Nanda Devi Trek |
Tour Code :
ATI/HWT-436 |
|
 |
|
The
magnificent group of peaks around Nanda Devi was
for many years before second world was the focus
of attention for the climbing world. The view
from inside the Nanda Devi sanctuary is one of
the most outstanding mountain panoramas in the
world, a natural fortress surrounded by about
seventy snow-capped peaks. Unfortunately
trekkers, climbers and locals alike are denied
this view at present, because the sanctuary has
been closed by the government. The reasons are
not clear, but the government is said to be
concerned about the ecology and wants to prevent
the poaching of musk deer, which was becoming a
problem.
The inner sanctuary may be closed but it is
still possible to trek to the outer sanctuary, a
great bowl in the hills on the west side of the
Nanda Devi group. The trek is not a difficult
one, when we consider how close we get to the
mountains and the superb views we have along
many of the trails. This is along trails which
are almost unknown to western trekking groups
which for many people will add to the other
attractions of magnificent scenery and fine
displays of flowers. |
|
|
|
Program
Itinerary in Details |
Days 01 : ARRIVE DELHI
Arrive Delhi meet and greet upon arrival at airport
and transfer to your hotel and overnight at hotel. |
Days 02 : IN DELHI
After breakfast full-day combined city tour of Old &
New Delhi, in the evening we transfer to railway
station and board the overnight air-conditioned
train to Hardwar. |
Days 03 : DELHI - RISHIKESH
Arriving early in the morning, we go by bus to
Rishikesh. This is the traditional starting point
for the great yatra (pilgrimage) to the mountain
temples of Garhwal, and the town has many religious
institutions. Hotel at Rishikesh. |
Days 04 : RISHIKESH - DEVAL
We drive into the Garhwal hills, following the
Alaknanda and Pinder rivers to the road head at
Deval. Overnight in tents. |
Days 05/06/07 : TREK
We set off walking along terraced hillsides
alternating with conifer forests, passing the
occasional small village. The climb gets steeper in
places, but we are rewarded with spectacular views
of the Nanda Devi group, Trisul (23,360 ft) and
Nanda Ghunti (20,700 ft.) being especially
prominent. Eventually we emerge via Lohjung into the
lush green meadows at Alibugyal and Bednibugyal, at
a little over 11,000 ft. Overnight in tents. |
Days 08/09 : TREK
We spend two days at Bednibugyal to acclimatise and
enjoy the surroundings. On the second day we can
make an excursion to the ridge at Kalwavinayak at
about 13,500 ft. for even better views of Trisul
rising sheer above the shilasamudra glacier.
Overnight in tents. |
Days 10/11/12 : TREK
These three days take us from Bednibugyal along
Tilman's trail into the valley of the Nandakini
river. We start by walking down, and then climb
again: the route is through dense forest and
cultivated terraces, with the occasional village,
and there are many fine viewpoints. Water is likely
to be a bit short at our camp site on the last
night, but the beautiful location should make us for
this. Overnights in tents. |
Days 13/14 : TREK
A switchback trail now takes us across the valley
and ridges which run off the west side of the Nanda
Devi group, with alternating stretches of meadow and
forest. These are the longest days of the trek.
Overnight in tents. |
Days 15 : TREK
The going gets a little tougher, as we begin the
approach to the Kuari Pass. At Sartholi Kharak we
get our first views of the peaks to the north of the
Kuari Pass. More stretches of up and settlement on
the southern approach to the pass, at about 10,500
ft. Overnight in tents. |
Days 16 : TREK
We complete the climb to the Kuari Pass at 12,000
ft., one of the high spots of the trek. There may be
snow on the pass but the view from the summit will
more than compensate for any difficulties on the
trail. Almost the whole Garhwal Himalaya is in view
- the great Badrinath group of peaks to the north
and to the west the Nanda Devi Sanctuary; Dunagiri,
Bethartoli, Hathi Parbat, Kamet, Nilkanth and Trisul
are among the peaks we expect to see. As we descend
from the pass, Nanda Devi can be seen. We descend to
ski resort of Auli for the nigh. Overnight in tents. |
Days 17 : AULI - JOSHIMATH (DRIVE)
The last day's trek is a short walk down to
Joshimath, the highest bazaar in the Alaknanda
valley, and an important stop for pilgrims on their
way to Badrinath. Here we pick up our transport for
the tow and a half hour journey on a somewhat
hair-rising road to Badrinath. We then have time to
explore the village, whose temple is one of the
greatest pilgrimage centres in all India. Its
brightly coloured gilt-edged facade stands out,
board steps leading upto a grand entrance hung with
a huge bell. |
Days 18/19 : JOSHIMATH - DEHRADUN
We travel by road back down the Alaknanda valley to
Dehra Dun, reaching our very comfortable hotel in
Dehradun in the evening. |
Days 20 : DEHRADUN - MUSOORIE
From Dehra Dun we make excursion to the pleasant
hill station of Musoorie. In the evening we board
the night sleeper train to Delhi, arriving the
following morning. |
Days 21 : DELHI - ONWARD
Arrive at Delhi railway station transfer to your
hotel and day free for individual activities in the
evening transfer to international airport to connect
flight for onward destination. |
|
|
For Further Information & Booking
CLICK HERE. |