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VALLEY OF
FLOWERS
Seasons
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.
From late July to the end of August, the Valley begins to take on celestial dimensions. The riot of colours is awe-inspiring.
The Pedicularis, Grandiflora, Ligularia and many other yellow varieties dominate, with patterns of ; other colour blending
in. The flowers sway to the rhythm of the monsoon breeze as it ripples across the slopes and the atmosphere is filled with an
indescribable scent I of plant life.
By September, the plants start podding and the Valley dons tranquil shades of brown. But visitors during I September and
October get to witness the Valley in a crystal clean atmosphere-the mountain ranges shining like polished steel in the
sunlight, rainwashed rocks with gurgling streams and sun-kissed meadows about to be covered soon with a spotless white sheet
of snow.
It is often said that the root stock of almost all high altitude alpine flowers lies in and around the Valley of Flowers.
The oak trees, blue pine and other conifers between Ghanghria and the bridge on Pushpawati are sornetirnes laden with ferns
and tendrils hanging from their branches, The forests on the higher formations are full of birch trees, popularly known as
bhojpatra whose bark was supposedly used to write scriptures in ancient times.
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.
On reaching the banks of Pushpawati, a rich formation of blue poppies, sun flowers, Ligularia and pink Andsosace can be seen
between the rocky stretches near the bridge abetment. After crossing the rivers, to its right bank, you can see various
flowers in small pockets dotting the entire distance. Pedicularis in pink and yellow, Phlomis in purple and Potentilla in all
shades can be seen. Further on, towards the approach of the main Valley, are gorgeous varieties of wild roses, Rhododendron,
Geranium and the killer plant Polygonum which is at present off-setting the floral composition of the valley.A large variety
of ferns like Epiphytic, maidenhair and oak fern can be seen.
The Valley is rich In herbal plants, many of these being flowering plants - Bergenia, wood lily, Trillium govanianum and
marsh orchid are the popular ones. At several places, the abundant growth of flowering and non-flowering plants gives the
Valley the look of a thick carpet with splashes of colour.
A forbiddingly beautiful plant is the Arisaema costatum popularly known as Arum. Its head resembling that of a cobra, the
plant grows in shady recesses, often in isolated family groups.
Anemones,whitedwarf rhododen-drons, Primulas and Anaphallis give a white background to the Valley which is accentuated with
the varying colours of other flowers. The violet Iris kumaonesis, the superb Primula denticuleata in purple and Potentillas
in red, yellow and pink can be seen in colonies.
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