A world heritage site, The Valley of Flowers trek is one of India’s one of the most beautiful site, a world famous trek even for the people who never stepped ever in Himalayan lap still knows about valley of flower. The trek of Valley of flowers goes through dense forests, enslave mountains, along with Pushpawati river and can be reached only after crossing many bridges, glaciers and waterfalls on the way. In 1931, Frank S. Smythe, Eric Shipton and R.L. Holdsworth, all British mountaineers, lost their way while returning from a successful expedition to Mt. Kamet and happened upon the valley, which was full of flowers. They were attracted to the beauty of the area and named it the “Valley of Flowers.” Frank Smythe later authored a book of the same name. In 1980, Indian government created the Valley of Flowers National Park, and later in 2002, it was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, exhibiting plush meadows blossomed with endemic alpine flowers and diverse fauna in this valley. Locals have strong believes that this valley is inhabited by faries and Gods, they do believe that the one who goes there was captured by farriers and never return back.
How to reach
By air: Jolly Grant Airport is the nearest Airport to Valley of Flowers but the roads are only connected up to Govind Ghat from where you have to commence trek of 16kms to reach Valley of Flowers. Govindghat is situated at a distance of 292kms from Jolly Grant Airport.
By train: The nearest railway station to Valley of flowers is Rishikesh but the roads are only connected upto Govind Ghat from where you have to commence trek of 16 kms to reach Valley of Flowers. Rishikesh railway station is situated 273 kms before Govindghat on NH58. Rishikesh is well connected by railway networks with major destinations of India.
By road: Valley of Flowers is connected upto Govind Ghat with motoralble roads and from here you have to commence trek of 16kms to reach Valley of Flowers. Govindghat is well connected by motorable roads with major destinations of Uttarakhand state.
Best time to visit: May, June and September, maximum number of flowers in July and August are most preferred months.