Valley of Flower

The world famous Valley of Flowers is situated in the upper expansions of Bhyundar Ganga in the far interiors of the Garhwal Himalayas. Almost 300 species of wild flowers bloom here. Some of the species are: Anemone, Geranium, Marsh Marigold, Prinula, Potentilla, Geum, Asters, Lilium, Ranunculus, Corydalis, Inula, Braham Kamal, Campanula, Pedicularis, Arisaema, Morina, Impatiens, Bistorta, Ligularia, Anaphalis, Saxifragus, Sibbaldia, Thermopsis, Trollius, Codonopsis, Dactylorhiza, Cypripedium, Strawberry, Epilobium, Rhododendron. Most of the flowers have medicinal value too. The valley remains in bloom for three months while its' floral composition keeps changing every few days. By September, the hue starts changing and the entire vegetation remains dormant for the next five months when the valley is snow bound. Apart from the flowers, some species of butterfly, musk deer, blue sheep (bharal), himalayan bear, himalayan mouse hare and snow leopards are also found in this area. It was declared a National Park in 1982.