NANDA DEVI NATIONAL PARK

Located amidst the second highest peak in India, Nanda Devi,  is the outstanding Nanda Devi National park with houses some of the most spectacular species of high altitude flora and fauna in the region.

Blessed with stunning views, mountainous atmosphere, abundant greenery and rich biodiversity this national park stands out from other wildlife sanctuaries. UNESCO has awarded the Nanda Devi National Park the title of a world heritage site. From the park you can marvel at the views of The Valley of Flowers, Badrinath Temple and the Hem kumb Sahib Temple.

Best season to visit: Between the months of April to June. Other months witness severe snow and heavy rainfall. 

Reckoned as one of the notable summits of the Himalayas, Nanda Devi triumphs with the dramatic Nanda Devi National Park that is a natural delight. The park is established on the second highest peak of India and is snuggled at an elevation of 25,643 feet above the ground. 

The park features an exotic collection of flora and fauna along with spectacular displays of nature. It boasts of the rich vegetation of rhododendron, birch, juniper, fir, and numerous others that you can witness while touring this quarter.

It also has a wide assortment of fauna that includes leopard, wild langur, brown bear, Himalayan musk deer, and several other unique avifauna communities. Whether you are a nature buff or a wildlife lover, this piece of land is a true treasure for you. 

The park is bifurcated in two segments where the inner park covers approximately 2/3rd of the area and holds the two important icecaps flanking the peak and the outer park features as the habitat of the local species! This piece of land is a great escape and a true retreat for the adventure buffs!

How To Reach

From Nearest Airport?

The nearest airport to the Nanda Devi National Park is the Jolly Grant Airport of Dehradun which is 295 km away. From here you can hire a private taxi or board a local bus to reach Joshimath. After reaching this point, you will have to trek up to the park for about 13.5 km one way.

Best Time To Visit

Nanda Devi National Park is one of the most beautiful wildlife spots of Uttrakhand and is refreshed in the months from May to October that marks as the best time to visit. If you wish to experience the park at its best then you can visit from mid-June to mid-September as the weather is quite comforting and the beauty is at its notch. 

The temperature ranges between a decent 22 degrees celsius to 32 degrees celsius and the days are also quite warm. In the months from November to April, the park is not open to the public as it is entirely covered with snow.

Other Essential Information

Location : Chamoli District, Uttarakhand. 

The park is flanked in the Chamoli district and is located in the upper region of the Himalayas that is easily accessible on foot. 

Timings : 24 hours open

Price :Trek cost starts from INR 34,200 per person.

History of Nanda Devi National Park

In the year 1883, the first attempt was made by W. W. Graham to establish the Nanda Devi National Park but he could only reach up to Rishi Ganga. Other explorers also attempted the same but no one got success in their trials. Later, Eric Shipton and H. W. Tilman explored the inner sanctuary after crossing Rishi Ganga and in the year 1939, it was declared as the reserve park. 

Flora at Nanda Devi National Park

Speaking of the flora at the Nanda Devi National Park, it is covered with the rich vegetation of fir, birch, rhododendron, juniper and a few more. The weather is dry in the inner parts of the sanctuary and there is no vegetation in that area. While in the Ramani region the alpines and juniper scrubs dominate other regions that are covered with prone mosses, liches, and lush green trails of grass. The entire quarter features a wide collection of almost 312 floral species and some of them are rare to the park.

Fauna at Nanda Devi National Park

The animal population at the Nanda Devi National Park is dominated by an exclusive collection of leopard, common langur, wild bharal, common serow, wild brown bears, Himalayan musk deer, the brown bear goral, snow leopards, and Himalayan black bear. Apart from these, you can also spot a number of avian species like the rose finches, Himalayan tahr, ruby throat birds, and various other vibrant colored faunas. 

Places to Eat near Nanda Devi National Park

1. Panchvati Inn : Famed for its amazing local delights, the Panchvati Inn is in the proximity of Nanda Devi National Park. Here you can relish local meals with the signature mocktails that are prepared by the talented chefs. Each one of the dishes is well-garnished and the inquiries are a plus to the food that is served here. 

2. J.M.S. Restaurant : Boasting with stellar interiors and mouth-watering cuisines, JMS is a classic restaurant and a great pick if you are traveling with your family. It is located at a distance of 11.3 km from the Nanda Devi National Park and serves variants of cuisines right from Continental to Indian.

3. Auli ‘D’ Food Plaza : Another great place to chill with great vibes and lip-smacking food is the Auli ‘D’ Food Plaza. It is located at a distance of 8 km from the temple and is often frequented by youngsters.

Tips For Visiting Nanda Devi National Park

1. Make sure that you carry an extra pair of clothes as there can be rain in the months from June to September.

2. Wear comfortable shoes as the hike is steep.

3. Carry light and dry edibles as there are no cafes or restaurants on the route.

4. Make bookings in advance in the months from June to September as the accommodations are less in number and this marks the peak season of Nanda Devi National Park.

5. Take a prior entry permit for the park from Garhwal Mandal Vikas Nigam office in Joshimath.

6. Make sure that you travel in a group and hire a guide for your safety.

7. In the case of trekking, children below 14 years are not allowed.