Mountaineering Routes · Nanda Devi

The South Ridge is the classic and best-known route on Nanda Devi, first climbed in 1936 by the famous Indian-British expedition. It is a very serious high-altitude alpine route with sustained technical climbing, complex route-finding, and major objective hazards. The route rises from the inner sanctuary and involves long sections of steep rock, snow, and ice on a very exposed ridge. Conditions can be extremely unstable, with avalanche danger and severe weather a constant concern. Because of the mountain's remoteness and access restrictions, this remains a highly committing objective. It is generally regarded as one of the great Himalayan climbs rather than a standard expedition peak.

The East Ridge is a documented major alpine line on Nanda Devi, but it is far less commonly climbed than the South Ridge. It is a serious high-altitude route with sustained technical difficulty and significant objective danger. The ridge involves steep mixed terrain and exposed climbing in a remote Himalayan setting. Route-finding and weather are major factors, and the line is not a casual alternative to the standard ascent. Access and permit restrictions in the Nanda Devi area also make attempts uncommon. It should be treated as an expedition-grade climb.