Garhwal Himalaya
Char Dham Yatra, Uttarakhand
Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath and Badrinath — the great Himalayan pilgrimage, planned at a pace that leaves room for the journey.
10 – 11 days ex Haridwar Explore
Culture & Heritage · Munsiyari, Pithoragarh district
Nanda Ashtami Yatra
The hills celebrate their goddess
- Duration
- 4 – 5 days ex Munsiyari
- Level
- Easy
- Starts from
- Munsiyari
01 · Overview
About this experience
Nanda Devi is the presiding goddess of Kumaon and Garhwal, and the mountain that carries her name watches over the whole region. Each year around Nanda Ashtami, in late summer, villages across the hills celebrate her with fairs, processions and music.
In Munsiyari the festival centres on the Nanda Devi temple on the ridge above town. We plan the days so you are there for the rituals and the gatherings, with a local host to explain what is happening and why — and time around it for the tribal heritage museum, the weavers of Darkot and the view of Panchachuli.
02 · Highlights
Highlights
- 01The Nanda Devi festival at the temple above Munsiyari
- 02Kumaoni folk music and dance, with a local host to explain it
- 03The Munsiyari tribal heritage museum and the story of the Johar valley
- 04A village walk to Darkot for its hand-woven shawls
- 05Sunrise over the Panchachuli peaks
03 · Itinerary
Day by day
Day 1
Arrive in Munsiyari
Settle in, meet your host and take an evening walk for your first look at Panchachuli.
Homestay, Munsiyari DinnerDay 2
Heritage and villages
Visit the tribal heritage museum, then walk to Darkot to meet the weavers.
Homestay, Munsiyari Breakfast, dinnerDay 3
Nanda Ashtami
Spend the day at the Nanda Devi temple for the festival, the rituals and the gathering.
Homestay, Munsiyari Breakfast, dinnerDay 4
Festival day two and departure
Catch the closing celebrations before heading down, or stay on for Khaliya Top.
Breakfast
Included
What is included
- Homestay accommodation in Munsiyari
- Breakfast and dinner daily
- Local host and guide throughout
- Museum and village visits
Before you go
Good to know
- 01
Festival dates follow the Hindu calendar and change every year — we confirm them when you enquire.
- 02
This is a religious occasion. Dress modestly and ask before photographing rituals.
- 03
Late summer is the tail of the monsoon. Keep a buffer day for the drive in and out.
- 04
Extend with Khaliya Top or the Johar valley if you have more days.
Photographs from Nanda Ashtami Yatra
Enquire
Ask us about Nanda Ashtami Yatra.
Tell us your dates and who is travelling. We will confirm availability and send the details and an indicative cost — usually within a working day, and always before you pay anything.
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