If you’ve been searching for the Nanda Devi Raj Jat Yatra 2026, you’ve probably hit conflicting information some sources say it’s happening in August–September 2026, others say the full 12-year Raj Jat has been pushed to 2027. This guide sorts that out clearly before anything else. It covers both the 2026 Lokjat/Badi Jat that is confirmed (5–25 September 2026 from Devrada), and the classic Raj Jat route from Nauti to Homkund for those planning ahead for the next full cycle. Logistics, permits, packing, and how to reach the trailhead from Rishikesh and Haridwar all in one place.
What Is Nanda Devi Raj Jat — And Why It's Called the Himalayan Mahakumbh
Nanda Devi is the presiding deity of Uttarakhand revered across Garhwal and Kumaon as a daughter of the mountains, not just a goddess at a fixed shrine. The Raj Jat is the pilgrimage that escorts her back to her “marital home” at Kailash, symbolically completed once every 12 years when the full procession walks from Nauti village through the high Himalayas to Homkund.
The procession is led by a four-horned ram (chausingha khadu) a rare animal considered sacred to Nanda Devi. The ram is not chosen; it appears. When a four-horned ram is found in the villages of the Chamoli region, it signals that the Raj Jat cycle is near. The ram walks the entire route without being guided.
The route passes through over 100 villages, covers roughly 280 km over 19–22 days, and climbs to 17,500 ft (5,334m) at Junargali pass. Thousands of devotees join different sections; many walk barefoot. It isn’t a trek in any organised outdoor-adventure sense it’s a living cultural procession that happens to pass through some of the most demanding terrain in Uttarakhand.
Called the “Himalayan Mahakumbh” because of its scale and 12-year cycle, the Raj Jat draws pilgrims who have been waiting over a decade for the chance to walk even a portion of the route.
What's Actually Happening in 2026 — Raj Jat vs Lokjat/Badi Jat
This is the section most guides skip, and it’s why there’s confusion.
The full Raj Jat (12-year cycle): As of current local announcements, the complete Nanda Devi Raj Jat is likely to be held in 2027, not 2026. Official confirmation from the district administration (Chamoli) had not been issued at the time of writing. If you’re planning specifically for the full Raj Jat with the chausingha ram and the complete Nauti–Homkund procession, watch for official notices from Chamoli district and the Nanda Devi Raj Jat Samiti before making bookings.
The 2026 Lokjat/Badi Jat: This is what is confirmed for 2026. The Nanda Devi Lokjat (Badi Jat) 2026 is scheduled from 5 September to 25 September 2026, starting from Devrada (Devarada) Siddhpeeth in Chamoli district.
The Lokjat follows a shorter version of the classic route, covering key villages and high-altitude sections including Wan, Bedni Bugyal, and in some years extending toward the Roopkund–Junargali area. It doesn’t include the full 280 km circuit but gives pilgrims and trekkers access to the most significant stretches — the Bedni Bugyal fair, the Wan village deity assembly, and the high passes — within a 20-day window.
Confirmed 2026 Lokjat halt sequence (from Devrada):
Devrada → Ichholi → Faldiyagaon → Mundoli → Wan → Gairolipatal → Bedni Bugyal → Bank → Lwani → Ulangra → Beradhar → Gothinda → Kurad → Dhungakholi → Bhenta → return to Devrada
If you’re joining the 2026 yatra and have 5–7 days, the Wan to Bedni Bugyal segment is the cultural and scenic heart of it. Wan is where hundreds of local deities from surrounding villages assemble before the procession enters the high-altitude zone it’s one of the most extraordinary things to witness in Garhwal pilgrimage culture.
Classic Raj Jat Route — Nauti to Homkund (Day-by-Day Overview)
This is the full route for the 12-year Raj Jat, included here for those planning for 2027 or future cycles, or who want to understand the complete pilgrimage geography.
Total distance: ~280 km over 19–22 days
Starting point: Nauti village, Chamoli district (near Karnaprayag)
End point: Homkund (~4,800m)
Maximum altitude: Junargali Pass, ~17,500 ft (5,334m)
Route stages:
Nauti → Ida Badhani → Kansuwa/Sem → Koti → Bhagoti → Kulsari → Chepdue/Dewal → Nand Kesari → Faldiya → Mundoli → Wan → Gehroli Patal → Bedni Bugyal → Patar Nachauni → Roopkund (Skeleton Lake, 4,785m) → Shila Samudra → Junargali (5,334m) → Homkund, then return via Sutol → Nauti
The section from Wan to Bedni Bugyal is the cultural epicentre Bedni hosts a multi-day fair that is essentially a high-altitude mela, with thousands of pilgrims camped on the grassland. Roopkund and Junargali are the highest points; the frozen lake at Roopkund is where the skeletal remains of the famous “Skeleton Lake” are visible at melt season.
Homkund is the final destination of the Raj Jat — the point where the chausingha ram, believed to carry the goddess’s spirit, disappears into the mountains. Pilgrims return without the ram. It’s one of the most spiritually charged moments in the entire yatra and the reason serious devotees walk all 280 km.
Difficulty, Fitness and Who Should Join
The full Raj Jat is not a recreational trek. The terrain above Wan is high-altitude Himalayan Roopkund at 4,785m and Junargali at 5,334m demand acclimatisation, fitness, and prior experience in the mountains. Many pilgrims do the lower sections (Nauti to Wan, or Devrada to Bedni) without attempting the upper route, and this is entirely valid the pilgrimage has no single mandatory altitude goal for devotees.
If you’re a trekker joining for the experience rather than the devotion, be honest about where you fit. The upper sections above Patar Nachauni (3,640m) are genuinely demanding in rain or cloud, especially when thousands of pilgrims are on the same narrow trail. It’s not the place for your first high-altitude experience.
Suitable if:
- You have prior experience on at least one Himalayan trek above 3,500m
- You can walk 12–15 km daily on uneven trail for multiple consecutive days
- You can handle cold nights (temperatures drop below 0°C above Bedni)
Lower sections (Nauti/Devrada to Wan) suit:
- Pilgrims of all fitness levels, including older devotees and families
- First-time trekkers wanting to experience the cultural side without the altitude risk
Permits, Registration and Rules (2026 Update)
Rules for the Nanda Devi yatra vary by section and year, and they do change between cycles.
For the upper sections near Roopkund and Homkund, the SRFMTC permit system (the same portal used for Roopkund trekking) applies for non-pilgrimage trekkers. The daily entry cap at Roopkund is 40 persons. During the Raj Jat or Lokjat, pilgrimage groups operate under separate district administration arrangements but if you’re a trekker joining independently rather than as part of an official yatra group, check the current permit requirement directly with Chamoli district administration before attempting the upper route.
For the 2026 Lokjat specifically, registration requirements will be announced by the organising Samiti closer to September. Check the official notices from Chamoli district and the Nanda Devi Raj Jat Samiti portal don’t rely on third-party booking agents for permit status.
Customs to respect on the route:
- No loud music near deity processions this is a spiritual event, not a music festival
- Ask permission before photographing rituals, especially the chausingha ram and deity palanquins
- Follow instructions from the priests (pujaris) at Wan and Bedni they manage the procession order
- Remove footwear at temple sites along the route
How to Reach — Rishikesh to the Yatra Trailheads
The most common approach from outside Uttarakhand is via Rishikesh or Haridwar.
For Nauti (classic Raj Jat start):
Rishikesh → Devprayag → Srinagar (Garhwal) → Karnaprayag → Nauti. Roughly 5–6 hours by road. Nauti is 18 km from Karnaprayag shared jeeps are available from Karnaprayag bus stand.
For Devrada (2026 Lokjat start):
Rishikesh → Devprayag → Karanprayag → Tharali → Devrada. Approximately 6–7 hours. The last stretch from Tharali to Devrada is on a narrower hill road shared jeeps run this route but with limited frequency. A direct taxi from Rishikesh makes logistics cleaner, especially if you’re arriving with gear. Message us on WhatsApp with your dates and we can check availability for the Tharali or Karanprayag drop.
For Lohajung / Wan approach:
Rishikesh → Karanprayag → Tharali → Dewal → Lohajung. Around 8–9 hours. This is the approach used by most trekkers joining from the Lohajung side rather than the Nauti/Devrada processional start.
No ATM at Lohajung or Wan. Last reliable cash and fuel at Karanprayag or Tharali plan accordingly.
Packing List for Nanda Devi Yatra
This covers the upper sections (Bedni and above). Lower sections require less:
- Waterproof rain jacket and trousers the route runs in Bhadrapada (Aug–Sep), monsoon tail is real
- Down jacket or heavy fleece for nights above 3,000m
- Trekking boots with ankle support not trail runners; the upper terrain has loose rock and possible snow
- Sleeping bag rated to -5°C minimum (homestays in lower villages; tents or basic shelters above Bedni)
- Trekking poles genuinely useful on the steep Junargali descent
- Headlamp with spare batteries pre-dawn starts are common on summit days
- Basic first aid: paracetamol, ORS sachets, antiseptic, moleskin for blisters
- Pulse oximeter if going above 4,000m
- Cash only no ATMs beyond Karanprayag/Tharali
Start Your Journey From Rishikesh
Most yatra pilgrims and trekkers pass through Rishikesh before heading to Karnaprayag or Tharali. If you need transport to the trailhead or just want to confirm current road conditions before heading out message us on WhatsApp. We’re based in Swargashram and know the Chamoli corridor well.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Nanda Devi Raj Jat happening in 2026?
The full 12-year Raj Jat is not officially confirmed for 2026 and may be held in 2027 based on current local announcements. What is confirmed for 2026 is the Nanda Devi Lokjat/Badi Jat, scheduled from 5 to 25 September 2026, starting from Devrada Siddhpeeth in Chamoli. This is a significant pilgrimage event in its own right and covers many of the key villages and high-altitude sections of the classic route.
What is the difference between Raj Jat and Lokjat/Badi Jat?
The Raj Jat is the full 12-year cycle 280 km from Nauti to Homkund, led by the four-horned chausingha ram. It happens once every 12 years when a four-horned ram appears. The Lokjat (also called Badi Jat) is a more frequent pilgrimage that follows a portion of the route, organised by local communities and the Nanda Devi Samiti on a shorter cycle. The 2026 Lokjat from Devrada is a full spiritual event, not a lesser version it simply doesn’t extend to Homkund with the ram.
What is the difficulty level of the Nanda Devi yatra?
It depends entirely on which section you join. The lower sections from Nauti or Devrada to Wan are manageable for pilgrims of most fitness levels, including older devotees. The upper sections Bedni to Roopkund to Junargali are rated very difficult, reaching 5,334m at Junargali pass. Prior high-altitude experience is strongly recommended for anyone attempting the upper route independently.
Do I need a permit for the Nanda Devi Raj Jat or Lokjat?
Official pilgrimage groups operate under district administration arrangements separate from the SRFMTC trekking permit system. However, independent trekkers joining the upper sections near Roopkund are subject to the standard SRFMTC permit cap (40 persons/day). For the 2026 Lokjat specifically, registration requirements will be announced by the Samiti — check Chamoli district official notices rather than relying on third-party sources.
Can beginners join the Nanda Devi yatra?
Yes, for the lower sections. The route from Devrada to Wan passes through villages and forested trail at moderate altitude – this is accessible to motivated beginners with reasonable fitness. Above Wan, particularly from Bedni Bugyal onward, prior trekking experience at altitude is genuinely important. The Bedni to Junargali stretch in September-monsoon conditions is not a safe first high-altitude experience.
What are the best spots to witness the yatra as a first-time visitor?
Wan village is the most important cultural moment hundreds of local deities assemble here before the procession enters the high-altitude zone. Bedni Bugyal hosts a multi-day mela with thousands of pilgrims. If you can only join one section, the Devrada/Mundoli to Wan to Bedni stretch gives you the full cultural experience without requiring high-altitude fitness. Photography tip: the deity assembly at Wan in the morning light is one of the most visually extraordinary scenes in Garhwal pilgrim culture ask permission before pointing a lens at the palanquins.
How do I reach the Nanda Devi yatra trailhead from Delhi or Rishikesh?
From Delhi: overnight bus or train to Haridwar or Rishikesh → bus/taxi to Karanprayag (4–5 hours) → onward to Tharali or Nauti depending on your entry point. From Rishikesh, the route to Devrada (2026 Lokjat start) is approximately 6–7 hours via Karanprayag and Tharali. A private taxi from Rishikesh direct to Devrada or Lohajung makes the journey significantly simpler no multiple connections, no uncertain shared jeep timings.