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VALLEY OF
FLOWERS
Topography
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.
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.
On the left bank of the Pushpawati, are several chunks of flat land. One bf them is called Nag Tal, literally the place
of the venomous serpent - the Nag. It is believed to be infested with poisonous flowers. These flowers are bound to cause
harm when plucked, crushed or smelt. Therefore it is advised that visitors should not pluck flowers.
Flore
and Fauna
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.
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