Nanda Devi National Park

Nanda Devi National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site established in 1982 in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand. Centered around India's second-highest peak, Nanda Devi (7,816 meters), the park encompasses a remote glacial basin surrounded by high Himalayan peaks. It is renowned for its pristine wilderness, rare wildlife including snow leopards and musk deer, and challenging trekking routes accessible only through Lata village.

Visitors can expect a remote high-altitude wilderness experience requiring physical fitness and preparation. The park is accessible only by trekking from Lata village, with rugged terrain, glacial basins, and dramatic mountain scenery. Visitors encounter alpine forests, flower beds, and panoramic views of peaks including Nanda Devi, Trishul, and Dunagiri. Access requires special permits and guided treks due to restricted entry regulations.

Established as a national park in 1982 and declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1988. The area was first explored by Eric Shipton and H.W. Tilman in 1934 when they entered the inner sanctuary through Rishi Ganga. The park was originally declared a game sanctuary in 1939.

Named after Goddess Nanda Devi, the patron deity of the Garhwal and Kumaon regions. The Nanda Devi Raj Jat Yatra pilgrimage occurs every 12 years, passing through Lata Village at the park's edge.