How 'Valley of Flowers' in Uttaranchal Got its Name

 

Do you know how ‘Valley of Flowers' got its name and where is it located?  Want to know about this splendid valley’s biodiversity and its richness? Then read this article to know about the flora and fauna that habitats this beautiful ‘Valley of Flowers”. Also, view the ‘Breathtaking Flower Meadows"  of ‘Valley of Flowers’

   The Valley of Flowers is located in North Chamoli and Pithoragarh in Uttarakhand state. It is known for its meadows of alpine flowers and a variety of flora, butterflies, and birds with beautiful feathers. This Himalayan area located at an altitude of about 3,600 meters above the sea-level in the Uttaranchal region has the most gentle landscapes with beautiful scenery. Due to its diversity of alpine flora and rich wide range of species it has gained international importance and is becoming a popular destination for travelers.

 While returning from a successful expedition to Mt. Kamet, the British mountaineers  Frank  Smythe, Eric Shipton, and R.L Holdsworth lost their way and had reached this splendid valley bordered by snow-capped mountain ranges and carpet of flowers. They were captivated by its beauty that it was named “Valley of Flowers”.  Frank Smythe later penned the book with the same name “The Valley of Flowers’ which unravels the splendors and beauty of the valley. The place attracts thousands of nature lovers to this mesmerizing floral valley across the globe.

The Valley of flowers are one of the most beautiful places and enchanting nature’s gift to mankind. It is recognized by World Heritage Site by UNESCO and declared a National Park in 1982. The valley located within a transition zone between the Zanskar and Great Himalayas ranges to the north and south between the Eastern and Western Himalayas flora. The Valley was unknown to mankind for centuries and was believed to be inhabited by fairies.

There are hundreds of unique varieties of the flower blooming in the valley adding a breathtaking view of the area. The valley has nearly about 500 species of flowers that start falling down by October end at the beginning of winter. About 300 species of wildflower such as  Zinna, petunia, daisies, poppy, orchids, primulas, geranium marigold, calendula bloom in natural ways in various shades of colors.  Wild bees and colorful butterflies are habitats in the valley. The valley is a rich diversity of flora and fauna, and some of them are threatened especially medicinal plants.

According to the legends it is said that Valley of flowers is the place where Hanuman searched for Sanjivani herbs to cure Lakshman when he was injured  by Ravana’s son, Indrajit. The region was also known to be Nandan Kanan or the Garden of the Indra which is the King of Paradise. The valley is known to have been visited by Indian yogis for meditation and since ancient times the local people have traveled this place.

One of the most beautiful trek in the world the valley of flowers is also known for its spectacular sunrise and sunsets. The trek from the nearest major town Joshimath to the Valley of Flowers is about 17 km. The valley is found to be in full bloom just after the monsoon between July and early September. As visitors trek to the valley, they are greeted with smells of wildflower perfumes.  Plenty of rose bushes and strawberries are decked on the side paths of trekking.

The valley with varied habitats includes river beds, small forests, meadows, plateaus, stable slopes, bogs, valley bottom caves, and stone deserts. There are hundreds of angiosperms, gymnosperms pteridophytes species found in the valley and its surroundings, and some of them are rare and endangered. Local people use around 45 medicinal plants and Brahmakamal ( Saussurea obvallata are collected and offered to Goddesses Nanda Devi and Sunanda Devi. The sub-alpine forests are covered with birch and rhododendron. The National park is open only during summer from June to October. For the rest of the year, it is heavy covered with snow.

The valley adorns many cascading waterfalls and is a habitat for many animals like snow leopard, musk deer, gray langur, red giant flying squirrel, red fox, blue sheep, brown bear, Himalayan black bear, Himalayan weasel, and many species of endangered animals. Spotted in the valley include red-billed choughs, pheasant, woodpeckers, blue-throated barbets, snow pigeon, and spotted dove.   This national park is a paradise for adventure seekers, photographers, mountaineers, and biologists.

Prof.Chandra Prakash Kala, a Botanist has made an inventory of about 520 alpine plants and has authored two books –“The Valley of Flowers-Myth and reality and “Ecology and Conservation of Flowers National Park, Garhwal Himalaya.

 Picture Sources: Microsoft Edge and Wikipedia