Around Nanda Devi Trek
Starting from Munsiyari (Kumaon Himalayas) and finishing at Malari (Garhwal Himalayas) - a 2-week trip from takes you to experience the area of complete wilderness with outstanding view of Nanda Devi group of peaks. Chances of encountering rare high altitude flora and fauna are very great on the trek.
The Around Nanda Devi Trek passes through one of the most varied topography in the Indian Himalayas. The road head at Munsiari provides for an unparalleled view of the awe inspiring Panchachuli range. Dropping down into the Gauri Ganga valley the path passes through thick tropical forests which soon give way to snow bridges and alpine meadows. As we climb and cross over the Untadhura (17,500 ft.) and the Khingrudhura (17,900 ft) passes the landscape changes to a Tibetan like high altitude desert. The grand finale is the last days trek over a deep gorge with a narrow path cut out of the rock face. The trek finishes with a drive to Auli which will give us our last grand view of the enigma that is Nanda Devi.
A unique mix of flora and fauna is characteristic of this park.The fauna inlcudes the brown and Himalayan black bears, Himalayan thar, snow leopards, serow and chir pheasants.
Itinerary (Delhi - Munsiyari - Malana - Delhi):
Grade: Tough
Time: Summer
Duration: 15 days
Average Walking time: 6-7 hours per day
Day 1 (New Delhi - Almora):
Arrive New Delhi. Meet Gypsy Feet representative. Bus/train to Almora. Dinner and overnight in Almora.
Day 2 (Almora - Pithoragarh - Munsiyari (2000 M):
On day 2 of Munsiyari - Malana Trek, after an early breakfast we drive to the roadhead to reach Munsiyari via Pithoragarh. Overnight in resort/camp.
Day 3 (Munsiyari - Lilam (2200 M):
In the morning, we finish legal formalities. Then we start our trek to Lilam. We trek along the river through thick pine forests to reach Lilam. Lilam is a small gathering of huts with a small camping place. We pitch our tents there. Overnight in tents.
Day 4 (Lilam - Bugdiar (2600 M):
Gradual ascending and some ups and downs through scenic meadows and shepherd pasture. Overnight in Tents.
Day 5 (Bugdiar - Martoli (3430 M):
Spectacular trek of around 14 km, we gradually ascend via village Reelkot 3100m. Martoli has very old history as people used to trade with Tibet in old times. But now a deserted village which is slowly coming forward to house a few due to trekkers and climbers who likes to spend weeks, months here. A high plateau of grassy fields situated at 3430m. Overnight in tents.
Day 6 (Martoli - Milam Village (4000 M):
On day 5, Milam used to be a village of Rajputs who some from Rajasthan and they do not like to be called Bhotias or Tibetans. Although they had been trading animals and dairy products, many house hold items with Tibet upto 1962. This was also part of the old trade route between Kumaon and Tibet. This village had many houses at one time and now only a few occupied huts remain. Overnight in tents.
Day 7 (Milam Village - Milam Glacier - Milam (3926 M):
This short and easy trail is full of scenic view and spectacular vision of high Himalayan Ranges and peaks. Spend the day at Glacier return to Milam Village & night stay.
Day 8 (Milam - Dung Trek (4200 M):
On day 7, we continue trekking to Dung. The views are spectacular and terrain rewarding giving every trekker a delight and memories that he would cherish for a lifetime. We leave Gauri Ganga and climb towards Goonkha river. There is an alpine meadow here which is ideal for camping. We set our tents here. Overnight in tents.
Day 9 (Dung - Topidunga (4850 M):
We start early morning after breakfast as today we trek a pass, Untadhara (17,500 ft). Then we undertake a 14-km descent to reach our camp site. Overnight in tents.
Day 10 (Topidunga - Chadamu (4500 M):
We climb a pass and undertake a steep descent to camp. Overnight in tents.
Day 11 (Chadamu - Lapthal (4150 M):
After early morning breakfast, we trek through a very scenic plateau with a small unammed pass of 15000 ft. Overnight in camp.
Day 12 (Lapthal - Sumna (3450 M):
After early morning breakfast, we enter an incredible gorge where track has been cut into the rock. Overnight camp.
Day 13 (Sumna - Malari (3250 M):
After early morning breakfast, we continue our trek through the gorge to reach the roadhead. From roadhead, we drive to Malari. From Malari, we drive to Joshimath. Overnight in resort/camp.
Day 14 (Joshimath - Rishkesh):
We drive from Joshimath to Rishikesh. Overnight in Rishikesh.
Day 15 (Rishikesh - New Delhi):
Train/Bus to New Delhi. Arrive New Delhi. Trek concludes.
