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H K U 3: T H E F A M O U S
S H I P T O N T I L M A N T R A
I L - ( 1 7 D a y s )
 Shipton
and Tilman - famous explorers footsteps in their attempt
to find a way to approach Nanda Devi the highest and most
sacred mountain of the Indian Himalayas at 7816m / 25,636ft.
failed at first but rerouting their steps they finally managed
to succeed. Following their trail passing some of the most
scenic mountains and meeting the local population still
unaffected by numerous trekkers and mountaineers we trek
over delightful mountain passes, dense forests of oak, pine,
rhododendron, fir and deodar and cross wide open meadows
and numerous streams.
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 Rudraprayag via pilgrim town of
Haridwar to Rishikesh the ancient road head for pilgrims.
We halt overnight.
Day 03: Drive to Rudraprayag - Mundoli - 1970m /
6461ft. Trek to Didana - 2450m / 8036ft. The road follows
the Alaknanda River, and the Pindari River before reaching
Mundoli from where we begin our trek down into the Gyan
Ganga valley, passing rhododendron and oak forest. We follow
the river before crossing it and making the steep climb
to the small village of Didana.
Day 04: Didana - Badny Bugyal - 3350m / 10,988ft.
After a steep climb through dense forest, we emerge above
the tree line to spectacular views of Chaukhamba and Nilkanth
from where we walk along high ridges before reaching the
meadows of Badni Bugyal. Camp.
Day 05: Badny Bugyal - Bhugu Basa - 4100m / 13,448ft.
After 2 hours of a gradual ascent with constant views of
the Trisul range and Nanda Ghunti , the trail reaches Bistola
and then climbs up to Bhugu Basa, an improvised stone shelter
that is generally used by local pilgrims.
Day 06: Bhugu Basa - Rup Kund - 4450m / 14,596ft
and back to Bhugu Basa. Stupendous
views of Trisul and the mountains around. A strenuous but
rewarding trek for about three hours to Rup Kund, a holy
lake surrounded by glaciers and high peaks and situated
on the outer rim of the Nanda Devi Sanctuary. Every 12 years
thousands of devout pilgrims, carrying a golden idol of
the goddess Nanda Devi, undertake a difficult trek to this
holy lake from Nauti village, near Karnaprayag.
Day 07: Bhugu Basa - Wan - 2450 m / 8036ft. Return
trek to Badni Bugyal. The track is now a steep descent through
fine forests of fir and rhododendron through a beautiful
clearing with much of the track being paved. After crossing
a river, a short climb leads to the main valley, at the
head of which is Wan and our campsite.
Day 08: Wan - Kukin Khal Pass - 2900m / 9512ft.
to Sutol at 2200m / 7216ft. Passing an ancient temple the
path climbs gently through magnificent cypress trees to
the pass from where it drops down to broad meadows. The
village of Kunol -2650m / 8692ft is set in an idyllic location
with stunning views of the high peaks north of Joshimath.
Above the village rhododendron trees remain in full bloom
from April until the beginning of June. Further down the
trail is lined with orchids and luxuriant ferns as it passes
through one of the finest mixed forests in Garhwal.
Day 09: Sutol - Ramni - 2550m / 8364ft. The track
now traverses the valley in a series of ascents and descents
before steeply dropping down through forests smelling of
fir trees to the river gorge below. Once at the river, which
is crossed by a green girder footbridge we go on a long
steep climb to a tiny temple.Here thr trail becomes more
gradual and walking through forest we emerge near farms
and fields on a ridge with stunning views of Trisul. Camp
Day 10: Ramni - Ramani Pass - 3100m / 10,168ft. to
Ghangri - 2000m / 6560ft. A pleasantly winding track leads
to open grassy grazing meadows as snow peaks begin to emerge
above the forest to the north. We then climb steeply through
forests of rhododendrons, pines and Holm oak with more pastures
and shepherd huts. From Ramani Pass magnificent views of
Trisul can be seen before we .descend through pastures,
waterfalls and open glades into a serene forest of horse
chestnut and walnut. Camp.
Day 11: Ghangri - Pana - 2950m / 9678ft. The trail
descends past small farms through woods to the spectacular
suspension bridge across the Brithi Ganga gorges. After
a very steep climb the path levels out passing through fine
rhododendron forest, with many streams and waterfalls.
Day 12: Pana - Dakwani - 3300m / 10,824ft. This
is a long, but rewarding day with the trail climbing steeply
through rhododendron forest. The a gentle descent goes to
open meadows with views across to the Kauri Pass before
it finally plunges down a very steep section to a river.
From there a final climb brings us above the tree-line to
large pastures where we camp.
Day 13: Dakwani - Kuari Pass - 3640m / 11,939ft.
to Kulara - 3400m / 11,152ft. The climb up to the pass is
on a winding track. From the pass what is considered one
of the greatest mountain views in the world the Himalayan
summits appear before us in stupendous arch. To the north
Nilkanth 6596m / 21,634ft, Narayan Parbat - 5965m / 19,564ft,
and Nilgiri Parbat at 6474m / 21,234ft are some of the peaks
to be seen. The peaks of the Zanskar Range including Mana
Peak - 7272m / 23,852ft, Mount Kamet at 7776m / 25,505ft
and the Abl Gamin - 7355m / 24,124ft. extend to the Tibet
border
Day 14: Kulara - Tapovan. A very steep descent to
Tapovan, down through woods and pastures from where we drive
to Joshimath.
Day 15: Drive from Joshimath to Rishikesh.
Day 16: Drive to Delhi and check into a hotel for
the night.
Day 17: Transfer to the international airport for
your flight back home.
If you need more information please feel free to write
us at info@himalayakingdom.com
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