Nanda Devi National Park Travel Guide
A comprehensive tour guide to Nanda Devi National Park, including places to visit, hiking trails, accommodations, local culture and customs, and safety tips.
- Introduction to Nanda Devi National Park
- List of Places to Visit in Nanda Devi National Park
- Hiking/Biking Routes of Nanda Devi National Park
- Best Things to Do in Nanda Devi National Park: Activities and Tours
- Week-Long Itinerary for Nanda Devi National Park
- Food and Drink Scene of Nanda Devi National Park
- Where to Stay in Nanda Devi National Park: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
- What to Buy in Nanda Devi National Park: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
- Local Culture and Customs of Nanda Devi National Park
- Best Time to Visit Nanda Devi National Park
- Do’s and Don’ts of Nanda Devi National Park
- Safety and Health
- Getting to Nanda Devi National Park: Transportation Options and Logistics
- How to Get Around in Nanda Devi National Park
- Where to Go Next from Nanda Devi National Park: Nearby Destinations and Excursions
- Conclusion
Introduction to Nanda Devi National Park
Nanda Devi National Park is situated in Garhwal, in the Indian state of Uttarakhand, encompassing the Nanda Devi mountain range in the Himalayas. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site and a paradise for nature lovers, hikers, and adventure enthusiasts. The park is named after Nanda Devi, the second highest mountain in India, towering at over 7,800 meters.
List of Places to Visit in Nanda Devi National Park
Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places
- Joshimath: It is an ancient town and the gateway to the park. It has several ancient temples and monasteries, including the Kalpavriksha, Adi Badri, and the Narasingh Temple.
- Auli: Auli is a famous skiing destination and has numerous temples, including the Goddess Nanda Devi temple and the Hanuman temple.
- Hemkund Sahib: It’s a revered Sikh pilgrimage site and is located at an altitude of 4632 meters above sea level.
- Valley of Flowers National Park: The park is home to a variety of flora and fauna, including the Himalayan blue poppy, Himalayan cobra lily, and Himalayan black bear.
Natural Attractions of Nanda Devi National Park: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views
- Roopkund: Roopkund is a glacial lake known as the skeleton lake because of the hundreds of human skeletons found around its edge.
- Nanda Devi Peak: Nanda Devi, the second highest peak in India, is one of the main attractions of the park.
- Rishikesh: Rishikesh is located on the banks of the Ganges and is a hub of adventure activities like white-water rafting, caving, bungee jumping.
- Dehradun: Dehradun is a popular hill station and home to the renowned Wildlife Institute of India.
Hiking/Biking Routes of Nanda Devi National Park
- Nanda Devi East Base Camp Trek: It is a 20-day trek to the base camp of the Nanda Devi peak, offering stunning views of the Himalayas.
- Valley of Flowers Trek: The trek to Valley of Flowers is an easy two-day trek with panoramic views of the Himalayas.
- Roopkund Trek: The trek to Roopkund will take you through a dense forest and across rivers with scenic views of snow-capped peaks.
Best Things to Do in Nanda Devi National Park: Activities and Tours
- Wildlife Safaris: Visitors can choose from various safari options to explore the diverse wildlife of the park.
- Birdwatching: Nanda Devi National Park is a haven for birdwatchers, with over 200 species found here.
- Skiing and Snowboarding: Auli is a popular skiing destination and offers skiing and snowboarding activities for adventure enthusiasts.
Week-Long Itinerary for Nanda Devi National Park
| Day | Activity |
|---|---|
| 1 | Arrive at Haridwar, travel to Joshimath |
| 2 | Visit Kalpavriksha, Adi Badri, and the Narasingh Temple |
| 3 | Trek to the Valley of Flowers |
| 4 | Trek to Hemkund Sahib |
| 5 | Explore Roopkund Lake and the surroundings |
| 6 | Day trip to Auli for skiing and snowboarding |
| 7 | Visit Rishikesh and Dehradun for adventure activities and local sightseeing |
Food and Drink Scene of Nanda Devi National Park
Must-Try Dishes
- Kachmauli: A lamb dish, cooked with yoghurt and spices.
- Bhang Ki Chutney: It is a spicy chutney made with hemp seeds.
- Madhura: It is a sweet dish made with wheat flour, ghee, and sugar.
Local Beverages
- Buransh Juice: It is a juice made from the Buransh flower, which is native to the region.
- Local Brew: The local brew is called “Chang” and is made from fermented rice.
Where to Stay in Nanda Devi National Park: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
- GMVN Tourist Bungalows: The Garhwal Mandal Vikas Nigam (GMVN) tourist bungalows are a budget-friendly accommodation option.
- The Tattva Resort: It is a luxury resort nestled in the lap of the Himalayas.
- The Oak Grove Inn: The Oak Grove Inn is a mid-range hotel with comfortable rooms and a restaurant serving local cuisine.
What to Buy in Nanda Devi National Park: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
- Pashmina Shawls: The shawls are made from the wool of the Pashmina goat and are warm and soft.
- Hemp Products: Indigenous hemp products like bags and clothing are popular souvenir options.
- Tea and Spices: The region is known for producing flavorful tea and spices such as cardamom, cinnamon, and cloves.
Local Culture and Customs of Nanda Devi National Park
- The people of the region have their unique language called Garhwali.
- They celebrate various festivals like Bikhauti Mela and Nanda Devi Raj Jat Yatra.
- Visitors are expected to dress modestly and respect the local customs and traditions.
Best Time to Visit Nanda Devi National Park
The best time to visit Nanda Devi National Park is from May to November as the weather is pleasant, and the park looks stunning with flowers blooming throughout the valley.
Do’s and Don’ts of Nanda Devi National Park
Do:
- Respect the environment and wildlife of the park.
- Hire a licensed guide for trekking.
- Carry appropriate clothing and gear for the activities you wish to do.
Don’t:
- Litter the park or disturb the wildlife.
- Go off the marked trails without a guide.
- Ignore the advice of your guide or locals.
Safety and Health
Safety in Nanda Devi National Park
- Carry appropriate clothing and gear for the activities you wish to do.
- Stay hydrated and carry water and electrolyte drinks to prevent dehydration.
- Avoid traveling during monsoon and winter as the park may be closed for safety reasons.
Health in Nanda Devi National Park
- Visitors are advised to take precautions against altitude sickness.
- Carry a first aid kit and essential medications.
- Avoid drinking water from natural sources like streams and rivers.
Getting to Nanda Devi National Park: Transportation Options and Logistics
Airports Near Nanda Devi National Park
The nearest airport to Nanda Devi National Park is the Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun, which is well-connected with major Indian cities.
Bus Stations Near Nanda Devi National Park
The nearest bus station is in Joshimath, which is well-connected with major cities in Uttarakhand.
Other Options
Private taxis and shared jeeps are available for transport, and you can also hire a car for a comfortable journey.
How to Get Around in Nanda Devi National Park
Hiking and trekking are the best ways to explore the park, and visitors can also book a jeep safari or hire a taxi for traveling within the park.
Where to Go Next from Nanda Devi National Park: Nearby Destinations and Excursions
- Kedarnath: Kedarnath is a famous Hindu pilgrimage site located 236 km from Nanda Devi National Park.
- Badrinath: It is a significant pilgrimage site and one of the four Char Dham sites in Uttarakhand.
- Haridwar: It’s a popular tourist destination known for its temples, ashrams, and Ganga aarti ceremony.
Conclusion
Nanda Devi National Park is a beautiful jewel in India’s crown, offering breathtaking views, incredible natural beauty, and a unique cultural experience. The comprehensive guide provided in this article, including places to visit, hiking trails, accommodations, local culture, safety tips, and nearby destinations, will help you plan your trip to Nanda Devi National Park with ease.
