Uttaranchal PradestThe Nanda Devi Sanctuary - 11 Days
Best Season: July to November
Places Covered: Delhi - Pithoragarh - Munsyari - Lilam - Rilkot - Martoli - Shiama Kharak - Bhital Gaur
Right up in the northern most frontiers of the Kumaon Himalayas, the Johar Valley remains till today one of the less frequented but well coveted destinations for the true lovers of the Himalayas. Nanda Devi needs no introduction. Ever since the closure of the sanctuary, knowledge about this cross section of the Himalayas continues to be the preserve of books and periodicals only. But lately with relaxation of the innerline permit it has now become possible to walk upto the Nanda Devi base camp through the Johar Valley from Munsiyari.
Day by day itinerary
Day 01: Delhi (evening) - Pithoragarh (morning)
Overnight journey by bus. arrival in the morning at Pithoragrh, also known as a part of Sor valley. Pithoragarh is curious amalgamation of the town and the village, the settlement and the agricultural fields. Famous for leather, woolen, wooden and cane goods, the town also has a host of temples.
Day 02: Pithoragarh - Munsyari distance is 154 km. Overnight stay at Munsyari which is the road head of the trek. From Munsyari one gets an excellent view of the Panchchuli peaks.
Day 03: Munsyari to Lilam (13 km.) - After breakfast vehicle will drop participants at Darkot (4 km.) from where trekkers will commence walking along the banks of Gori Ganga at an average height of 4500 ft. Our destination is past Lilam village to Raurgari where we camp for the night.
Day 04: Today is a strenous walk along a gorge past the Gori Ganga river. The route is fairly up and down but generally eases off before reaching the Mapang (3100 m./9 km.) and to Rilkot (3200 m./4 km.)
Day 05: Rilkot - Martoli Village (3324 m.) - Lawan (3600 m.) 10 km. trek.
You are in high mountain country now and the tree line disappears giving access to vast stretches of Alpine pastures. One gets the view of the Martoli peak soon after Rilkot and we reach Martoli and explore the town before lunch. The trek to Lawan is along the river and through meadows with the Nanda Devi looming up large ahead.
Day 06: Lawan - Shiama Kharak (4200 m.) 10 km. Shiama Kharak with its rolling meadows is our base camp. From here only we can get fantastic views of the biggest Indian Himalayan Peaks.
Day 07: Bhital Guar (4450 m.)5 km. Day trek to the base for views of the glacier and the peaks. From here we can visit the glaciers on the Traill's pass area and the base camp for Nanda Kot.
Day 08: 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. There have been several sightings of bluesheep in the region.
Day 09: Shiama - Rilkot (20 km.)
Day 10: Rirgari - Munsiyari (20 km.)
Day 11: Munsiyari - Saatal- Kathgodam - Delhi Drive back starting early from Munsyari to reach Kathgodam by the evening to catch the overnight train to Delhi from Kathgodam in the evening. Arrive in Delhi on the morning
Included
- arrival and transfer from to international airport in New Delhi
- 3 star category hotel with breakfast for whole tours
- Sightseeing with cultural guide and private transport as per mention in program
- private transport and English speaking local tour leader for whole tours
- Train ticket as per mention in the program
Not included
- Lunch and dinner for whole tours
- Monument entrance fees for sightseeing
- personal expenses
- International flight ticket
- India visa can be obtain in Indian embassy in on country before depart for India
- Tips
