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Nanda
Devi Sanctuary is situated in Chamoli
District at altitudes exceeding 4500 metres. It is surrounded by seventy
colossal white peaks, many named and some unnamed. The most famous of them
is the majestic Nanda Devi.
The sanctuary is shaped like a cup and has several lush green meadows and
beautiful water falls. Herds of blue mountain goats (Bharal) graze
everywhere.
Sir Edmund Hillary in his autobiography described the ruggedness of this
sanctuary so: "Nanda Devi Sanctuary is God-gifted wilderness --
India's training ground for adventure..."
The starting point for this trek is Joshimath, which is easily reached by
motor road from the foothills of the Garhwal Himalaya. At Joshimath,
arrangements for guides, porters and last minute purchases can be made.
Joshimath to Lata is 25 kms by road and then the trek starts. From Lata to
Lata Kharan is an arduous trek, but exhaustion is forgotten on seeing the
fantastic views of the snow glistened peaks of Runti, Nanda Devi, Nanda
Ghunti and Bethartoli across the river Rishi Ganga.
Lata Kharan is an open, wide, grass hill-top which is usually windy' and
chilly. The trek from Lata Kharan to Dharansi Pass is a long one,
featuring regular descents and ascents. On crossing the Dharansi Pass,
Nanda Devi is seen.
This trek along a ridge, traversing on rocky surface upto Malatuni Pass.
From here it is a continuous descent of 750 metres through alpine
grassland. Snow clinging to slopes, dense forest, the wide meadows of
Debrugheta beside a river are some of the marvelous sights along the way.
In summer, Debrugheta meadow is a riot of colour with flowers in all their
variety. From Debrugheta to Ramni is a long trek. At first, there is a
steep ascent after crossing the Rishi Ganga before arriving at Deodi.
Deodi ·to Ramni is through dense forests of junipers and
rhododendrons. And then there's the world-famed Nanda Devi Sanctuary.
The Trishul base camp can be approached from Deodi via Bethartoli and
Tridang.
For this trek, guide services and ropes are essential.
| Place | Altitude (M) | Distance (km) | Accommodation |
| Joshimath | 1890 | - | TB* |
| Lata | 2317 | 25 motor | TB* |
| Lata Kharan | 3689 | 10 trek | TB* |
| Dharansi | 4250 | 7 trek | TB* |
| Debrugheta | 3500 | 8 trek | TB* |
| Deodi | 3354 | 6 trek | TB* |
| Ramni | 3520 | 6 trek | TB* |
| Bhoj Gera | 4050 | 5 trek | TB* |
| Tilchuni | 4200 | 5 trek | TB* |
| Nanda Devi Sanctuary | 4500 (avg.) | 8 trek | TB* |
* TB = Tourist Bunglow |
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