Latest news with #Saussureaobvallata
First Post
5 days 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.
Time of India
01-06-2025
- 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.
