Nanda Devi North and Nanda Devi South are two important glaciers, each with a length of approximately 19 km located in the river Rishi Ganga catchment. These glaciers originate on the southern slope of Nanda Devi peak (7108 m). Other important glaciers in the vicinity are Trishul, Kurumtoli, Nandakna, Bartoli and Ramani. These glaciers are well developed and are large in size and length. Several melted-water streams originate from these glaciers and form the river Rishi Ganga, which later joins the Dhauli Ganga at Raini, 25 km from Joshimath. These glaciers are approachable from Joshimath, on the way to Malari road. Lata, about 25 km from Joshimath, is the last road head. From Lata, a bridle path follows through a dense forest of pine, bhoj and other trees and alpine meadows up to Lata Kharak. From Lata Kharak the route passes through narrow gorges, steep mountain slopes and sometimes through snow patches, to reach the glaciers snout.