About Valley of Flowers National Park
Valley of Flowers National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand at an altitude of approximately 3,600 meters. Established in 1982, this 87 sq km park is renowned for its spectacular meadows of over 600 species of endemic alpine flowers that bloom during monsoon season. The valley was discovered by British mountaineers in 1931 and forms part of the Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve alongside Nanda Devi National Park.
Visitors guide
Visitors can expect to trek through lush alpine meadows carpeted with colorful wildflowers including orchids, poppies, primulas, marigolds, daisies, and anemones. The valley offers panoramic views of snow-capped Himalayan peaks, cascading waterfalls, and wild streams. Wildlife sightings may include gray langurs, flying squirrels, Himalayan weasels, black bears, red foxes, and various butterfly species. The terrain consists of moderate trekking trails through sub-alpine forests of birch and rhododendron.
Key highlights
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UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2005
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Over 600 species of endemic alpine flowers
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Spectacular meadows at 3,600 meters altitude
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Panoramic views of Himalayan peaks
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Part of Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve
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Rare wildlife including snow leopard and Himalayan bear
History of Valley of Flowers National Park
The valley was discovered in 1931 by British mountaineers Frank S. Smythe, Eric Shipton, and R.L. Holdsworth who named it after finding it filled with flowers. It was declared a national park in 1980 under the Wildlife Protection Act of 1972 and inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2005.
Culture & Context
Local people have visited the valley since ancient times. Indian yogis are known to have visited the valley for meditation. The nearby Hemkund Sahib is an important Sikh pilgrimage site.
Route
| By air |
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