One
of the most Spectacular Wilderness areas in the Himalayas.
Why Nanda Devi
The Nanda Devi National Park is one of the most spectacular wilderness
areas in the Himalayas. It is overshadowed by the peak of Nanda Devi, which
rises to over 7,800 m. Nanda Devi National Park was established in the year
1980. The first men on record to have reached this park, while yet in its
pristine form, were the the British Mountaineers Eric Shipton and Bill
Tilman. The area had largely remained untouched till then, except for
Tilman's successful attempt on Nanda Devi in the year 1936. However, since
1950 the increasing number of treks & climbing expeditions to the area
has to some extent affected the virgin characteristic of this place. Nanda
Devi National Park is characterised by the unique mix of flora and fauna.
Key Factors
State : Uttaranchal,
in the northern part of India.
Climate : Maximum Temperature 25.90°C; Minimum Temperature
12.50°C. Being in the high altitudes, Nanda Devi National Park has a
distinct climate. For six months of the year, the region remains under a
snow cover. For the rest of the year, the region has a dry climate with
heavy rainfall from June to August. April to June are the months when the
temperature increases a bit and they are the months when one can visit this
place.
Area : 630 sq. kms.
Travel Tips : Consult your doctor before leaving for your
destination. Get the special permits to explore the park.
Best Time to Visit : April to October
Nearest Town : Joshimath
Get There
You can reach the Nanda Devi National Park by air, rail or road. But, to
explore the park you have to traverse on foot.
International Airport : New Delhi
Airport : Nearest airport is Jollygrant, 221 kms.
Railways : Rishikesh is the nearest Railway station.
Road : Well connected to Dehradun, Haridwar, Rishikesh, Nanital, &
Almora.
Stay There
Nearest accommodation is available at Joshimath You will find numerous
accommodation here. There are several hotels for the tourists designed
according to the taste of every single tourist visiting the place. There is
a Tourist Rest House and a P.W.D. Inspection House for the tourists.
Venture Into The Nanda Devi
To explore the park you have to traverse on foot, for which special permits
are required. Before you start, make sure that you have the permits to
stroll inside the park. For any trip to the park, Joshimath serves as an
important point. The rich vegetaion and the luxuriant surroundings are
exceptional in this area. Traverse through the dense forest cover is
restricted to the Rishi Gorge. The main vegetation you will find here is of
fir, birch, rhododendron, and juniper. As you go further & further
inside the sanctuary, you will come across more & more dry conditions
and near the Nanda Devi Glacier the vegetation is almost nil. Starting from
Ramani, the vegetation changes to alpine and the place is dominated by the
juniper scrubs. The way gradually leads to the area with grasses, prone
mosses, and lichens. As you pass through 312 floral species of which around
17 are considered rare you will meet several Fauna & Avi-fauna, just try
to catch hold of them in your cam.
The Fauna
The Fauna section of the park will present animals like bharal, Himalayan
tahr, serow, goral, snow leopard, Himalayan black bear, brown bear, leopard,
common langur, Himalayan musk deer, and brown beer dominate the park area.
There are nearly 80 species of birds in this area. Warblers, gresbreaks,
rose finches and ruby throat are commonly seen here.
Additional Punch
If you wish to make your tour too spicy then head towards the higher
altitudes in the Garhwal Himalayas. Badrinath, Valley of Flowers and Hemkund
Sahib - can be approached from the Nanda Devi National Park. Visit to these
place will surely add some spice to your wildlife tour.
Extend
the Trip
The entire Uttranchal is overwhelming. The scenic beauty around the sloppy
lands will astound you. This is a perfect place to relax and spend some
moments in tranquility. Places like Nainital, Valley of Flowers and Garhwal
will refresh and revitalize you. If you are desirous of some adventurous
activities then head towards the neighbouring state of Himachal Pradesh.
Kullu, Manali, Kangra and Shimla are some exquisite places in Himalchal
Pradesh, which will bring the sportsman out of you.
Few Difficulties
You may face problems in expressing your feelings to the local people, as
they can not communicate in English. The main language of this region is
Garhwali & Hindi. Only the educated people can speak English here. The
terrain is rugged and sometimes it is too chilling, especially in winters.
Transport facility is limited. Too much snow fall blocks the routes in the
winters.
Few Suggestions
Carry some winter clothes with yourself, if you are planning to visit in
the winter season. Also carry some hiking and trekking shoes along with
yourself. Get friendly to the local people, they would be of great help.
Please do not try to disturb the local culture and the local atmosphere. If
you want to know more about your destination then feel free to contact us.
