A remote valley located in Uttarakhand in India is the beautiful Niti Valley. Sharing its borders with south Tibet, it was the prime location for trade between the countries. All traders would travel through the Niti Pass, the trade route between these countries. However, this path was sealed shut in 1962 after the Sino-Indian War. This valley is named after the magnificent river Niti flowing here. You can plan a trip with your family to Uttarakhand and enjoy the scenic landscape of the multiple villages around this valley. Each of these villages carries its own culturally rich and beautiful significance.
How To Reach Niti Valley
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From the capital city of India- Delhi, you can take a train, a bus or a cab to Haridwar or Rishikesh. Upon reaching Haridwar or Rishikesh, you can book a taxi to Joshimath. At about 88 km from here lies Niti village, located in the Niti Valley, where you get a unique glimpse into the traditional lifestyle of the local Bhotiya community.
The nearest railway station from here is 346 km away in Rishikesh. As stated earlier, Niti village is relatively remote and travelling here can be somewhat difficult but nothing compares to the scenic landscapes one encounters upon reaching the picturesque location.
Hence, this is a must-visit destination in Uttarakhand for a memorable pilgrimage, adventurous trek or a beautiful nature appreciation trip.
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The Best Time To Visit Niti Valley
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The best time to visit Niti Valley in Uttarakhand in India is from April to October. This is because of the heavy snowfall that lasts during the winter months of early October to late March which makes it difficult for the visitors to access the routes. Hence, the residents also translocate to lower Himalayan regions but come back to perform summer rituals, which are a major attraction for visitors. These summer rituals are the main reason to visit from April to October. You can explore the rich culture of this valley with your family. However, you have to be extremely careful because of the rocky terrain and challenges in the tour.
Tourist Places in the Niti Valley
1. Niti Temple
In the Niti Village lies the great Hindu temple of India. It is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is believed to be one of the modest temples in that region. It is also known as the Timmersain Mahadev Temple. The architecture and geographic location of this temple are what make it a popular destination among pilgrims and tourists. You can enjoy various other activities here besides just praying. Activities like trekking, hiking and other outdoor activities are what attract the majority of the tourists.
Timing: Everyday (7 AM-8 PM)
Location: Chamoli, Uttarakhand
Suggested Read: River Rafting In Rishikesh
2. Panchnag Temple
Also known as the Panch Nagar Hindu temple, it is a beautiful place of Hindu worship located in the Niti Valley. This temple, like many others also holds a significant religious and cultural importance for the local Bhotiya community. The beauty of Niti Valley adds on to the pre-existing charm of this temple. The term “Panchnag” is significant of the HIndu mythology meaning five serpents that are worshipped here.
During the summer season, the locals perform traditional rituals which signifies the cultural richness quite evidently. And you can be a viewer of these rituals on your next trip here with your family.
Timing: Everyday, Morning and Evening
Location: Farkiya Gaon, Niti Valley, Uttarakhand
3. Nanda Devi Temple
The Nanda Devi temple is dedicated to goddess Nanda Devi, who all the Hindus consider to be a reincarnation of Goddess Parvati. With this, it is quite evident the religious, spiritual and cultural values that it holds. You can find multiple temples of Nanda Devi across India, yet this one temple is important because it adds a significant amount of value to religious beliefs of the Bhotiya community here. It also attracts a large number of devotees from all around the country who come to seek the blessings of Nanda Devi.
Timing: Everyday
Location: Almora town, near Mall Road
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Other Villages Around Joshimath
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The beauty of Joshimath is that it is surrounded by many scenic villages, and each of these villages is full of its own cultural and traditional values that reflect right when you enter and stay with you even after leaving the place.
Approximately 12 kilometres away lies the perfect picturesque destination known as Auli, which offers you a direct view of the scenic landscapes of Nanda Devi and Mana Parvat. Around 14 kilometres is Badrinath. Other villages around Joshimath include- Mana, Pandukeshwar, Lata and Vishnuprayag. Each is significant and unique in its own way possible, and each of these is home to highly rich tradition and culture.
Permission for Niti Pass
Tourists often get confused because they have no definitive clue as to whether a pass is necessary. However, it is important to note that the valley itself can be visited without any permit. The only exception is that people without a permit cannot visit the Niti “Village.”
In case you plan on visiting the Niti Village, you will be required to take permission from SDM (sub-divisional magistrate), Joshimath. The online permits are issued at just Rs. 150 for an individual and Rs. 250 per vehicle. This permit ensures the number of vehicles entering and leaving the village to preserve and protect its natural beauty and not lose it all for the sake of tourism. Also, this place being very close to the Tibet border becomes unsafe in terms of army security. Make sure to arrange your permit and visit the magnificent Niti Village and valley and enjoy the rich cultural and historical significance.
Further Read: Offbeat Places Near Nainital
Now that you have a list of things to remember for your next vacation to Niti Valley, make sure you plan your trip to Uttarakhand to these fabulous spots for the experience of a lifetime. Don’t miss out on these opportunities and book your tickets now!
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Frequently Asked Questions About Niti Valley
What is Niti Valley famous for?
Niti Valley is famous for its beautiful landscapes, breathtaking sceneries and a rich cultural heritage. Other than this, it is also famous for the great trekking adventures that its geography provides.
Where is Niti Pass located?
Niti Pass is a high altitude pass which connects India with Tibet (China). Formerly, it was a route mainly used by traders for bringing goods in the country and exporting goods out of the country.
Where is the name Niti Valley derived from?
The name Niti Valley is derived from the sanskrit word “Niti” which translated to “moral values” in English. The name was derived from the ancient trading practices and routes.
When can I visit Niti Valley?
It is highly recommended that you visit during the summer months of April to October. This time is most favourable due to the summer rituals that people follow. It gives you a glimpse into the true cultural heritage of India.
What are the major attractions of Niti Valley?
Niti temple, Panchnag temple and Nanda Devi Temple are the main attractions in Niti valley.
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