Chamoli

Chamoli is a district in the northern Indian state of Uttarakhand, located in the Garhwal region. The area encompasses a substantial portion of the Himalayas, with a wide range of elevations from fertile river valleys to high-altitude peaks. Part of the district lies within the Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve and includes the Nanda Devi National Park and the Valley of Flowers National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its alpine meadows and biodiversity.

The district has its administrative headquarters at Gopeshwar and comprises several tehsils and towns that serve as gateways to pilgrimage routes and treks, including Joshimath and Badrinath. Chamoli is characterized by rugged terrain, glacial rivers, and mountain passes that support both tourism and traditional livelihoods.

Demographically, the population speaks Garhwali and Hindi, with Hinduism forming the major religious tradition, alongside small communities connected to other faiths. The region experiences a climate that varies from temperate valleys to severe winter conditions at higher elevations.

Economy and infrastructure in Chamoli are driven by agriculture, horticulture (notably apples in higher areas), and tourism. Hydroelectric projects on the Alaknanda River contribute to the power supply and local employment; the Tapovan Vishnugad project near Joshimath is a notable example. The district has also faced natural hazards, including floods and landslides during extreme weather events.

Tourism highlights include the Badrinath Temple, the town of Joshimath, and the popular ski destination of Auli. The Valley of Flowers and Hemkund Sahib are among the notable trekking and pilgrimage routes. Chamoli is connected by road, with the nearest rail links in Rishikesh or Dehradun and the closest major airport at Dehradun (Jolly Grant).