Nanda Devi Raj Jaat Yatra

Nanda Devi Raj Jaat is considered the longest and most arduous religious trek in the world. Held once every 12 years, this 280 km yatra traverses through some of the most remote and breathtaking landscapes of the Garhwal and Kumaon Himalayas. The pilgrimage symbolizes the bidaai (farewell) of Goddess Nanda Devi (a form of Parvati) as she journeys from her maternal home in Kumaon to her husband Lord Shiva's abode in Kailash. The journey starts from Nauti village near Karnaprayag and ends at Homkund (4,330m) near Roopkund. A four-horned ram (Chhinkara) leads the procession, believed to be divinely guided. Thousands of devotees from across the Himalayan villages join, carrying the ceremonial gold palanquin of the goddess.