and black bear, red fox, lime butterfly. Snow Leopard and Himalayan Monal, to name a few.