Nanda Devi National Park
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The Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve, also referred to as the Nanda Devi National Park, is a magnificent stretch of untamed wilderness nestled in the upper regions of the Himalayan Mountains.
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This reserve, along with the Valley of Flowers, has been acknowledged by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site owing to its unique location in the transition zone between the Zanskar mountain range and the Great Himalayas.
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The rugged and dramatic reserve is guarded by the towering Nanda Devi peak, and extends across three districts of Uttarakhand - Chamoli, Pithoragarh and Bageshwar - encompassing an area of over 6,407.03 sq km.
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The reserve is divided into two distinct zones: the core zone and the outer buffer zone, with two core zones - Nanda Devi National Park and Valley of Flower National Park.
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The region is traversed by several rivers, including Alaknanda and its tributaries such as Rishi Ganga, Dhauli Ganga, Pushwapati and Khiro Ganga, adding to the natural beauty of the parks.
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The reserve is home to a range of majestic peaks such as Trishul, Dunagiri, Kalanka and Nanda Ghungti.
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The Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve is a biodiversity hotspot in the upper Himalayas, home to rare species like snow leopard and musk deer, and a paradise for bird watchers.
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The reserve has significant importance for long-term ecological monitoring in the Himalayas, and as such, is a restricted area accessible only with permits and permissions.
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Jolly Grant Airport is the nearest airport but the roads are only connected up to Joshimath, from where you have to reach Lata village, from where need to trek for around 20 km.
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The nearest railway station is Rishikesh, 273 km away, and from there can reach Lata Village by car, approximately 25 km from Joshimath. The 20 Km trek begins from the road head.