| In 1931,
Frank Smith wanted to scale a peak in
Garhwal called Comet. While returning
after successfully completing his mission
he took the western pass and lost his
way and reached this valley after many
difficulties.
All of a sudden he came upon a sea of
flowers which totally enchanted him. He
put up a tent and stayed here for many
days. During these days he collected 260
different species of flowers. Some seeds
he took back with him. In 1937, he came
back again to this valley and stayed here
for a long time. Then he wrote a book
called "The Valley of Flowers".
Soon after this this place became world
famous. Nature lovers started visiting
this valley.
Millions of different flowers adorn this
valley. One also finds different kinds
of insects, birds and butterflies. This
valley is surrounded by high mountains
on three sides and is at a height of 3500
to 6,500 mts above sea level.
In 1982, this valley was named the Republic
Park. Its area was fixed at 87.5 sq. kms,
Some of the flowers are saxifrags, sediams,
lilies, poppy, calendular, daisies, denthus,
turmopsis, primula, dadiculatar, pontitala,
geranium, cipro nepolysis, holly, pansy,
zinnia, petunia, fox, caropsis dynthus
etc.
Many small streams flow within this valley
adding to its overall beauty. The high
mountain peaks surrounding this valley
stand guardian to this beautiful sight.
The glaciers amongst this look very attractive.
After reading Frank Smith's book many
foreign tourists came here. One of them
was an English woman called Margaret Lague
who came here in 1939. She was very fond
of flowers. On the 4th of July, when she
was trying to pick one of the rare flowers
she slipped from a rock and fell into
a chasm to her death. In her memory the
tombstone on her grave reads as "My
eyes will forever drink in the beauty
of the mountains which gave me strength
and inspiration". The tourists who
visit this valley never fail to visit
her grave and pay homage.
Tour Highlights
HARIDWAR & RISHIKESH :
The two holy towns of the Hindu's- centres
of ' Vedic' learning and Yoga & Meditation.
HEMKUND SAHIB: The pilgrim
centre of the Sikh's high in the Himalayas.
The Hemkund lake is dominated by the colossal
Hathi Parbat (peak).
AULI: A popular winter
Ski resort, Auli offers spectacular panoramic
view of the Himalayas.
PAURI : A small hill
station with serene surroundings. Enjoy
the hospitality of a local village here.
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