Nanda Devi, one of the most spectacular mountain peaks in the range of the Himalayas. The whole Himalayan range is dominated by the Nanda Devi Peak and is India’s second-largest peak. Nanda Devi is one of the best Natural Monuments of India. And at the same time, the Nanda Devi National Park is one of the World Heritage Sites. The Nanda Devi National Park is known for its beauty, serenity, unique topography, soil, and climate. The Nanda Devi National Park supports the diverse habitats, species, ecosystems, and communities that reflect its beauty of diversity.`
The Nanda Devi National Park lies in central Uttarakhand across the main crest of the Great Indian Himalayan Range. The main Nanda Devi sanctuary covers the areas of 380 square kilometers. But the larger part of the Nanda Devi National Park is about 630 square kilometers. Also, the Nanda Devi National Park contains the Rishi Ganga gorge and its surroundings. The Nanda Devi National Park is located at an elevation of more than 3,500 meters above sea level. High Ravines and Ridges form the Nanda Devi National Park backdrop with the two glaciers, The Dakshini Glacier (South) and The Uttari Rishi Glacier (North).
Nanda Devi National Park is one of the best places to visit for a weekend getaway or a short trip. The most unique high altitude of flora and fauna in the Nanda Devi National Park will leave you in awe. Nanda Devi National Park is different from the other sanctuaries due to its rich biosphere, sylvan environment, and spectacular views. Nanda Devi National Park serves as one of the best recreations for adults and as well kids.
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HISTORY OF NANDA DEVI NATIONAL PARK
The Nanda Devi National Park has a long history. The first person to reach this region was W.W. Garden in 1883. Still, his expedition to Nanda Devi National Park failed to create any impact. But then, in the year 1936, N.E. Odell and Tilman scaled the Nanda Devi and opened its vista for the others too. The result of this initiative leads it to the region becoming a game sanctuary in the year 1939.
However, till 1950 the area of the park remained undisturbed when organized expeditions for Nanda Devi started. In the year 1982, to save the Nanda Devi National Park from the disturbances, the Government of India declared the region as Nanda Devi National Park. Later, it was given the status of Biosphere Reserve.
LOCATION OF NANDA DEVI NATIONAL PARK
The Nanda Devi National Park is located in the upper Himalayan ranges in Uttarakhand, India. The Mountain peaks surround the park from all sides except the west because it is bounded by an inaccessible gorge from the west. Nanda Devi National Park is a part of Garhwal Himalayas. The Nanda Devi National Park entry is from the Lata Village, around 23 kilometers from Joshimath.
BEST TIME TO VISIT NANDA DEVI NATIONAL PARK
Being at a high altitude, Nanda Devi National Park experiences a distinct climate. The park is covered with snow for the six months of the year and experiences heavy rainfall from June to August. So, April to June is the best time to visit the Nanda Devi National Park. In June the temperature of the park raises a bit but still, it can be visited in June also.
ATTRACTION OF TOURISTS IN NANDA DEVI NATIONAL PARK
Flora- The unique and special variety of flora in the Nanda Devi National Park attracts several tourists. The forest cover of Nanda Devi National Park is restricted to Rishi Gorge. Hence, the main vegetation found in the park is fir, rhododendron, birch, and juniper. Also, near the glacier of Nanda Devi, there is no vegetation. In the inner area of the sanctuary, the conditions are drier. Then from the Rahmani, the vegetation gets changed to Alpine, and the only juniper seems to dominate. There are around 312 species of Flora in total that can be found, out of which 17 are rare, in the Nanda Devi National Park.
Fauna- The animal species, too, is one of the major attractions for tourists in the Nanda Devi National park. In the park, you can easily witness the species like Serow, Himalayan Tahr, Snow Leopard, Himalayan Musk Deer, Himalayan Black bear, Brown bear, Bahral, and Common Langur are major species of fauna that dominate the Nanda Devi National Park. The avifauna of the park includes rose finches, Greg breaks, ruby throat, and Warblers. Around 80 species can be witnessed in the Nanda Devi National Park.
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HOW TO REACH NANDA DEVI NATIONAL PARK
To plan a trip without knowing how to reach makes no sense. So, to reach Nanda Devi National Park, there are so many ways available, from rail and road to air. If you want to travel by air, then the nearest airport near Nanda Devi is Jolly Grant at Dehradun. The airport is approximately 295 kilometers away from the Nanda Devi National Park. There are regular flights available for this airport.
If you prefer the train, then the nearest Railway Station to the park is at Rishikesh, i.e., 276 kilometers away. And by road, you can reach the Nanda Devi National Park easily as there are metalled roads till Joshimath, but from there you have to trek the rest of the way. Moreover, keep in mind that the trek remains closed for the six months of the year and can only be organized in the summers.
