At a glance

Nanda Devi Sanctuary Trekking in Garhwal India is one of the popular short trekking. Nanda Devi is the name of the sacred Goddess that signifies as “Bliss Giving Goddess” is the second highest peak in India. Nanda Devi National Park is situated Gharwal Himalaya in Chamoli district of Devbhoomi Uttarakhand. The glorious panoramas of peaks surround the National Park are Trishul (7120m) Dunagiri (7066m) Nanda Devi (7816m) Bethartoli (6352 m), Visit the legendary villages of Rainee and Lata, which were the birthplace of the Chipko movement in the Himalayas, Witness the rare and endangered animals of the Indian Himalaya like the Musk Deer, Blue Sheep, Serow, Himalayan Black Bear, Thar and Snow Leopard. Also the entire trail is blessed with 100 species of high altitude birds. Behold the sacred confluence of holy rivers at Devprayag, Rudraprayag and Nandprayag.

Description

No description of this trek would do justice to the landscape that unfolds in front of your eyes. This classic trek takes us across the scenic meadows and valleys that border the western edge of the Nanda Devi Sanctuary. The Nanda Devi National Park, a perfect place for the people who loves adventure. This park lies in the Upper Himalayas in the Chamoli district in the Garhwal division of Uttarakhand is one of the most beautiful place in India. It is dominated by the peak of Nanda Devi, which rises to over 7,816m. No humans live in the park, which has remained more or less intact because of its inaccessibility. It is the habitat of several endangered mammals, especially the snow leopard, Himalayan musk deer and bharal. During the trek there are many views of the surrounding peaks and the Kuari Pass (3658m) itself has an unrivalled panorama of the Great Himalayan peaks including Nanda Devi (7816m), Changabang (6864m), Dunagiri (7066m) and Kamet (7756m). Owing to the many mountaineering expeditions from the 1950s onwards, and the ensuing pollution and environmental damage caused by the same, in 1983 the Indian government closed the Sanctuary, that is now part of the UNESCO’s world heritage sites as World’s Network of Biosphere Reserves. Sir Edmund Hillary, in his autobiography, has described that the “Nanda Devi Sanctuary is God-gifted wilderness-India’s-training ground for adventure

Outline Itinerary

1 1 Delhi – Dehradun – Rishikesh

Arrive at IGI Airport New Delhi, Take a flight from IGI Airport to Jolly Grant Airport (Dehradun Airport), Upon arrival at Dehradun Airport, Meet our representative thereafter drive to Rishikesh (30 minutes drive) Rishikesh also known as Yoga capital of the world lies in the Shivalik ranges of the Himalayas. Check in to your pre booked hotel. In the evening visit the Ganga river bank for the spectacular and moving Aarti- show of lights, sounds and chanting. Rishikesh is well known for its scenic beauty and the spiritual experience. Overnight in Rishikesh.

2 2 Rishikesh to Joshimath Drive (1875m) (260Km/8-9Hrs)

After breakfast checkout and drive towards Joshimath, During this 260 km journey from Rishikesh to Joshimath, you will get tired, but you will also enjoy the panoramic views of the mountains along with Alaknanda river all way. During this drive you will see we will be passing all the confluences of Alaknanda river right from Devprayag to Vishnuprayag. In your day you will drive through Devprayag-Srinagar-Rudrapryag-Joshimath. You will reach Joshimath by evening, check into a hotel and overnight at Joshimath.

3 3 Joshimath to Lata Village (2317m) Drive (25kms/1 hrs) Trek (1.5Km/1hr)

Morning after breakfast checkout and drives on real mountain roads. The drive from Joshimath to Lata is about 25 km and takes approximately an hour. Lata is the starting point and one is introduced to porters and the trekking team. The trek to Lata village is a steep climb through fields and group of unoccupied houses one arrives at the village. As you reach the village of Lata, you will find the traditional village houses built with wood and covered with stone roofs. A warm welcome at the village is a unique experience as resident of Lata are considered friendly and famous for their hospitality. In the evening visit the Nanda Devi Temple and explore the village. Overnight in the village.

4 4 Lata Village to Lata Kharak (3689m) (9kms/8-9hrs)

Morning after local breakfast trek start your trek to Lata Kharak. The trek from Lata village is typical and climbs gradually through Oak, Rhododendron and Pine forests, The going is difficult and tiring but very satisfying as the trail unfolds before one’s eyes. Lata Kharak is a highland with high peaks surrounding it. It takes about three hours to reach Bhelta. Bhelta is known for its medicinal plants and alpine flowers. From Bhelta, Lata Kharak is five kilometres away. Finally terminating at the campsite at Lata Kharak. Overnight dinner and stay in tents.

5 5 Lata Kharak to Dharansi Pass (4250m) (10kms/6-7hrs)

Good morning after a good night’s sleep, towering snow covered peaks all around. Dronagiri, Nanda Gunthi and many more around. Start early in the morning, trek ahead from Lata Karak, taking a trail going along a series of grazing land. The trek from Lata Kharak climbs steeply to reach Jhandi Dhar. From here trail continues to ascend and descend through the narrow gully to reach Dharansi Pass. The stunning view of Nanda Devi is venerable amongst many other Himalayan peaks. A final ascent over a rocky ridge gets you to Dharansi. Overinight stay in tents.

6 6 Dharansi Pass to Hitoli Camp Site (2950m) (12kms/6-7hrs)

Morning after early breakfast, it is the time to trek down to Lata. Trace the way down to Jhandi Dhar. From here, refer to the stone map and take the trail heading down towards your right to Tolma. The descent is long. It’s quite challenging on the knees. Take small steps and don’t descend too fast. You now enter an alluring forest of Rhododendron, Birch and Fir. The forest track is refreshing with many water points. The pathway heads down to a small camping ground of Hitoli. Overnight in camp./timeline_item]

7 7 Hitoli Campsite to Joshimath via Tolma (2161m) (8 Kms/4-5hrs)

After breakfast get ready for the 8Km trek that goes through the delightful village of Tolma. Afterwards get jeep to the road from where it is a 30 km drive to Joshimath. You will trek through thick forests of Rhododendron, Birch and many others. Upon arrival at Joshimath check into hotel. Dinner and overnight stay at Joshimath.

8 1 Joshimath to Dehradun Drive via Rishikesh (295Km/8-9Hrs)

Early morning drive to Dehradun via Rishikesh. Arrive Dehradun Airport by late afternoon. Departure for airport to catch onward flight according to your flight schedule.