Flora - The Blooming Colors of the Nature
The land of Uttaranchal, comprising the Grahwal and Kumaon regions of Uttar Pradesh has many charms to offer. If the timeless temples and joyous and colourful society lend it cultural importance, it is the abounding mountains, rivers, forests, flora and fauna that invoke a feeling of awe in everybody. Being situated in the lap of the Himalayas the region is rich in forest wealth that ranges from Sub-tropical to Alpine types.
Uttaranchal comprising over 12 Districts is spread over an area of 51,082 sq. kms. Floristically, it falls under the west Himalayan Biographic zone and it is rife with floral diversity comparable to any other Himalayan region in the country with an estimated 4000 species of flowering plants having great economic, medicinal, aromatic and aesthetic values.
Worth mentioning is the endemic plant wealth of the area that ultimately forms part of the National heritage. The Garhwal and Kumaon Himalayas have about 116 species as endemics. Arenaria ferruginea, Chimonobambusa jaunsarensis, duthiei, Trachycarpus takil, Poa rhadina, etc. are some such species. Besides, many plant species new to science have been added from different parts of Uttaranchal. Some such species are Anemone raui, Arenaria curvifolia, Carex nandadeviensis, Listera nandadeviensis, Saussurea sudhanshui, Euphorbia sharmae, Androsace garhwalicum, etc.
More interesting to note is the presence of one of the smallest flowering plants Arceuthobium minutissimum, parasitising over Pinus gerardiana (Chilgoza) and the tallest plant of Asia, the Pinus roxburghii, in Uttarkashi District. The sacred Mulberry, Morus serrata, said to have been planted by the Adi Shankaracharya at Joshimath, the tree fern Cyathea spinulosa, the gigantic Aesculus indica on way to Panwali, the tall Shorea robusta (Raja Sal) near Byasi are some other curiosities of the area.
The narrative of the plant wealth of Uttaranchal will not be complete unless a mention is made of the sacred plants commonly used in worship in the “Land of gods”. Besides, the earlier mentioned “Brahmakamal” (Saussurea obvallata), Zanthoxylum armatum (Timur), Prunus puddun (Panya), Skimmia laureola, Primula deticulata, Artemisia nilagirica, Aegle marmelos etc. are offered to deities. Some other representative and interesting plants of Garhwal and Kumaon are enumerated below with a brief description:
[*] Anemone obtusiloba D. Don (Ranunculaceae)
Fls.: April – September
Distributed in Garhwal and Kumaon Himalaya between 2800-4000 m.
[*] Bistorta vaccinifolia (Wall.) Greene (Polygonaceae)
Fls.: August – October.
Distributed in Garhwal and Kumaon Himalaya between 3500-4000 m.
[*] Corydalis meifolia Wall. (Fumariaceae)
Fls.: May – September
Distributed in Garhwal and Kumaon Himalaya between 3500-4000 m.
[*] Geranium wallichianum sweet (Geraniaceae)
Fls.: July – September
Distributed in Garhwal and Kumaon Himalaya between 1500-3700 m.
[*] Impatiens gigantean Edgew. (Balsaminaceae)
Fls.: June – August
Distributed in Garhwal and Kumaon Himalaya between 2900-3600 m.
[*] Inula gradiflora Willd. (Asteraceae
Fls.: August – October
Distributed in Garhwal and Kumaon Himalaya between 2000-4000 m.
[*] Morina Longifolia Wall. (Dipsacaceae)
Fls.: July – October
Distributed in Garhwal and Kumaon Himalaya between 2900-5000 m.
[*] Potentilla atrisanguinea Lodd. (Roasaceae)
Fls.: May-October.
Distributed in Garhwal and Kumaon Himalaya between 2900-5000 m.
[*] Saussurea obvallata (DC) Edgew. (Asteraceae)
Fls.: July-September.
Distributed in Garhwal and Kumaon Himalaya between 3500-4200m.
[*] Saussurea simpsoniana (Field & Gard.) Lipsch. (Asteraceae)
Fls.: July-October.
Distributed in Garhwal and Kumaon Himalaya between 4000-5000m.
[*] Senecio laetus Edgew. (Asteraceae)
Fls.: July-October.
Distributed in Garhwal and Kumaon Himalaya between 1900-4000 m.
[*] Pedicular is punctata Dence. (Scrophulariaceae)
Fls.: July-August.
Distributed in Garhwal and Kumaon Himalaya between 2500-3500m.
[*] Primula denticulate Sm. (Primulaceae)
Fls: April-September.
Distributed in Garhwal and Kumaon Himalya between 1600-6000 m.
[*] Rhododendron campanulatum D. Don (Ericaceae)
Fls.: May-July
Distributed in Garhwal and Kumaon Himalaya between 2800-5000m.
[*] Rhododendron barbatum Wall.ex G.Don (Ericaceae)
Fls.: May-June.
Distributed in Garhwal and Kumaon Himalaya between 2800-3300 m.
[*] Cypripedium cordigerum D.Don (Orchidaceae)
Fls.: May-June.
Distributed in Garhwal and Kumaon Himalaya between 2800-3300 m.
[*] Dendrobium normale Fale. (Orchidaceae)
Fls.: May-June.
Distributed in Garhwal and Kumaon Himalaya between 500-2000 m. An endemic species.
[*] Vanda cristata Lindl. (Orchidaceae)
Fls.: April-September.
Distributed in Garhwal and Kumaon Himalaya between 500-2000 m.
The vegetation of Uttaranchal can be broadly summed up under the following heads:
1. SUBTROPICAL ZONE
The subtropical zone has pure as well as mixed forests of Shorea robusta (Sal), the others being Lannea coromandelica(Jhingan), Buchanania lanzan, Dalbergia sissoo(Shisham), Haldina cordifolia (Haldu), Syzygium cumini(Jamun), Mallotus philippinensis (Rohini), Mitragyna parvifolia, Terminalia spp. (Myrobalans), Ficus spp. (Figs), Macaranga pustulata, Callicarpa arborea, Diopoknema butyracea (Chyura), Bauhinia variegata (Kachnar), Bombax ceiba(Semal), Kydia calycina (Pula). Schleichera oleosa (Kusum), Holoptelea integridia (Karanj), Cassia fisula (Amaltas), Nyctanthes arbor-tristis (Parijat), Anogeissus latifolia (Bakli, Dhaura), etc.
The shrubby vegetation is represented by Murraya koenigii (Gandela, Karri Patta), Jasminum multiflorum (Janglichameli), Solanum erianthum, Callicarpa macrophylla, Eranthemum nervosum, Phlogacanthus thyrsiformis, Jatropha curcas, Rhus parviflora, Dodonaea viscosa, Woodfordia fruticosa and many others.
2. TEMPERATE ZONE
The Temperate Zone is marked by the presence of Quercus leucotrichophora (Banj oak), Rhododendron arboreum (Burans), Myrica esculenta (Kaphal), Lyonia ovalifolia (Anyar), Ilex dipyrena, Quercus semecarpifolia (Kharsu Oak),
Q. dilatata (Moru Oak), etc.
The coniferous forests in this zone are unique. Pure stands of Pinus roxburghii (Chir Pine) and Cedrus deodara (Deodar, Cedar), Abies pindrow (Raga), Pinus wallichiana (Kail), Taxus wallichiana (Thuner, Himalayan Yew) at places give a pristine look to the slopes.
The slopes in temperate zone also have insectivorous plants like Drosera peltata and species of Utricularia. Another such species is Pinguicula alpina seen in Martoli Bugyal, Kumaon. The Saprophytes and Parasites are also well represented by Monotropa uniflora, Dendrophthoe falcate (Banda), Balanophora involucrate, and species of Viscum, Korthalsella, Arceuthobium, Scurrula, etc.
The zone has a variety of useful plants, some of them well known for centuries. These include Cendrus deodara, Pinus spp. Abies pindrow, Quercus spp., Aconitum hereophyllum, Paeonia emodi, Sertia chirayita, Bergenia ciliata, Dioscorea deltoidea, Angelica glauca (Choru), etc.
SUBALPINE AND ALPINE ZONE
The altitude 3000 mts is generally considered a zone of subalpine and alpine vegetation. The tree species are represented by Pinus wallichiana, Abies pindrow, Prunus cornuta, Acer caesium , Betula utilis (Bhoj Patra)
And Salix sp. Species of the genera Cotoneaster, Rosa, Berberis, Ribes, Juniperus Rhododendron anthopogon, Rhododendron campanulatum are the shrubby componenets of the zone. The herbaceous vegetation is represented by a number of species of genera Potentilla, Primula, Aster Saxifraga, Actaea, Delphinium, Polygonum, Corydalis, Pleurospermum, Mecnonpsis, Pedicularis, Saussurea, Rheum, Silene etc. The Bugyals of this zone are well known for rich and diversified flora. Plant spwcies like Nardostachys grandiflora (Jatamansi), Podophyllum hexandrum (Himalayan May-Apple, Papri), Picrorhiza kurrooa (Kutaki), Gentiana kurroo, Arnebia benthamii (Balchar), Rheum moorcroftianum (Dolu), Ephedra gerardiana, Dactylorhiza hatagirea (Hatthajari), etc., common in this zone, are of immense medicinal value.
The floral diversity is further exhibited by the species that grow in the rainshadow areas of Uttaranchal. Such species develop adaptive characters to survive the fury of adverse climate. Lamium rhomboideum, Thylacospermum caespitosum, Acantholimon lycopodioides, Dracocephalum heterophyllum etc. are a few such examples.
ORCHIDS
Orchids need a special mention. The Uttaranchal area has more than 225 species of this charming group, well known for ornamental flowers with great horticultural potential and long shelf life. Mention may be made of the species of Aerides, Coelogyne, Cymbidium, Dendrobium, Thunia and Rhynchostylis, for which Mandal, Baram, Shandev, Dafia Dhoora, Kaflani, etc. are rich. Among the terrestrial orchids, species of Calanthe, Habenaria, Anoectochilus, Satyrium, etc. are fairly common while the Lady’s Slipper Orchid-Cypripedium is scarcely distributed.
Many small river velleys offer wonderful experience to nature lovers and hikers. The vast open meadows, above the tree line present endless views of the variously coloured Himalayan flowers. The most interesting of them, aesthetically or botanically are seen in the higher altitudes, from 8000 ft and above. The arrival of spring brings forth a riot of colours, when the Semal and Palash put the lower altitude forests on fire with their blazing re flowers. It is also the time for Burans to spread its fire at a height of or above 8000 ft., adding colour to the blue and white panorama of snow.
The flowers do not grow only in the Valley of Flowers but are found on different treks invariably upto great heights as also on the meadows and even in rock crevices or moraines. Some of the most interesting and floristically rich valleys/regions /areas for nature lovers are:
[*] Valley of flowers Area
[*] Milam & Johar Valley Area
[*] Pindari Glacier Area
[*] Panwalikantha Area
[*] Kedarkantha Area
[*] Kanchula Kharak Area
[*] Badrinath –Vasudhara Area
[*] Har–ki-Doon Area
[*] Darma Valley Area
Others: Auli Gorson, Madmaheshwar, Kalpnath, Kushkalyan, Dayara Bugyal Khatling etc.
Valley of Flowers
Accessibility
BY RAIL : Nearest railhead is Rishikesh, 275 kms.
BY ROAD : To reach the Valley of Flowers the last bus terminus is at Govindghat, Distt Chamoli 275 kms. From here to entrance point is 13 kms. after which one travels on foot into the valley which is 3 kms. long and 0.5 kms. wide. Joshimath to Govindghat is 19 kms.
Associated with the epic Ramayana, Hanumanji, an ardent devotee of Lord Ram, Collected the Sanjivani Buti, to revive Laxman from here. The Valley of flowers an alpine valley formed by the probing glaciers have given a U-shape to the Valley, which was later colonized by numerous plants, adapting themselves to the harsh climatic conditions. The Valley is generally covered with snow from November to May. The colours hidden in petals of the alpine herbs blaze during the months of July and August; some flowering plants commonly met with are: Anemone, Geranium, Marsh Marigold, Primula, Potentilla, Geum, Aster, Lilium, Himalayan Blue Poppy, Aconite, Delphinium, Ranunculus, Corydalis, Inula, Saussurea, Campanula, Pedicularis, Morina, Impatiens, Bistorta, Ligularia, Anaphalis Saxifraga, Lobelia, Thermopsis, Trollius, Aquilegia, Codonopsis, Dactylorhiza, Cypripediu, Strawberries and Rhododendrons etc.
The sloping avalanches in the valleys provide the appropriate moisture for the plants. Innumerable shoots of countless plants, rise expectantly, as though in anticipation of a warm life-giving breath at the onset of the monsoons.
Primulas cover the shelves and terraces in most heavenly French Blue, emitting a sweet scent. Snow white Anemones drench the ground, illuminating it like the galaxies.
Anaphalises and Potentillas are also prominent varieties adorning the valley.
With the arrival of monssons in June, Balsam, Geranium, Pedicularis and many other species, mostly in pink and red set the dominating colour pattern of the Valley without subduing other seasonal shades of yellow, purple and white. From late July to the end of August, the Valley has a riot of colours. The Pedicularis, Potentilla, Geum, Ligularia and many other yellow varieties dominate, with patterns of other colours blending in. The environment is filled with an indescribable scent of the plant life.
By September, the plants start podding and the valley dons tranquil shades of brown, but the valley has a crystal clear aatmosphere during the months of September and October. The oak trees, blue pine and other conifers, between Ganghaia and the bridge on Pushpawati, are sometimes laden with ferns and clibers hanging from their branches. The forests on the higher formations are full of birch trees, popularly known as Bhojpatra whose bark was supposedly used to write scriptures inancient times. Although the main valley extends to about 4 kms. from Ganghaia, flowers and foliage in exotic varieties can be spotted throughout the route.
The valley is rich in herbal plants, many of these being flowering plants-Bergenia, Wood Lily, Tribllium govanianum and Marsh Orchids are the popular ones. At several places the abundant growth of flowering and non –flowering plants carpet the valley with thick splashes of colour.
Another beautiful plant is the Arisaema costatum, also known as Arum, its head resembling that of a cobra. The plant grows in shady recesses, often in isolated groups.
Anemone vitifolia, White Dwarfs and Anaphalises give a white background to the Valley, accentuated by the varied colours of other flowers. The violet Iris kumaonensis, the superb Primula denticulate in purple and Potentillas in red, yellow and pink can be seen in colonies.
Along the riverside there are small patches of land between scattered boulders, which have become the natural habitat for a majestic flower, the Blue Poppy. Known as Meconopsis aculeate to botanists, it has the colour of the sky at dawn. An unobstructive flower with unsurpassable delicacy and grace, is the Fritillaria roylei. As the green bells on the springy stem nod and dip vivaciously in the monsoon wind, you may be tempted to strain your ears to hear their tinkling.
The Corydalis cashmeriana, with narrow pipe like stems and flowers tipped in dark blue grow in colonies of thousands.
A plant which is one of the rarest and the most beautiful of its family- the lily –like Nomocharis oxypetala revels in the sun on well-warmed meadows and slopes of the valley. The rose coloured Cypripediun himalaicum has-earned the popular title of ‘lady’s slipper’ and there are so many of these flowers that they imbue the slopes with a rosy glow.
MILAM GLACIER AND JOHAR VALLEY AREA
Accessibility
BY RAIL : Nearest railheads are Kathgodam 310 kms. & Tanakpur 280 kms.
BY ROAD: The last bus terminus is Munsiyari. Distt Pithoragarh. 310 kms. from Kathgodam, 129 kms from Pithoragarh, 147 kms. from Bageshwar and 220 kms from Almora.
MUNISYARI
Most exciting treks are situated in Munsiyari Tehsil of Pithoragarh District. A herb which is interestingly silvery, hairy with drawn out brackets and red roots grows her in the rocky surfaces. This is Macrotomia, locally known as Ratanjot, a valuable plant. Another such plant is Megacarpaea polyandra locally called Rooki. The route from Martoli to Milam is very rich with alpine herbs like Polygonatum, Thalicturm, Bupleurum, Pinguicula, Primula elliptica, and Gueldenstaedtia himalaica. Other herbs are Cousinia thomsonii, a woolly, thistle and tufted Astragalus species of yellow, pink and orange coloured flowers.
Beyound Milam the sub-alpine vegetation is represented by yellow flowered Berberis sp., white flowered Rosa, Ribes grossularia, species of Juniperus, Lonicera and Ephedra gerardiana. Intermixed with the shrubs are small semierect, prostrate cushioned or tufted species of Androsace, Arenaria, Stellaria, Sedum, Astragalus and Leymus. The interesting carpet forming herbs are the species of Potentilla, Ranunculus Anemone and Polygonum.
As the glacier is receding at a fast rate, the newly formed Moraine beld is an excellent area to study the invation of plants from the adjacent mountains and bugyals. The successful invaders are the species of Lonicera and Berberis followed by Rosa and Ephedra.
In Johar, especially in Malla Johar Patti, the bugyals extend from the Tibetan border town to the Goriganga Valley as far as its junction with the Ralam Valley. The shadow valleys or grooves are often forested with Betula utilis. Associated with it are the alpine shrubby vegetation and some sciophytic undergrowths.
The rich heritage is chiefly composed of delicate semi-erect or decumbent prostrate, cushion or tufted plants of varied colours. Plants of tree habit are found in shadow valleys or grooves upto 4000 mtrs. The woody shrubs are frequently stunted and often exhibit suffruticose babits. Another pleasing aspect of the flora is continuous successive occurrence of carpets of graceful herbs in patches, almost to the exclusion of other plants from early April to the end of September. In and about 5000 mtrs. Upto the snowline, the vegetation is scanty, more or less scattered, and seldom do they a[[ear in close association. Many of the herbs found above 5000 mtrs. Have graceful silvery woolly vegetative as well as floral parts.
PINDARI GLACIER AREA
Accessibility
BY RAIL : Nearest railhead is Kathgodam 247 kms.
BY ROAD : The last bus terminus is Song in Distt. Bageshwar,(199 kms. from Kathgodam ) and 156 kms. from Almora 83 kms from Bageshwar, 202 kms. from Karnprayag, 188 kms from Ranikhet and 220 kms from Nainital.
The Pindari in the Bageshwar District is one of the most easily accessible glaciers. It lies between Nanda Devi and Nanda Kot peaks and terminates at an altitude of 3627 mtrs. Located in the Pindar valley between Long 79°E and latitude 30° 15’N, it occupies an area of 339.39 sq. kms.
The flora available here are plants like Juniperus recurva, Salix elegans, S flabellaris, Rhododendron lepidotum and R hypenanthum. Another common woody postrate plant is Cotoneaster microphylla. This plant is remarkable for its mat forming habit and appears first to colonize the rocks free from snow or ice.
Plants of tufted habits are Cassipe fastigiata, Sedum quadrifidum, Astragalus lessertioides, A. candolleanus and Oxytropis lapponica.
The pretty fruits of postrate Gaultheria trichophylla of Blue or Red tinge are very attractive and they form a regular carpet in the valley. Cerastium vulgatum, another plant of carpet habit is very handsome to look at with its snow- white flowers. Other handsome herbs are prostrate, purple flowered Thymus serpyllum, white flowered Euphrasia officinalis, blue flowered Pleurogyne carinthiaca, white flowered wooly Anaphalis nubigena and A. cuneifolia, yellow flowered tomentose herb Potentilla argyrophylla and dark crimson flowered P. astrisanguinea.
During the ascent from Bugyal to the foot of the Pindari Glacier one can experience the rich armoa of the herb Tanacetum mubigenum with small yellow heads.
The rivulet beds support a varied type of graceful herbs like species of Corydalis, Anemone, Pedicularis, Sedum, Potentilla, Primula, Androsace, Epilobium, Polygonum, Poa, Juncus and Carex. The pretties herbs are the deep blue-lowered Corydalis cashmeriana and the Cyananthus lobatus. Gentiana recurvata has also been recorded from the area.
The dominating plant all along the lateral moraine is Cotoneaster microphylla. This is followed by Epilobium amplectens, Cassiope fatigiata and species of Rhododendrons.
Some of the plants of medicinal interest collected in this region are Nardostachys grandiflora (Jatamansi), a highly valued herb for its armoa and stimulating properties and Picrorhiza kurrooa, locally called Katugi, an aromatic, running herb.
PANWALI KANTHA AREA
Accessibility
BY RAIL : Nearest railhead is Rishikesh 161 kms.
BY ROAD: To reach the Panwali Kantha area the last bus stop is at Ghuttu (Distt. Tehri)146 kms. and Ghuttu to Panwali Kantha is a 15 km. trek.
Situated at a height of 3, 500 mtrs., Panwali is a beautiful place with several hillocks full of a variety of flowers. The path from Trijuginarayan to Panwali via Maggu, Kankhaliyakhal provides all the colours. The Oak-Rhododendron forests with a mixture of Maples, Sorbus ursine, Rhododendron barbatum, Syringa emodi, and Picea smithiana are common. The shrubby elements include species of Lonicera, Ribes, Viburnum-Rosa, Salix Berberis, Cotoneaster, etc. The species of the genera Caltha, Anemone, Primula, Plantago, Corydalis etc. represent the herbaceous elements. Towards Khankhalia (3400 m) Bhojpatra is seen in association with Rhododendron campanulatum, Syringa emodi and Oak. Bushy Rhododendron anthopogon with creamish flowers is common at the top of Khankhalia. As one proceeds towards Panwali, a rich seasonal floral wealth greets the tourists. Species of Primula, Anemone, Potentilla, Fritillaria, Lagotis, Meconopsis, etc., with their variously coloured flowers provde all the charm of nature. The ground Orchid Cypripedium cordigerum and C. himalaicum and yellow flowered Meconopsis robusta are of rare occurrence. Medicinally important plants like Kutaki (Picrorhiza kurrooa), Podophyllum hexandrum (readily distinguished by the large, red fruits) and Hatthajari or the Salam-Panja (Dactylorhiza hatagirea)are also seen here.
KEDARKANTHA AREA
Accessibility
BY RAIL: Nearest railhead is Dehradun 190 kms. from entrance point of the area Saur.
BY ROAD: To reach the Kedar Kantha, Saur (Distt. Uttarkashi) is the lat bus terminus 190 kms. from Dehradun, the rest of the 15 kms. area has to be covered on foot. Saur to Mori 25 kms. Saur to Tuini 55 kms. Saur to Barkot 88 kms.
Ascending a pretty gradual slope, one passes the encampment in an open glade, surrounded with magnificient trees of Abies webbiana and Quercus semecarpifolia among which Rhododendron campanulatum forms a large strangling shrub, in full bloom, even in the midst of the melting snow. Some of the peaks remain capped with snow. The forest also have an extended covering of thick coat of grass, furrowed by Alpine Arvicola, a stream originating from the melting snow, and lined up with a species of Sphagnum on the sides. Primula stuartii and P. denticulate, with deep blue Gentiana and yellow Caltha palustris, form a bright contrast of colours.
On ascending the higest peak 12,689 ft., the place is covered with deep beds of snow. A beautiful purple Primula, nearly allied to P. stuartii, and Oxygraphis polypetala may be seen in bloom. A little below these Phalangium, Fritillaria and Bistorta; with Rhododendron lepidotum and R. anthopogon as well as Salix lindleyana, form diminutive shrubs. Ranunculus hirtellus, and species of Draba, Agrostis and Festuca are also commonly encountered.
KANCHULAKHARAK AREA
Accessibility
BY RAIL: Nearest railhead is Rishikesh 212 kms. upto chopta which is the entrance point of the area.
BY ROAD: To reach the Kanchulakharak area, Chopta Distt. Rudraprayag is the last bus terminus 212 kms. From Rishikesh the only way to reach the area can also be approached via Kund- Okhimath.
41 kms. Guptkashi, 69 kms. Rundraprayag, 212kms. Rishikesh, 39 kms. Gopeshwer, 49 kms. Chamoli and 80 kms. Karnprayag
Kanchulakharak is better known for “The Kastura Mrig Prajanan Kendra” (Musk Deer Breeding Centre)as well as its floristic treasure. It is situated at a height of around 2500 mtrs. On the Mandal-Chopta road, a little above Pangrabasha. The vegetation here shows typical Himalayan assemblage of Pangar, Moru Oak, Kharsu Oak, Maples, Burans Anyar and Cornus macrophylla with Prinsepia utilis, Viburnum continifolium V. Mullaha, Sarcococca saligna, Daphne papyracea, etc. representing the shrubby elements. Thamnocalamus spathiflorus and Sinarundinaria anceps, an endemic species not found outside Garhwal-Kumaon region, are also found as an undergrowth of the forests.
BADRINATH-VASUDHARA AREA
Accessibility
BY RAIL: Nearest railhead is Rishikesh 308 kms.
BY ROAD: To reach Vasudhara, the last bus terminus is Mana Village, 3 kms away from Bdrinath. From mana 5 km. trek to Vasudhara Valley.
The Vasudhara valley, has Ephedra gerardiana is abundance. Near the Vasudhara Falls, on the southern bank of Alaknanda river, is a lush grassy meadow, locally known as Lakshmiban. Betual utilis is found on hilltops. Nearing the confluence of Bhagirathi and Satopanth glacial heads, there is a thick grove of Birch trees along the Alaknanada river. One can view the Alkapuri snow clad mountains from the eastern side and the avalanche peak of Kunaling on the western side of the Alakanada river. The river bank is heavily boulder strewn supporting the large fleshy leaved Bergenia stracheyi which is most conspicuous. This herb is locally known as Silphadu and leaves are used for smoking and as a substitute for tea. Along the river bank are also found stunted clumps of Juniperus communis and Myricaria. Salix flabellaris, Polygonum affine, P. vaccinifolium and the aromatic Rhododendron anthopogon are the other common plants of this boulder strewn valley. Proceeding further west along this valley one can get a beautiful view of the northern face of Mt. Nilakanth.
To the south-west of Badrinath is the magnificent peak of Nilakanth. At the foot of the glorious peak is the Rishiganga (Charanapaduka) valley. The mountain stream of Rishiganga, originates from the Nilakanth glacier traversing through this valley before joining the Alaknanda at Badrinath. A number of smaller streams also form a network in the valley and along these stream and on the meadow in between, a large number of Alpine herbs are found during the summer months.
Common among these are Gentiana stipitata, G. tenella, Cyananthus linifolia and C. lobatus. Corydalis ramose are found here and there, attached to stones amidst running water of streams. Aconitum laeve and A. heterophyllum are also frequently met with.
Mana village is the last on the Hindustan Tibet road which leads to the Mana Pass, 26 miles away. From Mana the road ascends steeply and about half a mile from the village, the Saraswati river crosses where the river carves an amazing slit-like narrow gorge. Beneath a stone slab wedged across the gorge, acting as a bridge, the smotth water-worn rocks curve into unknown depths like cyclopian boiler-plates-shouts and jeers, moans and thunders coming from far below. The ground shakes to the tempestuous fury of the imprisoned waters. Above the gorge, however, the valley flattens out and a gradual ascent brings one to the basin of Saraswati where it meets the Arwa. This place is called Ghastoli and is at an altitude of nealy 4000 metres. The valley is covered with Anaphalis nubigena and Potentilla sp.. Another species spread across the valley in small rosettes is Primula minutissima. Another Primula, perhaps, P. schlagintweitiana is also to be found here. The valley, however is bleak and dull and the hill slopes all round are bereft to vegetation.
ROOPKUND AREA
Accessibility
BY RAIL: Nearest railhead is Rishikesh 266 kms.
BY ROAD:Last bus terminus is Mundali. From Rishikesh to Karnprayag 174 kms. one could travel by bus. Then from Karnprayag to Mundoli 66 kms. by bus or by jeep.
Flowers are in abundance all around in the valleys of Garhwal. The most beautiful among them is Roopkund at Bedni Bugyal. Perched at an altitude of 16,000ft. the valley stretches upto 5-6 kms. and is carpeted with lush green grass and a spell-binding variety of flowers. Phenkamal is the most attractive species among the varieties found and is also used to make medicines.
HAR KI DOON
Accessbility
BY RAIL: Nearest railhead is Dehradun 233 kms.
BY ROAD: Bus service is the available for Uttarkashi/Dehradun upto the last village Sankri, Distt. Uttarkashi from where Taluka is only 10 kms. and can be traveled by jeep.
Situated in the lying strip of Rawain subdivision of the Uttarkashi district is a unique valley sprawling about 7-8 kms. the scenic valley has lush green grass, innumerable flowers and valuable herbs. At an altitude of 11,700ft. above sea level, Har-Ki-Doon is popular as the most beautiful creation of nature.
To reach Har-Ki-Doon from Uttarkashi one passes through the Barkot, Purola, Netwal and Taluka villages. The valley of 2 kms. from Har-Ki-Doon passes through Osla the last village en route. River Tons flows is the valley adding to its charm.
DARMA VALLEY AREA
Accessibility
BY RAIL: Nearest railhead is Tanakpur 284 kms.
BY ROAD: To reach Darma Valley the last bust terminus is Sobla, 284 kms. from Tanakpur and 134 kms. from Pithoragarh 16 kms. from Tawaghat, 35 kms. from Dharchula.
130 kms. from Tawaghat a 17 km. trek leads to Mangti and further another 4 km. trek leads to Gala. Gala to Budi is 16 kms and Budi to Gunji is 17 kms. (3500 mts.) Chhialake after a climb there is a vast plateau full of flowers and trees.
Some other valleys, Bugyals, Glaciers worth mentioning are:
[*] Auli : Gorson valley: The last bus terminus is Auli Distt Chamoli from where Gorson is 5 kms.(Trek).
[*] Madmaheshwar : The last bus terminus is Kalimath(Rudraprayag) 229 kms. from Rishikesh. Madmaheshwar is 31 kms. from Kalimath, 50 kms. from Guptkashi and 86 kms. from Rudraprayag.
[*] Kalpeshwar : The last bus terminus is Helang 269 kms. from Rishikesh, from where Kalpeshwar is a 12 km. trek.
[*] Kushkalyany : The last bus terminus is Malla near Bhatwari, Distt Uttarkashi which is 174 kms. from Rishikesh; then one has to trek approximately 20 kms. to reach Bugyal.
[*] Dayara : The last bus terminus are Raithal and Barsu Dist. Uttarkashi from where Dayara Bugyal is 8 kms. and 6 kms. respectively.
[*] Khatling : The last bus terminus is Ghuttu (Distt Tehri). Ghuttu to Khatling is 45 kms. by trek.