The forest department in Uttarakhand will soon open new trekking routes around the Valley of Flowers. The Valley is an Indian National Park located in the Western Himalayas, and is known for housing a great variety of flower beds and is also home to endangered fauna.
While speaking to TOI, the divisional forest official of Joshimath Chander Shekhar Joshi said, "The 21km foot trek through terraced fields to Dibrugheta from Lata village, which is 15km by motorable road from Joshimath, provides a broad open grassy ridge covered with flowers and is home to rare animals such as musk deer in summers in Lata Khrak."
In a bid to boost the valley's cultural nuances, minister Dinesh Aggarwal further explained, "Eco-tourism in Lata Khark is being developed along with trekking routes. The local people of nearby villages will also get employment through their homestays. The tourists will also get to savour local cuisines as well as enjoy the unique culture of this valley."
The first of many trekking routes will be located in the Khiro valley. Tourists will first have to reach Benakuli village from Joshimath, through a motorable road that runs for 25 km on the NH-58 that leads to Badrinath. The trekking trail to Khiro village will stretch for 3 km, where adventure enthusiasts will be able to enjoy over 300 species of flora.
The second trekking route being developed will be the 16 km trail in Santopath valley, located near China border and ahead of Mana village. The tourists will have to take a detour from Badrinath temple to reach here. The trek will throw open a plethora of beautiful sights - waterfalls, grasslands, moraines, and Birch forests.
Another trekking route will be that of Chinab valley, according to tourism officials. The area spreads over 5 sq. km and is situated in Sona Shikhar. During summers, trekkers will be witness to a vast expanse of floral beauty, stretching for up to 3000-4000 meters.
(With inputs from The Times of India)