Whenever anyone visits the acclaimed “Valley of flowers,” it has always been about flowers, ecology, and the 1000s of things that make this earthly spectacle a marvel. The diversity of flora & fauna is on show whenever the season clocks June-September each year, and 2022 is no different. The Valley of flowers is known as the world’s highest hanging garden on the plains of the Himalayas.

The ‘Valley of flowers’ is a world heritage site celebrating cross-cultural biodiversities and incorporating social-spiritual traditions for several generations. Because of these, it has earned a peculiar & unique space in the hearts & minds of people globally with an estimated annual footfall of over 20000 visitors in the visiting months and seasons.

Biodiversity & ecology apart, several other reasons draw visitors and pilgrims to the ‘valley of flowers’ Let’ us look at the main draw, flowers, and their types.

Flower Types Dotting the Valley of Flowers

Aconitum Balfouri

It is hard to write about colour and forget this flower blossom. A temperate alpine ravine plant that grows at high altitudes, it mixes the ultimate beauty of nature and the calm recess of the Himalayan plains. The flowers have a tonal violet colour that sparkles from distances.

Lilies (Majalis)

Lilies are given as spiritual offerings in temples, worn as flower accessories at weddings, and used on other auspicious occasions. They exude softness, purity, and royalty in their white/creamy flower base look. They are simply endearing and enticing to look at for long. Scientifically known as Majalis, the Lily blossoms dot the Valley of Flowers landscape in peak season.

Himalayan Bistort (Bistortata Affinis) 

Bistort has several nicknames of knotweed and fleece. It grows on the Himalayan plains at altitudes of over 3500-4300 meters above sea level. The Bistarta is a densely growing perennial flower with pale pink and rose-red flowers. The attraction is the canopy ways of its flowers.

Blue Poppy (Meconopsis Acueleata)

The colourful and majestic appealing Mecon flower has a lot of medicinal properties that it is adapted. Growing on the Himalayan plains in wanton abandon, its nicknamed ‘Queen of the Himalayan valley of flowers depicts its centrality and incorporation into local daily life.

Orchids (Himalayan Marsh Orchids)

Orchids engage visually from a distance to look at and admire. The flower plant possesses medicinal qualities used in several nervine tonics. Today, it’s now an endangered species under critical preservation efforts. The Himalayan marsh orchid exudes fortitude on the grass blossoming plains.

Marsh Marigolds (Caltha Palustris)

Marigolds are a common sight on the Indian subcontinent as they are part of spiritual, political, and other festivals. The flowers have adapted into the cultural milieu. Marsh Marigolds in the Valley of flowers combine the ethereal freshness of nature and the charming appeal of gentle blossoms. Their vibrant tones are no less attractive in appeal to the bouquets in most colourful flower shops. They are distinctly different but retain loads of charm and freshness in the wild.

Geraniums (Cranesbill) (Geranium Robertianum)

Also known as cranesbill, this colourful flower is a magical wonder on the Himalayan plains. Geraniums tend to blossom in more than one colour ranging from violet, pink, and tonal reds. The flower blossoms are like soft, tender, and delicate melodies on the plains of the Himalayas.

Blue Himalayan Anemone (Anemonastrum Obtusilobum)

The captivating wild blue tonal hues are nothing short of magical entrance in blossom. When searching for flowers that sparkle and captivate, the Blue Himalayan Anemone gets your attention.

Rosa Macrophyla (Wild Rose)

You cannot miss out on the wild yet soft textural appeal of the wild rose. One thing the rose retains on the Valley of flowers plains is its timeless delicate appeal.

Fragaria Nubicola (Wild Strawberry)

We love strawberries for the freshness and taste they add to fruit choices. The wild strawberry is an artful ensemble in blossom on the Himalayan plains.

Conclusion

It is impossible to tabulate all the flower varieties and blossoms on the Himalayan Valley of Flowers plains. These few flower choices depict a space covered in a diversity of flora and fauna. The Valley of Flowers in Chamoli Uttarkhand is the world’s highest biodiversity reserve in the Himalayan plains nurturing over 500+ endangered flower species in peak seasons