The Nanda Devi National Park, a perfect place for the
people bitten by adventure bug. This park lies in the Upper Himalayas in the
Chamoli district in the Garhwal division of Uttarakhandl is one of the most
spectacular parks in India. It is dominated by the peak of Nanda Devi, which
rises to over 7,800 m. No humans live in the park, which has remained more or
less intact because of its inaccessibility. It is the habitat of several
endangered mammals, especially the snow leopard, Himalayan musk deer and bharal.
Nanda Devi National Park is spread over an area of 630 sq. kms., just
next to the Nanda Devi Peak (which is the second highest mountain in
India -7817 mts.), is the Nanda Devi sanctuary. It was established in 1980. The
first men on record to have reached this Sanctuary, while yet in its pristine
form, were the the British Mountaineers Eric Shipton and Bill Tilman. The area
had largely remained undisturbed till then, except for Tilman's successful
attempt on Nanda Devi...
Peaks around National Park
Some of the important peaks encircling the Nanda Devi National Park are Dunagiri
(7066mt), Changband (6864mt), Kalnka (6931mt) Rishi pahar (6992 mt) Mangraon
(6765mt), Nanda Khat (6631 mt), Maiktoli (6803 mt), Mrigthuni (6655mt),
Trishul-1 (7120mt), Trishul-II (6319mt), Bethartoli Himal (6352mt) and Nandadevi
East (7434 mt.).
The Vegetation
In total, 312 floral species have been found here of which around 17 are
considered rare. The main vegetation here is of fir, birch, rhododendron, and
juniper. In the inner sanctuary, conditions are drier 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, which
gradually leads to the area with grasses, prone mosses, and lichens.
The Animals
Animal population of species 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.
The Birds
There are nearly 80 species of birds in this area. Warblers, gresbreaks, rose
finches and ruby throat are commonly seen here.
Nanda Devi National Park was banned for trekkers in 1982 to protect its
biographical image. The Nanda Devi Sanctuary Trek, which has been declared a
world heritage site, has been partially opened recently for restricted number of
tourist.
Sir Edmund Hillary has described in his autobiography that the
Nanda Devi Sanctuary is God gifted wilderness India's training ground for
adventure. Dr. T. Longstaff, renowned mountaineer, naturalist and trekker, has
described Garhwal as The Most Beautiful Land in the Himalaya of the Asian
Sub-continent.
Day to Day Itinerary
Day 1 : Arrive New Delhi. Meet our representative. Car/train to Rishikesh.
Dinner and overnight in Rishikesh.
Day 2 : (Rishikesh - Joshimath (1890 M) On day 2 of Nanda Devi Sanctuary Trek,
after an early breakfast we drive to Joshimath, which is at a distance of 250
km. Overnight in hotel at Joshimath.
Day 3 : (Joshimath - Badrinath - Joshimath) In the morning, we inform the local
authorities, clearance of permits, complete legal formailities. In afternoon, we
visit the Badrinath temple. Overnight in guesthouse at Joshimath.
Day 4 : (Joshimath - Lata Village ( 2317 M) Spectacular journey by jeep to the
roadhead near Lata Village. Then we trek to Lata village, which is 1.5 km from
the roadhead. We visit the Nanda devi Temple and explore the distinctive culture
of the region. Overnight in the village.
Day 5 : (Lata Village - Lata Kharak (3689 M) On day 5, we trek an 8.5-km steep
climb. The climb is strenous but extremely rewarding as the glimpses of the
peaks are mesmerising. We reach Lata Kharak, which is a high plateau with high
peaks surrounding it. We try and wrap up the trek in 6 hours but could take upto
9 hours so we move very early in the morning. Overnight in Camp.
Day 6 : (Lata Kharak - Dharansi Pass (4250 M) We wake up to view mighty
snow-clad peaks all around, viz., Dronagiri, Nanda Gunthi and many more. Today,
we take a steep climb to Jhandi Dhar and Bagfyana Pass. From here the trail
ascends and descends through the Narrow gorge of Satkul to Dharansi Pass.
Overnight at Camp.
Day 7 : (Dharansi Pass - Debrugheta - Dharansi Pass (4250 M) On day 7, we
continue trekking to the Malthuni - Bethratoli Ridge's of the inner and outer
sanctuary form a magnificient pass upto Rani Kholi and Donidar. The trail is a
steep descent of about a kilometer to Debrugheta. Return to Dharansi Pass by
late afternoon. Overnight at Camp.
Day 8 : (Dharansi Pass - Hitoli Camp Site (2900 M) We cover a distance of 11 km.
From Jhandi Dhar a steep descent of 4.5 km to the Hitoli camp site through thick
forests of Rhododendron, Birch and Fir. Overnight at Camp.
Day 9 : (Hitoli Campsite - Joshimath (1890 M) On day 9, we trek for 8 km. The
trail takes us through the village of Tolma to the roadhead from where it is a
30 km drive to Joshimath. The trek is through thick forests. Overnight at
guesthouse in Joshimath.
Day 10 : (Joshimath - Rishikesh) After early morning breakfast, we drive back to
Rishikesh. Dinner and overnight in Rishikesh.
Day 11 : Drive to Delhi or take Train to Delhi.
Trip end up here.
VALLEY OF FLOWERS TREKKING TOURS
24 HRS contact number : + 91-
09837937948 / 09759675791
/ 09412439693
Email: nandadevitrekking@gmail.com
CHAT RD : MSN : YAHOO : SKYPE : garhwalhimalaya
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