Dedicated to Goddess Nanda or Parvati, the Nanda Devi Temple is a Hindu holy site that is believed in by many devotees. Situated at an altitude of 7,500 feet above sea level, this religious place can be reached by embarking on a 3 km brisk trek from the town of Munsiyari. It is one of the oldest temples in Uttarakhand. One can indulge in the holy worship and enjoy some amazingly breathtaking views of the Panchchuli ranges from here.
The Nanda Devi temple was built by the Chand kings. The idol of the goddess is located in the east chamber of a Shiva temple and is highly revered by the local people. Every September, thousands of flocks come alive to this temple for the Almora Nanda Devi Fair, a riot of spectacle that lasts for a full five days.
The Nanda Devi Temple is a small white structure with a conical shape in its façade. The bright hand-painted image of Lord Ganesha can be seen on the outer wall of the temple. Inside is the sanctum sanctorum of the temple where Nanda Devi is worshiped in her divine incarnation. This temple has immense religious importance in the lives of the people. Nanda Devi Temple Munsiyari is located at Munsiyari (about 3 kms from the main town of Munsiyari). The Nanda Devi Temple can be reached by a short trek of 200 meters by road. It is about 3 km from Munsiyari town in the Pithoragarh district.
Munsiyari is well connected by motorable roads with the major destinations of Kumaon and Garhwal. The ‘Goddess of Joy’ is regarded as the patron goddess of the Garhwal and Kumaon Himalayas. In acknowledgment of its religious significance and for the protection of its delicate ecosystem, the goddess is immensely revered in the surrounding parts. The temple always remains open to both locals and climbers at the Nanda Devi Sanctuary.