Situated in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand, Nanda Devi is the highest mountain entirely in India, (if we exclude Kanchenjunga that lies on the border of India and Nepal). It is also the highest mountain in the State of Uttarakhand with a towering altitude of 7,816 meters.. Nanda Devi is a two-peaked massif, forming a 2 kilometres (1.2 mi) long high ridge, oriented east-west. The eastern summit is known as Sunanda Devi (formerly known as Nanda Devi East).
HISTORY
In 1934, the British explorers Eric Shipton and H. W. Tilman, with three Sherpa companions, Angtharkay, Pasang, and Kusang, finally discovered a way through the Rishi Gorge into the Nanda Devi sanctuary.Finally in 1936, H. W. Tilman and Noel Odell conquered the Nanda Devi during the British-American expedition. The expedition climbed the south ridge, also known as the Coxcomb Ridge, which leads relatively directly to the main summit.
This expedition was considered extraordinary achievement as it included only seven climbers, and used no fixed ropes, nor any Sherpa support above 6,200 m.The second ascent of Nanda Devi was accomplished by an Indian team led by N. Kumar in 1964, following the Coxcomb route.
CLIMBING ROUTES
- South ridge (Coxcomb ridge)
- Northwest buttress
- West Ridge
HOW TO REACH
The nearest place which is accessible through motorable road is Munsiyari. This place is starting point of many treks into the Kumaon Himalayas.
- ROAD: Munsiyari is very well connected to all the important town and cities in the Kumaon region of Uttarakhand. Buses and taxis are easily available from Kathgodam, the major transport junction for the Kumaun Hills.
- RAIL: Ramnagar railway station is the nearest railway station from Munsiyari from where you can commute to all important cities. You can take a bus, taxi or any other mode of transport to reach here.
- AIR: Pantnagar airport is the closest airport from Munsiyari located at a distance of about 188 kilometers. With the available means of transport you can easily reach the airport which is well maintained and ensures convenience.