The Valley of Flowers National Park has a fascinating appeal of its own. It is found in the state of Uttaranchal. To be more specific, it was started at a small town, known as Govindghat, lying on the curving road from Rishikesh to Badrinath. One could see the marvelous landscapes in the first few kilometers to Ghangaria, followed by crossing meadows and forest to the park.

The traces of Valley of Flowers National Park have an ancient heritage and tradition.. It was referred in Hindu mythology as Nandan Kanan, which means the valley where gods used to play. However among the local farmers, it was popular as the Bhyundhar Valley. In the recent era, i.e. in the year 1982, an area of 87.50 sq km in the Chamoli district was declared the Valley of Flowers National Park. Various satellite images have shown that over 63 sq km of this park is under perpetual snow. Forest comprise of 5.29 sq km and alpine meadows with a treasure of wild species, cover 18.63 sq km of the total area. Valley of Flowers National Park has a height of 3,360-3,900 meters. It offers a marvelous view of the peaks of encircling high mountains like Gauri Parbat (6,590 m) and Rataban (6,126 m) in the east, Kunt Khal (4,430 m) in the west, Saptsring (5,038 m) in the south and Nilgiri Parbat (6,479 m) in the north. It has long glacier, measuring approximately 8 km long, the valley measures almost 2 km at its widest part.

Admirers of this beautiful park throng the park both from India and abroad. In 1931, Frank S Smythe, a British mountaineer, and his four companions lost their way in bad weather whilst coming back from an expedition to Mt Kamet. After sometime they found themselves in the midst of beautiful flowers. This sight left them totally enchanted. In the year 1937 Smythe revisited the valley in 1937 and, in the following year, introduced it to the modern world in his book, The Valley of Flowers.

As the name suggests, it is only natural that Valley of Flowers National Park is a hub of colorful flowers and plants.. Several hundred of species of plants, including medicinal herbs are found here. The flowers that are grown here are mostly seasonal. With the melting of the snow, flowers like Asters, balsams, calendulas, dandelions, edelweiss`s, gentians, irises and windflowers are some of the flowers that blossom. In the monsoon months, from mid-July to late August, they are full bloom. Also huge number of butterflies and other insects germinate. Also several Himalayan birds breed during this period. The ferocious Himalayan Black Bear comes out to graze during this time. Brown Bear and Serow are also seen quite frequently.

It is the due to fast and prompt initiatives of the concerned authorities that the Valley of Flowers National Park could be preserved from the prey of hunters and nature destroyers, thus conserving it in its bounty. For example, in order to safeguard this exclusive natural heritage, trekking, camping and various other activities have been barred since the mid-1980s. However only daytime entry is being allowed to this wonderful heaven.

Among the important species that are found here are numerous mammalian species, namely, Leopard, Himalayan Tahr, Musk Deer, Red Fox, Himalayan Weasel, Ye How-throated Marten, Himalayan Black Bear, Brown Bear, Himalayan Mouse-hare, Bharal (Blue Sheep), Indian Flying Squirrel. Also some carnivorous birds like Lammergeier, Himalayan Griffon, Common Kestrel, Golden Eagle, Black Eagle, thrive in some reclusive corners of the park.

Other birds include Himalayan Monal, Koklass Pheasant, Kalij Pheasant, Himalayan Snowcock, Snow Partridge, Hill Partridge, Chukar, Red-billed Chough, Yellow-billed Chough, Common Raven, Grandala, Snow Pigeon, Spotted Laughingthrush, Variegated Laughingthrush, Plain-backed Thrush, Upland Pipit, Rosy Pipit, Rock Bunting, White-capped Bunting. In fact the whole valley is filled with the music of these chirping birds.

Along side the coastal areas , numerous birds throng. These include Brown Dipper, White-throated Dipper, Spotted Forktail, Little Forktail, pines, maples, firs, spruces, rhododendrons, silver birch, asters, balsams, dandelions, edelweiss , gentians, geraniums, irises, lilies, poppies , potentillas, primulas, saussurea and senecios.