Trek to Nanda Devi
The centerpiece of the Garhwal region. It is undoubtedly the lesser-known Nanda Devi sanctuary less frequented by hikers. The hike we offer starts from the typical town of Munsyari and goes through the gorges of the Gori Ganga river separating the Nanda Devi group from the superb peaks of the Panch Chulli group.
Trek to Nanda Devi
The thin ribbon of Gori Ganga flows through Munsiyari, draining the Milam glacier and merging with the Balati glaciers and the Panchuli snow fields. The Gori Valley is a trekking paradise, allowing you to see picturesque scenes and villages, some of whose residences are over a century and a half old, reminding us of the importance of these places in Indo-Tibetan trade.
Tour Highlights
- Breath-taking Views of the Himalaya & Nanda Devi East and visit to Nanda Devi base camp.
- Enjoy the wonders of Pacchu valley and Ralam Valley
- Trek Ancient Tibet Trade Routes through the Indian Himalayas
- Visit some of the most remote and stunning areas in the Himalaya
- Discovery of native flora and fauna.
Itinerary
Delhi – Kathgodam – Almora – Munsiyari – Liman – Bigdiar – Rilkote – Marcoli – Ganaghar – Pachu Glacier – Milam – Sumdu – Ralam – Shankalpa Glacier – Lilam – Dapha – Almora – Kathgodam – Delhi
Day 01 : Delhi arrival – Kathgodam
Upon arrival at Delhi's Indira Gandhi Airport, you will be transferred to your hotel. In the evening you will be transferred to the station to take the night train to Kathgodam. Departure from Delhi is scheduled at 10:45 p.m. The night train offers cabins with 4 berths including sheets, blankets, and pillows. Simple but acceptable comfort.
Day 02 : Kathgodam – Almora (90 kms/04hrs) (1810m)
Upon your arrival in Kathgodam around 6:15 am, you will be greeted and transferred to the restaurant for breakfast. After this will be the road for a leisurely ascending route the Himalayan chain for almost 4 hours to reach Almora, famous for its seductive beauty, its panoramic view of the Himalayas and its rich cultural heritage. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 03 : Almora – Munsiyari (200 kms/07 hrs) (2050m)
Today, the road trip will be incredible thanks to the wooded and hilly areas offering breathtaking views of the mountains. After passing Kausani you will see in clear weather some snow-capped peaks, which are said to be the permanent adobe of the gods like Bandarpunch as Hanuman, Shivling like Shiva, Trisul like trident of Shiva and Nanda Devi as Pavarti.
Commonly known as "Little Cashmere", Munsiyari, located at an altitude of 2,298 meters, is a comfortable hamlet with the backdrop of Panchachuli (the five peaks), Nanda Devi and Nanda Kot. The pretty little town is known for its panorama of the snow-capped Himalayan range and its adventurous hiking trails. Perched between the borders of India, Tibet and Nepal, Munsiyari is the base for the three glaciers: Namik, Milam and Ralam. Installation of the camp for the night.
Day 04 : Munsiyari – Lilam (1730m) – Begin Trekking (06h00)
We will leave unnecessary equipment for the trek at the hotel to avoid overloading the backpacks. This morning we will leave by vehicle to go to Dhapa (approx. 30 min.) And it will be from this place that our first hike begins on a well maintained trail to the Gori Ganga valley which abounds in this lush forest rhododendrons, orchids, peonies and hydrangeas of ferns flown over by a variety of birds as well as griffon vultures of the Himalayas.
In the descent you will walk on terraces of wheat, barley, mustard seeds, potatoes, etc. and meet the peasants wandering about in their daily occupations. During the hike, you can stop at one of the simple tea rooms; we’ll stop for lunch at Jimighat (1620 m). More we descend and approach Lilam, the valley narrows and the atmosphere becomes warmer and more humid. The vegetation is denser and full of huge butterflies, exotic birds and large lizards in this semi-tropical forest. We will arrive in the afternoon at the village of Lilam and at our night camp.
Day 05 : Lilam – Bugdiar (2410 m) (06h00 ≈ 07h00)
From Lilam, we cross the gorges of the Milam valley, staying on the left bank of the Gori Ganga. Our route runs along the cliff above the roaring and sparkling waters of the river. We regularly climb through a dense semi-tropical forest and thickets of dwarf bamboo throughout the morning until we reach the tearoom "Bamboo Palace" at Radgari 2100m where we will have our picnic. Clinging to the nearby cliffs are rhododendrons, ferns, orchids, peonies, and hydrangeas. We continue to climb along a well-paved path, occasionally on stone stairs. Once we pass the first teahouse in Bugdiar, our camp is nearby. It is a long but rewarding day.
Day 06 : Bugdiar – Rilkote (3045 m) (06h00 ≈ 07h00)
This morning we will take the path which goes up steadily to a 2655 before going down to the Hindu sanctuary Naha Devi. The valley of the same name opens onto its fields and better and better the mountains take on all their splendor.
After the green forests of the past few days, we are entering a drier area. The edges of the valley are sensitive to landslides; along the hike you will come across rocks as big as houses. The last stretch of today goes from the Mapang tea-room to the Rilkote campsite. Overnight camp.
Day 07 : Rilkote – Martoli (3385m)
We are of course in the sterile Himalayan area, characterized by low growing brush vegetation. The current views are worth it however, colorful wildflowers are everywhere, a feast for the eyes in the extravagance without trees. The villages we pass are generally deserted from mid-October to mid-April, at this time the villagers descend to Munsyiari. Many fields are used for cultivation; barley and potatoes are grown with chives for the urban market. Arrival in Martoli is scheduled for lunch time. Martoli has a small lake and horses and sheep graze. The village is of timeless beauty with beautiful stone houses with about fifty houses, but only a few are currently used by migrant families, the others are left abandoned. There is a temple on a hillock near Martoli with a perfect view of Nanda Devi. Overnight camp
Day 08 : Martoli – Ganaghar (3310m) (06h00 ≈ 07h00)
This morning another departure, it is for Ganaghar. After crossing a suspension bridge under which flows the Gori Ganga and we reach the largest village of Burphu, located at the foot of the imposing Burphu Peak (6300m). Continuing our way, we see Ganaghar and Pachu on the other side of the Pachu valley. These two villages, occupied only from spring to fall, have pretty houses decorated with carvings on the doors and window frames. From there we see the summit of Nanda Devi East and the village of Milam higher in the Milam Valley. Overnight camp.
Day 09 : Pachu Glacier, Alpine Meadows of Nanda Devi East (3835m) (03h00 ≈ 04h00)
Pacchu Valley exploration day. A small steep path leads from the campsite to the Pacchu valley. The northeast wall of Nanda Devi East, which overlooks the Pacchu Glacier, dominates the view. The first part of the trail crosses dwarf rhododendron forests, before reaching the Himalayan meadows and higher up the glaciers. The camp is set up on these meadows in a truly spectacular setting 3 km from the foot of Nanda Devi East, with the main summit of Nanda Devi and the famous ridge connecting the two also clearly visible. We are rewarded a hundredfold for the efforts of the previous days and nights. The mountains shine with contrasts of white, gold, blue and black. Night camp.
Day 10 : Pachu Glacier, Alpine Meadows of Nanda Devi East
We recommend you wake up early. Nanda Devi Est rises like a giant from her nocturnal sleep by the effect of a sun which hits the side gradually tones orange through the effect of her white coat. How can you get away from here? It's a day to rest and just have fun in this beautiful place, enjoy the magnificent beauty of this place. Options include hiking toward the snow peaks of Nanda Devi East and a visit to the base of Nanda Lampak (5782 mts.). There have been several sightings of blue sheep in the area. Overnight camp.
Day 11 : Ganaghar– Milam (3360m) (04h00 ≈ 05h00)
We return to Burphu to cross the Gori Ganga river via a wooden bridge. The road to Milam offers awe-inspiring views of the north face of the Nanda Devi peaks, the peaks of the Nanda Devi sanctuary and the Hardeol group. As we approach the village of Milam, all foreigners must register at the large Indian border police base of Tibet. After a considerable climb, we reach the village of Milam (4100m), which lies on the ancient trade route between Kumaon and Tibet. In the past, the village was surrounded by corn fields and lived here with more than 500 households, including wealthy merchants. Now the village has been reduced to a few inhabited huts. Nearby Milan, overnight camp.
Day 12 : Milam Glacier
Today we will explore the surroundings. Milam is in a fertile valley on the banks of the Gori Ganga river which comes from the melting snow of the Milam glacier. There are Bhoj patra (Himalayan birch) trees prevalent in Milam which were used to write Sanskrit scriptures and texts in ancient times. We climb the path which follows the left bank of the Milam glacier that will leads us to Segchakund; located in a superb amphitheater with the 7000-meter peaks of Hardeol and Trisuli as a backdrop. From here we can see the clear white glacier, as well as the junction where three small glaciers join the main glacier of Milam. After a picnic, we return to our camp.
Day 13 : Milam – Sumdu (3400m) (07h00 ≈ 08h00)
We retrace our steps from the previous days, having crossed at Burphu on the right bank of the river. Once Martoli passes, we descend to the river to meet a log bridge which we will have spanned without too much difficulty, if it was not too damaged during the winter weather. Once on the other side, we will go to the Sumdu campsite. From this place towards the Milam valley the views are magnificent at sunset and sunrise.
Day 14 : Sumdu – Ralam (3700m) (08h00 ≈ 10h00)
Today is a challenging day. It is necessary to make as early a start as possible. We descend for a short distance from Sumdu and then start climbing for several (4 appr.) hours to the Birje Ganga pass (4666 mts). Once on the pass a wide panorama opens in front which must be seen to believed. Facing you are Rajrambha (6895 mts), Chaudhara, Suitilla and several others. On the west, the entire northern wall of the Nanda Devi Sanctuary is clearly visible, with the twin peaks - Nanda Devi peaks and the razor sharp Panch Chulis, dominating the heights on the left. We camp at Ralam after a steep descend of 5 kms.
Day 15 : Ralam – Day Walk to Shankalpa Glacier
This day will be dedicated to the exploration of the Ralam valley by heading towards the base of the Shankalpa glacier whose slope is located along the basin separating Ralam and Darma. Few people have so far had the opportunity to visit this place, perhaps due to its more remote location in the Himalayas. In the late afternoon return to Ralam camp for the night.
Day 16 - 18 : Descend Ralam Valley to Lilam
We are now on our return, it will be an early departure, we descend by a path along the river and which is only crossed by the inhabitants of Ralam and which runs along the river. Arrived at the Paton village, which is the whole of three communities a short distance inhabited by Bhotia (in Nepali, name which is used to identify those who come from Tibet, beyond the Himalayas) who live there only spring to fall to graze their herds and grow vegetables. We will establish our camp in the surroundings. The next day we continue our hike for some 5 to 6 hours to finally arrive at our last camp in Lilam
Day 19 : Trek to Dhapa and drive to Almora
We will leave early this morning, allowing us to move more comfortably against the heat of the day. After a couple of hours of walking we arrive at the start of the road to Dhapa. Our motorized transport will take us there to drive us to Almora. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 20: Drive to Kathgodam. Overnight train to Delhi
After lunch, we will take the road to Kathgodam to take the Ranikhet Express night train which leaves for Delhi every evening at 8:40 pm. Overnight in shared train berths.
Day 21 : Delhi
When you arrive in Delhi at 4:45 am, one of our representatives will be waiting to drive you to your hotel. The morning will be free to allow you to rest decently before the visit of Delhi. This will aim to make you discover a fascinating history of the past centuries from the Rajput invaders to the Mughals and others including the last being the British. The guided tour will take you to New Delhi, including the India Gate, the war memorial for 90,000 Indian army soldiers who died during the First World War, the Rashtrapati Bhavan, which was the residence of the viceroys, Sansad Bhavan, the Indian Parliament and the tomb of Humayun, inspiration for the Taj Mahal. Night at the hotel.
Day 22: Departure Delhi
Transfer to the airport for your international return flight or other destination.
- Best Season: April, May, June and July
The highlights of this trip
Almora
Set along a steep-sided ridge, Almora is the regional capital of Kumaon, first established as a summer capital by the Chand rajas of Kumaon in 1560. These days you’ll find colonial-era buildings, trekking outfits and a couple of community-based weaving enterprises. Don’t be put off by the utilitarian main street when you’re first deposited at the bus stand – head one block south to the pedestrian-only cobbled Lalal Bazaar, lined with intricately carved and painted traditional wooden shop facades. It’s a fascinating place to stroll, people-watch and shop. On clear days, you can see Himalayan snow peaks from various spots around town.
Munsiyari
Munsiyari, literally meaning ‘the place with snow’, is a quaint hamlet with the most stunning natural beauty in Uttarakhand. Perched at an altitude of 2,298 meters, Munsiyari is surrounded by snow-capped mountains and glaciers, and consequently, is a favourite among mountaineers and trekkers.
The hill station sees snowfall quite regularly, which is why it is lovingly also known as ‘Little Kashmir’. Fringed with dense forests, and settled on the banks of Gori Ganga, the town is home to incredible wildlife such as the whistling thrust, hawk cuckoo, mountain bear and musk deer. The main inhabitants here are the Shauka tribe people who worship Goddess Nanda Devi.
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Milam Glacier
Cradled in the Kumaon Himalaya of Uttarakhand, Milam Glacier is situated about 15km from Nanda Devi. Perched at an impressive altitude of about 5,500 metres above sea level, the glacier sprawls over 37 kilometre square and is 28 kilometres long. And if you’re a trekker, this means there’s scope for some intense adrenaline pumping activity.
- Cultural 70%
- Landscape 95%
- Adventure 85%
- Spirituality 60%
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