Nanda Devi Base Camp Trek : India’s 2nd-highest mountain

Kajal, 8 months ago, 6 min read, 57 Views

Overview

Table of Contents

Nanda Devi Base Camp Trek situated in Uttarakhand’s Chamoli district, between the Rishiganga and Goriganga valleys on the west and east, Nanda Devi is the second-highest mountain in the country and the highest peak that is wholly inside the country. Eric Shipton and H. W. Tilman made the first foray into the inner sanctuary in 1934, and Odell and Tilman made the first ascent of Nanda Devi in 1936. Hike to the foot of Nanda Devi, the second-highest mountain in India at 7816 meters. Every hiker’s desire is to complete this journey; as one gets closer to Nanda Devi’s refuge, the Nanda Devi East becomes their spiritual home. It is now feasible to walk from Munsyari across the Johar Valley to the Nanda Devi base camp with inner line permission.

Munsyari, a little village with spectacular views of the Panchachuli peaks at an elevation of 22, 90 meters, is the starting point of this moderate to tough trip. The road to the massif winds through the picturesque Milam Valley, past glaciated trails, alpine meadows, and historic settlements. Beginning from an elevation of approximately 4,200 meters, the trek to Nanda Devi East Base Camp has its end at Milam Glacier. The ride with Trishul I (7,074m), Hardeol (7,151m), and Rishi Parvat (6,692m) will frame this journey once in a lifetime.

Best time to visit Nanda Devi Base Camp Trek

Located in the Nanda Devi National Park, this tour offers a walk through the biodiversity and cultural richness of the region along with breathtaking views. Deciding the best time for visit is what makes all the difference in making the most out of this journey. This comprehensive guide will aid you in choosing the best time to initiate the Nanda Devi Base Camp Trek considering the weather, accessibility of the trail, and overall trekking experience.

Summer (April to June)

One of the greatest seasons to walk to Nanda Devi Base Camp is from April to June. The environment comes alive with brilliant flora as the severe winter fades and the snow melts, making the routes more accessible.

Autumn (September to October)

Most people agree that September through October is the ideal season to hike to Nanda Devi Base Camp. There are beautiful views, nice weather, and clear skies during the post-monsoon season.

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Top Highlights of the Nanda Devi Trek

Trekking to Nanda Devi Base Camp provides hikers with breathtaking views of Nanda Devi while traversing the highest highlands of Kumaon.
The base camp for this Nanda Devi hike is located on the eastern flank of the peak, which is also home to Panchu Glacier.
You would have the breathtaking views of Nanda Devi (7,816m), Trishul (7,074m), Panch Chuli peaks, and Nanda Kot (6,861m) all along Nanda Devi trek.

Itinerary

Day 1: Travel to Munsiyari after arriving in Kathgodam.

Hours: 10 elevations – 7100 feet km: 340
By 6:30, you must reach Kathgodam.
You will reach Munsyari by nightfall.
We would decide your dinner and a place for overnight stay.
There would be twin or triple sharing in the rooms.
Stay at Munsyari for the night.

Day 2: Hike from Lilam (2000 M) to Munsiyari

2–3 Hours of hiking: 72 kilometers
Today’s walk is easy and designed to help with acclimatization.
We take a taxi from the hotel to the last road head at Selapani, which is 10 kilometers distant, after breakfast. A sharp drop leads to the Gori Ganga River at the start of the hike.
Lilam, which is closer to Milam Glacier, is where Milam Village residents spend the winter.
Most people have stayed permanently in Lilam, although few families still make the summer pilgrimage to Milam.
We’ll be to Lilam by the end of the afternoon.
Camps remain overnight.

Day 3: Trek from Bugdiyar (2700 M) to Lilam

Trekking time: 6-7 hours 13 km
We’ll walk through the same gorge.
The path that goes alongside the river is bordered by conifer trees and a tangle of bamboo.
We reach the intersection of the Gori Ganga and the Ralam steam after travelling for almost 5 km.
We walk along the river to a beautiful camping area called Bugdyar.
Bugdyar has a memorial to commemorate the soldiers and the villagers killed by an avalanche in 1989.
A stern warning of what nature’s fury can wreak havoc on a place and its people.
Nights spent camping.

Day 4: Hike from Rilkot (3200 M) to Bugdiyar

7-8 Hours and 15 Kilometers
Go across the river bridge.
The first ascent is strenuous to a deity sheltered by a precipice. The walk eventually starts to become easier.
You are currently strolling next to the river at its level. Of the entire route, this is arguably the best part.
Two striking waterfalls with a minimum height of 80 meters are located close by.
The trail progressively climbs until late afternoon, when we arrive in Rilkot.
Spend the night in the camp.

Day 5: Ghangar to Rilkot (3300 M)

Trek km: 12 hours
Now that we are above the tree line, the area is deserted.
The settlements along the way stay abandoned till we get to Burphu.
It is possible to see Burphu Peak (6300 M) behind the hamlet.
We are now entering the Pachu valley, which goes to Nanda Devi base camp.
Beautiful Johari houses can be found at Ghangar, a little town at 3340 meters. Exquisitely crafted windows and doors made of wood.
There is also an ancient temple in the village. The eastern side of Nanda Devi East is also visible from this location.
Spend the night in camp and take in all of the peaks.

Day 6: Trek from Ghangar to the east base camp of Nanda Devi. (3900 M)

3–4 hours; 7 kilometers
The winding paths pass through short patches of tiny birch and rhododendron trees as they gradually ascend into the Pachhu Valley.
Taking centre stage in the view is the North Face of Nanda Devi East, rising over the Pachhu Glacier.
The valley widens up to gorgeous, verdant alpine meadows in the latter part.
The foot of Nanda Devi is not far from a beautiful camping.
Spend the night at the campsite.

Day 7: Base Camp Nanda Devi East

Day to relax and explore the area make the most of your day to really appreciate the splendor of this magnificent location.
Photographers can use their cameras well these days.
Unwind and enjoy the camping.

Day 8: Trek from Rilkot to Nanda Devi East Base Camp

Trekking for 7–8 hours km: 19.
From Base Camp, hike in the same direction to Rilkot.
Spend the night in Rilkot.

Day 9: Travel from Rilkot to Bugdyar

15 km/h (6-7 trip hours)
Trek the same route from Rilkot to Bugdyar.
Spend the night in the camp

Day 10: Munsyari – Bugdyar

Trekking for 7–8 hours km: 20
Hike from Munsiyari to Bugdyar.
It’s a camp-style journey. Goodbye to this lovely trek.

Essential to carry

Some of the following essentials that you should pack for your high-altitude hike in the Indian Himalayas at Kalindi Khal are as follows:

Trekking Equipment: Proper hiking boots, trekking poles, a backpack and a headlamp with an extra battery pack.
Clothes: Light-weights, warm and cozy clothes suitable for trekking in the high altitudes. These will include thermal clothing, fleece jackets, wind cheaters, raincoat, trekking trousers, gloves, and hats.
Sleeping gear: An inflated sleeping mattress or mat, and good quality sleeping sack that can withstand freezing weather.
Food and water: Be sure to carry sufficient amounts of food and water to last the entire trip. It will also be prudent to carry some tablets or purification equipment to make water from streams and rivers easily available for drinking.
Navigation devices: GPS device, compass, maps
Solar protection: Sunscreen, lip balm, sunglasses are all forms of sun protection.
Personal gear: phone, camera, power bank, toiletries, and any over-the-counter prescribed personal medication.
Emergency Kit: Supply fire starter, rope, knife, and emergency whistle.
First aid kit: Supply first aid kit with medication to counter common diseases like diarrhea, altitude sickness, and pain killers.

How to reach Nanda Devi Base Camp Trek

By Air:

By Train:

By Bus:

Pantnagar Airport is the closest airport to Munsiyari, at a distance of 312 kilometers. It will take you seven or eight hours to get reach Munsiyari by taxi from there.

The nearest railway station is Kathgodam, 280 kilometers from Munsiyari. You can reach Delhi to Kathgodam by overnight train. After that you would have to hire a taxi to reach Munsiyari.

Munsiyari is well connected with the nearest cities such as Rishikesh, Nainital, Kausani, and Haldwani. There are two ways to reach there one through taxi or state transportation.

Conclusion

This is a great opportunity for one who likes adventure, culture, and the outdoors to indulge in this challenge. The Nanda Devi Trek is an adventure that takes one deep into the Himalayas and should not be missed at any cost

Related FAQs

Is the Nanda Devi Trek challenging?

The trek to Nanda Devi Base Camp is considered a strenuous trek. This is based on several factors that include high altitude, unstable weather, and rough trails for walking. The trek reaches an elevation of around almost 13,000 feet, which may lead to altitude sickness if proper acclimatization is not carried out.

What is the duration of the Nanda Devi Trek?

Depending on your trek guide, the tough trek to the Nanda Devi Base Camp takes nine to twelve days. On your walk to Nanda Devi Base Camp, you will be able to see numerous massive Himalayan peaks.

When is the best time to trek journey to Nanda Devi Base Camp?

Spring is the best time to trek journey to Nanda Devi Base Camp. The best hiking times to Nanda Devi Base Camp are in May, June, September, and October. During these months, the region usually mildly rains because the monsoon is getting near, though not getting extremely cold and wet. Summer time is great because it still has good weather.

What are the interesting facts about Nanda Devi?

Due to its location on the border between India and Nepal, Nanda Devi is the second-highest mountain in the country and the highest peak total. Until 1808, when western surveyors calculated the height of Dhaulagiri, it was thought to be the highest mountain in the world.

What kind of lodging is offered for the trek?

The accommodations of the Nanda Devi Base Camp Trek vary from route and business chosen. Though some trekkers would love to stay in secluded, rustic lodges or camps, others would prefer a cozier accommodation option in the form of hotels or guesthouses.