TREKKING TO THE ‘MOUNTAIN GODDESS OF JOY’
- Unique itinerary to sacred Nanda Devi
- A little-traveled corner of India
- Quaint villages & quiet camping sites
- Incredible views of the mighty Garhwal peaks
At 25,637 feet / 7,816 meters, Nanda Devi is one of the highest peaks in the Indian Himalaya. For Indians of Hindu faith it is among the most sacred mountains after Mount Kailash in western Tibet. Surrounding the peak is an oceanic expanse of shapely 6,000 and 7,000 meter peaks. It was the goal of many early 20th century expeditions to reach Nanda Devi’s mysterious inner sanctuary, but all failed until famed explorers Eric Shipton and Bill Tilman entered the Rishi Gorge in 1932. Tilman returned in 1936 with Charles Houston to become the first to successfully summit Nanda Devi.
Nanda Devi’s inner sanctuary was officially closed to in 1983 to all trekking and expeditions, so we cannot follow the Shipton and Tilman route up the Rishi Gorge. However, this new trip approaches the mountain from the equally beautiful Saryu and Ramganga valleys all the way to the base camp of East Nanda Devi where the surrounding snow-capped peaks seem to appear at touching distance.
The Nanda Devi East Base Camp Trek (Camping Trip) is part of our Himalayan Classic Trek Series. Our Classic Treks are led by an experienced, English-speaking Sherpa Guide and full support crew. We are able to arrange this trek starting on any day of the week during the months of late September through mid-November for groups of 1 to 10 people. Please contact us with any questions or to receive a detailed day to day Trip Itinerary.
TRIP OUTLINE:
Day 1: Welcome to New Delhi, India! Met upon arrival and transfer to group hotel.
Day 2: Shatabdi train to Kathgodam and drive to Almora. Hotel.
Day 3: Day hike and sightseeing in Almora. Hotel.
Day 4: Drive to Munsiyari. Hotel.
Day 5: To Lilam (6,000 feet). 3 hour hike.
Day 6: To Bhaledhar (7,875 feet). 5 to 6 hour hike.
Day 7: Trek to Bugdiar (8,040 feet). 5 to 6 hour hike.
Day 8: To Rilkot (10,300 feet). 6 hour hike.
Day 9: Pachhu (11,138 feet) via Martoli. 6 hour hike.
Day 10: Nanda Devi East Base Camp (12,965 feet). 4 hour hike.
Day 11: Milam (11,290 feet). 4 hour hike.
Day 12: Milam Glacier (11,705 feet). 5 hour hike.
Day 13: Trek to Martoli (11,100 feet). 6 hour hike.
Days 14, 15 & 16: Retrace our paths to Bugdiar (6 hours), Lilam (7 hours) and Munsyiari (4 hours and hotel stay).
Day 17: Drive to Kausani. Hotel.
Day 18: Drive to Kathgodam (4 hours) & train to Delhi. Hotel.
Day 19: Transfer to the airport and depart Delhi.