OUTER SANCTUARY OF NANDA DEVI
Overview
Outer Sanctuary of Nanda Devi Tour Package Itinerary : Delhi – Haridwar – Rishikesh – Joshimath – Lata – Lata Kharak – Saini Kharak – Zandhidhaar – Satkula – Dharassi Pass – Dibrugetha – Tolma – Suraithota – Joshimath – Rishikesh – Haridwar – Delhi
In the vicinity of Nanda Devi is situated the Nanda Devi Sanctuary, which has some of the most unique high altitude flora and fauna in the world. The park was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1982.
The Government of India declared it a Biosphere Reserve. All these status were given to save the park from tourists disturbances and pollution: The fame and mystic of the area led to an excess of expeditions and ecological damage. The Sanctuary was closed in 1984.Since May 2003, it is open again under very strict rules. The Nanda Devi Sanctuary is located in the Indian state of Uttaranchal in the upper Himalayan ranges.
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.
DELHI – HARIDWAR - RISHIKESH
Arrive at Haridwar railway station & Drive to Rishikesh, on arrival check in at the hotel. Noon Visit Beatles Ashram, Laxman Jhula, Evening Dinner /Overnight at hotel.
RISHIKESH – JOSHIMATH
Drive Rishikesh to Joshimath about 260 kms and 7 hrs. 30 min. drive, on arrival check in hotel, overnight at hotel.
JOSHIMATH – LATA
Drive Joshimath to Lata village about 50 kms and 2 hrs. Lata is the best entry point to the area. It is a typical tribal village of “Tolchas'', situated near the left bank of the Dhalui River. Belta is a nice small flat area in a forest. From here one can enjoy the huge dense flora & birds' voices. From this place one can easily see Lata village and the lower part of Kuaripass. Overnight at camp.
LATA – LATA KHARAK
The trek starts in the early morning to Lata Kharak, it is a steep trek, through dense forest. A forest hut is available there. From Lata Kharak one can see the Chaukhamba Peaks & its range, Neelkanth Peak, Nar/ Narayan Peak, Mana Peak & its range, Hathi Ghodi Parwat, Barhmal Peak, the Kuaripass area & the Dayari Sera. Mostly Lata Kharak is famous for the Nanda Peaks such as Ronthi & Nanda Ghunti, Bethartoli, Nanda Khat & many other Nanda peaks. All these peaks are seen very near at Lata Kharak. Lata village, Tapovan, Dhak & Bhavisya Badri are easily seen from here.
LATA KHARAK – SAINI KHARAK (3240 MTRS) DAY EXCURSION
Duration: 2 hours to Saini Kharak, 4 km from Lata Kharak. Water is not available over there so one has to come back by the same route to Lata Kharak. The trekker can already enjoy the Sanctuary near and clear from Saini Kharak. This place is famous for its sightseeing, the view of the Nanda Devi and its other peaks. One can enjoy the lofty peaks & Rishi Ganga from here. From here one can approach the Reni village while crossing Rishi Ganga.
LATA KHARAK – ZANDHIDHAAR (3928 MTRS) – SATKULA (4023 MTRS)
A steep climb to Zandhidhaar about 3 km duration 02 hours and amazing view when the Donagri and other unnamed Peaks come on the way & beautiful small meadow covered with flowers. One has to climb many ascents and descents to reach Zandhidhaar. From Zandhidhaar to Satkula is about a 3 km trek. You can see Lofty of Nanda Devi peak very near. The way to Satkula is quite flat and straight, so this trek is not hard. Once you reach the campsite at Satkula. It's a nice place covered with dense forest. Inside the forest is a nice lush green meadow. If one is lucky, you can see the beautiful Monal Pheasant or other birds & wild animals very near.
SATKULA – DHARASSI PASS (4152 MTRS)
Satkula to Dharassi pass is steep and rocky, and has difficulties after a 2 km trek when the rocky surface begins to enter the pass. Some equipment brought by the guide and porters shall be needed to face these types of difficulty. The Pass appears to be a long steep trek with many ascents and descents until the Nanda Devi comes into view when crossing the pass. Dharassi Pass is a campsite where water is available. The Pass is a beautiful small meadow from where one can enjoy the Nanda Devi Sanctuary nearby. There are rich flora & fauna inside the Pass. The Pass beauty is everlasting. The view is over the Nanda Devi, Donagri, Mrigthuni, Mangraon, Changbang, Kalnka, Hanuman and many other peaks are seen from here. The whole Nanda Devi Sanctuary is seen from here. Sir Emund Hillary describes the Sanctuary as God-Gifted.
DHARASSI PASS – DIBRUGETHA (3500 MTRS) DAY EXCURSION
Dharassi Pass to Dibrugetha about 4 km 2 hrs. Down & 04 hrs. Steep return trek. There is a great flat meadow area which is straight down from Dharassi pass, this meadow is known as Dibrugetha. If one is lucky, they can enjoy wild animals like black bear, musk deer, Monal pheasant and many other types of wild animals.
DHARASSI PASS – TOLMA (3750 MTRS)
Tolma is a nice small village inside a forest, but we are making the camp before the Tolma village. The camp side is a small flat part inside a forest where a beautiful water stream is available. Only Tolma & Suraithota villages are seen from here.
TOLMA – SURAITHOTA (2329 MTRS) – JOSHIMATH
Tolma we walk 05 km down towards Suraithota and further drive 28 km to Joshimath. Overnight at the Hotel.
JOSHIMATH – RISHIKESH
After breakfast we drive toward Rishikesh & Evening visit Ganga Aarti at Laxman Jhula. Overnight at the Hotel.
RISHIKESH – HARIDWAR DROP
Morning after breakfast we drive to Haridwar & Drop you at the Railway station to catch a train to onward Journey.