Jageshwar, Munsiyari, Lilam, Bugdyar, Rilkot, Lhaspa, Ganghar, Pachu, Martoli
Nanda Devi (East) Base Camp Trek - India
Overview
Lying at the northernmost frontiers of the Kumaon Himalayas, the Johar Valley remains one of the less-frequented but highly-coveted destinations for true lovers of the Himalayas. For these people, Nanda Devi needs no introduction. Ever since the restriction of access to the sanctuary, knowledge about this cross-section of the Himalayas continues to be left to books and periodicals only. However, with the relaxation of the inner line permit, it has now become possible to walk up to the Nanda Devi base camp through the Johar Valley from Munsiyari, making it possible for lovers of Nanda Devi to at least gain a close-up view of the peak’s majesty.
Meals: Dinner
Accommodation: Van Serai - The Himalayan Spiritual Lodge
Today, we will travel from Delhi to Jageshwar. Upon arriving in Jageshwar, we will check in at the lodge.
Evening at leisure.
Overnight stay.
Meals: Breakfast and Dinner
Accommodation: In the hotel
After breakfast, we drive to Munsiyari. This drive is across a range of mountains past small hill towns like Kausani, Bageshwar, Chaukhori, Thal, Birthi Falls, and finally Munsiyari. The final stretch of the road ascends to a height of 2748m. before descending into the glorious Munsiyari valley. Check-in at the lodge for a much-deserved rest. This lodge is situated amidst a forested area and offers a completely local experience. It overlooks the magnificent Panchachuli range.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Accommodation: In the camp
After breakfast, drive for about 6 km by jeep to Chilam Dhar, after which the trek begins. Our destination today is Lilam Village (7 km) where we camp for the night.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Accommodation: In the camp
Today is a strenuous walk (17 km) starting from Lilam village along a gorge away from the Gori Ganga River. The route is uphill all the way to a place called Nain Singh top, from where we descend to the campsite at Bugdyar (3100 m). The route is fairly steep but generally eases off before reaching the campsite.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Accommodation: In the camp
We are in high mountain country now and the tree line disappears, giving access to vast stretches of Alpine meadows. The day's walk from Bugdyar is past Lhaspa to our campsite at Rilkot (3300 m / 12 km).
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Accommodation: In the camp
From Rilkot we will continue to Ganghar village (3460 m, 9 km). Throughout the day, one gets intermittent views of magnificent Himalayan peaks and just after reaching the campsite, we will be able to glimpse Nanda Devi East.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Accommodation: In the camp
Today is the big day when we walk from Ganghar to Pachu (3950 m, 8 km). Our campsite is in an exquisite location - an Alpine meadow laden with rhododendron bushes blooming pink and white stretches of glacial ice and the massive Nanda Devi looming in front. The mountain is just another 5 km away.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Accommodation: In the camp
How can we walk away from here? Today is a day to rest and simply enjoy ourselves in this magnificent location. Optional activities include a hike up to the snow ridges of Nanda Devi East and a visit to the base of Nanda Lampak (5782 m). There have been several sightings of blue sheep in the region.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Accommodation: In the camp
It is time to return and we descend from Pachu to a magnificent and deserted hamlet called Martoli (3385 m, 5 km) Our campsite is next to a small mountain lake amidst a lush green meadow and offers immense scenery. The north faces of the Nanda Devi peaks, several peaks on the Nanda Devi Sanctuary wall, and the Hardeol group are visible.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Accommodation: In the camp
From Martoli we head back to Rilkot (3300 m, 8 km). This is a steady walk and mostly along a ridge.
We camp at Rilkot for the night.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Accommodation: In the camp
From Rilkot, we trek back to Bugdyar and camp for the night.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Accommodation: In the hotel
From Bugdyar we descend to Lilam Village. This time the trek is mostly downhill but has to be done gradually because of the steep gradient.
Later, we will drive to Munsiyari for an overnight stay.
Meals: Breakfast and Dinner
Accommodation: Van Serai - The Himalayan Spiritual Lodge
It is time to bid farewell to Munsiyari and its mountains. Today we board a vehicle that drives us to Jageshwar (about 200km) through Thal, Berinag, and Barecheena.
Overnight stay in Van Serai.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: None
Transfer from Jageshwar to Kathgodam (4 hours) to catch our train back to Delhi. Our train will arrive in Delhi in the late evening.
Tour Ends.
Highlights
- Beautiful Himalayan views
- A journey for experienced trekkers
- Breathtaking landscape
- Varied flora and fauna
- Off-the-beaten-track villages and sights
- Glimpse into architecture and lifestyle of rural Kumaon Himalayas
- Quaint lodges & trekking camps
Included
- Accommodation on twin sharing basis in the hotels / fully serviced camps All meals during the tour (from first day dinner till last day breakfast)
- Treks and sightseeing with a guide and porters / camp staff Camping gear, a guide and porters during the trek
- Transport in a private vehicle for all long (as per the itinerary ex-Munsiyari) Any permits / entry fee
Video
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