High in the Himalayan ranges in India is an enchanting valley. In 1931, Frank S Smythe -- mountaineer, explorer, botanist, romantic and much else -- chanced upon this colourful valley and named it the 'valley of flowers. This book is an absorbing account of this picturesque valley that is visited by mountaineers from across the world.

Complete with maps and colour photographs, the book is written in the sensitive and imaginative style associated with Smythe. (Goodreads)

A BOOK FOR ANYONE WHO ENJOYS A WALK IN THE MOUNTAINS WHILE COMFORTABLY ENSCONCED IN AN ARMCHAIR. EVEN FOR NON-GARDENERS, DESCRIPTIONS OF SCENERY, LOOMING PRESENCE OF MOUNTAINS, COMFORT OF SHELTERED VALLEYS ALL DECORATED WITH AN EMBROIDERY OF PLANTS MAKE THE VALLEY OF FLOWERS' A BOOK WHICH NEEDS TO BE READ AND RE-READ, SO THAT IN TIME FAVOURITE PASSAGES EMERGE. THE DISCOVERY OF PRIMULA NIVALIS GROWING BY SERRIED THOUSANDS ON LEDGES WATERED BY MELTING SNOW IS ONE.

NOT A BOOK POSITIVELY ON PLANT HUNTING, MOUNTAINEERING OR EXPLORATION, RATHER A HAPPY COMBINATION OF ALL THREE. A COMFORTABLE COMPANION TO CONSULT WHEN THE PALATE, JADED BY A SURFEIT OF TELEVISION, YEARNS FOR A BREATH OF CRISP, EXHILARATING MOUNTAIN AIR. (Raamatu taga kaanel)