The site shot into fame with a lot of Western tourists after Frank S. Smith, well-known botanist from England, wrote a book on it in 1937. Smith spent years in the valley to carry out research before he came out with the book. The valley draws a big number of trekkers, adventure tourists and naturalists from the world over.

The haven of adventure tourists, the valley spread over 87 square kilometre houses more than 500 varieties of wild flowers, some of which are of rare ecological significance. Set in the higher reaches of the Himalayas, the scent of wild flowers hangs heavy in the valley air during full blossoms.

Located near Nanda Devi National Park, the valley is the second national park in the state to be given the WHS status in the state after the former. Two of these heritage sites in Uttaranchal are a part of the six natural heritage sites in the country.