NANDA DEVI TEMPLE

The Nanda Devi Sanctuary Trek is one of the popular treks in the Garhwal Himalayan region that takes you to the abode of the sacred Goddess Nanda Devi, idolizing to India's highest peak Nanda Devi, rising and shining at an altitude of 7,816 meters. The hulking high pyramid peak, rising from the gigantic ring of high mountains and with the sacred Garhwal at its backdrop, is the major attraction in this trek. The vicinity offers high mountaineering routes and trekking opportunities for all. The Nanda Devi trek passes through the opulent Nanda Devi Sanctuary, an amphitheater of seventy miles in perimeter and stretching to an altitude of 6,000 meters lies adjacent to the Rishi Ganga valley.

Several attempts were made to climb the Nanda Devi Peak but it was only in 1934, Bill Tilman accompanied by Eric Shipton reached the sanctuary and then in 1936 climbed the summit with Noel Odell. With this ascent, Nanda Devi became the highest peak attained by man, a record which remained until the 1950 ascent of Annapurna. Nanda Devi trekking tour takes the demented trekkers to the tremendously unapproachable basin being named as 'Nanda Devi Sanctuary'. The Rishi Ganga River originates here and then flows down from Nanda Devi to create a deep valley. Nanda Devi East that rises and shines at an elevation of 7,434 meters is a supreme summit that encloses the Sanctuary from the east. It is joined to the main summit by a spiky, 3 km edge almost entirely at a height of over 7,000 meters to bring perfect Nanda Devi trekking routes.

The Nanda Devi trek commences from Lata, a small village that is approximately 2 hours drive from Joshimath. From Lata village, the trek commences towards Lata Kharak at an elevation of 3,689 meters and thereafter turns towards Dharansi Pass, which is set an altitude of 4,250 meters. At this point one can capture the rewarding view of the snow clad peaks of Dronagiri, Nanda Gunthi and many more. The Nanda Devi trek from Lata Kharak to Dharansi Pass follows a steep climb that crosses Jhandi Dhar and Bagfyana Pass. Thereafter, from Dharansi Pass, the journey follows a steep descend to Debrugheta and follows back to Dharansi Pass. The downhill trek continues towards Hitoli at 2,900 meters and finally ends at Joshimath.