This Botanical Wonderland in the Heart of the Himalayas is An Ethereal Paradise

The Valley of Flowers National Park is a destination that defies words. With a stunning backdrop of the mighty Himalayan ranges, this ethereal paradise offers an unforgettable experience for visitors. Spread over an area of 87 sq km in the 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. This awe-inspiring valley is believed to have been discovered in 1931 when three British mountaineers lost their way and chanced upon this spectacular valley. Attracted by the beauty of this place they named it the “Valley of Flowers”. In 1980, the Indian government declared it the National Park and later in 1982, it was renamed Nanda Devi National Park and it came under the core part of the Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve. In 2004, UNESCO also took a major step and designated it as a World Heritage Site. The valley is home to over 600 species of exotic flowers, including orchids, poppies, primulas, marigolds, daisies, and anemones, all blooming in full glory. Sub-alpine forests of birch and rhododendron cover parts of the park's area. The trek to the valley offers eye-catching spectacles like cascading waterfalls and wild streams. Situated at an altitude of around 3,600 m above sea level, the valley is also home to rare and amazing wildlife species like the gray langur, the flying squirrel, the Himalayan weasel, and black bear, the red fox, the lime butterfly, the snow leopard, and Himalayan monal, to name a few. One of the most stunning features of the valley is the Pushpavati river stream that flows through it, creating a scenery masterpiece that is beyond comparison with any other place in this world. To witness this botanical wonderland at its best, plan a visit between the months of May and October, with the maximum abundance of flowers being in July to September. The Valley of Flowers National Park is a destination that is sure to take your breath away and leave you in awe of nature's beauty.