Asia's Longest Royal Pilgrimage · Garhwal Himalayas
The Divine Journey — Once Every Twelve Years
Total pilgrimage distance — longest in Asia
Official halts across 19 days on foot
Highest altitude at Jyunra Gali
Held once every 12-year cycle
The Nanda Raj Jat Yatra, held once every 12 years, is one of the most important religious and cultural events in Uttarakhand — drawing hundreds of thousands of devotees from across India and abroad.
The yatra starts from Nauti, near Karanprayag in Chamoli district, and concludes at the sacred high-altitude region of Roopkund (above 4,000m). A four-horned Ram, decorated with offerings, is released at the highest point as an offering to Goddess Nanda Devi.
The pilgrimage lasts 19 days, covering 280 km on foot across Himalayan terrain, high alpine pastures, and mountain paths — making it Asia's longest pilgrimage route.
"The four-horned Ram — a miraculous creature born for this occasion — leads the procession and is released at Jyunra Gali (4,820m), believed to ascend into the abode of the Goddess."
Nanda Devi's shrines are scattered across the Central Himalayas. She is the Isht-Devi — the chosen goddess — of the hill people of Garhwal and Kumaon, believed to be the daughter of Himavat, king of mountains, married to Lord Shiva.
The Raj Jat marks her ceremonial return to her husband's abode. During this time, all of Uttarakhand reverberates with festivities, devotion, and the sound of sacred drums.
Raja Ajay Pal of Chandgarh began the Nanda Raj Jat in the 15th century. The royal family undertakes the pilgrimage with their priests to seek the Goddess's blessings. Historical yatras: 1843, 1862, 1886, 1905, 1925, 1959, 1987, 2000, 2012.
A miraculous four-horned Ram (Charsingh Khadu) appears for each Raj Jat. It leads the procession and at Jyunra Gali (4,820m), it is released — believed to ascend directly to the divine realm as the final offering to Nanda Devi.
Prince of Kaunsuva presents the Ringal-Ki-Chhantoli (sacred umbrella) and the four-horned Ram. The ceremony begins.
Dolis (palanquins with village deities) from Almora, Nainital, Kurur, Bhrahamari and dozens more villages join the main yatra.
Through forest, alpine meadows (bugyals) and glacial terrain — crossing Waan, Gairoli Patal, Bedini Bugyal above 4,000m.
At Jyunra Gali (4,820m), the four-horned Ram is released. Devotees offer Tarpan at Roopkund for their ancestors.
Descent through Chandaniya Ghat, Sutol and Ghat completes the 280 km circuit over 19 sacred days.
Asia's longest pilgrimage — 19 official halts across 19 days, entirely within Chamoli district of the Garhwal Himalayas.
| # | Halt Name | Distance | Altitude & Profile | Households | Avg Temp |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| START | Nauti | 0 km | 1650m |
185 | 18-25°C |
| 1st Halt | Ida Badhani | 10 km | 1240m |
85 | 20-25°C |
| 2nd Halt | Nauti | 20 km | 1650m |
185 | 18-25°C |
| 3rd Halt | Kansuwa | 30 km | 1530m |
100 | 18-25°C |
| 4th Halt | Sem | 40 km | 1530m |
19 | 18-25°C |
| 5th Halt | Koti | 50 km | 1630m |
124 | 18-25°C |
| 6th Halt | Bhagoti | 62 km | 1500m |
88 | 18-25°C |
| 7th Halt | Kulsari | 74 km | 1050m |
96 | 20-25°C |
| 8th Halt | Chepdyu | 84 km | 1165m |
103 | 20-25°C |
| 9th Halt | Nandkesari | 89 km | 1200m |
29 | 20-25°C |
| 10th Halt | Faldiya Gaon | 99 km | 1480m |
70 | 18-25°C |
| 11th Halt | Mundoli | 109 km | 1750m |
150 | 18-25°C |
| 12th Halt | Waan | 124 km | 2450m |
228 | 12-18°C |
| 13th Halt | Gairoli Patal | 134 km | 3032m |
— | 10-15°C |
| 14th Halt | Patar Nachauniya | 146 km | 3650m |
— | 5-10°C |
| 15th Halt | Sila Samundra | 161 km | 4210m |
— | -1 to 1°C |
| 16th Halt | Chandaniya Ghat | 177 km | 4010m |
— | -1 to 1°C |
| 17th Halt | Sutol | 195 km | 2192m |
66 | 10-15°C |
| 18th Halt | Ghat | 220 km | 1331m |
600 | 20-25°C |
| END | Nauti | 280 km | 1650m |
185 | 18-25°C |
From 1,240m at Ida Badhani to 4,820m at Jyunra Gali — a vertical climb of 3,580 metres across 19 days, entirely on foot through the Garhwal Himalayas.
The complete 280 km pilgrimage circuit through the Garhwal Himalayas — from Nauti to the sacred peaks and back.
Hover over halt markers for details · Saffron line = main route · Dashed = return path
All 19 official halts with altitude, cumulative distance from Nauti, and average temperature
Altitude zone profile showing terrain transitions across the 280 km route
Each halt carries its own legend, natural splendour, and spiritual significance — from lush alpine meadows to mythic cave shrines and the mysterious lake of Roopkund.
Starting point of the Yatra near Karanprayag. The Prince of Kaunsuva inaugurates the ceremony here, presenting the sacred Ringal-Ki-Chhantoli umbrella and the four-horned Ram.
7 km uphill from Bakargad. The arduous 220m trek is forgotten due to spectacular natural splendour on the approach to this village.
5 km from Lohajang, lush with Birch, Oak and Deodar trees. Jasdhaval — ancestor of the Prince of Kansua — is honoured here.
A vast green meadow adorned with wildflowers in full bloom. A sacred lake in the centre where Tarpan offerings are made by devotees.
Where King Jasdhaval's courtesans danced. The Goddess Nanda Devi turned them to stone — their forms visible in rock formations today.
At 3,000m with views of Trishul and Nanda Devi peaks. The stone image of Lord Ganesha is worshipped here by all passing pilgrims.
Sacred Brahmakamals create a mystic ambience. Ahead lies Juna Gali — the valley of death. Pilgrims rest here before the final ascent.
Mysterious lake at 4,501m, edges covered with snow year-round. When snow melts, 500-600 year old skeletal remains are revealed — one of the Himalayas' greatest mysteries.
Highest point of the Raj Jat. The four-horned Ram is released here as the ultimate offering to Goddess Nanda Devi — the spiritual climax of the pilgrimage.
Key moments of the Nanda Devi Raj Jat — from inauguration at Nauti to the release of the Ram at 4,820 metres.
The beautifully decorated Doli of Nanda Devi is inaugurated at Nauti. The four-horned Ram takes its place at the front of the procession.
Dolis from dozens of villages join the main yatra. Dhol, damau and conch shells fill the mountain air as thousands of devotees gather.
The vast green bugyal hosts thousands of devotees offering prayers at the sacred lake — one of the most beautiful sights in the Himalayas.
Above the tree line, devotees traverse rocky high-altitude terrain. The air grows thin but the spirit of pilgrimage keeps thousands moving forward.
The mysterious glacial lake where pilgrims offer Tarpan for their ancestors. Skeletal remains lie at the water's edge — a profound, humbling sight.
At the highest point, the four-horned Ram is released as the ultimate offering to Goddess Nanda Devi. The yatra's spiritual purpose is fulfilled.
The Himalayas are one of nature's most beautiful gifts — every pilgrim and visitor is a custodian of this sacred landscape.