Nanda Devi National Park
Major attractions in Joshimath
Joshimath Travel Guide
Nanda Devi National Park is one of the most remarkable parks in the Himalayas and Nanda Devi
peak which is the second largest peak here and India’s one of the natural monuments that is
often cherished by tourists visiting here. The national park is a heritage site that offers
distinguished topography, climate, and soil and supports diverse species, communities, eco-
systems and habitat.
The Nanda Devi National Park is an extensive area with few parallels in the Himalayas. It is
surrounded by vast expanse of high peaks and glaciers lying within a range of pristine habitats
that lies close to bio-transitional zone in middle-of Eastern and Western Himalayas and succors
numerous endangered species of mammals. The place is surrounded by vast expanse of high
peaks and glaciers lying within a range of pristine habitats that lies close to bio-transitional zone
in middle-of Eastern and Western Himalayas and succors numerous endangered species of
mammals.
Nanda Devi National Park is rich in nature and has Brahma Kamal and Bharal- the blue
mountain goat that makes this sanctuary of nature. In the year 1982, the access to Nanda Devi
national park for trekkers was banned by the government due to preserve the bio-diversity.
Park is a heritage site and so part of this place has been left open to tourists who visit here.
History of Nanda Devi National Park
There is a small history attached to this place. The Nanda Devi national park was declared as
Nanda Devi sanctuary in the year 1939, comprising an area of 630sq km that was then added to
Nanda devi national park in the year 1982 which is now a part and the important zone of Nanda
devi biosphere reserve. Later the area was declared as a world heritage site in the year 1988.
Structure of Nanda Devi Sanctuary
The National Park can be divided in to two parts, namely inner and outer. Together, these two
parts are besieged by the main sanctuary wall that forms a rough square outline with ridges on
the east and the south side.
On the west side, there are ridges that drop to south from north to the Rishi Ganga Gorge and
drain the Sanctuary towards the west.
The inner sanctuary takes up the eastern two-thirds of the entire area and comprises the Nanda
Devi itself. It also encompasses two important glaciers here namely the Uttari-North Rishi
Glacier and the Dakshni- South Rishi Glacier. These glaciers are fed by the small Uttari Nanada
Devi and Dakshni Nanda Devi glacier respectively. Here, the first ever known entry was made by
Eric Shipton and H.W. Tilman in 1934 through Risghi Gorge.
The Outer Sanctuary takes up the Western Side of the entire sanctuary area and is segregated
from the Inner Sanctuary by high ridges via which Rishi Ganga River flows. The sanctuary is split
by Rishi Ganga on two sides- the North side where lies the Ramani Glacier that flows down from
the slopes Changabang and Dunagiri. On the southern side lies the Trisul Glacier that flows from
the Rishi Ganga. This portion of the Glacier is accessible to the tourists though one ought to
cross 4000mts distance.
Peaks around National park
There are numerous important peaks around Nanda Devi National Park; few of the important
ones are Dubagiri-7066mts, Kalnka-6931mts, Mangraon-6765mts, Changband-6864mts,
Maiktoli-6803mts, Trisul-7120mts, Bethartoli Himal-6351mts, Nandadevi East-7434mts and
Mrigthuni-6655mts.
Travel Guide to Nanda Devi National Park
Location- Chamoli District, Uttarakhand
Trek to Nanda Devi National Park commences as a steep ascent at a high altitudinal zone of
13kms route from 2000mts at village Lata to 4250mts to Dharasi-the topmost point.
Visitors Group- The number of tourists coming to Nanda Devi National Park has to move in
clutters. Each group has maximum of five tourists. Not more than two groups are allowed to
visit the park in one day and not more than four groups are allowed in a week. There is one
guide that will accompany all the visitors or a group. Visitors above the 14 years of age are only
allowed to enter the premises. For tourists it is mandatory to obey all the provisions of wildlife
protection act applicable inside the park area.
Medical Health- One ought to be medically fit. As the terrain is arduous, so every visitor should
get him medically checked and ought to take all precautionary measures at his end.
Best Season to visit
The National Park remains open for a period of six months from 1st May and closes on 31st
October. The best time to visit is from 15th June to 15th September.
For Detailed Enquiry Contact
Joshimath- D.F.O’s Office (En route Joshimath Auli Road about 1km from main Bazaar).
How to Reach Nanda Devi National Park
From Rishikesh to Joshimath, you can take up 253ksm drive that is further followed by a drive
of 25kms to road ahead at Lata Village where the trek commences.
Airport: Nearest Airport to Nanda Devi National Park is Jolly Grant, Dehradun, 315kms
Rail:- Rishikesh is the closest railway station
Road: - Best route to travel to Nanda Devi National Park is via Lata, 30km ahead of which
Joshimath that is connected by bus services. Joshimath is connected to Rishikesh and other
centers in the region.
Important Distance Chart
Lata is about 21kms on the Joshimath-Malari Road
Tolma- On the way to Joshimath-Malari road, 30kms away from Joshimath
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