Nanda Devi north and Nanda Devi south are two important glaciers, each with a length of approximately 19 lems. located in the Rishi Ganga river catchment. These glaciers originate on the southern slope ofNanda Devi peak (7108 m). Other important glaciers in the vicinity are Trishul, Kururntoli, Nandakna, Bartoli and Ramani. These glaciers are well developed and are large in size and length. Several melted-water streams originate from these glaciers and form the river Rishi Ganga, which later joins the Dhauli Ganga at Raini, 25 kms. from Joshimath. These glaciers are approachable from Joshimath, on the way to Malari road. Lata, about 25 kms. from Joshimath, is the last roadhead. From Lata, a bridle path follows through a dense forest of Pine, Bhoj and other trees and alpine meadows upto Lata Kharak. From Lata Kharak the route passes through narrow gorges, steep mountain slopes and sometime through snow patches, to reach the glaciers snout.
