Mt. Everest might be the highest of peaks in the Himalayan range, but the peak of Nanda Devi undeniably is the most picturesque and fascinating. The area around the mountain with its deep valleys and gorges, steep peaks and cliffs and unique flora and fauna was declared a National Park in 1982 to save it from excessive human interference. Recently, it was also proclaimed a World Heritage Site.

First explored in 1883 by WW Garden, Nanda Devi came into the spotlight in the 1930s when Tilman and Shipton scaled it, thus encouraging other explorers to follow. Today, it is a peaceful abode for many endangered animals including the Snow Leopard, Himalayan Musk Deer and Bharal. Found also are the Brown Bear, Himalayan Black Bear, Himalayan Tahr, Common Langur and Chir Pheasants.

The Nanda Devi Sanctuary although open, entertains very few visitors who need a special permit to enter, in a deliberate attempt by officials to preserve the region. In keeping with this lack of outside influence, the villagers in the area are still traditional in habit and revere the landscape and nature that surrounds them as sacred.