Nanda Devi Peak

About Nanda Devi Peak

The name ‘Nanda Devi’ translates to ‘Bliss giving Goddess’ believed as the patron Goddess of the Uttarakhand Himalayas holds great significance. There are several legends about the Patron Goddess of the Himalayas believed by the locals. One of those is Nanda was a beautiful young princess daughter of the Chamoli’s Chanda dynasty King. She ran for her life to save herself from the wily Rohilla Prince who was deeply in love with Nanda. After the King’s denial to marry off her daughter to him, the prince waged war against the King and defeated him. During the run to save herself, Nanda climbed the snowy mountain and merged with the holy mountain. The mountain was revered to Nanda as a temple and she was defied as Devi. The Nanda Devi mountain is two peaked mountains where the western peak at tallest is Nanda Devi Peak and the eastern peak is called Sunanda Devi is known to be the younger sister of Nanda Devi and was formerly known as Nanda Devi East. Nanda Devi is believed to be an incarnation of Goddess Durga and is an angry Goddess. Every auspicious task is done by first offering to Goddess Nanda Devi which could be simple stones, flowers, coins, animals, etc. It is believed that during the Teerth Yuga when Laxman fell comatose and Hanuman in search of Sanjeevani Booti came to Dunagiri mountain in Almora of Chamoli District and was unable to find the herb he broke a piece of the mountain carrying it to Sri Lanka without seeking permission from Nanda Devi. Angry Nanda Devi on this said anyone uttering Hanuman’s name will be severely punished. There are no temples or signs of worshipping Hanuman are found in these parts. There are treks which can be done to explore the mountain. To climb the summit of the Nanda Devi trek permit is required by the Mountaineering Foundation of India and a Government Liasion will companionate with the team. The fees are charged according to the level of difficulty and height. Apart from that Nanda Devi National Park is also a part of Nanda Devi Peak with Several exotic species of flora and fauna. The peak was closed in the year 1983 for any activities considering the damage being caused by excessive summit climbing activity and to conserve the ecosystem.

Nanda Devi Peak Geography

Nanda Devi is the second highest peak of India after Kanchenjunga in Sikkim and 23rd highest peak in the world. Nanda Devi Peak is located in the Greater Himalayas of the Garhwal region in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand. Goriganga Valley and Rishiganga Valley surrounding the Nanda Devi peaks along with other mountains encircled in the east and the west. Nanda Devi is a two-peaked mountain where the western peak is tallest at an elevation of 7,817 meters officially known as Nanda Devi Mountain and the eastern peak at an elevation of 7756 meters known as Sunanda Peak meaning Sister of Nanda was formally known as Nanda Devi East. Both the peaks together are known as Nanda Devi and Sunanda Devi. The Nanda Devi mountain’s height of 4300 meters is covered with snow throughout the year. Rishiganga river flows the melted glacier of the Nanda Devi gorges. Several streams and rivers flow from the melted glaciers of Nanda Devi later they groove into the Rishiganga river that further joins one of the tributaries of River Ganga, Dhauliganga which then joins Alaknanda at Vishnuprayag.

Plan My Packages Recommends: Places near Nanda Devi Peak

Milam Glacier (20km from Nanda Devi Base camp)

Milam Glacier is the largest glacier in the Kumaon region and one of the remotest yet accessible glaciers of Uttarakhand spread over 37 sq kilometers. Milam Glacier is the source of the Gori Ganga river which is the main tributary of the Kali River. The trek to the Milam Glacier is of moderate level and adventurous like walks along the Gori Ganga, crossing the hills, passing the rugged terrains, chunks of ice and wooden bridges adding to it are the alluring and mesmerizing views of the Himalayas. It is situated at the base of Mount Trishuli at an elevation of 3438 meters. The distance of Milam Glacier from Nanda Devi base camp is 20 km.

Bhavisya Badrinath (65 km from Munsiyari)

Bhavisya Badrinath meaning the future Badrinath is located 3 km away from Tapovan is one of the five sacred Badris. According to the legends, it is believed this temple will be converted to Badrinath in the future as Badrinath would become untraceable due to weather conditions in the future. It is situated in an unexplored and dense forest at an elevation of 2744 meters above the Dhauliganga river. The quadrangular idol of Lord Shiva emerging naturally on one rock is growing year by year. When Guru Adi Shankaracharya took Badri Vishal from Tapta Kund an announcement was made, based on the augury, the route to Badrinath Dham will get blocked by a ruinous landslide from Nara and Narasimha mountains when the right arm of Lord Narasimha idol falls off in a temple in Joshimath dedicated to Lord Narasimha at the end of Kalyug and Bhavisya Bhadrinath will take place of Badrinath Dham. The distance Nanda Devi Peak’s entry point, Lata village to Bhavishya Badrinath is 17kms and 65 km from Munsiyari.

Kalpeshwar (54 km from Lata village)

Kalpeshwar holds religious importance for Hindus as it is the last and the fifth temple in the Panch Kedar pilgrimage circuit. It is situated in the Urgam Valley of the Garhwal region at an elevation of 2200 meters. It is the only temple of Panch Kedar which is open all year round the year. Lord Shiva is worshipped here in the form of his matted hair or the Jata. Trek to this shrine is an amazing journey through alluring valleys thick forest and bushes, panoramic views, etc. As Kalpeshwar is one of the Panch Kedar, the temple is gushed with devotees throughout the year. One can have a blissful view of the Himalayas like Nanda Devi, Chaukhamba, Bandarpoonch, and Kedarnath. Nanda Devi to Kalpeshwar distance from Lata village is 54km.

Roopkund

Roopkund lake is a glacial lake situated in the interiors of the Chamoli district in the Trishul Massif at an elevation of 5029 meters. Roopkund treks are very for their panoramic views of the mountains in the surrounding. The lake is also popular by the name of Skeleton lake as nearly 300 skeletons dating back to 500-600 years ago are found here. There are many stories believed by the locals about the skeletons. Many say there are of General Zorawar’s skeleton who died in the failed attempt of conquering Tibet, whereas some believe those are the remains of the pilgrims who went for Raj-Jaat Yatra to Hemkund but near returned.

Munsiyari

Munsiyari is an alluring hill station situated at an altitude of 2298 meters. The term Munsiyari translates to a place with snow and is referred to as ‘Little Kashmir’. Munsiyari is heaven for trekkers. The Panchachuli ranges of five peaks are the main destination of Munsiyari that attracts thousands of tourists. The hill station is full of enthralling views of the Himalayas. It is base on many treks like Milam, Ralam, Namik Glaciers. Munsiyari is famous for activities like trekking, birds watching, village tourism, and shopping. Sunrise and sunsets are a must-experience activity as the sun jagging behind the peaks during the golden hours is not an everyday bliss to watch.

Best time to Visit Nanda Devi

Nanda Devi in Summers ( April- June)

Summers in Nanda Devi has a pleasant and clear sky, it is the best time for trekking as in the clear weather different species of flora and fauna can be spotted. The trek will be easy to complete without any environmental disturbances. Majorly trekkers prefer this season to commence their trek. Because of Nanda Devi being a peak and located at a high altitude the summers are not too hot here.

Nanda Devi in Monsoon (July-Aug)

Nanda Devi in monsoon remains inaccessible and is closed due to heavy rains as there is a high risk of landslides and floods and the roads get slippery making it unfavorable for trekking.

Nanda Devi in Post Monsoon (Mid Sept- Mid October)

Nanda Devi post-monsoon is a favorable time to trek as the flowers here are in fullest bloom post-monsoon, one can spot different exotic and endangered species of flowers. The path becomes more lively with green meadows and colorful flowers blooming everywhere.

Nanda Devi in Winters ( November- March)

Nanda Devi in winters is fully covered with snow and the temperature drops to minus. The roads remain closed due to heavy snowfall. Hence the destination also remains closed for visitors. In the Winter Season, Nanda Devi is inaccessible due to the snow-covered paths and severe drop in temperature making the weather extremely cold and chilly.

How to Reach Nanda Devi Peak

Nanda Devi by Air

The nearest airport to Nanda Devi is Pantnagar Airport (PGH). The airport is not busy as compared to Jolly Grant Airport ( DED). There are 4 flights available from Indira Gandhi International Airport( DEL) per week. Further, the roads are well connected for buses, cabs, and taxis till Munsiyari. The distance from Pantnagar Airport to Munsiyari is 312km. Another nearest airport to Nanda Devi with frequent flights from major cities of India is Jolly Grant Airport. Flights of Air India, Indigo, and Spicejet have multiple flights each day at affordable prices. From Jolly Grant Airport cabs, taxis, government, and private buses are available.

Nanda Devi by Rail

The nearest railway station to Nanda Devi is Kathgodam Railway Station (KGM) at a distance of nearly 180km is a 3 platformed station where trains from different cities of India halt. 1 Daily and 1 weekly train are available from New Delhi which takes a minimum of 05hr and 30 mins and a maximum of 08hr 40 mins. Cabs, local buses, and Taxis are available from there till Munsiyari covering a distance of 278 km.

Nanda Devi by Road

The nearest motorable town to Nanda Devi East Base Camp is Munsiyari. The roads are well constructed for the accessibility of buses, taxis, and cabs to Munsiyari. To travel further trek has to be done till Nanda Devi Base camp. The distance between Delhi to Munsuyari is 580 km via Almora-Bageshwar-Munsiyari Rd. Kausani to Munsiyari is165 km. Almora to Munsiyari is 198 km. Pithoragarh to Munsiyari is 129 km via NH09 and Jauljibhi - Madkote Rd.

Places to Stay near Nanda Devi Peak

Milam Inn, Munsiyari

Milam Inn in Munsiyari is one of the topmost preferences of tourists. It is encircled by the dense forest situated in the foothills of the Great Himalayas providing a panoramic view of the Panchachuli peaks from every room. Milam Inn hosts thousands of guests from all over the world each year. Their services make one feel like a home away from home. The property provides facilities of free parking, internet, 24hr hot and cold water facility, car rental, evening bonfire, snow skiing, trekking guide, and support, Outdoor lunch, and many more. It is situated at a distance of 273 km from Katgodham Railway Station and 309km from Pantnagar Airport.

Himalayan Glamping Retreat

Himalayan Glamping Retreat provides a luxurious stay in the remote part of Munsiyari. It provides the joy of camping in a glamorous way along with the luxurious like of the hotel. The camps are completely furnished with all luxuries required for a comfortable stay. It provides facilities like free parking comfortable beds and furniture, complimentary breakfast, paid arrangements for tour leaders, hiking, trekking, and birdwatching are activities arranged by them on fees charged basis. It is located 313km from Pantnagar Airport and 286.3 km from Katgodham railway station.

KMVN, Munsiyari

KMVN, Munsiyari is the Uttarakhand government-established property providing luxury, deluxe, and low-budget accommodation for tourists visiting the Kumaon region for quite a few decades. 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 Pantnagar Airport is 310.5 km and Katgodham Railway station is 284 km.

Vijay Mount View Resort

Vijay Mount View Resort is known for its local architecture with modern facilities. The resort is run by a locally popular Pangati family. The staff here is also dedicated to customer satisfaction. It is a Deluxe hotel with Deluxe, Super Deluxe family suite, Super Deluxe, Super Deluxe wooden and Luxury family suite rooms are available. They also have a restaurant serving multi-cuisine dishes like Indian, Continental, Chinese, and special Kumaon food. The amenities provided by them are 24hrs hot and cold water, free parking space, trekking tour facility, travel desk, bonfire and kitchen facilities, airport and railway station transfer facilities are available on demand. It is located 272 km away from Katgodham Railway Station and 310 km away from Pantnagar Airport.

Places to Eat near Nanda Devi

As for the trekking to the peak, Munsiyari is the last town with markets to shop for foods and vegetables for future use.

Himalayan Bistro

Himalayan Bistro situated in the heart of Munsiyari is famous among tourists for its amazing, multi-cuisine dishes and the views of the snow-clad mountains from the property. Dinning with the view of alluring snow-clad mountains is not a daily thing to do. The reasonable prices for the amazing taste make people visit here again.

Igloo Restaurant

Igloo Restaurant as the name suggests is known for the igloo shape architecture so is famous for its amazing food at reasonable prices. It is surely a great place to dine and chill out with friends along with the views of majestic mountains enveloping from all sides.

Noorjehan Hotel

Noorjehan Hotel is popularly known for its non-veg dishes along with its specialty, Kerala parotta. It is one of the popular and well-known hotels in Palakkad town. Though it is rated top in the list of popularity the prices of the dishes are not highly rated and are at reasonable prices. It is located in the main city itself just a 5 min walk from the Palakkad town bus stand.