Uttarakhand Information Centre

The Darma valley lies in the Pithoragarh District of Uttarakhand state of India. The Darma Valley or Darma Ganga valley is formed by the Darma River. The valley is situated between two other valleys, Kuthi Yangti valley to the east and Lassar Yankti valley in the west. The Darma valley links with the Lassar valley by Gangachal Dhura and connects with Kuthi valley by Sinla pass and Nama pass. Darma valley starts near Dawe village on the Sino-Indian border and flows southwards. At Tidang it joins the Lassar Yankti and is called Dhauli Ganga until it confluences in the river Kali at Tawaghat. Darma valley has rich flora including orchids. A rivulet called Nyuli Yangthi that drains Panchachuli east glaciers flows into Dhauli Ganga at Dugtu-Dantu villages. Mandab river joins Dhauli at Sela.

The Darma valley is inhabited by some 12 villages with population less than 1000. The villagers have been livestock rearers and traders, cultivating land in the valley with common buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum) and potatoes. After migration of 1970s, cultivated land has decreased to 25% of former size, allowing biodiversity to return to Darma Valley.

Major Peaks

• Panchchuli massif, from 6,334 to 6,904 m (20,781 to 22,651 ft)
• Om Parvat, 6,191 m (20,310 ft)
• Yungtangto, 5,945 m (19,500 ft)

Mountaineering and Trekking

Trekking in the Darma valley region was formerly restricted, nowadays trekking without inner line permits is allowed to Panchchuli or Meola Glacier. Additional permits may be required for other areas. Sino-Indian border is still sensitive area.

How to reach

Pithoragarh-Dharchula-Tawaghat-Sobla (last bus terminus) – Dhar – Bongling – sela – Nangling – Baling – Dugtu – Dantu – Tidang – Bidang – Dawe

References