Nanda Devi East Base Camp Trek

Nanda Devi West (7816mts) is the highest peak completely in India (PoK not included). It is surrounded by dozen of peaks each not less than 6200mts forming an amphitheatre with circumference of nearly 70 miles. Nanda Devi east(7454) connected to Nanda Devi by a ridge of 3kms long, It took a long time to explore this region; when the Europeans first tried to measure the height, they couldn't believe that there could exist a peak of that height on earth!

Itinerary

Day01- Kathgodam to Munsiyari

It’s a whole day drive to Munsyari. You pass through Almora, Bageshwar, Kausani, Choukhori and Thal. The road winds itself all the way upto Kalamuni top at a height of 9027 ft before descending into the glorious Munsyari valley. Munsyari is a small hamlet nestled in the Pithogarh district of Uttarakhand and is the last road head in Kumaon. Munsyari lies on the Indo – Tibet border and is the point of cross over into Tibet. Overnight stay at guesthouse at Munsyari.

Day02- Munsiyari (5905 ft.) to Lilam (6070 ft.) 6 km drive (8 km. trek) 4-5 hrs

Drive to Selapani towards Darkot, 6kms from Munsyari. From Darkot we start the trek descent to the Gori Ganga and continue descending until we reach the River at Jimighat. This is the lowest point of the trail and from here we start climbing to Lilam. On arrival we will setup camp for overnight stay.

Day03- Lilam (5905 Ft.) to Nehar Devi (8480 Ft) Via Bugdiyar (13kms) 6 hrs.

Head for Bugdiar 5 kms from the start we cross the confluence of Ralam River and Gori Ganga. Above the Gori Ganga the hill sides above are covered in dense bamboo forest. After the junction of the Ralam and Gori Ganga rivers the trek climbs to a tea shop at Radgari, and then goes to a small rest house at Bugdiar. A memorial commemorates villagers and army personals lost in the avalanche of 1989, and now only a few houses remain on the edge of a waste land. Shepherds with their flocks of sheep and goats are a common sight at the meadows of Bugdiar. On arrival set up campsite for overnight stay in tents.

Day04- Nehardevi (8480 Ft.) to Martoli (11316 Ft.) (13km.) 7 hrs

The valley opens up after climbing quite steeply to an overhanging cliff which shelters a local deity. The route enters progressively drier terrain, but there are two water falls of about 100m one opposite a tea shop at Mapang. The trek continues to climbs to the village of Martoli-- this village used to be a thriving village of several hundred people until trading was stopped on the closure of the border with Tibet in 1962. The trek continues to the village Martoli situated at the edge of Lwan Gad Valley.

Day05- Martoli (11316 Ft.) to Ganghar (10920 Ft.) (9km) 4 hrs.

A 10km (5 hrs) trek in the shadow of the magnificent Martoli Peak takes us to the ancient village of Ghangar, which is dotted with typical Jauhar houses and an ancient temple all with intricate wood carvings.

Day06- Ganghar (10920 Ft.) to Panchu (12765Ft.) (5km). 3 hrs.

A strenuous 7km trek (5 hrs) through lush green vegetation, mostly pink and white rhododendron flowers with Mt. Nanda Devi looming in the distance, makes this trek an exhilarating experience. We will camp in an alpine meadow at the head of the Pachhu Glacier which lies on the North Face of Mt. Nanda Devi. Overnight stay in tents.

Day07- Panchu (12765Ft.) to Base camp (14100 Ft.) and back to Martoli (11316 Ft.) (15km) 8 hrs.

The walk to the base camp is a gradual ascend. Walking through boulders is easier than walking across landslides. There was a nameless glacial lake on the way. After that trek mostly downhill only the last bit is up. Martoli is one the very important destinations from the ancient Indo-Tibetan trade route. The exquisite wood carvings on old houses speak stories about how this was the commercial centre once upon a time. From Martoli you also get fascinating views of the Nanda devi (East) and Nanda kot.

Day08- Martoli (11316 Ft.) to Rargari (7100Ft.) (18 km) 6 hrs.

Start walking towards Raragri through railkot, Nehardevi, Bugdiya. Overnight stay in huts.

Day09- Rargari (7100 Ft.) to Munsiyari (5905 Ft.) (13km.) 7 hrs.

We will trek to Munsiyari which is around 14 kms from Rargari. Treat yourself with luxury of hot bath during our stay in a hotel.

Day10- Munsiyari to Kathgodam 280km

We drive down to Kathgodam and reach by evening to take the overnight train/bus to New Delhi.