Top 10 Amazing Facts about Valley of Flowers

Top 10 Amazing Facts about Valley of Flowers

The Valley of Flowers is located in Bhyundar valley near the Joshimath in the Chamoli district of the Gharwal region. This bio-diversity area is spread over 87.5 square kilometers. Known for its pristine beauty, this area comprises pristine air, snow-clad peaks, alpine shrubs milky white streams, and meadows.

In the Hindu classic Ramayan, it’s believed that Hanuman brought the magical herb to resuscitate Lakshman at the Valley of Flowers. Legend is the magical herb, Sanjeevani, which still grows in the park. Another belief among the locals is that the area is a playground for fairies. When humans are not around, it is said the fairies descend into the valley.

There are more than 650 flower species in the park. The species include Cobra Lily, Blue Poppy, and Brahmakamal. The Valley of Flowers becomes accessible from May to September. Each day, during this period, the hue and colors give the vallcolorsey a different look.

Grazing is not allowed inside the park and there are also no human settlements. There are also several endangered animals. These include brown bears, Asiatic black bears, blue sheep, and the snow leopard. Additional animals in the area include the yellow-throated marten and Himalayan musk deer. There are also insects, butterflies, and birds which include the Himalayan snow cock, Himalayan golden eagle, snow pigeon, and the Himalayan monal.

Below are ten incredible facts about the Valley of Flowers.

1. The Valley of Flowers is a UNESCO World Heritage Site

A mesmerizing scene from the valley of flowers. Photo by Tapuu/Wikimedia Commons

Together, Nanda Devi National Park and the Valley of Flowers form the Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve. In1982, the Valley of Flowers was declared a National Park. It was then listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2005.

Originally known as Bhyundar Valley, this area was renamed by a British mountaineer in 1931. Although it was known to the locals, Frank S Smythe the mountaineer, found the valley as he was returning from a trek to Mount Kamet.

Smythe renamed the valley and also wrote a book about it. At about 6719 meters above mean sea level, Gauri Parbat is the park’s highest point.

2. Frank S. Smythe Wrote a Book Titled the Valley of Flowers

Francis Sydney Smythe circa 1937. Photo by The Modern Review. July 1937/Wikimedia Commons

The Valley of flowers was not well known before 1931. Considered inaccessible, British mountaineers R. L. Holdsworth, Eric Shipton, and Frank S. Smythe, came across the valley as they were returning from an expedition. The beauty of the valley captivated the mountaineers that Smythe renamed it and penned a book with the same title.

3. The Park is Only Open for About 5 Months a Year

Administered by the Uttarakhand State Forestry Department, India’s Ministry of Environment and Forests, the park is only open during summer. It’s open for about 5 months only from June to October. Since 1983, grazing in the area has been banned and there is no settlement allowed in the park.

4. There is a Seed Bank and Research Nursery Available at the Park

Himalayan Bell Flower in Valley of Flowers in August. Photo by Pankaj Batra/Wikimedia Commons

Available at the entrance to the site is a research nursery and seed bank. Located at Musadhar, these seeds will be used to propagate medicinal herbs and rare plants.

There are research plots set aside to look into controlling the spread of the tall Himalayan knotweed Polygonum Polystichum. This should be done without damaging the soil surface or other plants.

5. The Park is Home to Rare and Endangered Animal Species

A snow leopard (Uncia uncia). Photo by Bernard Landgraf/Wikimedia Commons

The wildlife species inside the park are not very high. There are however several endangered species available in the park. In total, there were said to be about 13 species before 2004.

These species included among others red giant flying squirrel Petaurista petaurista, Himalayan goral Naemorhedus goral, Himalayan yellow-throated marten Martes ligula, musk deer, and blue sheep.

In October 2004, a survey was carried out which indicated the presence of the snow leopard Panthera uncial. The local people are said to have spotted the bharal or blue sheep Pseudois nayaur and the brown bear Ursus arctos.

6. There are three types of Sub-Alpine Zones in the Area

There are three types of sub-alpine zones in the area. These are the foothills alpine found at between 3,200 meters and 3,500 meters, the lower alpine at 3,500 meters and 3,700 meters, and the higher alpine at above 3,700 meters.

The territories include small forests, caves, stone deserts, meadows, plateau, river beds, and bogs. The lower habitat is thickly forested and serves as a buffer zone.

7. There are several Threatened Plant Species in the Area

Clicked in Valley of Flowers in August. Photo by Pankaj Batra/Wikimedia Commons

The Valley of Flowers is located between the Great Himalayas ranges to the south and Zanskar to the north, and between the Eastern Himalaya and Western Himalaya flora. This offers a rich species diversity with several plants considered endangered.

Some of the plant species available in the area have not been recorded outside of Uttarakhand. In comparison to other Himalayan protected areas, the diversity of threatened medicinal plants is higher in the Valley of Flowers.

8. Due to its Location, This Area is only Accessible on Foot

Valley Of Flowers Bhyundar Valley Chamoli district of Uttrakhand India. Photo by Virag Sharma/Wikimedia Commons

The Valley of Flowers is deep in the Himalayas making it only accessible on foot. There are two equally scenic routes you can use to access the area. The most popular route starts at the Ghangaria village.

The alternative route is the Kunthkhal-Hanuman Chatti trail. This was the original route which was reopened by the government after the area experienced the Kedarnath floods. In the event of another natural calamity, this route serves as an escape route for the people.

9. A Picturesque Place and Every Photographer’s Dream Location

View of the valley of flowers after 2-3 km of an initial trek from Ghangaria. Photo by Arun Singh Suryavanshi/Wikimedia Commons

With its diverse fauna, the Valley of Flowers is a beautiful location for you to capture amazing photos. You will need to take your time as you capture the stunning and captivating features. This is every photographer’s dream.

10. The Valley of Flowers is a Holy Place for Sikh Pilgrimage

Gurdwara Hemkunt Sahib. Photo by Satbir 4/Wikimedia Commons

Hemkund Sahid Gurudwara is one of the holiest places for Sikh worship. The calm and soothing environment is ideal for tired trekkers. There are two paths you can take on the trek. One path leads to the Valley of Flowers and the other leads to Hemkund Sahib Gurudwara.