Beauty In The Valley

Play Ground Of Gods And Godesses

Trespassing their celestial abode was avoided although shepherds did take the liberty to graze their cattle here.

Legends associate this valley with the area from where Hanumanji of Ramayana collected. 'Sanjeevani' herbs to revive

Lakshmana, the younger brother of Rama. Hanuman had to visit far-flung areas in his search for the life-saving herbs, some named after him."

The Valley was introduced to the world as the Valley of Flowers by Frank S, Smith - mountaineer, explorer, botanist who camped here for several weeks in the monsoon of 1937 and did valuable exploratory work. He authored a book called "The Valley of Flowers" which unveiled the beauty and floral splendours of the valley and thus threw open the doors of this verdant jewel to nature-enthusiasts all over the world.

In 1939, Miss Margarate Legge, a botanist deputed by the botanical gardens of Edinburgh arrived at the valley for further studies. While she was traversing some rocky slopes to collect flowers, she slipped off and was lost for ever in the garden of the gods. Her sister later visited the valley and erected a memorial on the spot where she was buried by the locals. The

thoughtful memorial is still there and the lines inscribed on the marble slab read:

"I will lift mine eyes
unto the Hills
from whence cometh my strength"

Many streams flowing from glacial deposits in and around the Valley irrigate it and merge finally into the Pushpawati river.While exploring the Valley, the smaller streams can be easily crossed by wading across but the larger ones need to be crossed on log bridges. In case those have not been put up in time, thick glacial bridges across the streams also serve the purpose.

There are no side tracks for viewing colonies of flowers away from the main track so you can either try to wade Through

knee-deep flowers and foliage, crushing some on the way or stay on the single track running through the length of the valley without seeing the best.

You may however stand on a raised vantage point to get a better view of flowers all around. Within the main Valley; there are many smaller valleys carved out by streams of melting glaciers. On the banks of these Valleys, you can encounter the most exciting pattern of flowers. One such Valley exists along the Donagair Garh, the last of many streams. On its banks flower some of the most magnificent plants. Every moist place holds its quota of glorious flowers which grace the still air with their subtle fragrance

.

The Valley of Flowers is flanked on either side by majestic peaks, many capped with snow. The Pushpawati river, emerging from

the glacial deposits around Rataban and Nilgiri ranges, cuts through the Valley and divides it into two sectors.The major

portion of the Valley is on its right bank and is a paradise fortrekkers

The Valley of Flowers is an alpine valley, and has been formed by the retreating glaciers whose periodic advances and

retreat pulverised hard rocks, resulting in a smooth U-shaped valley which was later colonised by numerous plants adopting

themselves to the harsh climatic conditions prevailing there.The Valley remains snow covered from November to May but when the ice envelope thaws on June it is a signal for profusion of colours hidden in petals of alpine during July and August. Some important flowering plants having tremendous medicinal values are: Anemone, Geranium, Marsh, Marigold, Primula, Potentilla, Geum, Aster. Lilium, Himalayanblue poppy, Aconite, Delphinium, Ranunculus, Corydalis, Inula, Saussurea abvallata, Campanula. Pedicularis, Trysimum, Morina, Impetiens, Bistorta. Ligularia. Anaphalis Saxifraga, Lobelia, Thermophis, Trolises. Aquilogia, Codonopsis. Dactylorhiza, Cypripedium. Straw berries and Rhododendron etc.

Apart from the flowering plants, wild animals like Himalayan birds, phigents, butterflies, Tendula, Musk deer, Bharal Mountain

goats), Himalayan bear, tail less rat etc. are enchancing the beauty too. The Valley of Flowers is an irresitible treat for

naturalists, ecologists. environmentalists, zoologists, ornithologists, trekkers. tourists and pilgrims.

The trek continues along Pushpawati. A couple of kilometres ahead, the river is crossed overto its right bank on another

bridge and this trail goes upto the Valley of Flowers. Snow bridges can be seen spanning the river but their strength should

be properly judged if they are to be used to cross the river

The Valley becomes accessible from late April when the snow starts melting and flowing down the buttrssnes and gullies. The

spring avalanches pouring down the slopes provide appropriate moisture for flowers. The moist turf begins to pulsate with

life and from the dead herbage of the previous summer, innumerable shoots of countless plants rise expectantly as though in anticipation of the warm life-giving breath of the approaching monsoon.

Primulas cover up shelves and terraces in colour of the most heavenly French blue. Their soft petals covered with dew, like

galaxies of pearls, emanate sweetest of scents. In the lush meadows drifts of snow-white Anemones drench the ground.

Anaphalles and Potentillas start establishing their colonies, With the arrival of rains in June, Balsam, Geranium,

Pedicularis and many other species, mostly in pink and red set the dominating colour pattern of the Valley without subduing

other seasonal shades of yellow, purple and white

Although the main land of the Valley is about 4 kms. from Ghanghria, flowers and foliage in exotic varieties can be spotted

throughout the route. Immediately after crossing the Laxman Ganga, colonies of blue Hackelia uncinata, commonly known as

'forget me not' can be seen in the midst of shrubs and foliage along the roadride. Primulas, Morinas, wild roses and many

other species are quite abundant.

The pinkish glow of the Valley can be attributed to the large colonies of Androsace. Marsh orchid. Geranium. Pediculsris and

the carpetting Thymus. all in near pink. Splashes of golden lily and creamy bell-shaped Codonopsis are also seen.The pink

Pedicularis gives way to its yellow cousin-the mainstay of the August bloom. Yellow flowers bedeck the Valley as July

proceeds - Pedicularis, Grandiflora. Ligularia, Saxifraga and Potentillas. The Potentillas are the first to appear and last

to disappear in the Valley.

Valley of Flowers.....One Day In The Paradise

At Valley of Flowers Gate

It was a cold and cloudy morning in Ghangaria. Packing some nuts and raisins in  day packs, we had a quick breakfast at a tiny restaurant and in reduced visibility through the mist, we all set out to the Valley of Flowers. It began to drizzle lightly and the entire path ahead was looking beautiful.

Soon we came across a scenic bridge across the stream..This route was much easier when compared to the hemkund route. The rocky mountains looked really beautiful and majestic. Because it was September we did not have to walk on any glacier, but passed though one glacier on the way. After walking for about 3 to4 km we entered the actual valley. The flowers had greatly reduced but the entire setting was extremely scenic. The beautiful green/yellow/red colored valley, surrounded by mountains with trees at the lower levels, brown and grey soil in the middle and then the white snow at the top.

There was no sun and it was hard to describe the way in which light played with the appearance of meadows and flowers alike. It was incredibly beautiful. The hills along the river were dotted with flowers that appear quite pink, almost as if they have gone amok. The dew was hanging on to their edges, as if glued for decoration. They look towards me the way interrogators would, glancing with intensity.

In the deep ravine, the roar of the River Pushpavathi can be heard. I glanced back and stopped to espy the beautiful mountain town of Ghangaria from a height. I knew there is no chance for exhaustion on this beautiful route.

Continuing the climb, I got closer to the River Pushpavati flowing. A short descent and I crossed a bridge over the gushing waters. Then the steep ascent began. Before long, I chanced upon a remnant of a fascinating Himalayan glacier. It reminds me of a decorated cake with its icing.

It was like Waking Up to rolling green hills and billowy white clouds, flowers swaying in the fields all this seen as though in a dream. I was speechless. In the midst of such beauty, in a moment, so many moments came alive. It was a rapture of a rhapsody.Under the overhang of a large rock, we huddled to listen to our guide relate the story of Mary Legge who discovered the valley and eventually became a part of it. She slipped and died in the valley in 1939. Someone suggested that we should go and pay our respects at her memorial. 

As the guide with utmost reverence recited the words inscribed on her grave: "I will lift mine eyes unto the Hills from whence cometh my help.” There was no need to go to her memorial; she was there, everywhere. It was a lungful of life and at 13,000 feet; it felt like heaven. With Atul prancing by my side, the thought of finding pretty damsels in heaven were pushed aside. He and Amol made sure that they hung over, around and under every species of flower to get themselves photographed. 

 

It drizzled again and then followed the sun peeping through the clouds unexpectedly. Through the rest of the day the pattern continued: following sunlight, intermittent drizzle, mist, and more precipitation. The misty mountains through the sun rays gave me glimpses of the enchanting beauty around. The continuous change in the intensity of light at that height was enthralling.

At every turning, there was a new surprise. The sight of the snow clad peaks particularly made my heart leap with joy. The cascading waterfalls was a sight to behold. At certain places, the path was narrow, and slippery. I saw a few locals working at a spot where there has been a recent landslide because of rains. Nodding heads in acknowledgment, exchanging smiles and accepting a few word of advice from them to be cautious and to ensure an early return, I proceeded further.

I continued trudging the final ascent to reach the entrance to the Valley. A variety of flowers, dominated by pink and purple Balsam fill to the brim on either side of the narrow trek path. I reached the entrance and looked up, and stopped abruptly, speechless at the breathtaking sight! I heared my fellow trekker gasp and whisper, “It’s heavenly!”

Picturesque mountain landscape of rich vegetation with the ephemeral clouds wrapping the mountain tops was an amazing sight. The mountains were of different shades of green, some bare and the peaks of ones at a distance, snow-clad. Within the Valley itself there were different smaller valleys. Streams of water flew right down into the River below. There were areas of treeless green meadows which were as charming as the wooded areas.

Hundreds of species of wild flowers were everywhere and these fields in the misty mountains had a mesmerizing effect on me. No matter how carefully I walked along the narrow path, a few sadly get crushed under my feet. Wild buttercups, Himalayan Knotweeds, Gentians, Rhodiolas, wild daisies, and from what I recognized, varieties of Campanula, lilies (also cobra lilies), milk parsleys, primulas, potentillas and balsam are found aplenty. I recalled reading the Blue Himalayan Poppy and Brahm Kamal are rare species found only at these great heights.

I felt sheer joy amidst the variety of flowers in the enchanting Valley. Time flies in the resplendent fields of wildflowers. I watched the snow clad Rataban peak and the gleaming Nilgiri Parbat posing majestically in the distance.I got an urge to lie down on a small patch of grass. Initially I stretched, face upwards, and watched the sky scattered with indolent clouds. Cool breeze blows. When the sunlight gets into my eyes, I turned my face sideways and see a field of flowers: Primula, Potentillas, Geraniums, Campions, Bellflowers, Rhubarbs, Whorlflowers, Balsam, and a variety of other flowers, some quivering and others gracefully swaying in the cool breeze.

The picture of the Valley with its scenery of the mist on the trail, the sea of flowers, melting glaciers, streams with gushing waters, green meadows, snow-clad mountains and their peaks looming against the horizon is aesthetically stimulating. It permanently etched a deep impression on my mind. The beauty and serenity of the place captured me in a spell. I was completely connected with the surroundings. I feel then every bit of effort that I took to get to the top is well worth the endeavor and the weary feet.

It was now time to get back, and I remembered Ruskin Bond’s words:

…the infinity of mountains, the feeling of

space – limitless space – can only be

experienced by living in the mountains