Nanda Devi East and Milam Glacier

Nanda Devi East and Milam Glacier
tmc_tk_nandadevieast.jpg
Dates: September 25th to October 11th 2008
April 17th to May 3rd 2008
September 24th to October 10th & April 16th to May 2nd 2009

Grade & trek days:

Vigorous (grade 3), 12 trekking days

Number of days:

17

Accommodation:

1 night hotel, 13 nights camping, 2 nights train

Trip cost '09:

Ex Delhi: £1,295

Min group size:

2

Download trip dossier for detailed trek information and photographs.

Online quotation for trekking insurance

Information on booking international flights

The Kumaon and Garwhal Himalaya (now Uttaranchal) is a fabulously beautiful area of the Himalaya adjacent to the western end of Nepal and includes the famous mountain of Nanda Devi which at 7,816m is the highest peak that sits wholly within India.

This part of the Himalaya attracted many of the famous explorers and mountaineers before Nepal was opened up in 1949, with most of them trying to unlock the secret of approaching Nanda Devi. It was protected by the Sanctuary, which is a ring of satellite peaks, making access to the base of Nanda Devi very challenging although finally Shipton and Tilman forced a route up the Rishi Ganga Gorge in 1934 (west side of Nanda Devi).

This trek follows the Gori Ganga Gorge to the village of Milam and then approaches the East Base Camp of Nanda Devi. Milam village represents the ruins of the old Indo-Tibetan trade. From the extensive ruins one can see it was once a large village- it used to be a significant trading centre crossing high passes to reach Tibet where a big market used to be held at the base of the fabled Kailash Parvat. This trade was cut-off in 1962 when the border with Tibet was closed and people moved away from Milam. It was also from this village where several locals were trained by the British as pundits to secretly survey and gather intelligence in Tibet.

The trek enters one of the most dramatic mountainous areas of the Himalayas near to Nanda Devi and the surrounding peaks in the Sanctuary- this scenery combined with the fascinating historical background of the region makes this one of our most highly recommended treks!

If you would like more information click here to download the Trip Dossier.

OUTLINE ITINERARY

  • Day 1 Arrive Delhi.
  • Day 2 Sightseeing in Delhi, overnight train to Kathgodam.
  • Day 3 Drive to Munsyari (2,290m).
  • Day 4 Drive to Selapani, trek to Lilam (1,800m).
  • Day 5 Trek to Bugdiar (2,700m).
  • Day 6 Trek to Martoli (3,385m).
  • Day 7 Trek to Milam (3,423m).
  • Day 8/9 Trekking to the Nanda Devi East base camp.
  • Day 10 Trek to Sumdu village (3,400m).
  • Day 11 Trek to Ralam (3,700m).
  • Day 12 Rest day at Ralam/ Trek up Ralam Glacier.
  • Day 13 Trek to Lungrani (3,200m).
  • Day 14 Trek to Lilam (1,800m).
  • Day 15 Trek to Munsyari (2,290m).
  • Day 16 Drive to Kathgodam, overnight train to Delhi.
  • Day 17 Arrive in Delhi, day at leisure and evening flight back home.

Recommended books & maps: 

 India

Take a look at our other trek in Uttaranchal:

Curzon trail including Kuari pass and Roopkund lake