History
Frank Smyth first brought the Bhyunder Valley to the attention of mountain enthusiasts and botanists in 1931 after a successful climb on Kamet. The team crossed the Bhyunder Pass in the lashing rain and most, intent on forging a new route through the mountains back to Joshimath. As they desended into the shelter of the valley, the clouds lifted and revealed alpine meadows carpeted with wild flowers. They were greeted with the sight of primula, saxifrage, red potentillas, geraniums, asters, Gentian’s, anemones, delphiniums, blue corydalis and wild roses. Indeed, the many hundreds of flowering species lead Smythe to refer to the Bhyunder Valley as the Valley of the Flowers.
A mystical walk through the valley that opens up to a flower bed, with peaks and glacier in background and a river bed; Valley of flowers is an ultimate destination for nature lovers. Situated between the Zanskar and the Great Himalayan ranges, Valley of Flowers is a renowned World Heritage Site by UNESCO.
Part of the Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve, Valley of Flowers is an important site for botanists, mountaineers and trekkers. It is a region full of rare Himalayan plants and flowers as well as birds, rare in nature; only to be found at a specific altitude. The flora and fauna of the valley is highly fragile and endangered. The national park is surrounded by peaks like Gauri Parbat (6590m), Rataban (6126m) and Kunth Khal (4430m). Pushapavati river also flows through the valley and joins Lakshman Ganga at Ghangharia. The discovery of the valley was unintentional yet has now turned into a sensational destination. After coming back from a successful Mt. Kamet expedition, a team of six mountaineers stumbled upon the Bhyundar valley while returning. Frank Smythe is the most famous person associated with the history of the valley.
Trek Info
| Duration: | 6 days |
| Trek grade: | Easy |
| Trekking distance: | 30km |
| Maximum altitude: | 3400m |
| Nearest airport: | Jollygrant (Dehradun) |
| Nearest railway station: | Dehradun |
| Mode of transport from Dehradun: | By taxi from Haridwar to Govindghat. |
| Best Time for Treks: | In Monsoon |
