Trekking in the Himalayas: Valley of Flowers in Northern India. Photo trip to the Valley of Flowers (India) What insects live in the Valley of Flowers India

20.06.2023

Inaccessibility of Nanda Devi and Valley of Flowers national parks - high degree of natural protection

The Department of State Forests provides regular monitoring of some of the access roads to these parks. Levels of human activity in both parks are very low and limited to ecotourism projects that are coordinated by the park administration.

Grazing of livestock in these parks has been discontinued since 1983. Mountain and adventure tourism are prohibited within Nanda Devi National Park due to accumulation of waste and environmental degradation caused in the past.

Scientific expeditions are organized every ten years to accurately monitor the status of flora, fauna within the Dewi Nanda National Park.

Census results show that the habitat situation within Devi Nanda has improved significantly. Similarly, studies conducted in the Valley of Flowers National Park show that the flora and fauna in the buffer zone of Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve are adequately protected under wildlife management plans. This is one of the most beautiful natural places in India.

Nanda Devi National Sanctuary and Valley of Flowers parks are dependent on anthropogenic pressure. Regular monitoring of the wildlife situation and habitats in these parks is important and will continue. Tourism or pilgrims pose potential threats to fragile nature.

Nanda Devi National Park is the most spectacular nature reserve in the Himalayas. The Nanda Devi peak dominates here, Kwai rises above 7800 m.

Not a single person lives in the park; Kwai has remained untouched due to inaccessibility. It is the habitat of some endangered mammals, especially the snow leopard, Himalayan musk deer and blue sheep.

The park is located in the Chamoli region, dans le Garhval Himalayas - included the catchment area of the Rishi Ganga, the eastern tributary of the Ganges Dhauli.

The Kwai joins the Alaknanda River at Joshimath. The area of the glacial basin is divided into a number of parallel, north-south oriented ridges.

About a dozen peaks rise along Kwai, the most famous of which are Dunagiri, Changbang and Nanda Devi of the East.

Western Nanda Devi, the second highest mountain in India.

Trisul, in the southwest, Aussi lies within the basin. The Upper Rishi Valley, often referred to as the "inner sanctuary", feeds the Changbang, North Rishi Nanda Devi glaciers and South Rishi glaciers in the southern part of the Nanda Devi massif.

There is a spectacular gorge running through the Devistan-Rishikot ridge below the confluence of the North and South Rishi rivers.

Ramana's Trisuli and glaciers feature the lower Rishi Valley or "space reserve", the Rishi Ganga below Kwai Enters the narrow, steep-sided gorge below.

Forests are largely limited in the Rishi Gorge and are dominated by fir, birch and rhododendron up to 3350 m. Forming a wide belt of entre thesis and alpine meadows is a birch forest, with an undergrowth of rhododendron.

Conditions dehumidifier dans le inner sanctuary becomes barely Xeric arm of the Nanda Devi glaciers.

Beyond Ramana, the vegetation switches to dry forest with alpine juniper scrubs. Juniper gives altitudinally a path to the world of mosses and lichens, and in river soils the growth of annual grasses and dwarf willow shoots.

The local vegetation includes a total of 97 endemic species.

The basin is famous for its abundance of ungulate populations. Mainland serow and Himalayan tahr. The park's large carnivores are leopards, Himalayan black bear and brown bear. Primates include langurs and rhesus macaques. A total of 83 species communities live within the biosphere reserve.

A total of 114 species of birds belonging to 30 families were recorded during the 1993 expedition by Nanda Devi scientific and environmental workers, some 67 species were discovered for the first time.

All species are abundant in May–June: include Black Tufted Tit, Yellow-bellied Fantail Flycatcher, Orange Robin, Blue Redstart, Tree Pipit, Indian Vinaceous Pipit, Common Rosefinch. Species richness decreases significantly with increasing altitude.
Created as a national park on November 6, 1982 to explore the Devi Khanda basin.

Valley of Flowers in the Himalayas, India

Valley of Flowers, India - Peace and beauty

The Valley of Flowers on the slopes of the western Himalayas in India, is almost inaccessible to tourists due to the high altitude and the vast distance from the nearest city, Ghangaria (almost 8 hours to climb the slopes of the Himalayas), the Valley of Flowers is still considered one of the most beautiful places on Earth.

According to Hindu mythology, it was brought to the international attention in 1931 when a British mountaineer, Frank S. Smith, arrived by chance at the edge of a huge natural garden.

Coulntless wildflowers, so many different colors completely covering the valley in the Himalayas, create a breathtaking view. Currently, the Valley of Flowers is part of Nanda Devi National Park (the park covers an area of over 85,000 square miles).

In fact, the Valley itself, the area where the Flowers grow, is 8 km long and 2 km wide, located at an altitude of 3500 - 4000 m, with more than 500 species. On more than 2,500 hectares, more than 600 species of subalpine, alpine and highland plants grow here. These are Himalayan blue poppies and maples, which, along with three other species, are not found anywhere else.

Another 31 are endangered species, while another 45 are medicinal plants used daily by local residents. The fauna of the Valley of Flowers is also very specific.

It is not surprising that such a magnificent creation of nature has become a place of pilgrimage. In addition, at the entrance to the park, in the village of Gangria, near Lokpal Lake there is a Sikh temple in honor of Hemkund Sahib, and a Hindu temple of Lakshman, the younger brother of Rama.

Getting to the Valley of Flowers is easy as thousands of people visit the temple and other tombs every year, although this is strictly prohibited. You cannot set up camp in the valley - the park does not have conditions for human habitation.
It is included, since 1988, in the heritage of UNESCO. Local residents are still convinced that the Valley is inhabited by fairies and elves.

The Valley of Flowers Park in India is famous for its high altitude scenic meadows with rich flora and fauna. This beautiful place pleases the eye with many colorful flowers. The topic contains a detailed story about this wonderful place. You can take a virtual trip to this piece of paradise, admire the natural landscapes and learn about interesting facts. Share your impressions in the comments, add your photos and reviews.

Valley of Flowers National Park is located on the slopes of the western Himalayas, India. Occupies an area of 87.5 square meters. km.

Actually, the Valley of Flowers itself is a valley 8 kilometers long and 2 kilometers wide. It is located at an altitude of 3500 - 4000 m. During the monsoon season, the valley is covered with all kinds of flowers, there are more than 500 species (including unique ones).

Almost everything around in the Valley of Flowers is a rarity. In less than 2,500 hectares, over 600 species of subalpine, alpine and highland plants grow, such as the Himalayan maple and blue poppy, which, along with three other species, are not found anywhere else. Another 31 species are considered endangered, and 45 others are medicinal plants used daily by local residents. The latter few are used for religious sacrifices to the deity Nanda Devi and other deities.

The fauna of the Valley of Flowers is also extremely specific. There are 114 bird species in the valley. Here, in the rhododendron groves, broad-tailed and scaly-bellied woodpeckers, blue-faced bearded ducks, and mountain pheasants feel great. The valley is also home to 13 rare and endangered species of animals, such as the yellow marten, blue sheep, black bear and snow leopard.

The Valley of Flowers National Park is located very high in the western Himalayas in India and is renowned for the exceptional natural beauty of its alpine endemic flower meadows. This highly diverse area is also home to rare animals, many of which are endangered, such as the Himalayan bear, snow leopard, brown bear and blue sheep. The flat landscape of Valley of Flowers National Park is complemented by the wild craggy mountains of Nanda Devi National Park, inscribed on the World Heritage List in 1988. Together they form a unique transition zone between the picturesque Zaskar mountain ranges and the Greater Himalayas, so revered by climbers and botanists for more than a century and described much earlier in Hindu mythology. After this expansion, the site is called Nanda Devi and Valley of Flowers National Park.

Valley of Flowers National Park is located in the state of Uttarakhand, India. The valley is located in the upper reaches of the Ganga River (BhyundarGanga), near the city of Joshimath in the Gharwal region, Chamoli district.

This park is famous for its meadows with flowers of extraordinary beauty. It is home to rare animals, including the Himalayan bear, snow leopard, brown bear and blue sheep.

The national park is surrounded by forests and beautiful waterfalls. Local residents believe that the valley was inhabited by fairies.

The Valley of Flowers was declared a national park in 1982, and in 2005 it was included in the World Heritage List as part of the Nanda Devi and Valley of Flowers National Parks. Covers an area of 8750 hectares.

Flora of the Valley of Flowers

The climatic conditions and geographical location of these protected latitudes have virtually no analogues in the world. The valley lies between the vast grasslands of the Greater Himalayas and the Zaskar mountain range. The transition from one biological zone to another occurs very abruptly, so the number of species of both plants and animals characteristic of all biogeographical latitudes is very large here.

The predominant flowers are blue poppies, lilies, primrose, calendula, chamomile, and ground carpet anemones. Part of the park is covered with subalpine forests of birch and rhododendrons. There are also many types of healing, medicinal plants.

Division into natural zones in the Valley of Flowers

The first zone is subalpine. At an altitude of 3200-3500 meters there is a border where the kingdom of trees ends. In this strip there are forests in which alpine rhododendrons and birches grow.

The lower alpine zone is slightly higher, at an altitude of 3500-3700 meters. The meadows here delight with bright colors. It is simply impossible to list all the flowering plants that adorn the ground in this National Park.

During the monsoon season, the valley is covered with all kinds of flowers, of which there are more than 500 species. Magical Indian poppies of bright blue color, which, along with three other species, are not found anywhere else, orchids of all shades, flaming primroses, bright orange heads of calendula, fragrant anemones, delicate daisies, strict tulips cover the ground with a colorful carpet.

Some flowers are used for religious sacrifices to the deity Nanda Devi and other deities revered by local people in India.

Incredibly, the Valley plays with bright colors all year round and is never boring or monotonous. How is this possible? It turns out that most of the local angiosperms have a very short growing season. In place of wilted plants, new buds immediately appear, but in completely different colors. There is complete harmony in this plant community.

The upper alpine zone begins above 3700 meters. The conditions here are more severe, the climate is drier, and the temperature drops several degrees. Flowers are also present here, but in many places there are mosses and lichens.

The local vegetation includes a total of 97 endemic species, that is, characteristic of this ecosystem. A protected area in the Indian Himalayas, recognized as one of the most beautiful natural wonders in the world. Since 2005, the unusually beautiful Valley has been included in the UNESCO List of Natural Monuments.

The Valley of Flowers is also rich in rare species of birds and animals. There are 114 species of birds and 13 rare and endangered species of animals, such as yellow marten, blue sheep, black bear and snow leopard and others such as foxes, mice, hares, and many butterflies.
Birds include pheasants, Himalayan golden eagle, hawk, Himalayan snowcock, snow pigeon and other species.

How to get to the Valley of Flowers

When planning a visit to the national park, allow at least four days: two days for the round trip, a day to get to the starting point of the valley - the village of Ghangaria, and another day to visit the valley and descend to Govinghat.

We would like to warn those who are going to this fabulous place that the climb to the mountains is difficult, and to get to the park you will have to spend about a day.

The trek to the Valley of Flowers begins at Govindghat, where you can rent a pony. The road to Bhindar (Valley of Flowers) is about 10 kilometers long. Once you reach the Bhindar River, the remaining 3 km of the trek begins a relatively steep climb up to Ghangaria. In total you need to cover a distance of about 17 km.

The nearest major city is Joshimath in Garhwal, there are convenient road connections to the city of Haridwar and Dehradun, which has an airport. The nearest railway station is in Rishikesh. The nearest place from where you can reach the valley of flowers is the GovindGhat road.

Entrance to the Valley of Flowers for foreigners costs 600 rupees. This ticket is valid for three visits to the national park. You cannot spend the night in the Valley of Flowers, you cannot pitch tents or light fires. There are no shops or cafes here, so it is better to take water and something for a snack with you from Ghangaria.

Visit This reserve is at its best in the second half of summer. The air temperature during this period reaches a maximum of approximately 17°C and a minimum of around 7°C. This temperature is most suitable for mountain travel.

The Valley of Flowers National Park is a national park within the World Biosphere Reserve, which is located high in the mountains in the Indian state of Uttarakhand (formerly Uttaranchal) approximately 600 km northwest of Delhi.

The park is known for its exceptional picturesqueness, with the alpine meadows with their endemic flora being of particular value. The Valley of Flowers is bordered by a chain of mountains in the neighboring Nanda Devi National Reserve, the highest peak of which rises to 7816 meters. Both parks have been very famous among climbers and botanists for hundreds of years, and Hindus reverence these mountains as sacred.

Himalayan blue poppy:

Morina longifolia:

Type of gravilate:

The fauna here is also extremely specific. There are 114 bird species in the valley. Here, in the rhododendron groves, broad-tailed and scaly-bellied woodpeckers, blue-faced bearded ducks, and mountain pheasants feel great. Also in the valley live 13 rare and endangered species of animals, such as black bear, snow leopard, yellow marten, blue sheep, and Himalayan musk deer.

Musk deer (musk deer-like animal, males have tusks):

The best time to visit the Valley of Flowers is from June to September. People usually get here from the town of Joshimath to the town of Govindghat by car (travel time is an hour), then climb along a path along a narrow and beautiful gorge to the Ghangaria camping camp (14 km), from where hiking routes to the Valley of Flowers and to Hemkund Sahib lake.

Govindghat:

It is strictly forbidden to camp in the valley itself; there are no conditions for human habitation in the park. Tourists are accompanied by a local guide who plots a route away from places where valuable plants and rare animals can be found. You can only move around the park on foot; even the entry of pack animals is prohibited. All this is done in order not to disturb the fragile ecological balance in the valley.

Above the Valley of Flowers at an altitude of 4329 meters is the crystal clear Hemkund Sahib Lake. In the holy book of the Sikhs, the Great Sahib Sikh Guru Gobind Singh tells how in his past life he meditated on the shore of a lake surrounded by seven peaks crowned with snow turbans. This lake was later identified as Hemkund. While searching for the exact place of Guru Sahib's meditation, an old man who appeared on the way pointed to a flat piece of rock next to the lake and said that it was on it that the guru meditated. After that, he disappeared, as if he had dissolved. In 1933, exactly at this place, indicated by the mysterious old man, the foundation stone was laid for the construction of the future gurudwara (Sikh temple). Its construction was completed in 1936. Now this place has become one of the centers of pilgrimage.

Gurudwara

Gurudwara, interior view:

Hemkund Sahib lake has other names: Lokpal, Lakshman kund. According to local residents, Lakshman, the younger brother of Lord Rama, also meditated on the shores of this lake. A temple dedicated to Lakshman has been built a few meters from the gurudwara.

Despite the fact that the water in the lake is very cold, pilgrims still take a bath in the holy lake.

Hemkund Sahib Lake:

The Valley of Flowers was declared a national park in 1982, and in 2005 it was included in the World Heritage List as part of the Nanda Devi and Valley of Flowers National Parks.

Valley of Flowers - Indian National Park in the Himalayas (Valley of Flowers National Park) - on the territory of the World Biosphere Reserve, which is located high in the mountains in the Indian state of Uttarakhand, about 600 km northwest of Delhi. The park is spread over an area of 87.50 km². This national park is surrounded by forests and beautiful waterfalls. Local residents believe that the valley was inhabited by fairies.

During the monsoon season, the entire valley turns into a naturally created beautiful garden, with a wide variety of colorful flowers. There are several snow lakes and glaciers in this valley which adds to the beauty of the place.

Over 600 species of subalpine, alpine and high-mountain plants grow on 2,500 hectares, such as blue poppy and Himalayan maple, which, along with three other species, are not found anywhere else. Another 31 species are considered endangered, and 45 others are medicinal plants used daily by local residents. The latter few are used for religious sacrifices to the deity Nanda Devi and other deities.

These richly diverse areas are also home to rare and endangered species (Asian black bear, snow leopard, brown bear and blue sheep).

Above the Valley of Flowers at an altitude of 4329 meters is the crystal clear Hemkund Sahib Lake. In the holy book of the Sikhs, the Great Sahib Sikh Guru Gobind Singh tells how in his past life he meditated on the shore of a lake surrounded by seven peaks crowned with snow turbans.
The best time to visit the Valley of Flowers is from June to September. People usually get here from the town of Joshimath to the town of Govindghat by car (travel time - 1 hour), then climb along a path along a narrow and beautiful gorge to the Ghangaria camp (14 km), from where hiking routes to the Valley of Flowers are organized and to Hemkund Sahib lake. This is a fabulous place for flower lovers, botanists and travelers.