280 km Pilgrimage – World's Largest Highland Festival
Nanda Devi Raj Jat Yatra is a legendary and sacred pilgrimage celebrated once every 12 years in the Garhwal and Kumaon Himalayas of Uttarakhand. It is considered one of the world's largest and most ancient highland pilgrimages, attracting lakhs of devotees from across India and abroad.
The yatra is a symbolic farewell procession for Goddess Nanda Devi (the presiding deity of Uttarakhand) who is believed to be returning to her in-laws' home in the Himalayas (married to Lord Shiva). The procession is led by a unique four-horned Ram (chaushinga – a rare animal), which is believed to appear naturally for each yatra and disappears into the Himalayas after reaching the final destination at Roopkund and beyond.
The last Nanda Devi Raj Jat Yatra was held in 2014. The next one is expected around 2026. Contact us for the latest updates on yatra dates and registration.
| Day | Village/Stop | Altitude |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Nauti (Start) | 1,500m |
| 3 | Nausani | 2,200m |
| 5 | Idwal Bagad | 2,600m |
| 7 | Wan Village | 2,438m |
| 10 | Bedni Bugyal | 3,354m |
| 13 | Pathar Nachani | 4,000m |
| 16 | Shila Samudra | 4,600m |
| 19 | Roopkund | 5,029m |
| 20+ | Shila Dhar (Final) | Beyond Roopkund |
Even outside the Raj Jat years, Tour Venture India offers a Roopkund Trek package – the famous mystery lake trek that covers part of the Raj Jat route through the beautiful Bedni Bugyal and Ali Bugyal meadows.