Explore Junargali Pass in Chamoli, Uttarakhand, India. Learn how to reach, trek route, permits, and best time to visit this high-altitude Himalayan adventure.
Junargali Pass is a beautiful and lesser-known high-altitude mountain pass located in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand, India. It lies at an elevation of about 5,200 metres (17,060 feet) and is part of the Nanda Devi Sanctuary in the Garhwal Himalayas. This stunning pass is mainly visited by experienced trekkers and mountaineers who wish to explore the inner beauty of the Himalayas.
It is not a place for regular tourists, but for those who love adventure, snow, glaciers, and peace, Junargali Pass is a dream destination. The pass offers a mesmerising view of Nanda Devi, the second-highest peak in India, along with other surrounding mountains, ice fields, and alpine meadows.
Junargali Pass is located within the Nanda Devi National Park, in the Garhwal region of Chamoli district. The region is part of the Greater Himalayas and is well protected due to its ecological and cultural importance.
The pass lies near Nanda Devi Base Camp, and it is one of the highest points that trekkers can reach without a special permit to enter the core zone of the Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve. The nearest popular places to this pass are Lata Village, Joshimath, and Tapovan.
Because of its remote location and high altitude, Junargali is not easily accessible and requires proper planning and physical fitness to reach.
Reaching Junargali Pass involves multiple stages, including road travel and trekking. Here's a step-by-step guide:
The nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport, located in Dehradun, about 280 km from Joshimath. From Dehradun, you need to travel by road to reach Joshimath.
The nearest railway station is Rishikesh (around 250 km from Joshimath). You can take a taxi or bus from Rishikesh to reach Joshimath.
Joshimath is the nearest major town connected by road. It can be reached from:
State-run buses and private taxis are available. The route passes through scenic places like Devprayag, Rudraprayag, Karnaprayag, and Chamoli.
From Joshimath, you need to reach Lata Village, the starting point of the Nanda Devi Inner Sanctuary Trek. This village is about 25 km from Joshimath by road.
Once you reach Lata Village, the real adventure begins. The trek to Junargali Pass is a high-altitude and challenging trek, which usually takes around 8–10 days to complete. Here's a typical trekking route:
The trail passes through thick forests, high meadows (bugyals), steep climbs, and glaciers. It requires a good guide, porters, and camping equipment. You also need to get permits from the forest department, as it lies in a protected zone.
Due to heavy snow and harsh weather, Junargali Pass is accessible only for a short window during the year. The best time to visit is:
Junargali Pass in Chamoli, Uttarakhand, is a hidden gem meant for serious trekkers and nature lovers. It offers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to witness the untouched beauty of the Nanda Devi Sanctuary. Though tough to reach, the rewards are breathtaking – snow-covered peaks, silent valleys, alpine flowers, and spiritual peace.