Nanda Devi National Park, located in Uttarakhand, India, covers approximately 630 square kilometers and was established in 1982. Dominated by the majestic Nanda Devi peak, the park features diverse landscapes, including glaciers, alpine meadows, and dense forests. It is home to a variety of rare and endangered species, such as the snow leopard, Himalayan musk deer, and bharal (blue sheep). The park, together with the Valley of Flowers National Park, forms the Nanda Devi and Valley of Flowers National Parks UNESCO World Heritage Site. This recognition underscores its significance in biodiversity conservation, mountain ecology, and the preservation of unique Himalayan flora and fauna.
Uttarakhand, North India
Rishikesh
Dehradun Airport
Snow leopard, Himalayan Musk Deer, Asiatic Black Bear, Himalayan Brown Bear, Himalayan Tahr
*
Safari Price depends on operators and services and may exceed the average price shown
Currently Closed
Core Zone Open
Buffer Zone Open
Nanda Devi and Valley of Flowers National Parks, located in Uttarakhand, India, are two adjoining protected areas renowned for their stunning natural beauty and ecological significance. Together, they cover approximately 2,236 square kilometers and are designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Nanda Devi National Park Established in 1982, Nanda Devi National Park encompasses the eastern and western flanks of the Nanda Devi massif, which includes the third-highest peak in the world, Mount Nanda Devi (7,816 meters). The park’s landscape features rugged mountains, glaciers, and alpine meadows, creating a high-altitude sanctuary for various species. Its flora ranges from dense temperate forests in lower elevations to alpine meadows at higher altitudes, supporting a range of plant life adapted to the harsh conditions. The park is home to rare and endangered species, including the elusive snow leopard, Himalayan tahr, and musk deer. The park is renowned for its pristine and remote environment, making it crucial for conservation efforts. Valley of Flowers National Park Adjacent to Nanda Devi National Park, the Valley of Flowers was established as a national park in 1982, primarily to protect its unique floral biodiversity. Spanning around 87.5 square kilometers, the park is situated at an altitude of 3,300 to 3,600 meters and is famed for its vibrant meadows that burst into color during the summer months. Over 500 species of wildflowers, including orchids, poppies, and primulas, create a breathtaking display. The valley also supports a range of fauna, including the Himalayan brown bear, snow leopard, and the endangered bharal (blue sheep). Conservation and Access Both parks are managed to preserve their unique ecosystems and biodiversity. Access to these parks involves trekking, with the Valley of Flowers being accessible from Ghangaria, a base camp reachable by a multi-day trek from Govindghat. The Nanda Devi base camp trek requires more extensive trekking and acclimatization due to its remote and high-altitude terrain. In summary, Nanda Devi and Valley of Flowers National Parks offer unparalleled natural beauty, from towering peaks and alpine meadows to rich floral diversity, making them vital for conservation and a haven for nature enthusiasts and trekkers.
The park’s vegetation varies significantly with altitude. Lower elevations are dominated by temperate forests consisting of species such as oak, fir, and birch. As the altitude increases, these forests give way to alpine meadows and shrublands. The meadows, locally known as “bugyals,” are carpeted with a stunning array of wildflowers during the summer months, including blue poppies, primulas, and asters. Above the tree line, at elevations over 4,000 meters, the flora is characterized by hardy species such as juniper and rhododendron, adapted to the harsh, cold environment. The park’s flora includes several endemic and rare species, making it a botanical treasure trove.
Nanda Devi National Park is home to a diverse array of wildlife, many of which are adapted to the high-altitude environment. The park’s most iconic resident is the snow leopard, an elusive predator that roams the higher altitudes. Other significant mammals include the Himalayan black bear, bharal (blue sheep), musk deer, and the endangered Himalayan tahr. The park also supports a variety of smaller mammals like the red fox, Himalayan weasel, and the yellow-throated marten.
Birdlife in the park is equally impressive, with over 100 species recorded. Notable avian species include the Himalayan monal, snow partridge, and various species of pheasants and eagles. The diverse habitats within the park provide critical breeding and feeding grounds for these birds.
By Air Fly to Dehradun Airport (Jolly Grant Airport): This is the nearest major airport, situated about 295 kilometers from Joshimath, the gateway to Nanda Devi and Valley of Flowers National Parks. Dehradun is well-connected with major cities like Delhi and Mumbai. Travel from Dehradun to Joshimath: From the airport, you can take a taxi or bus to Joshimath. This journey usually takes around 10 to 12 hours by road, depending on traffic and road conditions. By Road From Dehradun to Joshimath: After reaching Dehradun, drive or take a bus to Joshimath, which serves as the base for visiting both parks. From Joshimath to the Valley of Flowers: From Joshimath, travel to Govindghat, which is about a 30-kilometer drive. From Govindghat, you need to trek to Ghangaria, the base camp for the Valley of Flowers. The trek from Govindghat to Ghangaria is approximately 13 kilometers and takes around 6 to 8 hours. Trek to the Valley of Flowers: From Ghangaria, the Valley of Flowers is a 3- to 4-kilometer trek (about 1 to 2 hours) through a scenic route. From Joshimath to Nanda Devi Base Camp: For Nanda Devi, you need to reach Lata Village or the Lata Helipad from Joshimath. The trek from Lata to the base camp of Nanda Devi is a multi-day trek, which generally takes about 6 to 8 days to complete. By Train The nearest railway station to Valley of flowers is Rishikesh. Take a bus or taxi to reach Govind Ghat. Rishikesh railway station is situated 273 km before Govindghat on NH58.