Niti Valley

Niti is a remote village located in Uttarakhand's Chamoli district. Situated close to the Indo-China border, Niti is often referred to as India's first village. Nestled on the banks of the Dhauliganga River, the village is known for its picturesque valley, which collectively gives the region the name "Niti Valley". It is an offbeat place where travellers can enjoy the untouched natural view and experience village tourism. The towering mountains surrounding Niti are mostly covered with snow, producing a spectacular view of the landscape. Apart from its scenic beauty, Niti Valley is known for the Timmersain Mahadev Cave Temple - popularly called the Chhota Amarnath of Uttarakhand.

Niti Village

Located about 332 km from Rishikesh, Niti Village is primarily inhabited by the Bhotiyas, often called as Marchas, a community of Monogoloid origin. Throughout the year, the weather remains cold here, and during winter, the region is blanketed with a thick layer of snow. In winter, the temperature at Niti Valley can drop to -20 degrees, making it impossible for the villagers to survive. During this period, the villagers moved to the lower part of the Himalayas, where they reside in their alternate villages.
 

The mesmerising beauty of Niti Valley is truly unique, which continues to attract visitors. A few years ago, the area was known by a few, but gradually it has started gaining attention from adventure and nature lovers.

Sprawling Beauty

The beauty of Niti Valley is not confined to this village, as it stretches up to Bampa Village. The region also includes Malari and Ghamshali villages, known for their charming view, particularly Ghamshali. This village is known for its sprawling meadows, which give a reminder of the Kashmir Valley. Many trekkers visit here to undertake the popular Ghamsali Bugyal Trek.

Niti Valley Travel Guide

Perched at an altitude of around 12,000 feet, the route to Niti Valley passes through many scenic landscapes. Rishikesh is generally considered the base point from where you begin your journey.

After passing the confluence of the Bhagirathi and Alakananda rivers at Devprayag, the point where the Ganga forms, you will arrive at the Dhari Devi Temple - known as the protector of Char Dham.

By the time you reach Karnaprayag, you have crossed three of the Panch Paryag. From Karnaprayag, Niti is around 163 km away. Those who are not comfortable with high altitude can take an overnight halt at Joshimath and seek blessings at Narsingh Temple, the winter seat of Badrinath.

Niti Valley is just 84 km away from Joshimath, which marks an important part of the journey. After this, the availability of Hotels and restaurants becomes limited, and there will be no petrol pump ahead.
 

Moving ahead, you will reach a renowned place in the region called Tapovan, which is generally known for its hot springs. From here, the view of the surrounding landscapes becomes more interesting, which tempts you to capture them. While enjoying the view, a little ahead, you will find a place called Dronagiri Parvat View Point. Remember, in the epic Ramayana, when Lord Hanuman lifted a mountain with life-saving herbs to save the life of Laxman, this is the same mountain.
 

A few kilometres further, you will come across the Army Check Post, located just before Malari village. After submitting your photo identification to the army personnel, you can carry on with your journey.
 

As soon as you move closer to Niti Valley, the view of nature becomes more interesting. A few kilometres before Ghamshali, there is a village called Bampa, which often tempts visitors to stay overnight here. If you somehow control your senses and manage to continue, you will get an opportunity to explore another quintessential place called Ghamshali. The beauty of this village cannot be admired in a single day and requires at least a day to explore the place fully. You can stay here overnight to enjoy the authentic taste of village lifestyle. 
 

The morning view at Ghamsali is so vivid that even the best OLED or QLED screens cannot match it. After moving further, you will come across a road leading to the Timmersain Mahadev Cave, known for its naturally formed ice Shivling. If you are visiting between March and May, visiting this sacred cave is highly recommended. 
 

From here, Niti Valley is just a few metres away, where you will find some eateries and homestays. You can either stay here overnight or return to Joshimath or any nearby place.

Accommodation

If you are planning to stay overnight at Niti Valley, you can book a homestay run by the local villagers. These homestays are not listed on Google, so you have to find them manually once you reach the location. However, travellers who want to acclimatise to the conditions can stay at Joshimath or Tapovan. For such places, some recommended options are given as: -

• Joshimath
• Kishkindha
• Nanda Devi Homestay
• Tathastu Maitri Ski Resort
• The Sleeping Beauty
• Dream Mountain Resort
• Ramneek Homestay (near Tapovan)
• GMVN (Tapovan)

Food Guide

Throughout the entire journey, visitors will find several places where they can savour the local Garhwali cuisine. Until Joshimath, the route is filled with restaurants and dhabas serving a variety of dishes.
 

However, after Joshimath, food options become limited to a few major areas where only basic home-cooked meals are available. Some dhabas in Niti Valley offer three meals a day.

Important Tips for Visitors

• Due to the lack of direct transportation, it is advisable to book a cab or use your own vehicle.
• Cabs can be booked either from the local towns or directly from Joshimath.
• Avoid visiting during the Monsoon and the peak winter season.
• Stay in Joshimath or Tapovan to adapt to the high altitude conditions.
• Network connectivity may affect your digital payment. So carry adequate cash.
• The weather remains cold round the year, so keep enough woollen clothes.
• There are no fuel stations beyond Joshimath; refill your vehicle there.
• Carry a valid photo identification proof, as it will be checked at the Army Check Post.
• Homestays and dhabas in the region offer simple home-cooked meals.

Major Nearby Attractions

Some places that you can explore during your visit to Niti Valley are: -

• Timmersain Mahadev Temple
• Ghamshali Bugyal
• Tapovan (especially for the hot spring)
• Bhavishya Badri Temple.
• Auli.
• Narsingh Temple.