Valley of Flowers National Park

Valley of Flowers National Park, located in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand, is a UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its breathtaking meadows of endemic alpine flowers and stunning natural beauty. Spread over an area of 87.50 square kilometers, the park is nestled at an altitude ranging from 3,200 to 6,675 meters above sea level in the Western Himalayas.

Discovered by the British mountaineer Frank Smythe in 1931, the valley is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, including several rare and endangered species. The vibrant tapestry of flowers, including blue poppies, Himalayan bellflowers, and cobra lilies, creates a mesmerizing display during the blooming season from July to September.

The park also supports a variety of wildlife such as the Asiatic black bear, snow leopard, musk deer, and a wide array of birds and butterflies. The trek to the Valley of Flowers begins from the base camp at Govindghat, progressing through the picturesque village of Ghangaria.

The challenging yet rewarding trail offers breathtaking views of snow-capped peaks, lush green landscapes, and cascading waterfalls. Alongside its natural beauty, the park holds spiritual significance, with the nearby Hemkund Sahib, a revered Sikh pilgrimage site, located at an altitude of 4,329 meters.