The world famous Valley of Flowers in Chamoli district has remained out of bounds for tourists so far this year due to the failure of the authorities to rebuild the path and bridge leading to this valley on time. locals state that this is the first time in decades when the valley remained out of bounds for visitors, though officials State that the bridge is ready.
The June 2013 disaster that wreaked havoc across the State also damaged the path leading to the valley and the bridge across the Pushpawati river. There is only one route to reach the Valley of Flowers. This route passes through Ghangaria village. If departmental officials are to be believed, the bridge leading to the valley has been constructed and is ready for use. The work on the damaged path to the valley is nearing completion with only about 100 metres left to be completed. This task is expected to be completed this week. However, this valley closes for visitors in the winter so there is not much time left for the tourists to visit.
It is pertinent to mention here that the Valley of Flowers is part of the Nanda Devi national park. It is closed to visitors for the winters during the first week of October. According to the Nanda Devi national park divisional forest officer Rajiv Dhiman informed that the construction of the bridge leading to the Valley of Flowers has been completed.
The work on the path is expected to be completed this week and tourists will be able to reach the valley next year. The Valley of Flowers is opened for visitors every ear along with the reopening of Hemkund Sahib. During the winter season, the valley is covered in snow which begins to melt in the month of May.