The Nanda Devi Raj Jat Yatra 2026 is one of the most revered and spiritually significant pilgrimages in the Indian Himalayas. It is a once-in-12-year ritualistic journey in honour of Goddess Nanda Devi, the patron deity of the Garhwal and Kumaon regions of Uttarakhand. In 2026, the yatra will commence from Nauti Village (Chamoli district) on 4th September, coinciding with Nanda Ashtami, a sacred festival dedicated to the goddess.
🌺 Religious Significance
Nanda Devi is believed to be an incarnation of Parvati, the consort of Lord Shiva, and is worshipped as the protector and mother goddess of Uttarakhand. The Raj Jat is a symbolic farewell to the goddess as she departs from her maternal home (Nauti) to her husband’s abode in the high Himalayas (Mount Kailash). The yatra signifies devotion, renunciation, and the divine connection between humans and the sacred mountains.
Pilgrims from all over Uttarakhand and India join the procession with deep faith, chanting folk hymns and participating in rituals that have remained unchanged for centuries.
📖 Mythological Background
According to legend, Goddess Nanda Devi was married to Lord Shiva, who resided in the Himalayas. After the marriage, she returned to her parental home (in the Nanda region). However, a tragic event during a festival led to her eternal departure to Mount Kailash, her husband’s home, never to return again.
The Raj Jat Yatra commemorates this final journey. The most mystical part of the yatra is the presence of a four-horned ram, which is said to appear mysteriously and lead the procession. At the sacred lake of Homkund, the ram disappears into the snow—considered as Nanda Devi’s symbolic ascent to Kailash.
🏔️ Historical Context
The Raj Jat tradition dates back to at least the 9th–10th century, possibly earlier. It is deeply rooted in the culture and spiritual practices of the Garhwal kingdom, with royal families historically involved in organizing the event.
The yatra begins at Nauti village, associated with the royal priest family, and travels nearly 280 km over 23 days, crossing high-altitude meadows, glaciers, and mountain passes such as Roopkund and Shila Samundra. The final destination, Homkund, lies at the base of Trishul and Nanda Ghunti peaks, areas considered as sacred as Mount Kailash itself.
🌕 Nanda Ashtami
Nanda Ashtami falls on the eighth day (Ashtami) of the bright fortnight (Shukla Paksha) in the month of Bhadrapada (usually August–September). It is the most auspicious day dedicated to Goddess Nanda Devi. On this day, villagers and pilgrims gather to offer prayers, conduct rituals, and prepare for the goddess’s symbolic departure.
In 2026, Nanda Ashtami falls on 4th September, marking the official beginning of the Raj Jat Yatra. This alignment enhances the spiritual power of the journey, and the presence of thousands of devotees creates a once-in-a-lifetime religious atmosphere.
✨ A Spiritual Odyssey
The Nanda Devi Raj Jat Yatra is not just a pilgrimage—it is a journey of faith, endurance, and spiritual transformation. Walking through ancient Himalayan trails, staying in remote villages, and participating in age-old rituals brings a rare, divine connection to the devotees.
In 2026, as the procession sets forth once again after 12 years, it invites seekers from across the world to witness and participate in one of the last living Himalayan pilgrimages, untouched by modernity and steeped in mystical tradition.
Complete Tour Package – Starting from Haridwar
📆 Start Date: 4 September 2026 (Nanda Ashtami)
📍 Start/End Point: Haridwar → Nauti Village → Homkund → Haridwar
🕉️ Organized by: Discover Uttarakhand (Govt. Regd. Tour Operator)
🔰 PACKAGE OVERVIEW
- Duration: 23 Days / 22 Nights
- Yatra Route: Haridwar – Nauti – Homkund – Return
- Trek Distance: Approx. 280 km (road + foot)
- Max Altitude: ~4,200 meters at Homkund
- Best For: Pilgrims, trekkers, cultural travellers
- Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging
🗓️ DAY-WISE ITINERARY
🚌 DAY 1 (2 Sept): Arrival in Haridwar – Drive to Nauti
- Pickup from Haridwar
- Scenic drive through Devprayag, Rudraprayag
- Overnight at Nauti (guesthouse or tents)
🙏 DAY 2 (3 Sept): Orientation & Puja at Nauti
- Yatra briefing & rituals at Nanda Devi Temple
- Cultural evening program
- Final preparation for trek
🚶♂️ DAY 3 (4 Sept): Yatra Begins from Nauti (Nanda Ashtami)
Trekking begins! Here’s the outline:
| Day | Route | Distance | Altitude |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | Nauti – Ida Badhani | 10 km | ~1800 m |
| 4 | Ida Badhani – Kansuwa | 10 km | ~2000 m |
| 5 | Kansuwa – Sem | 12 km | ~2100 m |
| 6 | Sem – Koti | 10 km | ~2300 m |
| 7 | Koti – Bhagoti | 12 km | ~2400 m |
| 8 | Bhagoti – Kulsari | 10 km | ~2500 m |
| 9 | Kulsari – Cheptaul | 10 km | ~2600 m |
| 10 | Cheptaul – Nandkesari | 10 km | ~2700 m |
| 11 | Nandkesari – Faldiya | 10 km | ~2800 m |
| 12 | Faldiya – Mundoli | 10 km | ~2900 m |
| 13 | Mundoli – Wan | 15 km | ~3000 m |
| 14 | Wan – Garoli Patal | 10 km | ~3200 m |
| 15 | Garoli Patal – Bedni Bugyal | 9 km | ~3500 m |
| 16 | Rest at Bedni Bugyal | — | ~3500 m |
| 17 | Bedni – Patar Nachaniya | 5 km | ~3800 m |
| 18 | Patar Nachaniya – Shila Samundra | 15 km | ~4000 m |
| 19 | Shila Samundra – Homkund | 10 km | ~4200 m |
🔄 RETURN ROUTE
| Day | Route |
|---|---|
| 20 | Homkund – Chandniya Ghat (18 km trek) |
| 21 | Jeep ride to Ghat village (45 km) |
| 22 | Drive back to Nauti (night halt) |
| 23 | Nauti – Haridwar (departure) |
💰 PACKAGE COST
For Indian Nationals:
- 🛏️ Standard Twin Sharing: ₹39,500
- 🛏️ Premium Twin Sharing: ₹47,000
- 🚶 Solo Occupancy: ₹58,000
For Foreign Nationals:
- 🛏️ Standard Twin Sharing: $880
- 🛏️ Premium Twin Sharing: $1,050
- 🚶 Solo Occupancy: $1,250
✅ INCLUSIONS
- Pickup & drop from Haridwar
- Accommodation (hotels, tents, dharamshalas)
- All meals (vegetarian)
- Guides, porters & trek managers
- All permissions & ritual access
- Cultural programs & yatra kit
- First aid and basic mountain safety
❌ EXCLUSIONS
- Flights / Train fare
- Travel insurance
- Emergency evacuation (helicopter, etc.)
- Snacks & personal items
- Donations, pooja items, personal tips
📜 BOOKING TERMS
- Advance Booking: ₹5,000/$100 (Non-refundable)
- 50% by 15 July 2026
- Full Payment by 15 August 2026
- Limited availability (due to trail capacity)
📞 CONTACT
Discover Uttarakhand
Govt. Registered Tour Operator – Uttarakhand
📱 Call/WhatsApp: +91-9997187178
🌐 Website: www.travelwithmonk.com
📧 Email: info@travelwithmonk.com
