INTRODUCTION
In the vicinity of Nanda Devi (7817
m), the second highest peak in India, is situated the Nanda Devi
National Park, which has some of the most unique high altitude flora
and fauna in the world. The spectacular views, sylvan environment,
and richness of biosphere make it quite different from the other
wildlife sanctuaries of India. The park has been declared a World
Heritage Site by UNESCO and in its vicinity are the Valley of
Flowers, Badrinath Temple, and Hemkund Sahib.
Though the park was notified only in 1982, it has
a long history. W.W. Garden was the first person to reach
this region in 1883, but his expedition to the Nanda Devi Peak
failed to create any impact. In 1936, Tilman and N.E. Odell scaled
the Nanda Devi and opened its vista for others to follow. This led
to the region becoming a game sanctuary in 1939. The area of the
park remained undisturbed until 1950's when organized expeditions
for Nanda Devi started. To save the park from these disturbances,
the Government of India declared the region a National Park in 1982
and later it was given the special status of a Biosphere Reserve.
LOCATION
The Nanda Devi National Park is located in the
Indian state of Uttaranchal in the upper Himalayan ranges. A part of
the Garhwal Himalayas, the park extends from the latitude 30°24' in
the North to the longitude 79°53' in the East. The entry to the park
is from Lata village around 23 km from Joshimath. Mountain peaks
surround it from all sides except the west where it is bounded by an
inaccessible gorge.
CLIMATE
Being in the high altitudes, Nanda Devi National
Park has a distinct climate. For six months of the year, the region
remains under a snow cover. For the rest of the year, the region has
a dry climate with heavy rainfall from June to August. April to June
are the months when the temperature increases a bit and they are the
months when one can visit this place.
TOURIST ATTRACTIONS
Flora
The forest cover in this park is mainly
restricted to the Rishi Gorge and the main vegetation is of
fir, birch, rhododendron, and juniper. In the inner
sanctuary, conditions are drier and near the Nanda Devi Glacier,
there is almost no vegetation. From Ramani, the vegetation
changes to alpine and only juniper scrubs are the dominating
vegetation. The Juniper scrubs gradually give way to grasses,
prone mosses, and lichens. In total, 312 floral species have
been found here of which around 17 are considered rare.
Fauna
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.
Warblers, gresbreaks, rose finches, and
ruby throat represent avifauna here. Approximately 80 species
have been spotted in this park.
EXCURSIONS
Joshimath, at a distance of around 23 km from the
Nanda Devi National Park, is an important place in any expedition to
the higher altitudes of the Garhwal Himalayas. Badrinath, Valley of
Flowers, and Hemkund Sahib are all wonderful destinations in this
region and all can be approached from the Nanda Devi National Park.
The Nanda Devi peak is considered to be one of the toughest peaks to
climb in the world and a favorite destination of mountaineers from
across the globe.
REACHING THERE
By
Air
The nearest airport is at Jolly Grant at Dehradun
at a distance of around 295 km from the Nanda Devi National Park.
There are regular flights to Delhi from this airport.
By
Rail
The nearest railhead is Rishikesh at a distance
of 276 km. Rishikesh is approachable by a metalled road from
Joshimath.
By
Road
Metalled roads are there till Joshimath from
where one has to trek to reach this place. The place is inaccessible
for six months of the year and it is only in summers that treks to
this region can be organised.
STAYING THERE
There is no tourist facility available in the
park area. Joshimath has some accommodation facilities including
those made available by the Garhwal Mandal Vikas Nigam.
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