Credit: sanjay chaudhary
About Niti Valley
At an elevation of 5,086 m, Niti Pass is located in Niti Valley, which lies in the northernmost region of Uttarakhand. The picturesque valley within the Chamoli district was a historical trade route between India and Tibet that was shut down after the 1962 India-China war. Not like the rest of Uttarakhand, Niti Valley offers an experience of Spiti that is found in Himachal Pradesh.
On the east side of Mana Valley, Niti Valley houses numerous villages like Lata, Kaga, Dronagiri, Malari, Bampa, and Gamshali. The journey to Niti village, which is situated at a height of 3600 m, takes you on a scenic road trip to many famous points, like Tapovan and Dronagiri View Point.
Tapovan
Tapovan, which is 14 km from Joshimath, is popular for its hot spring. The trek to Bhavishya Badri, which is one of the five sacred Badri, begins from here.
Dronagiri View Point
Dronagiri viewpoint falls while moving to Niti village. At a height of 12,000 feet, mesmerizing views of Nanda Devi, Dronagiri, and other Himalayan peaks take your heart out. Based on legends, Dronagiri Peak (7,066 m), which forms the outer wall of Nanda Devi Sanctuary, is associated with Lord Hanuman. It was during the Ramayana that he came to the place in search of herbs for Lord Rama’s brother Lakshaman. When he was not able to be found, he lifted the whole mountain. Due to actions, the locals stop worshiping hanuman because Dronagiri peak was auspicious to them.
Dhauliganga river
When you move into the Niti Valley, Dhauliganga which is 82 km long, runs parallel with you. Arising near the Niti Pass, it is one of six source streams of the Ganges that arise from Niti. It is joined by the river Rishi Ganga at Raini, which is 25 km from Joshimath. While following toward the west, it meets Alaknanda at Vishnuprayag, just before Joshimath.
Malari and Gamshali villages
Gamshali is the second village that comes before Niti village. Its a basecamp for many treks, like the Guptkhal Trek or the Bhyunder Khal Trek. The village is connected to Malari village, where the majority of people are from the Bhotia tribe.
If you see the population of Niti village, then it is sparsely populated. Hardly more than 50 families live in the Niti village, Majority of whom migrate to lower plains when harsh winter sets in.
In the summer, only Rajma beans, apricots, and apples are grown to sustain life.
People of Niti village
The Ronga community generally lives in the Niti valley.
Accommodation at Niti valley
GenerallyGenerally, tourists do a daytrip from Joshimath to Niti village, as there are no major hotels available in the region. But if you want, you can take accommodation in the valley because villagers are hospitable and welcoming . They would serve you meals and accommodations without charging exorbitant rates.
There is no hotel in Niti valley. But the villagers are extremely hospitable and welcoming. They would happily serve tourists tea or meals in their own homes. Tourists generally make a daytrip to Niti village from Joshimath.
Famous attractions nearby
While the Char Dham is a famous tourist pilgrimage activity in the state,. Around Niti valley, Mahadev temple is a famous religious spot between the Niti and Gamshali villages. Much like Amarnath shrine, a lingam is formed by ice where locals pay the offerings and respect.
