Monday, September 8, 2008

Valley Of Flowers Trek

Valley of Flowers Trekking The Valley of Flowers is a beautiful meadow located at an altitude of about eleven thousand feet. It is the valley of the stream Pushpavati, a tributary of Alaknanda. Frank Smythe discovered 'The Valley of Flowers' in 1931 on his way back after a successful expedition to Mt. Kamet. Ferns, dwarf iris, dwarf larkspur, dwarf rhododendrons, primula, blue poppies, fritillaria, asters, potentillas, inula grandifloras and hundreds of other species grow wild in the valley. The Valley of Flowers is a riot of color in August/September. Well over a thousand varieties of flowers, shrubs, orchids and plants in myriad hues, differing textures and colors paint the valley in a gorgeous display. The valley is a natural plantation surrounded by the dazzling snow clad Himalayas, a feast for the botanist and amateur alike.
Deep in the heart of the Himalayas, is this spectacular 'Valley of Flowers'. Many varieties of Himalayan wild flowers bloom here. Post Monsoons, the floor of the valley is covered with a carpet of myriad colours ! It is an awesome sight of colours with a contrasting back drop of majestic peaks.
The scope for trekking in Garhwal and Kumaon is immense. From short walks to arduous ascents to mountaineering expeditions, the diversity is staggering.
Legends associate this valley of Garhwal Himalayas with the area from where Hanumanji of Ramayana collected "Sanjeevani" herbs to revive Lakshmana, the younger brother of Ramaji. Hanumanji had to visit far-flung areas in his search for the "Sanjeevani" life - saving herbs.
In 1939, Miss Margaret Legge, a botanist deputed by the botanical gardens of Edinburgh arrived at the valley of flowers for further studies, While she slipped off and was lost for ever in the garden of the gods. Her sister later visited the valley of flowers and erected a memorial on the spot where she was buried by the locals. The thoughtful memorial is still there.
Location: Garhwal Himalayas (Uttaranchal)Area: 87.5 sq. Kms.Altitude: Between 3,658m to 3,962 mBest Season: Mid July To Mid September

Valley of Flowers Trekking Tour
Haridwar & Rishikesh: The two holy towns of the Hindu's- centres of ' Vedic' learning and Yoga & Meditation. HEMKUND SAHIB: The pilgrim centre of the Sikh's high in the Himalayas. The Hemkund lake is dominated by the colossal Hathi Parbat (peak). AULI: A popular winter Ski resort, Auli offers spectacular panoramic view of the Himalayas. PAURI
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