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H K U 2: T H E G R A N D N A
N D A D E V I T R A V E R S E -
( 2 1 D a y s )
 Nanda
Devi'-Goddess of Joy' towering at 7818m / 25,643ft is one
of the highest peaks in the Indian Himalaya. This was a
desired destination of numerous adventurers in the early
part of the last century. While most of them failed in their
efforts it was only in 1932 that Eric Shipton and Bill Tilman
trekking through the Rishi gorge succeeded. Our trek follows
the Pacchu valley which can be accessed by trekking along
the Gori Ganga river which separates the Nanda Devi group
from the beautiful peaks of the Panch Chuli range.
Day 01: We welcome you on your arrival at the Indira
Gandhi International Airport in New Delhi and escort you
to your hotel where you stay overnight.
Day 02: Drive to Almora a small hill town founded
by the Chand Dynasty in 1560. The then king gave it off
to the East India Company in return for their warding off
the armies of the Gurkha.
Day 03: Drive to Loharket . Trek begins to Milkila
(2000 m). Trek through forests of Pine, junipers and rhododendrons.
Crossing a few villages and then a river climb up to Milkila
and set up camp.
Day 04: Milkila - Raj Kharak (2630 m). The trails
climbs steadily through thick forests to reach a ridge at
3000 m from where a descent leads us down to gentle meadows
with a few shepherd huts. Camp
Day 05: Raj Kharak - Namik (2100 m). The trail descend
towards the Ram Ganga Rover and then ascends to Namik where
we camp. En-route magnificent views of the 6861m / 22,540ft.
high Nanda Kot peak surrounded by others can be seen.
Day 06: Namik - Camp to Base of Sudam Khan pass
-3800m / 12,464ft. An early start is advised to tackle the
stiff climb to the base of the Sudam Khan Pass. From vamp
below the pass more great views of the glimmering snow clad
peaks above deep green valleys to the north can be seen
Day 07: Base of Sudam Khan over the 4000m / 13,
128ft pass to the next pass of Kaghudi. Camp below the Kaghudi
pass at 4620m / 15,138ft . The route climbs and drops past
rugged rock faces and high meadows before reaching the campsite
at the base.
Day 08: Base Camp Kaghudi pass over the 4780m /
15,678ft pass descend to Poting at 3430m / 11,250ft. On
the saddle of the pass watch lammergeyers and griffon vultures
glide in the thermal currents. To the north we can see the
three glaciers of Namik, Andra and Pentahang stretch down
the slopes of Nanda Bhanar. The trail now descends into
the Gori Ganga valley. Camp.
Day 09: Poting - Bodgwar - 2800m / 9184ft. Descend
to the Gori Ganga gorges where the trail linking Munsyari
to Milam becomes easier. After a pleasant trek one reaches
Bodgwar where the Poting river meets the Gori Ganga. Camp.
Day 10: Bodgwar - Martoli - 3430m / 11.250ft. A
5-6 hour gradual ascent through Raikkot village to the small
hamlet of Martoli once a trail for traders doing business
with Tibet. Today it stands deserted save for a few houses
for trekkers and mountaineers passing through. Camp is set
up on a high plateau of grassy fields at 3430m / 11,2504ft.
Day 11: Martoli - Sartol Kharak - 3650m / 11,972ft.
The trail goes through forests and galdes with ntermittent
views of some of the beautiful Himalayan peaks in the region
with a mesmerizing glimpse of Nanda Devi East just before
reaching the camp.
Day 12: Sartol Kharak - East Nanda Devi base camp
-4150m / 13,612ft. The valley leading up to Nanda Devi east,
remains quite the same since the legendary Tom Longstaff
came this way in 1905 unsuccessfully looking for a route
into the Nanda Devi sanctuary. Recceing the valley just
south of the Pacchu, he climbed a pass that has since become
known as the Longstaff pass. This is the trail we follow.
Passing the village of Lwanl perched 3400m / 11,152ft. high
above the confluence of the Lwanl and Shalang gad rivers
having their source high above at the glaciers of the 6681
m Mount Nanda Kot we emerge into a stunning gorge country
fringed by vividly coloured Rhododendrons. Camp in pleasant
meadows.
Day 13: East Nanda Devi base camp - Milam -3450m
/ 11,326ft. Back tracking on our trail out of the Pacchu
valley getting excellent views of the Nanda Devi group-including
Nanda Devi' s main 7816m summit, we turn northwest to the
town of Milam. Milam in Tibetan means 'people road'. and
once was a hub for traders going to and from Tibet which
halted in the 1960s. he people are strikingly similar to
Tibetans. Further on past Milam is a series of fairly easy
passes that bring one into the Chang Tang, meaning northern
plain' area of Tibet.
Day 14: Exploration day on the Milam Glacier - 4100m
/ 13,448ft.
Pleasant walk passing meadows of sage we reach a vantage
point from where stupendous views of the Milam glacier and
surrounding peaks are had. You can also see the giant Rishi
Pahar 6992m / 22933ft, Nanda Pal and Nanda Gond at 6306m
/ 20,683ft and 6315m / 20,713ft. The Trishul is the grandest
of all at 7074m / 23,202ft. and Hardeol at 7151m / 23,455ft.
After a snack we head down to our camp at Milam.
Day 15: Milam - Sumdu - 3400m / 11,152ft.A pleasant
walk as we descend through the Gori Ganga gorge.
Day 16: Sumdu over the Birjeganj Dhura pass - 4760m
/ 15,612ft to Ralam - 3720m / 12,201ft. From Sumdu we descend
crossing a glacier stream on a wooden bridge and then climb
five hours to the summit of the 4760m / 15,612ft high Bridganga
Pass from where we descend steeply to Ralam village and
camp.
Day 17: Ralam - Sabaledyar - 2700m / 8856ft. Our
path goes steadily through thick forests as we approach
the Ralam valley Camp.
Day 18: Sabaledyar - Munsyari - 2290m / 7511ft.
We walk along the Gori Ganga and come across several villages
with bamboo huts reaching the famous hamlet of Munsyari.
Camp
Day 19: Drive to Almora.
Day 20: Drive from Almora to Delhi. Check into your
hotel for the night.
Day 21: Transfer to the International airport by
late evening for your flight back home.
If you need more information please feel free to write
us at info@himalayakingdom.com
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