After the disaster on 16th June, 2013 the trips to valley of flowers were affected badly and got cancelled. But the recent developmets in the area suggests that the trips to valley of flowers may be resumed by mid September this year.
Good News: Valley of Flowers may open by September 15th, 2013
Authorities has constructed bridge over Alaknanda at Govindghat
Finally the authorities have constructed a bridge over Alaknanda at Govindghat and all ponies on the other side of the river are evacuated. There were almost 1000 ponies on the other side of River Alaknanda. Some of the ponies also died due to hunger but most of them are saved now. The authorities tried to construct a bridge even before but they could not succeed due to high flow of the river. But after a long protest and hunger strike by villagers and pony owners, the authorities were forced to take a prompt action and finally the bridge got constructed. The picture below is sent by a local villager Mr. Raghuveer Chauhan who also owns a hotel at Ghangaria. Unfortunately the picture size is too small but we will soon put its better version.
Authorities believe that the trek route between Govindghat and Ghangaria will be opened by September 1, 2013. If we consider that they will be able to do it we can add another 10 days for a temporary bridge to be constructed over Pushpawati River by PWD (Public Works Department) and by 15th September, 2013 the Valley of Flowers may be again opened to public. Although during mid September there are less number of flowers in the valley but you can see lots of beautiful and rare flowers at Hemkund Sahib. So it would be worth visiting Valley of Flowers this season end and witness nature’s power and beauty. We have cancelled most of our trips to Valley of Flowers this season but we will be going to the Valley two times viz 15th September & 22nd September, 2013. 