India - Nandi Devi + Milam Glacier Trek

The big one in India - Nanda Devi is the highest peak completely within Indian territory, so it is a popular trek for local and international hikers. The area known as the sanctuary proved so popular that there are restrictions and a large area is sealed off from trekkers. There are however, many interesting areas open to the public and we show some of the best to you on this trek.

After Nanda Devi, the other highlight on this hike is Milam Glacier, the largest glacier in the Kumaon Himalaya.

Day 2 Almora to Munsyari (2290m) We drive by jeep from Almora to Munsyari along a winding road that reaches a height of 2748m before descending into the beautiful Munsyari valley. Camp overnight. B, L, D.

Day 3 Munsyari - Lilam (1850m) After breakfast we start trekking. Our first steps take us away from the bustling bazaar and out onto the open trail and a steady descent down to our camp site for the night at Lilam. 4 - 4.5 hrs walking. Camp overnight. B, L, D.

Day 4 Lilam to Rilkot (3200m) Today is tough going as we hike up 1000m to a ridge from where we get very impressive views back to and beyond Munsyari, along a gorge made by the Gori Ganga river. The route is fairly up and down but generally eases off before reaching the camp site at Rilkot. 6 - 7 hrs walking. Camp overnight. B, L, D.

Day 5 Rilkot to Martoli (3324m) You are in high mountain country now and the tree line disappears giving access to vast stretches of Alpine pastures. The day's walk from Rilkot to the magnificent and deserted hamlet of Martoli (3385 mts, 12 kms) provides a very interesting trail.. Camp overnight. B, L, D.

Day 6 Martoli to Ganghar (3260 mts, 12 kms). Throughout the day one gets intermittent views of magnificent Himalayan peaks and just after reaching campsite you will glimpse Nanda Devi East. Camp overnight. B, L, D.

Day 7 Ganghar to Pachu (3950 mts, 6 kms) and the camp site is 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 ... it is just another 5 kms away. Camp overnight. B, L, D.

Day 8 Nanda Devi How can you walk away from here ? It is a day to rest and simply enjoy yourself in this magnificent location. Options include the hike up to the snow ridges 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 region. Camp overnight. B, L, D.

Day 9 Pachu to Burfu (3350 mts, 13 kms). The scenary is exciting as the valley opens up. The north faces of the Nanda Devi peaks, several peaks on the Nanda Devi Sanctuary wall and Hardeol group are visible. Our camp site is close to the Gori Ganga River amidst a lush green meadow. Camp overnight. B, L, D.

Day 10 Burfu to Milam (3452 mts, 8 kms). The day's walk from Burfu offers some spectacular scenery. The north face of Nanda Devi, several peaks on the Nanda Devi Sanctuary wall and Hardeol group are visible particularly from Bilju village which is about 4 km ahead. The trail leads to Milam (place of meeting) which was a large village but is quite deserted. We camp on the outskirts of the village. Camp overnight. B, L, D.

Day 11 Visit Milam Glacier - Today we spend most of our time in exploring the Milam glacier. A two hour walk takes us to the tip of Milam glacier - it is the largest glacier in the Kumaon Himalaya. Camp overnight. B, L, D.

Day 12 Milam to Rilkot (3250 mts, 17 kms). The return trip commences in a downhill gradient. We camp at Rilkot for the night. Camp overnight. B, L, D.

Day 13 Rilkot to Bugdyar (2700 mts, 12 kms). This is a steady walk and mostly downhill past the villages of Lhaspa, Mapang and the narrow gorge at Nahar Devi. Camp overnight. B, L, D.

Day 14 Bugdyar to Lilam (1810 mts, 12 kms). We walk downhill all throughout and reach camp site by late afternoon. Camp overnight. B, L, D.

Day 15 Lilam to Munsyari (2290 mts, 12 kms). We retrace our steps along the Gori river past Jimi ghat to Dumar(8kms) from where we board a jeep that takes us to Wayfarer Mountain Resort at Munsyari. We arrive here by noon. B, L, D.

Day 16 Munsyari to Ranikhet (240 kms). It is time to bid farewell to Munsyari and its mountains. Today we board a vehicle that drives us to Ranikhet through Vijaypur, Bageshwar and Kausani. We check in for the night at Wayfarer Solitaire. B, L, D.

Day 17 Ranikhet to Kathgodam (90 kms). Today is another day when we can chill out and relax. Late afternoon we board a vehicle that drives us to Kathgodam. There is also the option of leaving Ranikhet after breakfast and driving to the legendary Jim Corbett Park. The train to Delhi departs from Kathgodam at 20:40 hrs.

Price Indication per person GBŁ / US$ - 2005: Email for current price and ask about availability

If we have 2 - 3 people in the group GBŁ1100 - GBŁ1200 / US$1600 - US$1790

If we have 4 - 5 people in the group GBŁ1050 - GBŁ1150 / US$1580 - US$1690

If we have 6 - 8 people in the group GBŁ930 - GBŁ990 / US$1530 - US$1630
If we have 9 or more people in the group GBŁ840 - GBŁ9200 / US$1500 - US$1590

Single supplement: GBŁ142 / US$278

The final price per person illustrated above will be fixed when we know how many have booked at a point 10 weeks prior to departure. We expect about 5 or 6 walkers. The base currency is the US Dollar and payments in any other currency may need to adjusted to allow for exchange rate fluctuations.

What is included
Our group equipment for the tented camping. An experienced local English speaking guide will be with you throughout. Our local crew providing all meals and tea / coffee while tented camping. You can book as an individual, but we need a minimum of 2 for the trek to proceed at these prices. Delhi hotels with breakfast only, all other hotels on full board. Transfers to and from central Delhi / Trailhead.

What is not included
The price allows for joining in Delhi and does not include international airfare and departure taxes. The guide is not paid to carry your pack (porters are available, at extra cost). Trekking Permits and National Park / Protected area fees / local taxes. Lunch and evening meals while in Delhi. Personal insurance, visa fees, vaccination costs, personal clothing and equipment, all items of a personal nature and all drinks.

Visas
A visa is required for India and this will cost about £30 in the UK. This can be arranged on arrival, but is best obtained in advance from the Indian High Commission in London or nearest to you.

Travel Insurance
Comprehensive personal insurance, including search and rescue is required on this trip. We recommend the BMC policies www.thebmc.co.uk