On 7th June 2021 we started our trip to the valley of flowers from Pulna(Bhyundar valley) , a little village situated on the bank of Laxman Ganga. From the village the trek starts. So we started around 8 am in the morning with all the essential items. It took around 1.5 hours for us to reach the next village Bhyundar valley, which is 6 kms from Pulna. On reaching Bhyundar Valley I got this beautiful view of Lokpal Laxman Mandir.
We stayed here for few minutes and then moved forward.After trekking 3 km we had our lunch which we prepared in the morning. Finally some energy was restored. Now the next base was Kanjila campsite. You can witness the glance of beautiful tiny meadows here. Beside campsite there is a helipad.
We had to trek only 0.5 more kms to reach Ghanghariya. Ghanghariya is the main base if you are visiting to The Valley of flowers. There are lots of hotels and restaurants and a Gurudwara as well. The Gurudwara is governed under the Management of Shri Hemkund Sahib( The highest Gurudwara in India).It is a famous Sikh Temple devoted to Shri Guru Govind.
So here we reached to our Hotel" The Holiday Inn" completely exhausted. We had a sound sleep of 1-2 hours. Then we went for a walk. As the tourism had not started so no one was there except us, few other villagers and Staff of Gurudwara. Though it was quite but peaceful. In the evenings we started to prepare our dinner and had it around 9pm. And went to sleep, so the next day we could start our trek early in the morning with full freshness.
We woke up around 4:00 am in the morning, did all the morning routine packed our lunch and started to trek at 5:20. From here the Valley is about 4 kms and then it seems never ending. The first thing we came across on our way was this glacier.
As it was early morning so it was quite difficult for me to walk smoothly on it as it was slippery and hard. Somehow I crossed it . Now the first bridge over the Pushpawati river (got its name from फूलों की घाटी "the valley of flowers") came across the way. From this river the Ascent of the trek started. The route was surrounded with the trees of various varities. On crossing the other glacier we witnessed Betula utilis trees, which surrounded the way upto quite distance.
It is commonly known as bhojpatra, which was used as a paper in the ancient times to write manuscript etc.
Moving forward we crossed a glacial river on which a temporary bridge was made firm and stable though. Finally we entered the gateway to the valley.
The moment was not less than the enlightenment. It's all green surrounded by snowcapped mountains. Flowers had just started to bloom.
Following are some pictures which i took while witnessing the serenity..
These white flowers were in the majority at that time,But after now onward you can see much more varieties than this, it's just the beginning of the season.
First we had our breakfast and then walked around. Witnessed the beauty of nature. Took few pictures and made few videos. And then the time came to return.
I have been to this place before but this time i went with my family,I literally enjoyed it.
On returning to Ghanghariya we had our lunch, had some rest and then started our journey to Pulna.We reached Pulna around 3:30 pm.
So this was all about our trip.
This is the first time i am writing so long. Hope you'll like it. I am hoping that i have given enough information to help people out to reach this beautiful place.
The credit of discovering the valley goes to Frank S. Smythe who published his book 'The Valley of Flowers' in 1983. It's the then onwards the Valley became famous. After being declared UNESCO world heritage site in 2005 the Valley of Flowers became the most famous trekking destination globally. Since then the valley has become one of the most famous Treks of Chamoli district.
It's spread in the area of 87.50 km sq. Situated at 3352 to 3658 meters above sea level.The Valley was named 'Nandan Kanan' in the kedarkhand of Skand Purana which was mythical and magical garden of Lord Indra. It was named 'Alka' in Meghdut of Kalidas.
The other names are Gandhmadan, Bhyundar Valley,Pushpawali, Pushprasha and Frank Smythe's Valley.
To reach the valley you need to come via
1. Badrinath -Rishikesh Highway NH- 58
2. Chamoli district
3.joshimath
4. Govindghat or Pulna( as per your convenience as there is only 1-2 homesty in Pulna village)
5. Ghanghariya
Note:- I shared the route in the easiest way, but if you plan to visit this valley do take the help of some trekking agencies or any other way which is helpful and much descriptive.
•Local guides are also available for the trek if you like.
There is much more to explore when you Visit the valley,
I left few things, so i could visit again with lots of excitement and energy.
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