World of Himalayan Flowers

This post is a visual journey into the world of the Himalayan Flowers. I am neither a florist nor a botanist. I am a passionate amateur trekker and have come across the beauty of the Himalayan flora during my treks. This is a photo story where the readers get to see visuals from world of Himalayan Flowers growing in happy abandon amidst nature.

The Himalayan Range consist of the world’s biggest peaks. In addition to this the entire group of ranges have diverse geographical conditions and topography which is unique to them. Many lush gorgeous and breathtaking flora found the Himalayan range to be their ideal habitat.

Section I – Into the world of Himalayan Flora

My first trek was to the hill state of Uttarakhand(Read here ). In India Uttarakhand is known as the Land of Gods owing to the rich history and mythological strong links to various legends.

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The trek was to a high altitude lake known as Nandi-Kund( altitude 4600 mts) located deep inside the Lower Himalayan region. On this trek i was drawn into the region of Himalyan Flora and come across the famous BrahmaKamal ( Saussurea Obvallata ).

One of the most spiritually revered but scientifically ignored. It is the State flower of Uttarakhand and found only at a height of 3000-4000 mts. I was delighted to see them growing on the himalayan slopes all by themselves in total solitude. My guide explained to me the local reverence to this flower and how it is protected by them from misuse.

The world of Himalayan Flora is as elusive as it is intriguing. This is a niche segment which is studied by dedicated group of individuals. The terrain ensures that only the most dedicated come to these places and spend long days out here.

The treks in the Himalayan region be it India, Nepal or adjoining regions are spectacular owing to the remoteness of the trek, the surreal terrain and an overwhelmingly increasing feeling of being completely in Nature’s frame.

The trek to Nandikund spans across some imposing valleys and mountain ranges. While one is traversing , visuals of delicate beauty of various Himalayan Flora such as this come across .

As i continued to trek up the slopes of a mountain range approaching the limit of the altitude after which even the short vegetation vanishes, i came upon this unique flower field shimmering in the morning dew.The local dialect knows them as Vishnu Kamal ( Flower of Lord Vishnu )

This trek ignited the desire to see more of the Himalayan flora and i decided to try to schedule my treks in such a manner that i could see more of these amazing beautiful visuals. There is something soothing to see things of beauty grow unhindered and in their raw free form.

Section II- Coming across the flora on the Satopant Trail

The next trek was undertaken in the Garhwal Himalayan region in vicinity of Gangotri Himalayan range , ahead of the holy town of Badrinath which is one of the most revered Hindu temples in the Indian subcontinent.

It was to the holy lake of Satopanth at an altitude of 4600 mts. Have a look at the visual journey here .

Each day after we made camp, i wandered in the adjoining valleys camera in hand , huffing & panting with the exertion of climbing up and down to discover myself in company of these beauties .

Believe me , the joy of seeing them in the company of towering snow clad peaks all around is awe inspiring .

Section III,Exploring the Himalayan Flora on the Mandini Trek

One of my most memorable treks was to the valley of Mandini which is at the foothills of Mt Mandini, a part of the Gangotri Range of Himalaya. The trek to reach Mandini valley is highly arduous to say the least.

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However having said that, the rewards are truly sweet. After days of struggling in the peak of monsoon in the Himalayas i found myself face to face with this ..

Truly a place to see in the Himalayan monsoon, tucked away from prying eyes it was nature at her softness. Shielded by towering mountains on three sides and a dreary path on the remaining side . The remoteness ensures that only determined few come out here and hence there is no commercialization till date

What does one do when confronted with such vistas, Mt Mandini (I,II & III ) rise up at the end of the valley while the Mandini river flowing serenely through the valley floor .

To see Himalayan flowering one has to come to these regions in deep monsoons for it is then that the icy regions teem with flora and are ALIVE.

However one has to brave the elements of weather and precarious trails through mountain slopes that can be pretty dangerous to speak mildly.

Having spent two days in this valley, gazing at the clouds & mist making their passage, the flowers gently reminded me how vital it is to see these kind of visuals in the life that we live in.

The sojourn to Mandini was one of the most memorable of all, as the entire trek was through the wildness of the Lower Himalayan regions transversing range after range on foot.

The rolling clouds, green foliage all around and presence of mountain shrines built by those who trekked in these regions deeply impacted me and firmed up my belief to continue trekking as a hobby and get more aligned with nature.

Section IV-World of Himalayan Flora

Then one more trek which i remember was towards Hembook Col on the way to the holy icy region of Kedarnath. Kedarnath temple is amongst the most ALIVE temples in India nestled on the banks of the Mandakini river among the Gangotri range of Himalayan mountains.

Hembook Col was as obscure a place as they come with no one other than my team and me in the entire trek period

The campsite by the side of a flowing stream and in the presence of these beauties made me forget the rigours of the trek indeed.

These are some of the visuals which i have appended in the short photo story. Trust that these have been a delight to you as they have been to me. The Himalayas are truly a mystical and wondrous region deadly yet beautiful at the same time. They awe all those who visit it and ensure that the visitor comes back again.

I wait to be back out there on some trek leaving behind the hassles of everyday life of the city. Till then i have my memories and the visuals to keep me company from the world of Himalayan Flora . If you wish to read and see the complete set of visuals click on the link that follows.

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Further interesting reads

Trek to Mandini Valley

Review of a solar charging panel essential during backpacking

What will one find in my backpack during treks

Visual Journey to the Lake of Truth – Satopanth

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