The Valley of Flowers is an alpine valley, and has been formed by the retreating glaciers whose periodic advances and retreat pulverized hard rocks, resulting in a smooth U-shaped valley, which was later colonized by numerous plants adapting themselves to the harsh colonised conditions prevailing there. The Valley remains snow covered from November to May but when the ice envelope thaws in June, it is signal for profusion of colours hidden in petals of alpine herbs to blaze during July and August. The Valley of Flowers is an irresistible treat for naturalists, ecologists, environmentalists, zoologists, ornithologists, trekkers, tourists and pilgrims. The Valley becomes accessible from late April when the snow starts melting and flowing down the buttresses and provide approprate moisure for flowers. The moist turf begins to pulsate with life and from the dead herbage of the previous summers, innumerable shoots of contless plants rise expectantly as though in anticipation of the warm life-giving breath of the approaching monsoon.
Primulas cover up shelves and terraces in colour of the most heavenly French blue.
Their soft petals covered with dew, like galaxies of pearls, emanate sweetest of scents. In the lush meadows drifts of snow - white Anemones drench the ground. Anaphalles and Potentillas start establishing their colonies. With the arrival of rains in June, Balsam, Geranium, Pedicularis and 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 begins to take on celestial dimensions.