The world famous Valley of Flowers generally opens to the tourists every year on June 1. However, this seems unlikely this year as the valley has been cut off from the outside world since last June's flash flood that devastated the high ranges of Uttarakhand.
The bridge across the river Pushpawati, the only link that connects a visitor to the valley, was damaged in the disaster, depriving the tourists a gasping view of the hundreds of species of enchanting flowers draped in a myriad colours. The authorities have not yet been able to construct a bridge across the river leaving visitors without any route to enter the valley.
Talking to The Pioneer, the Nanda Devi national park divisional forest officer said that the authorities are trying to find an alternative route to the Valley of Flowers. It is hoped that the route to this valley will be established by July.
However, those interested in visiting valleys covered by flowers in the Himalayan region can still visit two other valleys located in the Nanda Devi division of Joshimath area - Chenap Bugyal and Khiro valleys. There are more than 300 species of flowers in these valleys. Though these two valleys rich in flowers are known to the locals, they are not yet well-known among the tourists wanting to visit such unique locations.
According to the locals of the area, the Chenap Bugyal, the high altitude Alpine meadow, covers an area which is spread across about three square kilometres and has more than 300 species of flowers blooming in it. In order to reach this valley one has to reach Marwadi on the national highway to Badrinath and walk about five km to Theng village. From here, a climb of about 12 km through forests gets one to the Chenap Bugyal.
To reach the other valley, one can travel by motor road to Venakuli on the national highway to Badrinath. From Venakuli one has to trek about 15 km to reach the Khiro valley. This valley is said to be spread across an area of about four square kilometres. According to officials of the Nanda Devi division, this valley too has more than 300 species of flowers growing in it.
