From landslides to flash flood scare: Can Uttarakhand’s Chamoli outweigh its woes with these attractions?

Undoubtedly, Uttarakhand’s Chamoli district is a gem of a destination. It is home to some very popular names in the tourism scene. For instance, you have attractions like the Valley of Flowers National Park and Nanda Devi National Park for the adventure enthusiasts, Badrinath and Hemkund Sahib for the religiously inclined, and Auli for winter adventure.

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There is no dearth in scenic experiences but there is also the harsh reality – Chamoli is one of the most vulnerable places in the state. The region is no stranger to natural disasters like flash floods and landslides, and the recent land subsidence in Joshimath.

These are the district’s top attractions that are sadly also sitting right on the edge of a precipice.

One of the most important pilgrimage sites for Hindus, Badrinath Dham is one of the Char Dhams. The temple is located on the banks of River Alaknanda.

Hemkund Sahib, located at an altitude of 4,632 m, is one of the holiest pilgrimage sites for the Sikhs.

The Valley of Flowers National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its stunning beauty and rich biodiversity. It is home to a variety of flora and fauna, including rare and endangered species.

Nanda Devi National Park is another UNESCO World Heritage Site located in Chamoli district. It is home to the Nanda Devi peak, the second-highest mountain in India.

Auli is a popular skiing destination located in Chamoli district. It is known for its beautiful slopes and stunning views of the Himalayas.

Joshimath is an important pilgrimage town and also the gateway to many trekking expeditions. At present, the town is facing land subsidence.