Once in 12 Years · Grand Himalayan Pilgrimage · Uttarakhand
📅 Once in 12 Years
🏔 High Altitude
🕉 Grand Pilgrimage
🏔
12 Years
Once in a decade
🏔
5486m
Roopkund altitude
📍
280 km
Total trek distance
🙏
Thousands
Pilgrims participate
About Nanda Raj Jaat
The
Nanda Raj Jaat Yatra
is one of the world's largest Himalayan pilgrimages, held once every 12 years in Uttarakhand. It is dedicated to Goddess Nanda Devi — the principal deity of the Kumaon and Garhwal Himalayas.
The yatra covers approximately 280 km through remote Himalayan villages, reaching Roopkund (Skeleton Lake) at 5486m. It is a deeply religious, cultural, and physical journey that thousands of pilgrims undertake.
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Roopkund Lake
Mysterious skeleton lake at 5486m — the final destination of the yatra
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Cultural Festival
Traditional music, dance, crafts & rituals unique to Uttarakhand
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Remote Villages
Pass through untouched Himalayan villages and pristine forests
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Photography
Stunning Himalayan landscapes and cultural moments
Next Yatra: 2038
Last yatra was held in 2026
Contact us for advance registration & information
We organize treks to Roopkund during regular seasons
How to Reach Haridwar
All our Nanda Raj Jaat packages start from
Haridwar
. Here's how to reach from major cities:
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By Air
Nearest airport:
Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun
(35 km from Haridwar). Direct flights from Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru & Chennai. We arrange airport pickup on request.
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By Train
Haridwar Junction
is well-connected to all major cities. Popular trains: Shatabdi from Delhi (4.5 hrs), Jan Shatabdi, Mussoorie Express. We pick you up from Haridwar railway station.
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By Road / Bus
Haridwar is 220 km from Delhi (~5 hrs), 310 km from Chandigarh. UPSRTC & Volvo buses operate daily from Delhi, Lucknow, Agra, Chandigarh. Expressway makes road journey comfortable.
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By Private Car / Cab
Delhi to Haridwar via NH-58 (Expressway) takes 4–5 hrs. We also offer pickup from Delhi, Lucknow, Agra & Chandigarh at additional cost — contact us for details.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q.
When is the next Nanda Raj Jaat?
The last Nanda Raj Jaat was held in
2026
. The next yatra will be in
2038
(it happens every 12 years). We will start taking advance registrations as the event approaches. Contact us to be on our early notification list.
Q.
Can I trek to Roopkund without the Nanda Raj Jaat?
Yes! Roopkund is one of
India's most popular adventure treks
and can be done every year (May–June and September). We organize regular Roopkund treks. The skeleton lake at 5029m is a fascinating destination.
Q.
How difficult is Roopkund trek?
Roopkund is a
difficult to moderate trek
reaching 5029m altitude. Duration: 7–9 days from Lohajung. Requires good physical fitness, acclimatization, and proper trekking gear. Not suitable for beginners or those with heart conditions.
Q.
What is the significance of Nanda Raj Jaat?
Nanda Raj Jaat is dedicated to
Goddess Nanda Devi
— the principal deity of Kumaon and Garhwal. The yatra is a farewell procession of the goddess as she leaves her maternal home for her husband's home (Kailash). It is one of the world's longest Himalayan pilgrimages.
Q.
What is special about Roopkund Lake?
Roopkund (5029m) is known as the
"Skeleton Lake"
— it contains hundreds of ancient human skeletons from around 9th century CE. The mystery of who these people were and how they died has fascinated scientists worldwide. The lake is a UNESCO candidate site.
Q.
Do I need special permits for Nanda Raj Jaat / Roopkund?
Regular Roopkund trek requires
Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve permit
from the forest department. During Nanda Raj Jaat, the Uttarakhand government manages all permits. We handle all permits and registrations for our clients.
Q.
What is Nanda Raj Jaat Yatra?
Nanda Raj Jaat is one of the longest and highest religious processions in the world, held in the Garhwal Himalayas of Uttarakhand. It is organized every 12 years and involves a 280 km journey from Nauti village (near Karnprayag) to Homkund at over 5000 metres altitude. The procession lasts 19–21 days and draws lakhs of devotees. The last Nanda Raj Jaat was held in 2014 and the next one is expected around 2026.
Q.
How can I participate in Nanda Raj Jaat Yatra?
Participation in Nanda Raj Jaat is open to all devotees. You can join the procession at any point along the route, though most pilgrims join at Nauti or Kulsari. The procession follows a fixed traditional route through dozens of remote Garhwal villages. Dev Yatra offers organized packages for the Nanda Raj Jaat that include vehicle support to the route, accommodation in camps and tents, meals and a knowledgeable local guide to explain the cultural and religious significance of each village and halt.
Q.
What is the physical fitness required for Nanda Raj Jaat?
Nanda Raj Jaat is extremely demanding — it covers 280 km including sections above 5000 metres altitude. Participants must be in excellent physical health. The final section to Homkund is very high altitude with no vehicle access. Medical screening is recommended. Dev Yatra packages for Nanda Raj Jaat are designed for the most accessible sections of the route — making it possible for moderately fit devotees to participate and experience the procession without attempting the extreme high-altitude section.
Q.
When is the next Nanda Raj Jaat and how to book?
The Nanda Raj Jaat occurs every 12 years. The last yatra was in 2014 and the next one is expected around 2026. Exact dates are announced by the Nanda Devi Raj Jaat Mahotsav Committee close to the event. Dev Yatra will offer organized packages for the 2026 Nanda Raj Jaat as soon as official dates are confirmed. Contact us at +91-8057146497 or WhatsApp to register your interest and be notified as soon as bookings open.
Q.
What is the religious significance of Nanda Raj Jaat?
Nanda Raj Jaat is considered the largest religious fair of Uttarakhand. According to Garhwali tradition, Goddess Nanda Devi — daughter of the Himalayas — returns to her in-laws home (Mount Nanda Devi) every 12 years. The procession symbolizes this journey. A rare four-horned sheep (Chaubhiye Bakra) is sent as an offering and accompanies the procession until it disappears near Homkund — believed to have reached the divine realm. This event is deeply sacred to the Garhwali people.
