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Nanda National Park is a pristine getaway hotspot favored by trekkers for its wilderness and diverse biosphere. It is nestled in the Himalayas by the beautiful Rishi Ganga gorges and abundant flora and fauna like the Brahma kamal and Bharal, the blue mountain goat. This place also has sightings of endangered species like the snow leopard. You will be mesmerized by the natural landscape. The park opens for six months from May to October and visitors flock in during these months to see the natural beauty and wildflowers abundantly blooming in this park.
Location
Photo: Anaimudi22 / Wikimedia Commons
This Nanda Devi National Park is located in the Chamoli, Garhwal region of Uttarakhand. This park has a 5000-kilometer buffer zone and was declared by UNESCO as a world biosphere network of biosphere reserves in 2004. Since the park is nestled on the second highest peak, the Nanda Peak, owing to the nature of the landscape, visitors must be medically fit to trek this beautiful park.
How To Reach
Photo: Anonymous8010 / Wikimedia Commons
By Road: You can take a car to the base camp Joshimath, where from the base point a 19-kilometer trek will take you to the park, around an hour.
By Railway: Rishikesh station is 272 kilometers from the base point. From the airport, you will have to drive up to Joshimath.
By Air: You can reach the National Park by air. The closest airport is the Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun which is 222 kilometers away.
Places To Visit Around Nanda Devi National Park
Many attractions around Nanda Devi Park have significant religious places and natural beauty that will enchant you and make your stay worthwhile.
1. Narasimha temple
Photo: Sadman Chowdhury / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
Starting from the base point of Joshimath, you will discover many significant temples in this pilgrimage town. The main temple of Joshimath Narasimha Temple is dedicated to lord Vishnu and is significant for the triumph over evil and protection; lord Vishnu is the fourth reincarnation and is depicted as half-lion and half-man. The temples are famous for their history, elaborate architecture, and the revered deity. One of the biggest attractions in Joshimath is also the Kalpavriksha -the oldest tree in India which is 1200 years old.
Timings: 4:30 AM – 9 PM
Entry Fee: None
2. Auli
Photo: Swarnarekha Pandey / Unspalsh
This place is the most underrated tourist attraction surrounded by snow-capped peaks, lush coniferous forest, and the serenity of the place. This place offers you not just a cool getaway for trekking or camping but is also home to one of the best skiing destinations in Asia. Its snow-covered hills slopes offer smooth skiing perfect for amateurs too. They also have the second-highest cable rides captivating you with its stunning picturesque view.
Location: Auli ski slopes
3. Valley Of flowers
Photo: Naresh Chandra / Wikimedia Commons
This gentle landscape of the Valley of Flowers Park is a good trekking place for amateurs but this is not the only reason you should visit this wonderful park. This meadow is covered by native wildflowers of daisies, poppies, marigolds, orchids, and many more that will captivate you as you trek the park. The park also has abundant wildlife and is home to many wild animals like Asiatic black bears, musk deer, and snow leopards. A trek to this Unesco heritage site will mesmerize you and rejuvenate your tired soul.
Timings: 7 AM – 2 PM
Entry Fee: ₹150 for Indians, ₹600 for foreigners
4. Gorson Bugyal
Photo: Sumodm / Wikimedia Commons
This place offers short and sweet trekking for up to 4 to 5 hours. On the top, you will see a panoramic view of the surrounding hills such as the famous Nanda Devi, Trishul, and Dronagiri. The region is also renowned for camping thanks to the vibrant range of wildflowers and picturesque scenery. This place is also a skiing destination, which gives you a variety of activities to do while you are here.
Best Time To Visit: Summer, post-monsoon and winter
5. Chenab Lake
Photo: ArmouredCyborg / Wikimedia Commons
Although this is a man-made lake, it is a favorite trekking and camping site for many as it offers stunning alpine meadows, dense forest, and rugged terrain up to the lake. This place has stunning crystal-clear water and is surrounded by lush greenery and snow-capped mountains. Imagine camping alongside one of the highest and largest lakes in the region with different bird species and wildlife around in the lap of beautiful nature and watching the stars in the night sky.
Best Time To Visit: May to October
Where To Stay
Photo: Derek Jensen / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
There are many places to stay in and around the Nanda Devi National Park. Some properties include Aryam Resort, Auli Faraway Cottages, Himalayan Holiday Hotel, Panchvati Inn, etc. You can also choose homestays like Nanda Devi Sunrise homestays, Dayal, Ramneek, and many more. You can get rooms at ₹3000 approx or less.
Where To Eat
Photo: Amitabha Gupta / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
There are many good places to eat around this area like the Auli D food plaza, J.M.S restaurants, Bourbon Club, and Lounge, and many restaurants offer Indian, Italian, and Chinese cuisines and good vegetarian cuisine options are also available at Saket restaurant etc.
The local food is also delicious and healthy here so you must not miss out on enjoying the local dishes while staying in this part of India.
Best Time To Visit Nanda Devi National Park
Photo: Satish botany07 / Wikimedia Commons
The best time to visit is from May to October. On other days the park remains closed because of its inaccessibility due to the heavy snow. The places around the park are open in other months too, so you don’t have to worry. The valley of flowers is at its full bloom from July to the middle of August and if you like to visit this place for skiing adventure, you can do so from December to March as that’s the month when the slopes are covered with snow and offers the best skiing experience.
Other Factors To Consider
Photo: Subhajit Saha / Wikimedia Commons
Average Cost Of The Trip:
The entry fee is ₹150 for adults and ₹75 for children. The average cost of a trip ranges between ₹8,000 to ₹10,000 per person. This includes expenses for travel, accommodation, food, and guide services. Additional costs may arise for permits and trekking gear, depending on the duration and activities planned during the visit.
Tips For The Travellers:
- Check Weather Conditions: The park’s weather can be unpredictable. Check forecasts and plan accordingly.
- Permits: Obtain the necessary permits in advance, as they are required for entry.
- Guided Tours: Consider hiring a local guide for a better experience and safety.
- Pack Essentials: Bring warm clothing, sturdy trekking shoes, and necessary camping gear.
- Hydration: Carry sufficient water and water purification tablets, as sources may be limited.
- Healthy Snacks: Pack energy-boosting snacks for the trek.
A trip to the beautiful hill station of Uttarakhand in the Chamoli district is a getaway dream for many who have heard about its wonderful lush alpine forest and snow-capped mountains with beautiful meadows and streams. Visiting this pristine landscape is a journey into the world of nature in all its full glory. A walk to the valley of flowers, a trek to the Nanda Devi National Park, or a visit to the religious sites and experiencing spirituality, culture, and romance with the untouched natural beauty, so book a trip with TripXL and turn your dreams into reality.
Cover Photo: Spattadar / Wikimedia Commons
