REGULATED ECOTOURISM

IN
NANDA DEVI NATIONAL PARK
WORLD HERITAGE SITE
SHORT NOTE

WHS NANDA DEVI NATIONAL PARK

JOSHIMATH
1. Introduction-

The Natural World Heritage Site Nanda Devi National Park (NDNP) is situated in
Chamoli district of Uttarakhand, India. It is a core zone of Nanda Devi World Heritage
Site (Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve) and is geo-morphologically shaped like a bowl
surrounded by high mountain ridges and peaks on all sides except the western side.

The national park is spread over an area of 624.6 Km2. The park is habitat for many
rare & endangered flora and fauna characteristic of transition Himalayas. There are 16
gorgeous peaks within and surrounding NDNP that are above 6000 m height including
four peaks that are above 7000 m height. Nanda Devi Peak (7817 m) located inside
the park is the second highest peak in India and 23rd highest peak in the World.
Goddess Nanda Devi, the reigning deity of Uttaranchal, lies in NDNP’s sanctum
sanctorum and is held in great reverence throughout the State. Owing to its rich
biodiversity, Nanda Devi was declared a Sanctuary in 1939. It was raised to the status
of a National Park in 1982. Subsequently, in 1988 UNESCO declared NDNP as a
World Heritage Site.

2. Ecotourism in NDNP-

Prior to 1983 human activities, especially reckless mountaineering and trekking had
done severe damage to the ecosystem of NDNP. The Nanda Devi National Park was
closed for general public since 1983 and has since remained closed for all types of
visitors. The decisions of Government of India vide G.O. No. MHA U.O No. III 11039/
82– G&O dated 02-04-1983 resulted in this ban. The ban was reiterated for another
five years in 1994 by Govt. Order F.No. j-22016/40/94-BR dated 14-09-1994 by
Ministry of Environment and Forests, Government of India. The ban period lapsed in
the year 1999.

3. Area description, climate and geography-

Coordinates: 30o16' to 30o32' N longitude & 79o44' to 80o02' E latitude.

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Northern Boundary- From the confluence of Rishiganga and Dhauliganga Rivers and
then running along the ridges of Dunagiri Peak, Changbang, Kalanka Peak upto the
crest of the Rishi Pahar Peak.

Eastern Boundary- From the crest of Rishi Pahar Peak then running along the
boundary between Chamoli and Pithoragarh district upto Nanda Devi East Peak and
then up to the point where the boundaries of Pithoragarh , Almora and Chamoli district
meet.

Southern Boundary- From the point where the boundary of Chamoli, Almora and
Pithoragarh district meet and then running along the boundary of Chamoli and Almora
District which passes through Nandakhat peak and Mrigthuni upto the point where
inter district boundary turn suddenly to the south than run along the ridges of the
mountain ranges up to the Nandaghunti Peak .

Western Boundary- From Nandughunti peak along the mountain range upto to Rewti
Peak and then along Rewtigard River up to the confluence of Rishiganga and
Rewtigard rivers and then further along Rishi ganga up to the point where Rishiganga
meets Dhouliganga river .

Altitudinal Range
3,500m (the basin) to 7,817m (Nanda Devi West); the lower Rishi Gorge falls to
1,900m.

Climate
Being an inner Himalayan valley, Nanda Devi Basin has a distinctive microclimate.
Conditions are generally dry with low annual precipitation, but there is heavy rainfall
during the monsoon from late June to August. Prevailing mist and low cloud during the
monsoon keeps the soil moist, hence the vegetation is lusher than is usual in the drier
inner Himalayan valleys. The basin is usually snow-bound for six months between
October and March, the snow accumulating deeper and at lower altitudes on the
southern than on the northern side of the valley (Lavkumar, 1979; Lamba, 1987).

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 Meteorological data are not available, but from April to June temperatures are
temperate.

Most of the snow peaks detailed below fall at the outer periphery of NDNP
(a) Northern Boundary - Dronagiri (7066 mt)
Chang bang (6864 mt)
Kalanka (6931 mt)
Rishi Pahad (6992 mt)

(b) Eastern Boundary - Magrun (6265 mt)

Deodamia (6032 mt)
Bamchu (6302 mt)
Damchu (6260 mt)
Latu Dhura (6389 mt)
Nanda Devi East (7434 mt)
Nanda Devi Khal (5885 mt)

(c) Southern Boundary - Nandakhat (6545 mt)

Panwali Dhar (6663 mt)
Sundar Dhunga Khal (5550 mt)
Magtoli (6803 mt)
Mrigthuni (6855 mt)
Nanda Ghumti (6305 mt)

(d) Western Boundary Raunthi (6063 mt)

4. Maps-

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5. Flora, fauna & flagship species-

Forest Types
(i) Upper temperate
(ii) Sub Alpine
(iii) Lower Alpine
(iv) Alpine
(v) Moraine
(v) Perpetual glacier

Vegetation

Forests are restricted largely to the Rishi Gorge and are dominated by fir Abies
pindrow, Rhododendron campanulatum and birch Betula utilis up to about 3,350 m.
Forming a broad belt between these and the alpine meadows is birch forest, with an
understorey of Rhododendron. Conditions are drier within the 'Inner Sanctuary',
becoming almost xeric up the main Nanda Devi glaciers. Beyond Ramani, the
vegetation switches from forest to dry alpine communities, with scrub juniper
Juniperus pseudosabina becoming the dominant cover within the 'Inner Sanctuary'.
Juniper gives way attitudinally to grasses, prone mosses and lichens, and on riverine
soils to annual herbs and dwarf willow Salix sp. Woody vegetation extends along the
sides of the main glaciers before changing gradually to squat alpines and lichens. In
all nearly 600 species of plants are known from the park. Of these nearly 425 species
are dicots, 173 monocots and rest are gymnosperms. In all more than 800 species of
plant are reported from the NDBR area. Most of the areas of NDBR are too high to
support any kind of plants growth. Below these lie the alpine and sub alpine
grasslands locally called ‘bugyals’ The bugyals are free from snow for a brief period of
5 to 6 months in which the plants grow, flower, seed & die. These grassland support a
wide variety of flowering plants such as Potentillas, Geraniums, Andcosace, Primulas,
Pedicularis, Cyananthus, Gentians, Morina etc. The bugyals are also rich in medicinal
plants such as Orchis latifolia, Jurinea sp. Thalictrum sp. and Gaultheria sp. Below the
bugyals lie the sub-alpine forests of Birch (Betual utilis) and Rhododendron
campanulatum. The temperate forests of broad leaves and conifers are found mainly
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in the Dhauliganga and Pindar valleys. The forests of the Pindar valley are moist and
have an admixture of Spruce, Fir, Maples, Horse Chestnut, Walnut, Oaks etc. The
Dhauliganga valley forests are dry and are dominated by Deodar and Blue Pine. The
area between Suraithota and Malari contains very old over mature stands of Deodar
which make the eastern limit of Deodar distribution in the world.

The various faunistic surveys in the park have resulted in the finding of the presence
of 18 mammals. Seven of these are endangered. The important mammals are snow
leopard (Panthera uncia) Black Bear (Celenarctos thibetanus) Brown Bear (Ursus
arctos) Musk Deer (Moschus chrysogaster) Bharal (Pseudois nyaur), Himalayan Thar
(Hemitragus jemlahicus), Serow (Captricornis sumatraensis). Nearly 200 species of
birds are reported from the biosphere reserve. The distribution of goral Nemorhaedus
goral (LR) does not appear to extend to within the basin, although the species does
occur in the vicinity of the national park (Tak and Lamba, 1985; Lamba, 1987). The
only primate present is common langur Presbytis entellus (Tak and Lamba, 1985;
Lamba, 1987) although Rhesus macaque and Macaca mullata (LR) has been sighted
outside the park boundaries). The birds are of temperate, sub-alpine and alpine zone
of Himalayas. Many of the birds species found in the area move down to lower
altitudes in the lower Himalayas and foothill while a few migrate down even to the
northern plains and peninsular India in the winters. Abundant species recorded during
May-June include crested black tit (Parus melanolophus), Yellow-bellied fantail
flycatcher (Rhipidura hypoxantha), Orange flanked bush robin (Erithacus cyanurus),
Bluefronted redstart (Phoenicurus frontalis), Indian tree pipit (Anthus hodgsoni),
Vinaceous breasted pipit (A. roseatus), Common rosefinch (Carpodacus erythrinus),
and nutcracker (Nucifraga caryocatactes). Species richness is highest in temperate
forests, with a significant decline in richness as elevation increased. Eight species of
birds found in the area are endangered viz. Monal pheasant (Lophophorus
impejanus), Koklas Pheasant (Pucrasie macrolopha), Western Tragopan (Tragopan
melanocephala), Himalayan snowcock (Tetraogallus himalaysis). Some of the
butterflies reported from NDNp are: Common yellow swallowtail (Papilo machaon),
Common blue apollo (Parnassius hardwickei), Dark clouded yellow (Colias electo),
Queen of Spain (Issoria Iathonia) and Indian tortoiseshell (Aglais cashmirensis). Eight
most endangered and threatened birds of the park are Himalayan golden eagle
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 (Aquila chrysactos daphancea), Eastern steppe eagle (Aquila rapax nipalensis) Black
eagle (Ictinaetus malayensis perniger), Himalayan bearded vulture (Gypaetus
barbatus), Himalayan snowcock (Tetragullus himalayensis himalayensis), Western
tragopan (Tragopan melanocephalus), Himalayan Monal pheasant (Lophophorous
impejanus) and Koklas pheasant (Pucrasia macrolopha macrolopha).

6. Communities of the landscape-

There is no human habitation inside the park area. The outside park area is inhabited
by communities of Indo-Mangoloid and Indo-Aryan origin. Human population is
dominated by Bhotia community, a schedule tribe. Bhotia living in Chamoli have two
sub groups known as Toclha & Marcha. Each Bhotia group speaks its own dialect
including Garhwali, Kumauni & Tibetans. Local people have adapted to the harsh
climate and tough terrain of the area by having settlements at lower altitude while the
summer settlements at higher altitude lying inside the buffer zone. Only three villages
Reni, Paing, Suraithota are sedentary and nine villages viz; Muraina, Lata, Tolma,
Segari, Phagti, Kaga, Garpak, Dunagiri and Malari are migratory.

7. Visitor Information-
Visitor’s Attractions :

Nanda Devi peak (7817 m is the second highest peak of India and is revered as
Goddess. Nanda means "she who gives bliss". Nanda Devi is worshiped as “Devi”,
the beautiful mother who removes their sufferings and bestows her blessings in both
Kumaon and Garhwal.

The world heritage site has unique topography , climate, and soil and it supports
diverse habitat , species , communities and ecosystems .the area is reputed as one
of the most spectacular wilderness in the Himalaya

The various faunistic surveys in the park have resulted in the finding of the presence
of 18 mammals. Seven of these are endangered. The important mammals are snow
leopard (Panthera uncia), Black Bear (Celenarctos thibetanus), Brown Bear (Ursus
arctos), Musk Deer (Moschus chrysogaster), Bharal (Pseudois nyaur), Himalayan
Tahr (Hemitragus jemlahicus), Serow (Captricornis sumatraensis).

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Eight species of birds found in the area are endangered viz. Monal pheasant
(Lophophorus impejanus), Koklas Pheasant (Pucrasie macrolopha), Western
Tragopan (Tragopan melanocephala), Himalayan snowcock (Tetraogallus
himalaysis).

The Nanda Devi National Park offers numerous eco-tourism sites and treks in its
neighboring areas and breathtaking sighting and view of park from top most point i.e.
Dharansi.

Nanda Devi National Park offers excellent opportunity of mountaineering in its

peaks, which are situated along its periphery (Most Imp are- Dronagiri, Changbang ,
Kalanka and Nanda Devi East.). These peaks can be climbed from the routes
situated in the outer side of the park boundary.

Nanda Devi National Park offers excellent opportunity of knowing the life style of
local Bhotia tribal and to know and taste ethnic prepared by locals by providing the
home-stay facility at Tolma and Lata.

Nanda Devi National Park offers an opportunity to visitors to buy home made pure
wool products prepared by villagers.

Nanda Devi National Park and eco-tourism zone also offers excellent opportunity to
see and observe high altitude Himalayan fauna, viz, Snow Leopard, Musk Deer,
Bharal, Himalayan Black Bear and most beautiful Pheasants like Monal and Koklas.

Nanda Devi National Park forms upper catchments of Rishiganga river, which
emanates from Nanda Devi glacier.

Nanda Devi National Park also offers excellent opportunity for research on rare and
endangered Himalayan flora and fauna.

Nanda Devi National Park eco-tourism offers an opportunity to visit famous Chipko
movement village, i.e. Reni. One can visit Gaura Devi trail (12 Km) leading to
famous Chipko Movement forest, locally known as Pagrani. Gaura Devi
Interpretation centre, Reni (Valli) provides excellent opportunity to get the right
information about the Nanda Devi WHS and eco-tourism facilities.

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How to reach

i) Rishikesh-Srinagar-Joshimath-Tapovan-Lata (Approx. distance 289 Km.)

ii) Haldwani-Ranikhet-Karanpryag-Joshimath-Tapovan-Lata (Approx. distance 333
Km.)

Zonation

The Latakharak-Dharasi-Dibrugeta trail lies in north eastern part of the tourism zone.
This trek involves a high altitude 9 km. trekking route between 4000 m.-4380 m. The
entrance and exit will be at Latakharak. Two new halting camp sites will be developed
at Dharasi- 4 km. inside and Dibrugeta- 9 km. inside the Park.

Lata 9 km. Latakharak 4 km. Dharasi 5 km. Debrugeta

Base camp

Lata Van NDNP Area

Panchayat

Entry gates
The entry inside the park will be only through village Lata. The following route
will be followed-

1) Lata to Belta - 5 Km.

2) Belta to Latakharak - 4 Km.
3) Latakharak to Dharasi - 4 Km.
4) Dharasi to Dibrugeta - 5 Km.

Two alternative circuitous trek routes have been proposed for tourists while
returning from Dibrugeta and Dharasi-

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 Route No. 1
Dibrugeta to Dharasi - 4 Km.
Dharasi to Jhandidhar - 3 Km.
Jhandidhar to Tolma - 5 Km.

Route No. 2
Dibrugeta to Latakharak - 4 Km.
Latakharak to Sainikharak - 5 Km.
Sainikharak to Peng - 4 Km.
Peng to Reni - 4 Km.

Facilities and Accommodation

Forest Rest house with two suites is available at Joshimath. Electricity, Water and
Kitchen facilities are available at these rest houses. Apart from Forest Rest House,
Garhwal Mandal Vikas Nigam’s Tourist Rest House and many private hotels and
Lodges are available at Joshimath. Ordinary food is also available in the Hotels and
Lodges. Home stay facility is also available at Tolma and Reni Villages. There is small
two room Forest hut at Latakharak for night stay.

Forest hut at Latakharak

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Entrance fee, Eco fee & Camping fees
Entrance fee

No. Description Indian Foreigner

1 Entrance fee (in INR)

a) Entrance fee per head for first three days 150.00 600.00

b) For additional three days 50.00 250.00

2 Camera fees (in INR)

a) Still Camera (Non professional) Free Free

b) Still Camera (Professional) 500.00 500.00

c) Movie/Video (Non professional) Free Free

d) Movie/Video (Professional) 500.00 500.00

3 Filming charges (in INR)

a) Feature film per day 100000.00 200000.00

b) Documentary film per day 10000.00 30000.00

4 Security for above ((in INR))

a) Feature film per day 100000.00 200000.00

b) Documentary film per day 50000.00 100000.00

Eco fee

(Only Seven days track)

Eco fee or Trail management fee
(in INR) Unit
Fee
Adult Per Person 60/-
Student/5 to 12 year child Per Student/Child 30/-
Porter and Guide Per Porter/Guide 20/-

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 Camping fee

Camping fee (in INR) Unit Indian Foreigner

Tent (two persons) Per tent/ night 50/- 100/-

Tent (four persons) Per tent/night 100/- 200/-
Kitchen tent Per tent/night 100/- 200/-
Tent Pitching Per tent/night 50/- 100/-

Rules

Do’s-

Trekking will be permitted only on the designated trail along prescribed route.

Camping will be permitted only on designated sites at Latakharak-Dharasi-
Dibrugeta.

Registered guide will be compulsory for a group of every five visitors or
below.

Declare all the items before park authorities at the time of entrance and exit
the Park at Latakharak.

Visitors only above 14 years of age will be allowed to go inside the park.

Tourists will bring back all their generated waste during their stay inside the
park and hand it over to the Park authorities at Latakharak.

Don'ts-

Kindle fire; throw lighted Cigarette/Bidi butts or matchsticks inside the park.

Destroy, trample, collect or remove any plant and animal specimen whether live
or dead or any geological specimen.

Carry instruments, implements, tools, arms, firearms or chemicals harmful to
wildlife and vegetation.

Shout, hoot, play audio and video tapes/radio inside the Park.

Carry and introduce any animals or pets.

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 General directions for planning the visit

i. Trek for the park negotiates a steep assent at a high altitude zone within 13 km.
route from 2000 m. at village Lata to 4250 m. at Dharasi- the topmost point.
Visitors have to be physically tough for this trek.

ii. Get a thorough medical check up done before taking this arduous trek.

iii. Carry warm but light clothing, gloves, trekking shoes with good grip, rug sacs, sun
glasses, and torch light, energy giving toffees- Do not carry too heavy a load.

iv. Carry common medicines for headache, stomachache, sprain and common cold
etc and your own essential medicines.

o Nearby places of interest

Place Altitude (mt) Distance (km) Accommodation
Joshimath 1890 - Hotels, Rest House,
Camping ground
Auli 2744 8 jeep --“--
Gorson 3658 7 trek --“--
Tali 3506 5 trek --“--
Chitrakantha 3506 4 trek --“--
Gailgarh 3658 3 trek --“--
Kulari 4266 5 trek --“--

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 For more information
Log on- www.ndwhs.org

Contact:

1) Addl. Principles Chief Conservator of Forest/

Chief Wildlife Warden, Wildlife, Uttaranchal,
5 Chandrabani, Po.- Mohabewala,
Dehradun, Uttarakhand
Phone- 0135-2644691

2) Director/Conservator of Forest
WHS Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve, Gopeshwar
District- Chamoli.
Phone- 01372- 252497 (O), 01372-253430
Email- director.ndbr@yahoo.com

3) Deputy Conservator of Forest

WHS Nanda Devi National Park, Joshimath
District- Chamoli.
Phone- 01389-222179 (O)
Email- dfonandadevi@rediffmail.com

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