Photo by Vikas Gairola on Unsplash
Location
Nauti Village, Chamoli District, Uttarakhand
Duration
19–22 days
Frequency
Annual
Language
Hindi, Garhwali, Kumaoni
Upcoming confirmed & estimated dates
2026
5 Sept – 25 Sept
official for Nanda Devi Badi Jaat Yatra 2026; the official Nanda Devi Raj Jat Yatra is scheduled for 2027
The Nanda Devi Raj Jat Yatra is a demanding three-week-long Hindu pilgrimage in the Garhwal Himalayas of Uttarakhand, held once every 12 years. It reenacts Goddess Nanda Devi's symbolic journey from her maternal home in Nauti village, Chamoli district, to her consort Lord Shiva's abode in Mount Kailash. This "Himalayan Mahakumbh" involves a challenging 280-290 km high-altitude trek, led by a sacred four-horned ram (Chausinghya Khadu) carrying the goddess's palanquin. The yatra attracts thousands of devotees, trekkers, and cultural explorers from across India and beyond, offering a profound blend of spiritual devotion, ancient rituals, and immersion in the unique Garhwali and Kumaoni cultures amidst rugged mountain landscapes. It's an opportunity for those seeking deep spiritual experience coupled with physical endurance.
What to experience at this festival
Travel Tips
The yatra occurs during the monsoon months of August and September, which means unpredictable weather, including heavy rains, potential landslides, slippery paths, and cold temperatures at higher altitudes. Carry appropriate rain gear, warm clothing, and sturdy trekking boots.
Accommodation along the trek is basic, primarily consisting of tents or government-provided shelters in remote villages. Bookings for stays in accessible towns like Rishikesh or Karnaprayag before and after the trek should be made months in advance due to high demand.
While the Nanda Devi Samiti announced the next grand yatra for 2027, the Nanda Devi Kurud Samiti has declared its intention to conduct the 'Badi Nanda Devi Jat Yatra' in 2026, starting September 5th. Verify the latest official schedule from local authorities or reputable tour operators closer to the date.
Cash is highly recommended as digital payment options (UPI) and ATMs may be scarce or unavailable in the remote villages and high-altitude regions along the pilgrimage route. (Inferred from remote location, generally good practice for Himalayan treks)
Restrictions
The Nanda Devi Raj Jat Yatra is a high-altitude trek, with some points exceeding 5,000 meters. Good physical fitness and acclimatization are mandatory. Pilgrims should prepare for symptoms of altitude sickness such as nausea, dizziness, and fatigue.
Foreign nationals interested in participating in the yatra may require special permits and must register with the organizers. It is advisable to confirm these requirements well in advance.
