Nanda Devi in Garhwal hills, one of the most sought-after Himalayan peaks, has been ranked the second runner-up in the destination category for the prestigious 2004 Conde Nast Traveller’s Eco-Tourism Awards.As many as 91 candidates vied for awards in three categories — destination, tour operator and lodging — on the 10th anniversary of the competition. The award has been won following voluntary efforts of tribal body Nanda Devi Campaign’s members residing on the periphery of the Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve, and not due to efforts of the state government, that opened the park selectively for tourism. The application put forward by the Nanda Devi Campaign achieved a score of 68 out of 100, placing it third amongst all entries. Nanda Devi is one of the tallest and most sacred peaks of the Himalayas. Surrounded by 12 other peaks, over 21,000 feet in altitude, it has a unique place in Hindu mythology (Nanda Devi means the bliss-giving goddess). In 1982, trekking and tourism activities made Nanda Devi the second most popular Himalayan destination after Everest. Activity dwindled after the creation of the Nanda Devi National Park. In 1988, the UN designated it a biosphere reserve. This stirred resentment on part of the Bhotiya tribal community residing there. After the creation of Uttaranchal, pressure mounted for the park to be reopened for tourism and mountaineering. Local communities also launched their own campaign to reclaim their rights over it.
