




Nanda Devi, the second - highest peak in the Indian Himalayas, stands as one of the most magnificent mountains in the world. Located in the Garhwal region of Uttarakhand, the Nanda Devi Sanctuary is renowned for its unique geographical formation - a ring of high peaks with immense rock walls rising no lower than 5,200 meters, forming a vast natural amphitheater. The only opening in this 6,000-meter-high ridge wall is the Rishi Ganga Gorge, a wild and seemingly impenetrable passage.
The towering presence of Nanda Devi and its surrounding peaks has long captivated pioneering mountaineers from across the world.
History & ExplorationThe first recorded attempt to enter the inner basin of Nanda Devi was made by W.M. Graham in 1883, followed by Dr. T.G. Longstaff in 1907 and later Hugh Ruttledge in 1926, 1927, and 1934. The breathtaking panorama of peaks encircling the National Park includes Kalanka (6,931 m), Mangraon (6,765 m), Maiktoli (6,803 m), Dunagiri (7,066 m), Rishi Pahar (6,992 m), Changbang (6,864 m), Mrigthuni (6,655 m), Devisthan II (6,678 m), and Hanuman (6,070 m).
About the SanctuaryThe Nanda Devi National Park resembles a vast green bowl with lush meadows, diverse flora and fauna, and cascading white waterfalls. The Blue Mountain Goat (Bharal), commonly seen here, adds to the sanctuary's charm.
To preserve its delicate ecosystem, entry to the park was restricted in 1982, and it was later declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Recently, only limited outer areas have been reopened for visitors.
Access to the inner sanctuary remains restricted to researchers and forest officials, while trekkers can explore the outer region. Strict entry limits (8 - 10 people at a time) require advance permissions and careful planning.
Trek ExperienceAt Trekking in India, we offer a well-organized Nanda Devi Trekking Tour for adventure lovers who wish to explore the region's pristine beauty, vibrant local culture, and rich biodiversity. With luck, trekkers may even spot the elusive Snow Leopard, especially in April when the region is blanketed in snow.
This classic trek retraces the legendary journey of Shipton and Tilman through the Garhwal Himalaya. The Nanda Devi basin is one of the most storied regions of the entire Himalayan range — revered by locals for centuries and celebrated by explorers, mountaineers, mystics, and travelers alike.
While Everest may be the world's highest peak, Nanda Devi is often considered the most enchanting. Western explorers such as Traill, Graham, and Longstaff brought it to prominence in the 19th century, but it was Shipton and Tilman's 1930s expedition that achieved fame by forcing a route into the Inner Sanctuary.
Route & HighlightsThis trek passes through picturesque meadows and valleys along the western edge of the Nanda Devi Sanctuary. The route, once taken by Shipton and Tilman, offers spectacular views of the surrounding peaks. From Kuari Pass (3,658 m), trekkers enjoy a breathtaking panorama of the Great Himalayan Range, including Nanda Devi (7,816 m), Changabang (6,864 m), Dunagiri (7,066 m), and Kamet (7,756 m).
Though the sanctuary was closed in the 1980s due to ecological concerns, it remains one of the most iconic and spiritually charged trekking destinations in India.
Arrive at Delhi airport, meet our representative, and transfer to your hotel for an overnight stay.
After breakfast, drive to Haridwar. On arrival, check into your hotel. Evening free to explore the area. Overnight stay.
Drive via Devprayag and Rudraprayag, with lunch en route. On arrival at Joshimath, check into the hotel. Evening exploration and overnight stay.
A short drive takes you to the Lata Village roadhead, followed by a brief trek. Visit the Nanda Devi Temple and experience the unique local culture. Overnight in the village.
A steep ascent leads to Lata Kharak, a high plateau surrounded by lofty peaks. Overnight in camp.
Enjoy magnificent morning views of snow-clad peaks like Dronagiri and Nanda Ghunti. The trail climbs to Jhandi Dhar and Bagfyana Pass, then descends through the narrow Satkul Gorge to Dharansi Pass. Overnight in camp.
Descend to Debrugheta through the ridges of Malthuni - Bethratoli. Return to Dharansi Pass by late afternoon. Overnight in camp.
Descend through forests of rhododendron, birch, and fir to the Hitoli Camp Site. Overnight in camp.
Trek via Tolma Village to the roadhead, then drive 30 km to Joshimath. Check into hotel for dinner and overnight stay.
Drive to Rishikesh via Nandprayag, Karnprayag, Rudraprayag, and Devprayag. Check into hotel on arrival. Overnight stay.
After breakfast, drive to Haridwar and board the train to Delhi (10:30 hrs - 14:45 hrs). On arrival, transfer to hotel for rest and overnight stay.
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