Nanda Devi National Park is situated in Chamoli district of Uttaranchal.
The spectacular panoramas of peaks encircling the National Park are Trishul
(7120 mt.) Dunagiri (7066 mt.) Nanda Devi (7817 mt.) Nanda Devi East (7430
mt.) Bethartoli (6352 mt.) etc. The beautiful surroundings with abundant
flora and fauna like Brahma-Kamal and Bharal (blue mountain goat) make this
a sanctuary of nature.
In
1982 access to trekkers into the Nanda Devi National Park was banned to
protect its biodiversity. The Nanda Devi National Park, which has been
declared a world heritage site, has been partially opened recently for
restricted number of tourist.
Sir Edmund Hillary, in his autobiography, has described that the "Nanda
Devi Sanctuary is God-gifted wilderness-India's-training ground for
adventure"……
Approach
From Rishikesh to Joshimath is a 253 kms drive followed by a further drive
of 25 kms to the road head at Lata village where the trek begins.
Visiting Season
The park will remain open for a period of six months from 1st May and close
on 31st October.
Visitor's number and movement
The visitors will move in groups. Each group will consist of maximum of
five visitors. Not more than two groups are permitted in one day and not
more than four groups will be permitted in one week. One registered guide
will accompany every five visitors. Visitors only above 14 years will be
allowed to go inside the park. It will be mandatory for all the tourists to
obey and observe all the provisions of wildlife protection act inside the
park area.
Medical fitness
However,
since the terrain is hilly and arduous, a visitor should get himself
medically checked and should take all precautionary measures on his own.
Itinerary for Nanda Devi National Park (NDNP) Tour/Trek
Day From -To Drive/Trek (kms.) Description
Day 01 : Delhi - Rishikesh
Delhi to Rishikesh ( 225 Kms 5-6 hours)
Day 02 : Rishikesh - Joshimath
Rishikesh (340 m) Joshimath (1890m) 253 kms drive After breakfast drive to
Joshimath 253 kms. Lunch in route Overnight TRH Joshimath
Day 03 : Joshimath - Badrinath
Joshimath to Badrinath (45 Kms 3 hours drive) This is one major shrine
among four major shrine in this region. This is the border area and this
Mana Pass was famous for trading in ancient trading between Tibet and India.
Day 04 : Joshimath - Lata Village
Joshimath Lata Road Head (2000 m) Lata village (2317 m) 25 kms drive to
Lata village road head and 1.5 km trek to Lata village This is the last
human habitation on our trekking route. Trekking would be given on exposure
with the unique culture and customs of the region. Visit Lata village and
the famous Nanda Devi temple. Overnight in village.
Day 05 : Lata village - Lata Kharak
Lata
village Lata Kharak (3689 m) 8.5 kms trek The first day of the trek is
probably the toughest and involves a steep ascent of almost 1524 m with a
break at Belta. Today's trek can be anything from 6 to 10 hours depending
upon the individual trekkers. However it is an excellent beginning from the
point of view of acclimatization. The camp/hut at Lata Kharak is situated on
the height of 3689m and high plateau surrounded by towering rocky Pinnacles.
Overnight in Hut/tent.
Day 06 : Lata Kharak - Jhandi Dhar Bagfyana Satkul Dharansi Pass
Lata Kharak Jhandi Dhar Bagfyana Satkul Dharansi Pass (4250 m) 10 kms trek
Wake up at down to breath taking view of Mount Bithartoli-Himal (6354 m),
Nanda Ghunti (6309 m), Ranthi Peak (6003 m) Dronagiri (7066 m) and the vast
view of Kunwari pass, Auli, Urgam Valley and Lata Village. After breakfast
trek begins with a steep climb up to Jhandi Dhar and further up to Bagfyana
pass. From Bagfyana the trail posses through a very narrow gorge of Satkula
with steep ascents and descents and finally one arrive at the meadows of
Dharansi pass where we stop for the overnight near the water point.
Overnight in tents.
Day 07 : Dharansi Pass - Debrugheta
Dharansi Pass Debrugheta (3500 m) and back to Dharansi Pass 14 kms trek
Like the inner sanctuary, the prominent Malthuni-Bethartoli ridge, between
Dharansi Pass and Debrugheta, also divides the outer sanctuary. Both these
ridges from magnificent Pass to Rani Kholi and up to Donidhar is a gradual
descent and then from Donidhar to Debrugheta is a steep descent of 750 m
till one cross the improvised bridge over the stream. Afternoon return trek
to Dharansi Pass. Overnight in tent.
Day 08 : Dharansi Pass - Satkula - Bagfyana - Jhandi Dhar
Dharansi
Pass (4250 m), Satkula, Bagfyana, Jhandi Dhar, Hitoli Campsite 12 kms trek
Return trek up to Jhandi Dhar of about 7.5 kms and further steep descent of
4,5 kms, through the rich forest of Rhododendron, Birch and Raga fur.
Overnight in tents at Hitoli campsite.
Day 09 : Hitoli Campsite - Tolma village - Surai Thotha
Hitoli Campsite, Tolma village, Surai Thotha (2161 m) road head, Joshimath
8 kms trek and 30 kms drive Ater breakfast 5 kms trek down to Tolma village
through the rich forest ot Thuner, Kail, Ddevdar and Surai. Then further
trek down 3 kms to road head Surai Thotha. Drive to Joshimath 30 kms.
Overnight in TRH Joshimath.
Day 10 : Joshimath - Haridwar
Joshimath Haridwar 273 kms drive After breakfast to Rishikesh 253 kms.
Lunch enroute. On arrival Rishikesh tour/trek concludes.
Day 11 : Haridwar - Delhi
Haridwar to Delhi by drive or train ( 200 kms 4-5 hours drive)
Note :- Itinerary will be strictly adhered to as per
guidelines laid down by Nanda Devi National Park authorities.
