Nanda Devi and Valley of Flowers National Parks – A UNESCO World Heritage Site

The Nanda Devi National Park, declared a World Heritage Site by the UNSECO in the year of 1988, is located in the midst of western Himalayas. The most prominent feature of this park is the Nanda Devi peak which has a height of about 7,800m and is the second highest in India. There are no human beings living in the park and thus it has remained intact. The main reason for this is the fact that it is highly inaccessible. This place is the habitat of many different kinds of endangered species like snow leopard the Asiatic black bear, the blue sheep, musk deer, bharal and the brown bear. The beautiful landscape in front of the contrasting rugged mountains creates a somewhat paradoxical beauty. The mountain ranges of Zanskar and the Himalayas are awe-inspiring especially for the mountaineers. In addition to this the mountains ranges are considered to be highly significant in Hindu mythology.

The park is basically situated in the Chamoli district in the region of Garhwal Himalaya. This area is naturally blessed with the catchment area of Rishi Ganga., Dhauli Ganga’s eastern tributary that ultimately flows in Alaknanda River. This area has been divided into many parts because of the many ridges running from north to south. The park is also surrounded by mountains with more than 10 peaks, the most prominent ones being Dunagiri, Nanda Devi East and Changbang.

Both parks, that are the Nanda Devi and Valley of National Parks, are blessed with good variety of plants, birds and animals. The entire area of the park that is situated in the Western Himalayas Endemic Bird Area (EBA) plays a very crucial role in the enhancement of the population of the mountain Ungulates and Galliformes. Not only are these endangered but they happen to be the prey of another endangered species called the snow leopard. This natural marvel that is spread on an area of 71,200 is thus not only blessed with flora and fauna but also with natural heavenly beauty and the best part is that it is still out of the reach of the general people.