Nestled in the vicinity of Nanda Devi Mountain peak, Nanda Devi National Park is an epitome of unique natural phenomena and astonishing wilderness of Himalayan ranges. It extends in an area of 630 km2 in the high altitude of 7500 meters of Garhwal Himalayas.
Nanda Devi National Park
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The crown of Chamoli district of Uttarakhand, Nanda Devi National Park is one of the most biodiverse areas in the world. The park is encompassed by a buffer zone of Nanda Devi and Valley of Flowers National Park covering the area of more than 5000 km2.
It came in existence as a National Park in 1982 and later on it was conferred with the tag of UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1988 and Biosphere Reserve in 2004.
History and Significance of Nanda Devi National Park
The attempts to reach the Nanda Devi Peak had been made since 1883. After some failed attempts by mountaineers, finally in 1936, Tilman and N. E. Odell scaled the peak and brought this inexpressible place in front of the world.
After three years in 1939, it was recognized as Nanda Devi Sanctuary. Till 1950 the region was untouched and safe but in the mid of 1950s, some organized expeditions for Nanda Devi started. This led Indian government to declare the entire region as a National Park in 1982 in order to preserve the biodiversity of the place.
Since then, it is a protected area. Access to Nanda Devi National Park was banned in 1983 to protect it from the garbage build up and environmental degradation. However, after some years park has been opened for the tourists.
Nanda Devi National Park Timings, Time to visit and Entry fees
As Nanda Devi National Park is a snowy and hilly region, it only remains open for 6 months only from May to October. For the rest of the months, it is decked with snow covers.
Timings: 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM every day.
Entry Fees:
· 2500 per person- Indian
· 2600 per person- Foreigner
How To Reach Nanda Devi National Park
Reaching Nanda Devi National Park is somewhat complicated. You have to change transports frequently. Lata village connected to Joshimath is the entry pint to the Nanda Devi National Park.
So, after landing at Jolly Grant, the nearest Airport, and Rishikesh, the nearest railhead, first of all, you have to approach Joshimath which is around 280 km away from these places.
To get Joshimath, you can get myriad of transports every moment. After arriving Joshimath, take a shared jeep or bus for Lata village which is 21 km away from Joshimath.
The motorable roads are only till Lata village. From here, you have to trek to finally reach the Nanda Devi National Park. The trek begins from Lata Village to Dharasi, a distance of 4250 meters.
Also Read: Tungnath-Chandrashila-Deoriatal Trek in Garhwal Himalaya
Nanda Devi National Park Special Attractions
If you want to witness one of the richest ecosystems on the planet, visit Nanda Devi National Park. Surrounded by the mountain peaks from three sides and from one side by inaccessible Rishi Ganga Geoge, Nanda Devi National Park is the best destination for outdoor activities such as trekking, hiking, and camping.
No matter, how many days you spend here, you will never get enough of this place. The region is the cradle of myriad of rivers, streams, glaciers, hill stations, and is, of course, the paradise for trekkers and photography lovers.
Once you’re there, you won’t find something particular like ‘special attraction’ because the entire Nanda Devi National Park is itself a special fascination of nature.
There, the awe-inspiring beauty of nature will amuse you in every single step. To add more to your amusement, visit Nanda Devi Temple and adjoining Valley of Flowers National Park.
Flora
The courtyard of nature with mesmerizing panorama and sylvan environment, Nanda Devi National Park is a nature’s treasure to the world. Arguably, it is the richest preserves of the world having at least 312 floral species of which around 17 are the rare and endemic one.
Fir, Birch, Mosses, Lichens, and Rhododendron are some of the most common tress found in this park. In Nanda Devi National Park, nature unfolds its entire vista at its best. Here, flora is as varied as the beauty of nature itself.
Sprawling lush green landscapes, enchanting paddocks of Alpine Flowers, soothing ambiances of the place, waves of Rishi Ganga River and the white cascades make Nanda Devi National Park a heaven on earth.
Fauna
Nanda Devi National Park is not only restricted to the unrivaled floral diversity but also abounds in distinguished species of fauna. Approximately 80 species of mammals, 114 species of birds and 24 species of butterflies are found in this park.
If you’re a bird lover, the beauty and chirping of birds will captivate you here. Warblers, Grosbeaks, Rose Finches, Ruby Throat are some of the birds which can’t be sighted elsewhere.
Nanda Devi National Park is an abode to some unique animals which were once distinct but are back in existence again. Such endangered species includes Snow Leopard, Black Bear, Himalayan Thar, Musk Deer, Kokla, and Red Fox.
Nearby Attractions of Nanda Devi National Park
- Milam Glacier
- Kuari Pass
- Roopkund Lake
- Kalpeshwar
- Auli
- Badrinath
- Gangotri Glacier
- Chaukhamba
Hotels Near Nanda Devi National Park
As it is a hill station, you can’t spend the night there. But there are ample of stay opportunities around Nanda Devi National Park. The best possibilities are-
- Garhwal Mandal Nigam Hotel – 29.5 k away
- Clifftop Club -30.1 km away
- Sarovar Portico Badrinath – 34.1 km away
- Hotel Narayan Place – 34.1 km away
- Hotel Sudarshan Place – 46.5 km away
Best Restaurant Nearby
- Sawan Hotel
- Auli D Food Plaza
- Ahaar
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