Nanda Devi National Park Tourism And Travel Guide

The Nanda Devi National Park covers a massive 5000 sq. km. It is situated at an altitude of more than 7000 meters and can be found in the area around the famed Nanda Devi Peak, one of the most famous peaks of the Himalayan Mountain Ranges and also the second highest peak in India. The park was first given the title of a national park way back in 1982. A few years later in 1988 it bestowed the honour of being UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The tourism in Nanda Devi National Park is due to some of the most rare and exotic flora and fauna here, along with a most unique ecosystem. The park is shut off to the public for six months of the year and is best visited in the summer from April to June. Here's a short travel guide to Nanda Devi National Park for your reference. 

By Air:

Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun (295 km away) is the closest airport to the park. Visitors can easily travel by car or bus to Joshimath from this airport. 

By Road:

The best and most rewarding way to reach the park is by first reaching Joshimath via the well-connected roadway network. Then visitors must trek approximately 19 km to ge to the national park from this base point. 

By Rail:

The closest train station is in Rishikesh (275 km away). There are similarly mutliple car and bus options to get visitors to Joshimath from here. 

Winter (November - April):

The national park is closed for this approximate six month period due to unpredictable weather conditions and poor visibility that make it impossible to reach. 

Summer (April - June):

The best and recommended time to explore the national park is in the summer. The clear blue skies and warm weather are ideal for enjoying the surrounding landscape and wide variety of plants and animals on offer. 

Monsoon (June - August):

The park tends to get quite green and beautiful during this time. However, there is a chance of flooding and landslides if the surrounding area receives heavy rainfall. Hence, travel here during this season is possible but not recommended. 

Ropeway from Joshimath to Auli:

The second highest ropeway in Asia, this 4 km trip offers visitors incredible views of Nanda Devi and the other Himalayan Peaks as well as an overview of the park itself. 

Trekking:

This is one the most highly recommended activities in Nanda Devi National Park and the best way for visitors to appreciate and understand the surrounding natural beauty and biodiversity. 

Wildlife Photography:

The park is home to the most rare and unique animals like snow leopards, musk deer as well as black and brown bears. The best time for this activity is in the summer months when visibility is high. 

Birdwatching:

A massive 100 plus migrant and native birds can be found in the Nanda Devi National Park. Visitors are recommended to carry binoculars or a camera when travelling here in the summer to enjoy this activity. 

Visitors will have to find restaurants in Joshimath, Badrinath and some of the other restaurants in the towns close by. There are no food options for visitors in the park itself. These restaurants serve a variety of different cuisines and at affordable rates. However, most of the food tends to be vegetarian due to the religious significance of these towns. When visiting the park, tourists can pack some dry fruits and mixed nuts as well as water for trek to the national park if necessary. Food items that are light and easily disposable are recommended. 

There no shopping districts or markets in the national park vicinity. Visitors will have to travel to the Joshimath Market for traditional wooden handicrafts and woolen clothing items like shawls, pashminas, hats and socks. The quality of the items is very high and visitors must be ready to negotiate to get some interesting memoirs.