Nanda Devi — Local services in Uttarakhand

Nanda Devi is the second highest mountain in India, and the highest located entirely within the country. (Kangchenjunga, which is higher, is on the border of India and Nepal.) It is the 23rd-highest peak in the world. It was considered the highest mountain in the world before computations in 1808 proved Dhaulagiri to be higher. It was also the highest mountain in India before 1975 when Sikkim, the state in which Kangchenjunga is located, joined the Republic of India. It is part of the Greater Himalayas, and is located in Chamoli district of Uttarakhand, between the Rishiganga valley on the west and the Goriganga valley on the east. The peak, whose name means "Bliss-Giving Goddess",[4] is regarded as the patron-goddess of the Uttarakhand Himalaya. In acknowledgment of its religious significance and for the protection of its fragile ecosystem, the peak as well as the circle of high mountains surrounding it—the Nanda Devi sanctuary—were closed to both locals and climbers in 1983. The surrounding Nanda Devi National Park was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1988.Nanda Devi is a two-peaked massif, forming a 2-kilometre-long (1.2 mi) high ridge, oriented east-west. The western summit is higher, and the eastern summit is called Sunanda Devi formerly known as Nanda Devi East is the lower one. The main summit stands guarded by a barrier ring comprising some of the highest mountains in the Indian Himalayas, twelve of which exceed 6,400 m ( 6.4 km) in height, further elevating its sacred status as the daughter of the Himalaya in Indian myth and folklore. The interior of this almost insurmountable ring is known as the Nanda Devi Sanctuary, and is protected as the Nanda Devi National Park. Sunanda Devi lies on the eastern edge of the ring (and of the Park), at the border of Chamoli, Pithoragarh and Bageshwar districts.

Together the peaks may be referred to as the peaks of the goddesses Nanda and Sunanda. These goddesses have occurred together in ancient Sanskrit literature (Srimad Bhagvatam or Bhagavata Purana) and are worshipped together as twins in the Kumaon, Garhwal and as well as elsewhere in India. The first published reference to Nanda Devi East as Sunanda Devi appears to be in a recent novel (Malhotra 2011) that has the Kumaon region as backdrop.

In addition to being the 23rd highest independent peak in the world, Nanda Devi is also notable for its large, steep rise above local terrain. It rises over 3,300 metres (10,800 ft) above its immediate southwestern base on the Dakkhini Nanda Devi Glacier in about 4.2 kilometres (2.6 mi), and its rise above the glaciers to the north is similar. This makes it among the steepest peaks in the world at this scale, closely comparable, for example, to the local profile of K2. Nanda Devi is also impressive when considering terrain that is a bit further away, as it is surrounded by relatively deep valleys. For example, it rises over 6,500 metres (21,300 ft) above the valley of the Goriganga in only...

Nanda Devi, Uttarakhand: Majestic Peaks and Sacred Beauty

Nanda Devi, the second-highest mountain in India, is a sacred giant standing tall in the Garhwal Himalayas of Uttarakhand. Here's an in-depth review of this majestic peak, along with insights into the best time to visit and its awe-inspiring altitude.

Majestic Peaks and Spiritual Significance: Nanda Devi, with its towering height of 7,816 meters (25,643 feet), commands reverence and awe. Revered as the goddess of bliss, Nanda Devi holds significant cultural and spiritual importance in the region. The Nanda Devi Sanctuary, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, surrounds the peak, creating a sanctuary for biodiversity and preserving the unique ecosystem.

Best Time to Visit: The best time to visit Nanda Devi depends on the traveler's preference and the intended activity. For trekkers and mountaineers, the ideal time is during the pre-monsoon (May to June) and post-monsoon (September to October) periods when the weather is relatively stable. Monsoons (July to August) bring heavy rainfall, making it challenging for outdoor activities. Winters (November to April) are extremely cold and snow-covered, suitable mainly for experienced mountaineers.

Altitude and Himalayan Panorama: Nanda Devi's elevation adds to the challenge and allure for mountaineers. The snow-clad peaks contribute to the stunning panorama of the Garhwal Himalayas. The Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve, encompassing the sanctuary, shelters diverse flora and fauna, offering a unique opportunity for nature enthusiasts to witness the Himalayan ecosystem.

Climbing Expeditions and Challenges: Nanda Devi has long been a magnet for mountaineers seeking a challenging ascent. The main summit, Nanda Devi East, and surrounding peaks present formidable climbing expeditions. The remoteness, technical difficulty, and unpredictable weather contribute to the challenges, requiring careful planning and experienced guides.

Cultural Heritage and Trekking Trails: The villages around Nanda Devi reflect the rich cultural heritage of the region. Trekking trails leading to the base camps offer glimpses of traditional life, and encounters with local communities provide a cultural immersion. The Nanda Devi Raj Jat Yatra, a pilgrimage held every 12 years, is a significant cultural event, showcasing the deep-rooted connection between the mountain and the people.

In conclusion, Nanda Devi stands as a symbol of both natural grandeur and cultural significance. Whether you seek the thrill of mountaineering, the serenity of trekking trails, or a spiritual connection with the Himalayas, Nanda Devi beckons with its majestic peaks, rugged beauty, and...

Nanda Devi East (Hindi: नंदा देवी पूर्व) locally known as Sunanda Devi is the lower of the two adjacent peaks of the highest mountain in Uttarakhand and second highest mountain in India; Nanda Devi is its higher twin peak. Nanda Devi and Nanda Devi East are part of the Garhwal Himalayas, and are located in the state of Uttarakhand. The graceful peaks of twin mountains are visible from almost everywhere in Kumaon. The first ascent to Nanda Devi East peak in recorded history appears to be in 1939 by Jakub Bujak and Janusz Klarner. The elevation of Nanda Devi East is 7,434 m (24,390 ft) and its prominence is 260 m (850 ft).

Nanda Devi East is the lower eastern summit of the twin peaks of Nanda Devi a two-peaked massif, forming a 2 kilometres long ridge, oriented east-west. The western summit is higher, and the eastern summit called Nanda Devi East is also locally referred to as Sunanda Devi. Together the peaks may be referred to as the peaks of the goddesses Nanda and Sunanda. These goddesses have occurred together in ancient Sanskrit literature, Srimad Bhagvatam or Bhagavata Purana (Gita Press has a two-volume English and Hindi translation) and are frequently worshipped together in the Kumaon and Garhwal as well as elsewhere in India. Regarding certain mountains as sacred and associating them with specific Gods and Goddesses is a practice prevalent in other parts of Asia as well e.g. the volcanic Mount Fuji in Japan appears to have been named after the fire goddess. The first published reference to Nanda Devi East as Sunanda Devi appears to be in a recent novel (Malhotra 2011) that has the Kumaon region as backdrop. An annual Nanda Devi Raj Jat festival celebrating the two goddesses is popular in Uttarakhand.

The Himalaya have also been personified as the Lord Himavata, the God of snow, who is mentioned in the Mahabharata. He is father of Ganga and Saraswati, that became rivers, and Parvati an avatar of the great Mother Goddess Durga, who married Shiva and the goddesses Nanda and Sunanda who too are avatars or close spiritual associates of the...