Nanda Devi Trek

(Base Camp)


Nanda Devi Trek is a trans-Himalayan trek which commences at Munsiyari(2290 mts) and the route ascends up the Gori Ganga river gorge which separates the Nanda Devi group from the beautiful peaks of the Panch Chulli group. The initial part of Nanda Devi Treks leads you through the high Himalayan ridges to open up into the wide expanse of the gentler trans-Himalayan region. There are quaint Himalayan settlements on the way and villages like Rilkot and Martoli have houses that are at least one hundred and fifty years old reminding every one of the extent of Indo-Tibetan trade through the old silk route. Five days of steady walking takes you to Pachu(3950 mts) the base camp area for Nanda Devi East.

The location is exquisite and we usually spend a fullday over here. The return trip is completed in four days from here back to the Wayfarer Himalaya Lodge at Munsiyari.

Nanda Devi Trek Tours

(Itinerary)


  • Day 0
  • Day 1
  • Day 2
  • Day 3
  • Day 4
  • Day 5
  • Day 6
  • Day 7
  • Day 8
  • Day 9
  • Day 10
  • Day 11
  • Day 12
  • Day 13
  • Day 14
  • Day 15

Arrive in Delhi : Check into your choice of hotel, preferably in Central Delhi.

Travel from Delhi to Kathgodam railway station. The best option is to take the New Delhi Kathgodam Shatabdi Express from New Delhi railway station. Train departs at 06.00 hours & reaches Kathgodam station by 11.30 hrs ). At Kathgodam station you would be met by Wayfarer & driven by car to Ranikhet for overnight stay in our Snow View hotel (95 kms / 3.5 hrs)

Morning after breakfast drive to Munsiyari (220 kms, 8 hrs) …a journey that would take the full day to complete. This drive is across a range of mountains past small hill towns like Kausani ,Bageshwar, Chaukhori , Thal , Birthi Falls and finally Munsiyari.

The final stretch of the road ascends to a height of 2748 meters before descending into the glorious Munsiyari valley. Check in at our mountain lodge called Wayfarer Himalaya Lodge at Munsiyari for a much deserved rest. This lodge is situated amidst a forested area and offers a completely local experience. It overlooks the magnificent Panch Chulli range

After breakfast you would be required to make a personal appearance at the office of the local magistrate for the grant of a trekking permit. Subsequently we would be ready to commence the trek from our mountain lodge. Our destination is Lilam Village. Initially there would be a short jeep ride for 6 kms and then a half day trek (7kms) to Lilam Village (1800 meteres) where we would camp for the night.

Today is a strenous walk from Lilam to Bogdiyar (3100 metres/17 kms) along a mountain route that takes you away from the Gori Ganga river along a gorge . The route is steep and involves a day long upward climb up to a hill top called Nain Singh Top and finally eases off before reaching the camp site at Bogdiyar.

You are in high mountain country now and the tree line disappears giving access to vast stretches of Alpine pastures. The day's walk is past Mapang (3254 metres) and Lhaspa (3315 metres), to a remote hamlet called Rilkot (3060 metres / 12 kms ). We camp here for the night.

From Rilkot we shall trek today to Ganghar (3330 mts,8 kms). Throughout the day one gets intermittent views of magnificent Himalayan peaks and just after reaching campsite you will seethe magnificent Nanda Devi East.

It is the big day when you walk from Ganghar to Pachu(3950 mts, 6 8kms) and the camp site is in an exquisite location. An Alpine meadow laden with rhododendron bushes blooming pink and white, stretches of glacial ice and the massive Nanda Devi looming infront ... it is just another 5 kms away.

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 bluesheep in the region.

It is time to return and you descend from Pachu to a magnificent and deserted hamlet called Martoli (3464 mts, 14 kms). The scenary is exciting as the valley opens up. The north faces of the Nanda Devi peaks, several peaks on the Nanda Devi Sancturay wall and Hardeol group are visible. Our camp site is along a lush green meadow.

Martoli(3464 mts) to Rilkot (3060 mts, 8 kms). This is a steady walk and mostly downhill .

Rilkot(3060 metres) to Bogdiyar(3100 metres/ 12 kms).

Bugdyar to Lilam (1810 mts, 17 kms). We walk mostly downhill all throughout and reach Lilam village by late afternoon..

Lilam to Munsiyari (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 Himalaya Lodge at Munsiyari. We arrive here by noon.

Munsiyari to Ranikhet (240 kms). It is time to bid farewell to Munsiyari and its mountains. Today we board a vehicle that drives us to Ranikhet through Vijaypur, Bageshwar and Kausani. We checkin for the night at Snow View Hotel

Ranikhet to Kathgodam (90 kms). Today is another day when we can chill out and relax. Late morning 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 15:35 hrs and gets you to Delhi by 21.10 hours.

Kumaon - Best Time to Visit

The optimal timing for our trekking trips is between May 1st and June 30th and between September 1st and October 15th. Both seasons have their attractions. During the month of May the spring flowers bloom at the margins of the snowline while the weather is generally settled barring the occasional pre monsoon storm that can blow up at any time. Day time temperatures can rise to the mid 20s even at altitudes while at night they can fall to 0 degrees C. The post monsoon season is a time of settled weather with clear views of the mountains.

The post monsoon season is a time of settled weather with clear views of the mountains. Day time temperatures will still be quite warm, upto 20 degrees C during the middle of the day, however at night the temperatures will occasionally drop below 0 degrees C.