Nanda Devi and Valley of Flowers National Parks

Nanda Devi and Valley of Flowers National Parks are two connected protected areas in the Himalayas featuring alpine meadows, glacial valleys, and peaks ranging from 3,400 to 7,800 meters in elevation. The combined territory spans over 71,000 hectares with diverse terrain that changes dramatically across different zones.

The region gained international attention after British mountaineer Frank Smythe documented the Valley of Flowers in 1931 and shared his findings with the wider world. This early recognition helped lead to the area's eventual protection and designation as a World Heritage Site.

The Bhotia people who live in the foothills maintain customs tied to mountain life and seasonal movement patterns that shape how they interact with this region. You may encounter their presence in small settlements and through stories shared by local guides.

Visiting both parks requires special permits that must be obtained in advance and may come with certain restrictions on where you can go. The best season runs from June through October when trails are open and conditions are most favorable.

The flower displays include over 500 species of wildflowers such as blue poppies, anemones, and primulas that bloom in successive waves from July through September. This natural color progression follows the changing elevations across the terrain.

Location: Uttarakhand

GPS coordinates: 30.71667,79.66667

Latest update: December 8, 2025 13:40