Latest news with #BrahmaKamal
First Post
12 hours ago
- General
- First Post
Flower Power: 10 gorgeous species in the Valley of Flowers
Brahma Kamal (Saussurea obvallata) A sacred Himalayan flower, Brahma Kamal blooms at high altitudes and is revered in mythology. It appears at night and is known for its rare beauty and spiritual significance.
India Today
2 days ago
- India Today
Valley of flowers in Uttarakhand opens for tourists: 5 things to do
The Valley of Flowers, situated in Chamoli, Uttarakhand, opened its doors to visitors for the 2025 season starting June 1. The Valley of Flowers is a mystical valley within the Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve and is renowned for its unlimited meadows with hundreds of colourful flowers of the Himalayas. Visitors from all corners of India and the world come to see its magical Valley of Flowers in India is open until October, when rain and then snow restrict access. If you want to escape the heat of the summer and go on a memorable Himalayan trekking adventure, you still have enough time to plan a trip to this beautiful national THINGS TO DO IN THE VALLEY OF FLOWERS 1. Trekking Through the ValleyThe trek itself is the main attraction here. Starting from Govindghat, you'll use Ghangaria as the base camp. There is a 3-km trek from Ghangaria to the heart of the valley, through forests, rivers and waterfalls, with stunning panoramas to enjoy and photograph the whole way round. The trek is considered moderate, and nearly anyone with basic fitness can complete it.2. Explore the Meadows of BloomsFrom July to September every year, all that you can see in every direction is flowers. To the tune of 300+ different flowers, such as orchids, poppies, marigolds, primulas, daisies, and Brahma Kamal (the state flower of Uttarakhand), bloom here. Walking through the meadows is not something you could easily take in elsewhere, and it's an experience you won't Visit Hemkund SahibOnly a short but steep trek from Ghangaria takes you to Hemkund Sahib (temple) - one of the most revered Sikh pilgrimages known. The gurudwara sits next to a glacial lake, surrounded by peaks of snow. Even if you are not a believer, the peaceful site allows you to experience a beautiful view of beauty in this magnificent setting, and it's worth visiting.4. Look for Rare Wildlife and BirdsThe Valley of Flowers has more than just plants. It is home to a variety of unique animals (Himalayan black bear, red fox, snow leopard, musk deer), as well as various species of birds and butterflies. If you want to spot any of these extraordinary creatures in their natural habitat, I recommend taking a pair of binoculars with you.5. Experience Local Culture in GhangariaGhangaria is the last permanent human settlement on the route. Spend a little time in Ghangaria to appreciate and experience the simple mountain lifestyle, eat local food, and engage with villagers. Ghangaria is located where two rivers meet, providing a beautiful location to take a break before or after the IMPORTANT INFORMATIONBest time to visit: July to September for peak bloom. The valley is open from June to October, but flowers are at their best in the monsoon note: All visitors need an entry permit, which can be obtained online as well. Entry fee is Rs 150 for Indian citizens. The entry fee is Rs 600 for foreigners for 3 to stay: No accommodation is permitted in the valley. There are many options for staying in Ghangaria, including guesthouses and lodges. Make sure you book early during peak seasonTravel tips: Please wear proper hiking shoes or shoes, carry rain protection and pack light but warm clothes. The weather can change very quickly in the Valley of Flowers is an authentic mix of natural beauty, adventure and spiritual calm. Whether you are a trekker, a photographer, a nature lover, or just looking for a peaceful, quiet time, this Himalayan treasure will provide you with memories for a lifetime. Plan your trip soon, because the valley is only open for a few months each Watch
News18
4 days ago
- News18
Uttarakhand's Valley Of Flowers Opens For 2025: Why It Should Be On Your Bucket List
Last Updated: The Valley Of Flowers in Uttarakhand opened for tourists on June 1. The valley will remain accessible till October 31. Located in Uttarakhand's Chamoli district, the Valley of Flowers National Park has officially opened for tourists for this season. This UNESCO World Heritage Site opened on June 1 and will remain accessible till October 31. The valley is known for its stunning meadows of endemic alpine flowers that paint the valley in vibrant hues. On the first day of its reopening, the Valley of Flowers welcomed 62 tourists, greeted warmly by the forest department staff at the main entrance. Located within the Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve, this breathtaking valley stretches across 87 square kilometres and sits at an altitude of roughly 3,600 metres above sea level. The #ValleyOfFlowers National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in the high Himalayan valleys of Chamoli district of Uttarakhand, has been opened to tourists and nature lovers from today. — All India Radio News (@airnewsalerts) June 1, 2025 The Flora And Fauna Of The Valley Of Flowers Renowned for its rich biodiversity, the Valley of Flowers boasts over 300 species of Himalayan flora, including orchids, poppies, primulas, marigolds, daisies, and the sacred Brahma Kamal, which holds the distinction of being Uttarakhand's state flower. The valley is also home to a variety of wildlife, such as the elusive snow leopard, Himalayan black bear, red fox, and numerous bird species. The journey typically begins at Govindghat. From there, travellers trek to Ghangaria, the designated base camp. A further three-kilometre trek from Ghangaria leads into the valley itself. Entry permits are mandatory and can now be conveniently secured online via the official website, making the process easier for both domestic and international tourists. While the best time to witness the valley in full bloom is between July and September, when monsoon rains turn the landscape into a vibrant floral canvas. What To Do At The Valley Of Flowers? Trek Through the Blooming Meadows: The main highlight of the Valley of Flowers is the breathtaking trek itself. A three-kilometre trail from Ghangaria takes you deep into a landscape filled with wildflowers. During peak bloom (July to September), you can witness orchids, poppies, daisies, and Brahma Kamal. Spot Rare Himalayan Flora and Fauna: With over 300 species of alpine flowers, the valley is a botanist's paradise. Animal lovers might spot the Himalayan black bear, red fox, or even the elusive snow leopard, along with various high-altitude bird species. Visit Hemkund Sahib: A popular detour from Ghangaria, Hemkund Sahib is a sacred Sikh pilgrimage site located at 4,329 meters. The steep trek is about six kilometres one way and takes around six to seven hours round trip. Photography and Nature Walks: The valley is a dream for landscape and macro photographers. Early mornings and late afternoons offer the best lighting for photography. Experience Ghangaria Village Life: Before or after your trek, spend some time in Ghangaria and try the local Garhwali cuisine. First Published: June 02, 2025, 10:18 IST
Time of India
4 days ago
- Time of India
Valley of Flowers reopens for visitors, 83 trek to national park on 1st day
Dehradun: The Valley of Flowers National Park, a Unesco World Heritage site in the Garhwal Himalayas, reopened for tourists on Sunday. Each year, the alpine valley located over 9,000 ft above sea level in Uttarakhand's Chamoli district opens to the public on June 1 and closes around Oct 31 for winter. On the first day of the season this year, 83 visitors trekked to the valley, four of whom had registered online. Declared a national park in 1982, the Valley of Flowers is home to more than 600 plant species, including Uttarakhand's state flower, Brahma Kamal (Saussurea obvallata), along with Aster, Delphinium, Himalayan Blue Poppy, Ranunculus, Potentilla, Primula, and Lilium. Rich in biodiversity, the 87.5 sq km valley also houses endangered animal species such as snow leopards, Himalayan black bear, musk deer, Bharal (blue sheep), and red foxes. The valley was accidentally discovered in 1931 by British mountaineer and botanist Frank S Smythe when he lost his way while returning from an expedition to Mount Kamet. After it was damaged in the 2013 floods, the 4 to 10 km trek route from Ghangaria to the valley has remained in poor condition. DS Negi, a retired range officer, told TOI, "Since 2013, trekkers have been unable to go beyond 4 to 5 km due to the poor condition of the route, whereas earlier, they could venture more than 10 km into the valley." He added that landslides have always been a big challenge for the tourists coming to the valley and that the issues are yet to be resolved "despite multiple proposals sent to the govt". Forest range officer Chetna Kandpal also acknowledged that the trek is challenging , especially a 2 km stretch which runs over rocky terrain. "Temporary bridges have been constructed over streams, and paths damaged by snowfall have been repaired. This year, an online registration system has also been introduced for visitors," Kandpal said.
Time of India
4 days ago
- Time of India
Uttarakhand: Valley of Flowers opens for 2025 season; here's why you should go
The renowned Valley of Flowers in Uttarakhand's Chamoli district has officially reopened to tourists for the 2025 season, starting June 1. This UNESCO World Heritage Site, celebrated for its vibrant alpine meadows and rich biodiversity, will remain accessible until October 31, subject to weather conditions. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now On the opening day, forest department staff welcomed visitors at the main gate, with 62 tourists registering for entry. The valley, nestled within the Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve, spans approximately 87 square kilometers and sits at an altitude of around 3,600 meters above sea level. Read more: The Valley of Flowers is home to over 300 species of Himalayan flora, including orchids, poppies, primulas, marigolds, daisies, and the revered Brahma Kamal—the state flower of Uttarakhand. The area also supports diverse fauna such as the Himalayan black bear, red fox, snow leopard, and various bird species. Visitors typically begin their journey at Govindghat, proceeding to Ghangaria, the base camp for the trek. From Ghangaria, a 3-kilometer trek leads to the valley. Permits are required for entry and can now be obtained online through the official website, enhancing accessibility for both domestic and international tourists. The best time to witness the valley's full bloom is between July and September, when the monsoon rains nourish the flora, creating a vibrant tapestry of colors. However, early visitors in June can still enjoy the serene beauty and fewer crowds. The Valley of Flowers holds significant cultural and historical importance. While local communities have long revered the area, it gained international attention in 1931 when British mountaineers Frank S. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Smythe, Eric Shipton, and R.L. Holdsworth stumbled upon it during an expedition. Smythe's subsequent book, "Valley of Flowers," published in 1938, introduced the valley's splendor to the wider world. Read more: With its breathtaking landscapes and ecological significance, the Valley of Flowers continues to captivate nature enthusiasts, trekkers, and spiritual seekers alike. As the 2025 season unfolds, visitors are encouraged to experience this natural wonder responsibly, preserving its pristine beauty for future generations.
