Deeba Danda is a peak in the Patti Khatli region of Pauri Garhwal district, Uttarakhand, India. It is 2520 metres (8270 ft) high and is a part of the Deeba range, which forms the southern boundary of the Nayar valley.
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Etymology
Deeba Danda is named after Goddess Deeba, a major goddess of the region (Malla Salan pargana of Pauri Garhwal) whereas Danda in Salani dialect of Garhwali means a high hill. It is believed that Deeba was a living lady centuries before and used to reside at the hilltop. She used to warn the surrounding villagers by giving a loud shout (Dhavadi in Salani dialect of Garhwali language) whenevers Gorkhas and Katyuris attacked, as Deeba Danda offered good views and command over the surrounding low-lying regions due to its strategic position. Thus, people used to get ready to save themselves & their belongings and had ample time to hide. After her death, she became a popular goddess of the region as is common with other folk Gods & Goddesses of Garhwal & Uttarakhand in general. The hill has been called Deeba Danda for centuries and there is a shrine dedicated to the goddess on the peak.
Geography
Deeba Danda is located on a flattened mountain-top with great panoramic views of surrounding hills, valleys and the great Himalayas. It is at the middle of Deeba range at an average altitude of 2500 metres, highest point in Patti Khatli. It is surrounded by dense forests of Kharsu, Moru, Anyar, Rhododendrons and other broad-leaved Himalayan tree species along with many herbs, shrubs and creepers many of which possess medicinal qualities. The ridge offers a good and expansive view of Himalayan ranges. From Yamunotri peaks in North-west Garhwal to Trisul range in eastern Garhwal along with several other smaller peaks of Kumaon and Nepal in further east are visible. The dense forests of Deeba ridge which extends 15 to 20 km from West to east are home to numerous Birds and Mammal species.
Climate
Deeba Danda experiences a subtropical highland climate just like other Himalayan and Sub-Himalayan regions. It has a pleasant & cool climate in Summers. Monsoon brings heavy rains and with it comes lush greenery. It gets very cold in winters, heavy snowfall is common. The region receives bright sunshine during winter since the skies are crystal clear in winter.
How to reach
Deeba Danda can be reached after 3 hours of moderate and pleasant trek, starting from Deebakhal. Deebakhal lies at an altitude of 2060 metres (6760 ft) on NH 121. It is at a distance of 80 kilometres from Ramnagar, the nearest railhead and at a distance of 325 kilometres from New Delhi. The shortest and most commonly used route from Delhi is New Delhi - Ghaziabad - Hapur - Moradabad - Kashipur - Ramnagar - Marchula - Dhumakot - Divakhal. From Deebakhal/Divakhal it's a 3-4 kilometres trek through dense alpine forest and lush green meadows.