Nanda Devi National Park: A Sanctuary In The Garhwal Himalayas

Established in 1982, a part of the Garhwal Himalayas in Uttarakhand, Nanda Devi National Park is one of the most expansive and popular bio reserves in India. Nanda Devi Biosphere is a quaint and scenic habitat of rich varieties of flora and fauna, covering an area of 2,236.74 square km.

This vast area was accredited as World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1988. It displays exotic species of flora and fauna and was re-ascribed by UNESCO again as World Network of Biosphere Reserve. Here is a handy guide which will help in exploring the best sides of this biosphere reserve located amidst the surreal beautiful of Uttrakhand. 

Best Time To Visit Nanda Devi National Park

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Among the most gorgeous places to visit in Uttarakhand, this park remains remains open to public for 6 month in a year: May to October. To experience the best of climate and the stunning beauty of flora and fauna, mid-June to mid-September is the best time to visit Nanda Devi National Park. The park remains completely closed from November to April due to extreme cold temperature and snowfall.

Must Read: The Challenging Trek To Valley Of Flowers In Uttarakhand You Must Take

Location And Geography

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Nanda Devi National Park is located in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand. Encompassing a glacial basin drained by Rishi Ganga and surrounded by snow-capped mighty Himalayan peaks like Nanda Devi, Dunagiri, Maiktoli, Rishi Pahar, Mangaron, and Nanda Khat etc., Nanda Devi biosphere is divided into Inner and Outer area. The Inner Sanctuary area comprises of Uttari Rishi glacier and Dakshini Rishi glacier, whereas the outer area consists of basins of Trisul glacier and Ramani glacier.

Permit, Charges, And Visitors Information

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Have a look at the detailed info about entry permit rules, charges and necessary visitor information before planning your exciting and adventures journey to the National Park.

• Visitors need to take prior entry permit from the authorities of Garhwal Mandal Vikas Nigam office in Joshimath.
• The visitors inside the national park are expected to travel in groups of maximum 5 pax, accompanied by one registered guide. Maximum two groups are allowed in a day and the permissible limit for a week is 4 groups.
• Children above 14 years are only allowed for this trekking activity.
• As the terrain of Nanda Devi Biosphere is fairly vertical and reasonably difficult, people must get a detailed medical investigation done beforehand. Garhwal Mandal Vikas Nigam is not responsible for any unanticipated accident.
• Average charge for trek through Nanda Devi National Park is INR 2500/person/day.

Suggested Read: 10 Most Dangerous Hiking Trails In India Only Bravehearts Dare Attempt

Places Near Nanda Devi National Park 

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Some of the important places to visit near Nanda Devi National Park are Dunagiri (situated at an altitude of 7066mts), Mangraon (situated at an altitude of 6765mts), Maiktoli (situated at an altitude of 6803mts), Nandadevi East (situated at an altitude of 7434mts), Mrigthuni (situated at an altitude of 6655mts), Kalnka (situated at an altitude of 6931 mts), Rishi Pahar (situated at an altitude of 6992 mts). 

Suggested Read: Top 44 Amazing Places To Visit In Uttarakhand

Nanda Devi National Park Trek

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Nanda Devi National Park is one of the best Himalayan treks in India. From fascinating flora and fauna to unique soil variety and rock specimens, this land has a lot of interesting things to explore. Motorable roads ends at Lata village, located on the Joshimath-Malari Road. The trek through the dense forest is an enchanting and fairly difficult one. The entire stretch of Nanda Devi national park trek from Lata to Dharasi, which is the highest point, is 13 kms, ascending from 2000 mt to 4250 mt.

Flora: More than 312 floral varieties are seen here such as rhododendron, fir, and birch. Nanda Devi and Valley of Flowers National Park display varieties of beautiful and exotic flowers like blue poppy, mayapple, and Brahma Kamal.
Fauna: Nanda Devi National Park has globally threatened species that include the snow leopard and Himalayan musk deer.

Suggested Read: 10 Reasons To Visit Auli In Winter

Where To Stay 

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Joshimath is the closest place which has stay options for people visiting the national park. From 3 star decent budget hotels to guest houses and homestays, there is something for every budget type. The Garhwal Mandal Vikas Nigam (GMVN) guesthouse is one of the best Nanda Devi national park hotels in the area.

Tips For Travellers

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• Carry extra pair of clothes as scope of rain is always there between June to September.
• The hike is quite a steep one, so wear appropriate footwear.
• Carry light and dry foods and remember there are no public conveniences anywhere.
• June to September is a peak season of the area. So it is advisable to book the accommodations in advance.

Suggested Read: 41 Amazing Hill Stations In Uttarakhand For An Adventurous Escapade

How To Reach Nanda Devi National Park

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By Air – There are regular flights to Delhi from this airport. The nearest airport to Nanda Devi National Park is Jolly Grant in Dehradun, which is about 295 km away.

By Rail – Rishkesh railway station is about 276 km away from Nanda Devi National Park. The railway station is well connected to Joshimath by a motorable road.

By Road – One can drive till Joshimath, from there one will have to trek to Nanda Devi National Park. Treks in this region are only organized during summer months.

Further Read: 36 Best Places To Visit In Dehradun For An Incredible Trip To The North

Are you planning to explore this enchanting beauty of Uttarakhand? With all the charismatic beauty of nature and the wide array of wildlife, there is a lot to explore here and enjoy a great time away from the hustle-bustle. So if you’re planning a vacation in Uttarakhand and create memories of a lifetime.

Frequently Asked Questions About Nanda Devi National Park

Sukanya Sen

A book lover and fun-loving, overtly emotional mom with a wanderlust soul, Sukanya has completed her Master Degree in Geography and currently perusing her passion for writing as a profession. Nothing detoxes her more than trying new recipes and travelling to offbeat places is ultimate Therapy for her.