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.
