The Valley of Flowers is an alpine valley, and has been formed by the retreating glaciers whose periodic advance and retreat pulverized hard rocks, resulting in a smooth U-shaped valley which was later colonised by numerous plants adopting themselves of 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 herbs to blaze during July and August. Some important flowering plants having tremendous medicinal and religious values are:

Anemone, Geranium, Marsh, Marigold, Primula, Potentilla, Geum, Aster, Lilium, Himalayan blue poppy, Aconite, Delphinium, Ranunculus, Corydalis, lnula, Saussurea abvallata, Campanula, Pedicularis, Trysimum, Morina, Lobelia, Impetiens, Bistorta, Ligularia, Anaphalis, Saxifraga, Thertnophis, Trolises, Aquilogia, Codonopsis, Dactylorhiza, Cypripedium, Straw berries & 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. Since camping and overnight stay is not allowed in the Valley of Flowers, Ghangria is the logical base camp for the trek. Travel beyond Ghangria is on foot at Nature's pace since the entry of ponies is prohibited. After crossing a log bridge over the Laxman Ganga, 3 kms. from Ghangria,the route of the Valley of Flowers separates from that going to Hemkund Sahib. The Laxman Ganga joins the Pushpawati river 400 mtrs downstream. The trek continues along Pushpawati. A couple of kilometres ahead the river is crossed over to 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.

GENERAL INFORMATION
Area: 87.5 sq.km.
Altitude: 3352 mts-3962 mts
Season: Best time to visit Mid July - Mid August.

Getting there:
Air : The nearest Airport Jolly Grant (319 km.)
Rail : Rishikesh: 302 kms.
Road : Last bus station Govindghat, 25 kms. before Badrinath, from here to Ghangharia entrance point is 13 kms. after which one travels on foot into the valley, which is 3 kms. long & 0.5 km. wide Valley of Flowers.