Nanda Devi National Park

About Nanda Devi National Park

Nanda Devi National Park, also known as Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve. It was declared as a National Park in the year 1982. Later in the year 1988, the Valley of Flowers and other areas were marked under Nanda Devi National Park and declared World UNESCO Heritage Site and IUCN listed it in the category of Strict Nature Reserve as Nanda Devi and Valley of Flowers National Park. Only people above the age group of 14 are allowed into the National Park to maintain the serenity and the by looking at the difficulty level of the trek. Those willing to explore the Nanda Devi National Park on foot or by trek need to get special permissions. Medical Check-up is required and precautions are to be taken because of the hilly terrain. No more than two groups per day and four groups per week are allowed. A total of 312 floral species like Fir, Birch, Juniper scrubs, Rhododendron, grasses, lichens, prone mosses, etc, and 17 other rare species are found. Nanda Devi has various types of leopards, Himalayan Black Bear, Snow leopard, Goral, Bharal, Himalayan Tahr, Common Langur, Himalayan Musk Deer, Brown Bear, etc are found in abundance and over 100 bird species are found here

Geography of Nanda Devi National Park

Nanda Devi National Park is spread around 5000 sq. km at an elevation of around 7000 meters around the area of Nanda Devi Peak. The Park has remained untouched and still in its pristine stage because of the restrictions and inaccessibility. The Ring of the outer region of Nanda Devi Sanctuary is formed by the Himalayan Peaks like Ronti, Trishul, Nanda Ghunti, Hanuman, Behtartoli Himal, Mrigthuni, and Dunagiri. While Rishi Ganga originates at the confluence of two glaciers and flows through Rishi Gorge in the inner region. To reach Nanda Devi National Park motorable routes are available till Joshimath and further journey carried by a 13km oneway trek till the National park.

Places near Nanda Devi National Park

Valley of Flowers (approx 40.7 Km from Nanda Devi National Park)

Valley of Flowers falls in route to Govindghat, the starting point of the route to Hemkund Sahib Hemkund Sahib trek’s difficulty level. It is an Indian National Park and UNESCO World Heritage Site with beautiful varied Botanics. It is spread over 87.50 sq km, 8km long, and 2km wide. The color of the valley keeps changing during the season of March to October as different flowers are in bloom. The valley of flowers remains closed during the winters starting from October. The valley has over 600 exotic flowers like Orchids, Daisies, Poppies, Anemones, etc. The wild streams and cascading waterfalls add charm to the trek of the valley. Valley of flowers is also home to many wildlife species like flying squirrels, grey langurs, the Himalayan weasel, red fox, black bear, the Himalayan Monal, the snow leopards, lime- butterfly, etc.

Joshimath (approx 19.6 Km from Nanda Devi National Park)

Joshimath, also known as Jyotirmath is a sacred town, one of the four ‘math’ created by Adi Shankaracharya. It is considered the home of Sri Badrinath during winters, as Lord Badhri’s idol from Badrinath to Joshimath’s Vasudeva Temple in winters. Hindus consider this place as holy and the center of pilgrimage importance. One can find the Kalpavriksha, the oldest tree of India aging to nearing 1200 years old here. There are several Hindu Shrines to pay visit like the temples that are dedicated to Lord Narasimha, Naudevi, Gaurisharkar, Ganesh, Surya, and Hanuman. The Tehsil town of Joshimath is a famous hill station. Two important rivers Alaknanda and Dhauliganga meet at the confluence of Vishnu Prayag overlooking the town of Joshimath. Joshimath is located at an elevation of 1890mtrs. Joshimath to Nanda Devi National park is a 13km trek away.

Almora (approx 256 Km from Nanda Devi National Park)

Almora is a hill station at an elevation of 1638 meters known for its diverse culture. The temples here like Chitai Golu Temple and Nanda Devi Katarmal are 800 and 1000 -year-old temples, Kasar Devi and Jageshwar temples situated on the mountain peak of Kalimat are very famous. One can spend time shopping all Almora’s local stuff in the 2000-year-old Lala Bazar. The Nanda Devi Temple is one of the important places to visit in Almora, the temple’s origin dates to 1000 years old and gushed with devotees normally as well as during the Nanda Devi fair held every year in September on Ashtami after Bhadra Shukla. The distance from Nanda Devi National park to Almora is 256km.

Tapovan (approx 262 Km from Nanda Devi National Park)

Tapovan is a village near Joshimath known for its alluring views and majestic beauty. Tapovan is given the fame ‘Land of Serenity’ for its quaint village, slopes, valleys, and hot springs which is the major attraction of Tapovan. It proffers a beautiful view of encircled mountains and Greenlands. It is situated in the area above the Gangotri Glacier one of the primary sources of River Ganga at the foothills of Shivalik Ranges to an elevation of 4463 meters. It is a seasonal home to several sadhus who shelter in caves and huts along with a trekking destination. It is the base camp for several treks like for Bhagirathi peaks, Shivalik ranges, and many more. Tapovan to Nanda Devi National Park is at a distance of 262km.

Auli (approx 30 Km from Nanda Devi National Park)

Auli, also known as the ski resort of India. It would not be wrong if said, Auli is similar to a European village with wooden huts and snow-shrouded mountains at every view of the eye. It is situated at an elevation of 2505 meters. The place offers mesmerizing views of the snow-capped peaks of the Himalayas like Nanda Devi, Kamat, and Mana Parvat. Auli is bliss for professional skiers. Auli is a year-round destination. It is the gateway to many treks like the Valley of Flowers, Hemkund Sahib, Gorson Bugyal, Pangerchulla Summit, Tapovan, and many more. Auli’s artificial lake is a manmade lake at the world’s highest and one of its kind. Ropeway in Auli is a must-do activity that gives splendid views of the city. Auli from Nanda Devi National Park is at a distance of 30 km.

Best time to Visit Nanda Devi National Park

Nanda Devi National Park in Winters ( November- April)

Nanda Devi National Park in winter is closed for almost 6 months reasoning to its high altitude to heavy snowfall and extremely cold weather the place remains covered under snow. The average temperature ranges between 8℃ -20℃.

Nanda Devi National Park in Summers ( May- June )

Nanda Devi opens in Summers for tourists, the best time to visit the National park with family or friends is the warm weather and clear sky make it perfect to explore through the National Park with a variety of flora and fauna around. Different animals and birds can be spotted after long winters have finally left and many species of flowers bloom in this season. The average temperature ranges between 27℃- 43℃.

Nanda Devi National Park in Monsoon ( July- September)

Nanda Devi in Monsoon is open for visitors yet it is not advised as heavy and unpredicted rains in the surrounding areas hold the risk of landslides and floods. The average temperature ranges between 25℃- 38℃

How to Reach Nanda Devi National Park

Nanda Devi National Park by Air

The nearest Airport to Nanda Devi National Park is Jolly Grant Airport (DED) located at a distance of 295km. Further cab or taxi can be taken till Joshimath, and from Joshimath to Nanda Devi National Park a 13 km trek is to be covered. Jolly Grant Airport is well connected to Delhi and all major cities of India. Daily flights are available frequently from Indira Gandi International Airport (DEL) to Jolly Grant Airport (DED).

Nanda Devi National Park by Rail

The nearest railway station to Nanda Devi National Park is Rishikesh Railway Station (RKSH) situated at a distance of 270km. Later continue their journey by car, taxi, or bus multiple options are available from Rishikesh to Joshimath. Rishikesh has well-connected rail routes. From Delhi to Nanda Devi National Park, there are 7 trains from New Delhi Railway Station (NDLS) to Rishikesh Railway Station (RKSH) that run daily.

Nanda Devi National Park by Road

To reach Nanda Devi National Park by road the nearest place with a motorable road is Joshimath. A 13km trek has to be commenced further from Joshimath to Nanda Devi National Park. Direct Buses for Joshimath are available from, Nainital, Dehradun, and Rishikesh. To reach Delhi to Nanda Devi National Park the distance is a total of 535km via NH07 including the 13km trek from Joshimath.

Rishikesh to Nanda Devi National Park distance is 300km via NH07 including the 13km trek from Joshimath.
Munsiyari to Nanda Devi National Park distance is 334km via NH07 after the inclusion of a 13km trek from Joshimath.
Haridwar to Nanda Devi National Park distance is 327km via NH07 including the 13 km trek from Joshimath.

Places to Stay near Nanda Devi National Park

The Tattva

The Tattva is located in the foothills of the Himalayas in Joshimath is a luxurious resort with all kinds of services for the comfort of their guests. Due to its location, it provides the best vistas from every corner of the property, snow-clad mountains during the winters, and effervescent greenery during summers. They have three room categories Standard Rooms, Deluxe Rooms, and Premium Rooms with artistic interiors and furniture along with musical balconies that provide amazing morning and evening views of the mountains. Its multicuisine restaurant serves amazing North Indian, South Indian, Pahari, Lebanese, Chinese and Continental cuisines which are worth a try. It has outdoor activities like trekking, climbing, rescue training, ride and race, survival training, and rappelling whereas indoor activities like Pool Table, Table Tennis, and Yoga are on request. It is located 266.7km from Jolly Grant Airport via NH7 and 250 km from Rishikesh Railway Station.

Cliff Top Club

Cliff Top Club is the second-highest resort in the world located at an altitude of 10000 ft in the Garhwal region of Auli with a 270° view of the snow-blanketed Nanda Devi mountain along with Neelkanth, Trishul, Mana, Kamet, Dronagiri, and Mukut. The resort has 20 family suites to offer all equipped with art facilities and adequate lighting and heating facilities in every room. The property has amenities of Ski in or Ski-out, Hiking, provision of bicycle, laundry and dry cleaning service, free parking, and room service, yoga room, dine-in multicuisine restaurant, coffee shop, complimentary breakfast, and cab hire. It is 267km away from Jolly Grant Airport and 250.6km from Rishikesh railway station.

Ganga Resort Homely Stay

Ganga Resort Homely Stay in Joshimath provides a home away from home feels with its hospitality services at budget-friendly prices. The property is spread across 2-3 floors and provides alluring views of the surrounding landscape. The rooms provided by them have fully furnished Super Deluxe Rooms with all types of amenities, laundry service, access to the private kitchen is given along with a helper and if asked then a cook too. They have a bonfire every evening where guests can sit and enjoy the warmth in the cold weather. It is situated 285 km from Jolly Grant Airport and 271 km away from Rishikesh Railway Station.

GMVN

GMVN in Joshimath is the Uttarakhand government-established property providing luxury, deluxe, and low-budget accommodation for tourists visiting Garhwal. They provide all types of amenities 24hours hot and cold water, comfortable fully equipped rooms, free parking, complimentary breakfast, and many more. The distance from Jolly Grant Airport is 266 km and Rishikesh Railway station is 250 Km.

Places to Eat near Nanda Devi National Park

Panchvatti Inn

Panchvatti Inn is known for its local delight and signature mocktails in the propinquity of Nanda Devi National Park. Each and every dish is served well garnished that are prepared by the skilled chef. The place has beautiful landscapes of the surrounding Himalayan ranges for guests to soothe their eyes while having their meal.

J.M.S Restaurant

J.M.S Restaurant is popular for its outstanding interiors and delectable cuisines. It is a classic restaurant preferred while with family. It serves various cuisines like Continental, North -Indian, Chinese, Asian and more. J.M.S Restaurant serves its guest from morning 7 am to evening 11 pm.

Auli 'D" Food Plaza

Auli ‘D’ Food Plaza is a great place to chill with friends and family with appealing food and panoramic views of the Himalayan Ranges. It is open from Morning 9:30 am to evening 9:30 pm.