Niti Valley Adventures Travel Guide: Unveiling the Secrets of Uttarakhand
Niti Valley Adventures Uttarakhand – the land of Gods and majestic himalayas is a home to several cultural and religious destinations attracting tourists from all around the world. While places like Chopta, Dhanaulti and Auli have become some of the most famous tourist locations, a quaint hamlet – Niti valley, still sits silent in this heavenly land.
Niti valley is situated in Chamoli District of Garhwal, Uttarakhand. Niti pass was the ancient trade route connecting India and China. However, it was sealed after the Sino-India war in 1962. Lying in the lap of Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve, Niti is the last village at the India-China border.
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How to Reach Niti Valley?
By Air: The nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport (272 km) in Dehradun.
By Road: Joshimath is the main city in Chamoli district and the NH-7 connects it to other pilgrimage centers. Regular buses and shared jeeps are available to reach Joshimath. From Joshimath, tourists can hire vehicles to reach Niti Valley.
By Train: Rishikesh is the nearest railway station, well-connected to major Indian cities.
Tourism
Niti valley has got a lot to explore like the Nanda Devi National Park, Faila & Panchnag Temple, Tapovan, Dronagiri and more.
The Uttarakhand Tourism and Development Board has closely focused on the development of the valley. And this can be seen in its improved infrastructure with small tourist rest houses, artificial lakes and camping facilities. The best part is the locals of Niti Valley who are known for their warm hospitality.
The place is seasonably occupied by the Bhotias community. By seasonably we mean that they practice a semi-nomadic lifestyle where most of the population migrates to lower regions of the area. This is because the valley is situated at a height of 3600 meters because of which the winters here get extremely cold.
The people of niti valley follow a special tradition where 2 families of the village come forward to take the responsibility of offering daily prayers to the village deity for around a year. More so, they also providing food and accommodation to anyone who visits the village.
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Stops to Explore Along the Way
The journey to Niti Valley from Joshimath is an adventure in itself, filled with scenic beauty that soothes the eyes and the soul. Here are some exciting sports along the way:
- Tapovan: Located 14 kilometers from Joshimath, Tapovan is famous for its hot springs and serves as the starting point for treks to Bhavishya Badri. The hot springs are believed to have medicinal properties and the area offers sweeping views of Himalayan peaks like Nanda Devi and Dronagiri.
- Dhauliganga River: The 82-kilometer-long Dhauliganga River, one of the Ganges’ source streams, originates at the Niti pass. As you travel towards Niti Valley, the road runs parallel to this river, offering picturesque views and the opportunity to cross the river at the stunning Suraitota village, known for its abandoned iron bridge.
- Dronagiri Parvat Viewpoint: Located around 17 kilometers from Suraitota, this viewpoint provides mesmerizing views of the Dronagiri peak, which holds a unique place in Hindu mythology as a spot associated with Lord Hanuman’s quest for the Sanjeevani Booti.
- Malari: This village is characterized by sharp bends, steep gorges and houses with slate roofing that hang precariously on cliffs. The bhotia tribes inhabit Malari, relying on sheep rearing and pulse cultivation for their livelihood. Nearby Reni village is where the Chipko Movement originated in 1973.
- Gamshali: The second last village on the route, Gamshali, serves as the starting point for the Guptkhal trek. It’s located around 13 kilometers from Malari and is the gateway to Niti, the last Indian village.
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Spiritual Exploration
Niti valley is not just about natural beauty; it also holds spiritual significance. The Mahadev Temple, situated between the villages of Gamshali & Niti, houses a lingam formed of ice, similar to the Amarnath shrine in Jammu & kashmir. Devotees undertake a 40 kilometer yatra during the Hindu calendar month of Shravan (July-August) to pay homage to the ice lingam.
Traveler Tips
- There are only limited fuel filling stations along the route, so fill up your tank in Joshimath itself.
- Mobile communication is unavailable in Niti Village, with only booths providing connectivity.
- Health should be your priority, especially at high altitudes. Avoid the trip if you experience breathlessness or discomfort.
- Start your journey early to avoid afternoon rainfall due to melting snow at higher altitudes.
Takeaway
Niti valley is more than just a destination; it’s an experience that combines raw beauty, spiritual exploration and the warmth of Himalayan hospitality. As an offbeat destination, it offers uncharted trails, rugged mountain scapes and a glimpse into the unique culture of the Rongpa community. With infrastructure improvement and a focus on sustainable tourism, Niti valley is poised to become a hidden treasure waiting to be discovered by travelers seeking tranquility in the lap of the himalayas. So, if you’re looking for an adventure that takes you off the beaten path, consider exploring the enchanting Niti Valley Adventures in uttarakhand.
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