Dakshini Nanda Devi Glacier, Mountain glacier in Chamoli district, Uttarakhand, India.
The Dakshini Nanda Devi Glacier is an ice formation stretching across the southern face of Nanda Devi peak in the Himalayas. It occupies a high-altitude valley surrounded by rocky peaks and feeds directly into the Rishiganga river system below.
The glacier was first documented in the 1930s by explorers Eric Shipton and H.W. Tilman during expeditions into the inner sanctuary of Nanda Devi. Their early studies established the foundation for understanding this remote Himalayan region.
The glacier sits within a protected national park that holds deep meaning for local mountain communities who depend on its meltwater for their livelihoods. People in the region view this icy mass as essential to their water supply and agricultural practices.
Visiting this location requires special permits from local authorities before you can enter the protected area. Spring and autumn offer the best trekking conditions with more stable weather patterns at high altitude.
The ice mass retreats noticeably each year, changing both the landscape and the water flow that reaches communities downstream. This ongoing shift is visible to anyone who visits regularly and directly affects how local people manage their water resources.
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