About Nanda Devi Sanctuary Trek
The Nanda Devi Sanctuary Trek is one of the popular treks in the
Garhwal Himalayan region that takes you to the abode of the sacred
Goddess Nanda Devi, idolizing to India's highest peak Nanda Devi, rising
and shining at an altitude of 7,816 meters. The hulking high pyramid
peak, rising from the gigantic ring of high mountains and with the
sacred Garhwal at its backdrop, is the major attraction in this trek.
The vicinity offers high mountaineering routes and trekking
opportunities for all. The Nanda Devi trek passes through the opulent
Nanda Devi Sanctuary, an amphitheater of seventy miles in perimeter and
stretching to an altitude of 6,000 meters lies adjacent to the Rishi
Ganga valley.
Area : Garhwal Himalayas
Duration : 09 Days (3 days travel and 6 days trekking)
Best Season : May - October
Grade :Moderate
Altitude : 4152 mts (Dharansi Pass)
Total Trekking : 55 K.M
Several attempts were made to climb the Nanda Devi Peak but it was
only in 1934, Bill Tilman accompanied by Eric Shipton reached the
sanctuary and then in 1936 climbed the summit with Noel Odell. With this
ascent, Nanda Devi became the highest peak attained by man, a record
which remained until the 1950 ascent of Annapurna. Nanda Devi trekking
tour takes the demented trekkers to the tremendously unapproachable
basin being named as 'Nanda Devi Sanctuary'. The Rishi Ganga River
originates here and then flows down from Nanda Devi to create a deep
valley. Nanda Devi East that rises and shines at an elevation of 7,434
meters is a supreme summit that encloses the Sanctuary from the east. It
is joined to the main summit by a spiky, 3 km edge almost entirely at a
height of over 7,000 meters to bring perfect Nanda Devi trekking
routes.
The Nanda Devi trek commences from Lata, a small village that is
approximately 2 hours drive from Joshimath. From Lata village, the trek
commences towards Lata Kharak at an elevation of 3,689 meters and
thereafter turns towards Dharansi Pass, which is set an altitude of
4,250 meters. At this point one can capture the rewarding view of the
snow clad peaks of Dronagiri, Nanda Gunthi and many more. The Nanda Devi
trek from Lata Kharak to Dharansi Pass follows a steep climb that
crosses Jhandi Dhar and Bagfyana Pass. Thereafter, from Dharansi Pass,
the journey follows a steep descend to Debrugheta and follows back to
Dharansi Pass. The downhill trek continues towards Hitoli at 2,900
meters and finally ends at Joshimath.
Nanda Devi Sanctuary Trek Highlights
- Visit the legendary villages of Rainee and Lata, which were the birthplace of the Chipko movement in the Himalayas
- Witness the rare and endangered mammals of the Indian Himalaya like the musk deer, blue sheep, serow, Himalayan black bear, Thar and snow leopard.
- Opportunity to witness the flights of varied bird species as the entire trail is blessed with 100 species of high altitude birds
- Avail the exclusive opportunity of interaction with locals and villagers and get a sneak peek in to their simple lives.
- Behold the sacred confluence of holy rivers at Devprayag, Rudraprayag and Nandprayag
Best Time to Visit
Best time to travel to Nanda Devi Sanctuary is in summers (April –
June) and springs (September - October) as during these months the
weather remains pleasant.
In summers:
The weather of Nanda Devi Sanctuary remains salubrious during summers.
The Himalayas are distinctly visible. Carrying woolens is advised.
In monsoons:
The greenery of Nanda Devi welcomes the tourist to lose oneself amidst
the beauty of nature. There are chances of roads block for a couple of
hours due to landslides but the scenic beauty of Nanda Devi Sanctuary
during monsoons is worth taking the risk for. Carrying raincoats is
adviced.
In springs:
Serenity and solitude are at its best during springs at Gomukh Tapovan.
You can see the best of Nanda Devi Sanctuary during the spring time.
Where is the Nanda Devi Sanctuary?
Nanda Devi National Park is located in the Indian state of
Uttarakhand in the upper Himalayan ranges. A part of the Garhwal
Himalayas, the park can be entered from Lata village, which is around 23
km from Joshimath. Mountain peaks surround it from all sides except the
west where it is bounded by an inaccessible gorge.
How to Reach
By air: Jolly Grant airport Dehradun is the nearest
airport Km from Joshimath. Dehradun is 295Km from Nanda Devi National
Park. Jolly Grant airport is well connected with Delhi and Mumbai.
By rail: Haridwar/Rishikesh Railway Stations are the
nearest railheads from Joshimath. Rishikesh is 276kms away from Nanda
Devi National Park. You can find taxi or bus to Joshimath from Rishikesh
Railway Station which is connected to Haridwar, Dehradun and other
parts of Uttarakhand state.
By road: Joshimath is 254Km from Rishikesh, 274Km
from Haridwar and 293Km from Dehradun. These four places are well
connected through roadways to other parts of Uttarakhand state. Raini is
22.8Km from Joshimath and a few meters away from Lata village.
Route to Nanda Devi National Park: Dehradun - Rishikesh – Devprayag – Rudraprayag – Karnprayag – Nandprayag – Joshimath – Lata Village - Nanda Devi National Park
Nanda Devi Sanctuary Trek (Detailed Itinerary)
Day 01: Delhi – Haridwar - Rishikesh
In the morning, take an AC train for Haridwar at 06:50 hrs. After arriving in Haridwar, meet our guide who will help you transfer to Rishikesh, check into your hotel. Evening time is free for leisure activities. Overnight stay at the hotel.Day 02: Rishikesh - Joshimath (253 kms/8-9 hrs)
Today, we will drive to Joshimath and enroute visit Devprayag (the confluence of Bhagirathi and Alaknanda river). Upon your arrival at Joshimath, check into your hotel. Evening time is free to explore the beautiful Joshimath town. Overnight stay at the hotel.Day 03: Joshimath - Lata Village (2317 mts/7599 ft) (2 kms/1 hrs)
After spending time in Joshimath, we shall leave the national highway and drive on the mountain roads. The 28 km drive from Joshimath to Lata Village takes about an hour. Enroute, witness the thermal hydro project at the enchanting Tapovan village. At Lata, you will be introduced to porters and trekking team. We shall then trek through the fields and abandoned houses. Upon arriving at the village, we are likely to get a warm welcome by the local people. In the evening, visit the Nanda Devi Temple and explore the beauty of village. Overnight stay in the village.Day 04: Lata Village - Lata Kharak (3689 mts/12099 ft) (9 kms/7 hrs)
The trek from Lata village passes through Oak, Rhododendron and Pine forests, to a ridge followed by crossing of a side stream. After this, the trail again climbs over another ridge and continues to another side stream. After crossing the second side stream the trail becomes steeper, with a series of switch backs. Finally, the trek for today terminates at the campsite at Lata Kharak. Overnight stay in the tents.Day 05: Lata Kharak - Semi Kharak - Lata Kharak
Today, we will undertake a trek to Semi Kharak, on a boulder path. The trek will take around 4 hours to complete both ways. Return to camp and enjoy lunch. Evening time is free for leisure activities. Overnight stay in tents.Day 06: Lata Kharak - Dharansi Pass (4250 mts/13940 ft) (10 kms/4 -5 hrs)
Our trek today will be from Lata Kharak to Dharansi Pass. The trail from Lata Kharak is steep till Jhandi Dhar. From Jhandidhar the trail becomes a bit easier for about 1.5 kilometer before it becomes steep again for 500 meters to reach Bagfyana Pass. From here, we shall ascend and descend through the narrow gorge of Satkul to reach Dharansi Pass. Overnight stay in tents.Day 07: Dharansi Pass - Tolma Village
The trek today is a long descent to the village of Tolma. One starts the reverse trek on same trail till Jhandidhar. From this point, a new trail which descends down a ridge and continues to descend further through an Oak and Rhododendron forests finally terminates at the village of Tolma. Overnight stay in the village.Day 08: Tolma Village - Surai Thotta (8 kms/3-4 hrs) - Karanprayag (90 kms/3-4 hrs)
The trekking trail descends through fields to reach Surai Thotta. We will board the vehicles and drive towards Karanprayag via Joshimath and Nandprayag. Overnight stay in the hotel.Day 09: Karanprayag - Haridwar (195 km/6-7 hrs) - Delhi
We will drive 195 kilometers in around 7 hours. Enroute visit the confluences at Rudraprayag and Devprayag. Arrive at Haridwar by evening and from here catch an AC Train for Delhi at 18:05 hrs. Arrival at Delhi by 22:45 hrs….Tour & Services End.
Things to Carry
The following list only mentions the essential elements. You have to prepare a list of clothes and small personal articles that will be needed during the trek.- A small backpack of about 40 ltr. It shall contain all that is required during a trekking day.
- A kit-bag with padlock or a big backpack. It will contain the 12 kg of personal belongings, which will be carried by porters. We advise you to protect the inside of the kit-bag with a plastic bag.
- A good sleeping bag.
- A walking stick (optional).
- A frontal lamp or an electric torch.
- A foam mattress is provided, but if you have a self-inflating mattress, we advise you to bring it.
- Hiking shoes.
- A sweater
- A fleece jacket
- A waterproof jacket preferably Gore-Tex
- Good trousers
- Waterproof trousers preferably Gore-Tex
- Gloves and cap
- Sunglasses
- Sun cream
- A water bottle
Fixed Departure Dates 2018
| 27 April, 2018 | 04 May, 2018 | 18 May, 2018 |
| 01 June, 2018 | 14 September, 2018 | 28 September, 2018 |
| 05 October, 2018 | 19 October, 2018 |
