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Nanda
Devi national park spread over a large area of 630 square kilometer, just
next to spectacular Nanda Devi peak. Nanda Devi national park is located in
the upper
Himalayan ranges of Chamoli district
in the Garhwal division in the state of Uttarakhand. The Nanda Devi
mountain, which is the second highest peak in India fence the park from
three sides. Because of its natural surroundings and exotic ambiance, Nanda
Devi national park is a home some unique variety of flora and fauna in the
world. The rich biodiversity of the park spellbind people with its sceneries
and wildlife. Together with
valley of
flowers, Nanda Devi national park is inscribed as an UNESCO world
heritage site in the year 1988.
The park is covered with high altitude flora such as fir, birch,
rhododendron and juniper. The park has two circle, outer and inner. The
inner part of the park has a drier conditions and almost nil vegetations
near the Nanda Devi glacier. The sceneries changes drastically from outer to
inner circle. Vegetation changes from alpine to to junipers scrubs that
dominate the vegetal growth of inner circle. Apart from juniper vegetation,
grasses, prone mosses and lichens are also give way to other type of
vegetation. Nanda Devi park is also famous for ‘valley of flower’,
which house some of the rarest floral species in the world. There is around
312 floral species found in this national park.
Nanda Devi national park is a home of some exotic wildlife species. The
park is more of in seclusion due to its difficult terrain. This wild
sanctuary is one of the best in world because of its faunal population. some
of the Himalayan species like serow, snow leopard, Himalayan tahr, Himalayan
black bear, Himalayan musk deer are common here. Other than that bharal,
grosbeaks, rose finches, ruby throat, common langur, brown bear and warblers
are also dominant here. The entire of Nanda Devi national park area lies
within the western Himalayas Endemic Bird Area (EBA). It has more than 100
bird species includes Yellow-bellied Fantail Flycatcher, Orange-flanked Bush
Robin, Blue-fronted Redstart, Indian Tree Pipit, Vinaceous-breasted Pipit,
Nutcracker and many more. The park is also a home of about 27 varieties of
butterflies.
Joshimath - It is about 23 km from Nanda Devi national park and a
popular pilgrimage center. It is place of snow clad mountains and green
valley. The place is wonderful for trekking and specially renowned for its
temples.
Hemkund Sahib - Hemkund Sahib is a high altitude lake and surrounds
by seven mountains called Hemakund parvat. The place is a pilgrimage center.
Its a popular trekking destination and pass through beautiful pine forests
where vegetation is simply spectacular. The forest cover with rhododendron,
wild roses, ferns and alpine flowers.
Badrinath - Its an important place in India’s chardham
pilgrimage and considered as a Hindu holi town. The town lies between the
Nar and Narayana mountain ranges and in the shadow of Nilkantha peak
(6,560m). Badrinath is specially famous for
Badrinath
temple, which is approximately 50 feet tall with a small cupola on the
top, covered with gold florid roof.
Valley Of Flower - Valley of Flowers is a wide area of exotic
flowers, which is located in one of the core zone of Nanda Devi national
park. The park is famous for some rarest varieties of floral species. It has
more than 6000 Himalayan floral species. Valley of flower is a must visit
for flower loving person.
Invaluable Suggestions
Park is open from 1st May and close on 31st October.
Visitors has to move in a group and one group is consists of 5 members. Not
more than two groups are permitted in one day and not more than four groups
are permitted in one week.
Visitor above 14 years of age only can enter the park.
The terrain is rough and tough. So, you must medically checked checked and
should take all precautionary measures.
You shouldn’t damage any floral and fauna. It will be a punishable
offense.
Never play radio or any other sound device as it may irritates wild
animals.
Nanda Devi park is in high altitude and have chill almost most of the
years. So, take appropriate clothes with you.
You need to take permit from the field director before entering into the
park.
There is no tourist facility available in the park. Tourist stay near by
Joshimath.
Trekking is a great experience in Nanda Devi Park. So, before leaving
prepare yourself for some adventure sports.
By Air : The nearest airport is at Jolly Grant at
Dehradun at a distance of around 295 km from the Nanda Devi National Park.
By Train : The nearest railhead is Rishikesh at a
distance of 276 km. Rishikesh is connected with Joshimath by a Metalled
road.
By Road : Metalled roads are there till Joshimath from
where one has to trek to reach this place.
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