Ever wondered what it would be like if you were the only person on this earth. Can you imagine a place with no other sound except the flutter of butterfly wings. If you have ever wanted a really serene experience then “Valley of Flowers” is the place to be. The beauty of this reserved Biosphere is that all the flowers that carpet the hillside have grown there naturally, unlike so many botanical gardens. The variety of flora is diverse and amazingly unique as can be seen from these images.

This is Cobra Lily.

The trip to valley of flowers includes a trek of 2 days starting from Govindghat, which is a small town on the way to Badrinath, ahead of Joshimath in Uttarakhand state in India.
From Govindghat one can either trek or take a horse to a place called Ghagria, which is a kind of base camp for valley of flowers as one is not allowed to stay overnight. This place has many hotels which provide you with basic amenities. From Ghagria valley of folwers is around 4-5 kms. and the valley stretches to about 8 kms.
One has to cross a raging torrential river(of course by a bridge) and 2 glaciers to reach the valley. Stone covered pathways have been made by the forest department so that the flowers are not trampled upon. Flowers cover the entire hillsides on both sides of the pathway.

The place is not much frequented(that is why it retains it’s pristine aura), it casts such a spell on you that one starts speaking in hushed tones. One feels rejuvenated. All our senses which take a beating staying in cities come alive.

It is a trip which makes you appreciate the beauty both within and without. It is a soul stirring experience.

I made this trip in June 2008 but forgot to adjust the dates on my camera.(oops!)