Is Nanda Devi open now ?Why Climbing Nanda Devi Peak Was Banned?

🌄 About Nanda Devi and Its Significance

Nanda Devi is not just a mountain. In the eyes of locals, she is a goddess, a protector of the region. The mountain lies inside the Nanda Devi Sanctuary, a natural basin surrounded by a wall of high Himalayan peaks. This area is also home to rare wildlife, alpine plants, and glaciers.

Because of its rich biodiversity and religious value, Nanda Devi National Park was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1988. The inner sanctuary is very remote and difficult to access, adding to its mysterious charm.

🚫 Why Was Climbing Banned on Nanda Devi?

The climbing ban on Nanda Devi was imposed in 1983 by the Government of India. The main reasons behind this were:

1. Environmental Damage
   In the years before the ban, multiple foreign and Indian expeditions had gone inside the Nanda Devi Sanctuary. These groups often used firewood, left behind non-degradable waste, and disturbed the fragile ecosystem. Over time, these activities started harming the plants, animals, and glaciers of the area.

2. CIA Nuclear Device Mission
   In the 1960s, a secret mission by the CIA and Indian Intelligence Bureau tried to place a nuclear-powered spying device on Nanda Devi to track Chinese activity. But the device was lost during a snowstorm and still lies somewhere in the mountain. Fears of radioactive contamination also became one of the reasons for the closure.

3. Preserving Biodiversity
   After observing the negative impact of human interference, the Indian government decided to protect this area completely. In 1983, all trekking, climbing, and tourism inside the Inner Sanctuary of Nanda Devi was banned.

🌿 What Happened After the Ban?

Once human entry was stopped, nature slowly started healing. Over the years, the region saw the return of many endangered animals like:

• Snow leopards

• Himalayan musk deer

• Blue sheep (bharal)

• Brown bears

More than 400 species of plants have also been recorded, many of them medicinal and rare.

Scientists, conservationists, and government teams conducted research in 1993, 2003, and 2015, all showing that the ban helped in protecting and reviving the sanctuary’s natural life.

🧗‍♂️ What is the Current Update in 2025? (With Local & Official Reactions)

After over four decades of silence, Nanda Devi — the pride of Garhwal Himalayas — might soon see climbers again. The Uttarakhand government, in coordination with the Indian Mountaineering Foundation (IMF), is discussing a plan to reopen the peak for controlled mountaineering and eco-tourism.

📩 Proposal Submitted by IMF

The IMF has submitted a formal proposal to the state government. The plan talks about:

• Regulated climbing permits

• Environmentally safe expeditions

• Limited number of climbers per season

• Involvement of local communities

IMF President said in a recent interview:

“Nanda Devi is an icon for Indian mountaineering. With proper eco-guidelines, we believe the peak can be reopened without harming the environment. We are ready to work with the Uttarakhand government for this.”

🧑‍💼 What Are Government Officials Saying?

Tourism department officials have confirmed that the plan is under serious consideration.

An officer from the Uttarakhand Tourism Development Board (UTDB) shared:

“We are not rushing. Our focus is to ensure that even if reopened, the sanctity and ecosystem of Nanda Devi are protected. We want to promote eco-tourism, not mass tourism.”

Another forest officer said:

“Nanda Devi Sanctuary is not an ordinary trekking zone. Even one careless group can damage what nature rebuilt in 40 years. That’s why we’re planning proper checklists, eco-permits, and strict entry rules.”

🌿 What Are Environmentalists Saying?

Not everyone is happy with the idea.

Many environmentalists and wildlife researchers are raising flags.
One expert from Wildlife Institute of India mentioned:

“We’ve seen snow leopard movement and rare plant revival in the inner sanctuary. Reopening could push all this backwards. Instead of full access, maybe create a ‘buffer trekking route’ outside the core zone.”

So clearly, there’s support and concern both.

🧍‍♂️ Reaction from Local Villagers & Guides

In nearby villages like Lata, Raini, Tapovan, and Malari, the reopening news is spreading fast.
Some villagers are hopeful, while others are cautious.

Kalyan Singh, a villager from Lata said:

“Our grandparents were the original porters of early British expeditions. If the peak reopens, our youth will get jobs. But it should be done with respect to Devi’s home.”

Kamla Devi, an elderly woman from Raini, shared:

“Devi raji hogi to sab theek hoga. But tourists should follow rules. The mountain is not just a stone, it’s living Shakti.”

Local trekking guide Mahesh Bhatt, from Tapovan, added:

“Right now we take people to Nanda Devi East side. But this news gives us hope. If allowed again, our traditional knowledge and guiding experience will return.”

⚖️ Mixed Feelings in Local Panchayats

Some panchayat heads are pushing for community-led eco-tourism. They want locals to manage the permit system, guide training, waste handling, and check-posts.

Pradhan of Lata village, where the famous Nanda Devi Eco Trail begins, said:

“If outsiders handle everything, locals will be left out. If reopening happens, it must be community-owned tourism. We are the protectors of Nanda Devi, and we know how to respect her.”

🧪 What About Scientific & Security Review?

Yes, apart from tourism and forest departments, the matter has also reached scientific agencies and possibly central intelligence teams.

Because of the CIA’s lost plutonium device in the 1960s Cold War mission, security clearance is also a major factor.

Until the full review is complete, no green signal will come.

🗓️ When Will It Actually Happen?

As of now, no final decision has been announced. But the process has definitely started. If the policy and approvals go smoothly, a pilot expedition or limited climbing window may open in 2026 or 2027, but only for select teams.

✅ Final Thought on This Development

The reopening of Nanda Devi is not just about mountaineering. It is also about:

• Preserving culture

• Reviving lost livelihoods

• Balancing development and nature

• Showing the world how sacred mountains are respected in India

If done rightly, it can be a model project for all Himalayan peaks.

⚠️ Is Climbing Allowed Now?

No. As of now in July 2025, climbing to the main summit of Nanda Devi is still banned. The government is only discussing the possibility. No official permission or dates have been announced.

However, some climbing is possible on Nanda Devi East, which is outside the inner sanctuary. This peak is less challenging and has been open for expeditions from time to time.

🧭 What Will Reopening Mean?

If the proposal gets approved, Nanda Devi might be opened under strict rules, such as:

• Limited entry passes

• Only eco-certified guides and agencies

• Zero-waste policy

• Regular environmental check-ups

• No camping near sensitive zones

This reopening can boost eco-tourism, generate employment for locals, and give mountaineers a chance to climb one of the most iconic peaks in the world, while still respecting its sacred and ecological value.

📌 Final Thoughts

Nanda Devi is not just a mountain. It is a symbol of Himalayan culture, spirituality, and natural purity. The ban that was imposed in 1983 helped save this region from destruction.

Now, with changing times, if tourism is restarted with full responsibility, it can be a good step. But we must remember—nature once lost, takes centuries to return.

So whether Nanda Devi opens or not, we must approach her with respect, not just excitement.

✅ Do check out my earlier blog on Kedarnath where I also talk about Uttarakhand’s sacred peaks:
🔗 https://mohitbangari.com/kedarnath

You can also explore more on Himalayan treks like Darma Valley, Adi Kailash, and others on my website mohitbangari.com, where I share full guides, routes, permit tips and cultural info.

Do you know about Ramman festival of Salud-Dungra village? It’s one of the intangible world cultural heritage of India in UNESCO. You can read a detailed article on this topic here.