Inspired Travel: Valley of Flowers

by  Amanda Black | Apr 13, 2013
Valley of the Flowers, India
Valley of the Flowers, India / Ratthem/iStock

Nature lovers and avid gardeners will definitely delight in this amazing natural sight: The Valley of Flowers National Park high in West Himalaya, India. The park, nestled between snow-capped peaks, is blanketed in beautiful alpine flowers. The central valley of the park occupies around three square miles, and the lowest part sits at around 11,000 feet above sea level. It is inhabited by countless threatened species (like the snow leopard) and unique plant life. 

It wasn't until the 1930s that the valley was even explored (some British mountaineers stumbled upon it accidentally) and it has been extremely well-preserved and relatively untouched due to its remoteness and limited access. The site was designated as a national park in 1982, and in 2005 it was given UNESCO World Heritage Site status.

While it's not easy to get to, you can hike there (it's about 10.5 miles). Start your trek in Govindghat: After about 8.5 miles of hiking you come upon Ghangaria. The small settlement is about two miles from the valley.

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