Nanda Devi Base Camp Trek
The Nanda Devi Peak, located across Pithoragarh, Chamoli, and Bageshwar districts in Uttarakhand, is the second-highest peak in India and the 23rd-highest globally. The challenging trek to Nanda Devi Base Camp (13,780 feet) offers breathtaking views of massive Himalayan peaks like Nanda Devi, Nanda Kot, Mount Changuch, and Trishul.
The trek, which passes through Nanda Devi National Park (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), provides a unique insight into the life of Himalayan communities at high altitudes. Trekking through picturesque locations such as Ghangharia, Martoli, and Munsiyari, you'll witness stunning landscapes and pristine views of Panchu Glacier and other prominent peaks, making it a rewarding experience for experienced trekkers.
Trek Overview
Embark on an unforgettable adventure to the Nanda Devi East Base Camp, trekking through the stunning landscapes of Bogudiar, Railkot, and Ghangharia. Stay overnight in cozy tents and explore the Pachu Glacier base camp. Continue your trek to Martoli, Rargari, and Munsiyari, with panoramic views of the Nanda Devi peak, India's second-highest mountain.
Quick Facts
- Duration: 11D/10N
- Maximum Altitude: 13,123 ft
- Difficulty Level: Moderate to Difficult
- Distance: 110 km
- Best Time: Mid Mar–Mid Jun, Mid Sept–Mid Oct
- Start/End Point: Munsiyari/Kathgodam
Highlights
- Trek through scenic locations: Bogudiar, Railkot, Ghangharia
- Stay in tents with stunning mountain views
- Visit Pachu Glacier Base Camp
- Explore Martoli, Rargari, and Munsiyari
- Learn about Nanda Devi’s local myths and culture
- See the eastern face of Nanda Devi, the second-highest peak in India
- Guides, local cuisine, and unforgettable experiences await
How to Reach Munsiyari
Munsiyari is well-connected to tourist destinations in Uttarakhand and can be reached by air, road, and rail.
- Road
Munsiyari is connected by motorable roads to all the major towns and cities.
- Train
The nearest railhead is Tanakpur, about 286 km away.
- Air
The nearest airport is at Pithoragarh, but it is not a regular airport. Helicopter services are also available from Haldwani, and there is a helipad in Munsiyari.
Itinerary
DAY-1: Trek from Munsiyari to Lilam Village (1,850m)
- Trek Distance: 7km, a fairly easy walk for about 4-5hrs with steady descent takes you to Lilam, the winter home of the local villagers. Pass through the bustling marketplace as the trail leads onto an open path.
- Details: After breakfast in the guesthouse, prepare for your first trekking episode in the region!
- Spend the day learning about the traditional migration of the villagers during summer months, their cultures, traditions, and cuisine; overnight stay will be in Lilam.
DAY-2: Trek from Lilam to Bogudiar (2,609m)
- Trek Distance: 12km, Confluence of Poting & Gori Ganga Rivers
- Details: Although a long-distance one, today’s trail will take you through a dense forest of Utis trees, which is common to the sub-tropical Himalayas.
- Stop by at the meeting point of the Ralam rivulet and the Gori Ganga. Follow a steep uphill ascent to reach Bogudiar village as the sun almost sets.
- The confluence of Poting and Gori Ganga Rivers at this location is the Day highlight; overnight stay at Bogudiar.
DAY-3: Trek from Bogudiar to Railkot (3,130m)
- Trek Distance: 12km, Stunning Trans Himalayas, Nanda Kot Glacier, Railkot Ruins. Further north is the popular trekking trail to Pindari Glacier lying between the Nanda Devi and the Nanda Kot ranges.
- Details: Today’s 12km trek takes you through the true panorama of the Trans Himalayan region.
- Arrive at Railkot Village situated above the Alaknanda River and get into the tents by the riverside. Spend the daylight hours exploring ruins around Railkot and return back to the tents for an overnight stay.
DAY-4: Trek from Railkot to Ghanghar (3,300m)
- Trek Distance: 13km, Walk through sunny meadows as the crisp mountain air accompany you all the way to the ancient Ghanghar village.
- Details: Begin the day with a delicious breakfast and follow the typical landscape of the Trans Himalayan region.
- Enter the Pachu Valley territory that will lead to the final destination of Nanda Devi Base Camp in the Ghanghar village; situated at an altitude of 3,300m, this exciting village is where the Johar tribe set up their winter homes.
DAY-5: Trek from Ghanghar to Pachu Glacier (4,000m)
- Trek Distance: 7km, Pass through rolling high-altitude forests of rhododendrons along the way.
- Details: After breakfast in the Ghanghar camp, begin on a trail that will take around 5 hours and will take you to the Pachu Glacier.
- The highlight of today is the stunning view of the Nanda Devi peak, which keeps getting clearer and stronger with every step you take towards the Pachu Glacier.
DAY-6: Exploration day at Nanda Devi Base Camp
- Nanda Devi Peak, Scenic Beauty, Local Exploration
- Details: Wake up in the morning, get refreshed and energized with a breakfast. Today will be dedicated to exploring the vicinity and getting close to the fascinating Nanda Devi Peak.
- Spend the entire day exploring and discovering the magical beauty around and call it a day before you settle down in the camp.
DAY-7: Trek to Pachu Glacier to Martoli
- Trek Distance: 17km, Begin the day with a down trek towards the ancient trade route along the Indo-Tibet border.
- Following the trail, arrive in Martoli, a scenic village jotted with rustic houses with exquisite wooden carvings.
- Enjoy the fascinating views of Nanda Devi and Nanda Kot from the village followed by an overnight stay in one of the local houses.
DAY-8: Trek from Martoli to Rargari
- Trek Distance: 20km, Easy & Downhill Trek
- Details: Today’s downhill trek will be an easier one and on the way, you can enjoy the pristine nature and the surreal beauty of the pictorial valleys and mountains.
- Arriving in Rargari, check in into a local hut and retire for the day.
DAY-9: Trek from Rargari to Munsyari
- Distance: 14km Trek & Jeep Ride
- Details: Starting with today’s trek, you will arrive at Chaukori after traversing around 14km.
- From Chaukori, an enthralling jeep ride will take you further to Munsyari, where you will be spending overnight in a guesthouse/tent.
Inclusions
- Accommodation: Tents or Tourist lodges on sharing basis.
- Meals: All Meals Included during the trek
- Trekking Equipments: Sleeping bag, Sleeping tents, Kitchen tent, Dining tent, Toilet Tent.
- Permits: All permits and fees (wherever applicable).
- Guide: Local and experienced trekking guides & supporting staff.
- Health & Safety: First aid kit, oxygen cylinders, oximeter, etc.
- Trek Insurance (Optional): This depends on your package, kindly confirm while booking.