Nanda Devi National Park in Joshimath
· Summer: April-June (3°C - 23°C)
· Winter: December-February (-14°C - -2°C)
· Monsoon: July-September
Best time to visit:
May-October
Opening Time: 04:00 a.m.
Closing Time: 07:00 p.m.
Weekly Holiday: Nil
Entry Fees for Indians
Adults: INR 40 (fi
Children:
N/A
Cameras: Free (non-
Video Camera: Free (non-
Entry Fees for Foreign Nationals
Adults:
INR 150 (f
Children:
N/A
Cameras:
Free (non-
Video Camera:
Free (non-
Nanda Devi National Park is a part of Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve, which is a World Heritage Site. The park is well-known for being home to exotic Himalayan biodiversity, which includes animals like musk deer, snow leopard, mainland serow, gorals, rhesus macaque, brown bear and Himalayan black bear and more than a hundred species of birds. In addition, there are rare species of fir, rhododendron, juniper, birch, alpine, lichens and mosses.
Rich in biodiversity, the park is also admired for being home to the glaciers of North Rishi and South Rishi (at the inner sanctuary area). The outer sanctuary area is encircled by the towering peaks of Dunagiri, Changabang, Nanda Khat, Trishul I and II and Nanda Devi East, which create a spellbinding panorama. River Rishi Ganga flowing through the park through deep gorges is another amazing vista for the visitors.
Limited numbers of tourists are allowed to enter the park (usually 5 visitors per group, 2 groups per day and 4 groups per week). A registered guide and a porter is must while trekking in the park. Children less than 14 years of age are not allowed. The park remains inaccessible from November-April.
Connectivites
Road:
The park is accessible by trekking from the nearest village of Lata (about 30 km. from Joshimath). One can reach the village from cities as far as Haridwar, Rishikesh and Delhi by road. The journey along forested hills, meandering rivers and sprawling valleys is extremely scenic.
Railway:
The closest railway station is at Rishikesh (about 278 km. from Lata). Rail travellers can reach Joshimath by bus and hire a taxi to Lata, or they can directly hire taxis from Rishikesh to Lata.
Airway:
Jolly Grant Airport at Dehradun (about 294 km. from Lata) is the closest airport. From here, one should prefer to hire a taxi to reach the village.