The Garhwal Himalayas are renowned for their beauty and one such inspiring peak is that of Nanda

Devi.  Around the peak of the Nanda Devi is the national park which was established in 1982 and is today

a World Heritage site.

The Garhwal Himalayas are renowned for their beauty and one such inspiring peak is that of Nanda Devi.

Around the peak of the Nanda Devi is the national park which was established in 1982 and is today a

World Heritage site. The park comprises of the Valley of Flowers National Park and the Nanda Devi

Sanctuary which consists of a ring of  mountain peaks varying between 6000- 7500 meters. The entire

park lies at an elevation of more than 3,500 meters above sea level. Unfortunately, due to ecological

damage and environmental concerns, the park itself is closed to the public although the Nanda Devi

Sanctuary trek is still a highly rated trek.

The Nanda Devi trek passes through fairytale like meadows and valleys which lie on the border of the

Nanda Devi Sanctuary. While going Nanda Devi trekking, mountaineers get an unparalleled view of the

surrounding peaks such as Dunagiri and Kamet as well as that of the Kuari Pass itself. The Sanctuary is

divided into two parts:

The Inner Sanctuary: It covers almost two-thirds of the total area in the east comprising of the Nanda

Devi and two glaciers beside the peak- the Rishi Glacier in the north and the Rishi Glacier in the South. It

is believed that the first two trekkers to successfully enter the Inner Sanctuary were Eric Shipton and H.W.

Tilman in 1934.

The Outer Sanctuary: It covers almost a third of the total Sanctuary area in the west and is cut off from

the Inner Sanctuary by ridges. In fact, this 6000 meter high ridge wall is only broken through by the Rishi

Ganga. It is believed that T.G. Longstaff who climbed Trisul I( the glacier lying in the south) in 1907 was

the first person to successfully pass through the Outer Sanctuary.

One of the best Nanda Devi trekking routes begins from Joshimath. Trekkers travel by road to Lata Village and the Nanda Devi temple from where the Nanda Devi trek actually commences. The 4 hour trek to Lata Kharak which is a high plateau is a difficult climb but the scenery makes it worth the effort. The next stop is the Dharansi Pass and the trail offers a good view of snow clad peaks like the Dronagiri. From this pass, it is easier to access the Malthuni- Betratholi ridges which form a wonderful pass to Rani Kholi and Donidar. After returning to the Dharansi Pass, the next stop is the Hitoli camp site from Jhandi Dhar with a lovely trail that passes through forests of rhododendron and fir trees. Trekkers have to pass through the village of Tolma from where they can drive to back to Joshimath. This Nanda Devi National Park trek takes 10 days to complete.