Location: Garhwal Himalayas
Base: Joshimath
Altitude: 4500 m above Sea Level
Attraction: Nanda Devi Peak
A classic trek that retraces the pioneering steps of Shipton and Tilman through the Garhwal Himalaya. The Nanda Devi basin must surely be one of the most legendary regions in the entire Himalayan chain. The mountain itself, revered since time immemorial by all those who live in its shadow, has long attracted the attention of the pioneering mountaineers and explorers, mystics and spiritualists, writers and everyday travellers who have visited the area.
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Everest may well be the highest peak in the world but the beautiful peak of Nanda Devi must surely be the most fascinating. The area first came to the attention of the Western world as a result of the 19th century explorations by Traill, Graham and Longstaff but shot to fame in the 1930’s when Shipton and Tilman forced a route into the Inner Sanctuary. Nanda Devi is the highest mountain situated completely within India and is surrounded by a ridge wall of nearly 6000m. The only break in this wall is the Rishi Ganga, a wild and seemingly impenetrable gor.
This classic trek takes us across the picturesque meadows and valleys that border the western edge of the Nanda Devi Sanctuary. The route we follow was used by Shipton and Tilman on their amazing journey to the Nanda Devi basin. During the trek there are many views of the surrounding peaks and the Kuari Pass (3658m) itself has an unrivalled panorama of the Great Himalayan peaks including Nanda Devi (7816m), Changabang (6864m), Dunagiri (7066m) and Kamet (7756m).
This amazing feat of endurance and determination was capped when Tilman later returned to conquer the peak itself. Sadly, the mystic of the area led to an excess of expeditions and ecological damage and the Sanctuary was closed in the 1980's. Investigations are currently underway to assess the recovery.
Understandably, the country that surrounds the Sanctuary now has its own attractions for walkers and pilgrims alike. The immediate landscape has been beautifully tamed by centuries of low-key habitation and cultivation but the constant backdrop of the mighty Himalayan peaks makes for a magnificence unrivalled elsewhere in the region.
Itinerary: (Nanda Devi Trekking
Day 01): Delhi Arrival
On arrival at Delhi airport met our representative and transfer to hotel for overnight stay.
Day 02): Delhi - Haridwar
After breakfast drive to Haridwar. Up on arrival at Haridwar check into hotel. Evening free to explore the area. Overnight stay.
Day 03): Haridwar - Joshimath (270 kms/8-9 hrs)
In the morning after breakfast drive to Joshimath via Devprayag, Rudraprayag. Lunch enroute. Upon Arrival at Joshimath check into hotel. Evening explore Joshimath. Overnight stay in hotel.
Day 04): Joshimath - Lata Village (2317 mts/7599 ft) (2 kms/ 1 hrs)
An hour's drive takes you to the Lata Village road head. Then trek to the village. Visit The Nanda Devi Temple and get a first hand experience of the distinctive culture of the region. Overnight in the village.
Day 05): Lata Village - Lata Kharak (3689 mts/12099 ft) (9 kms/4-5 hrs)
Today's trek is a steep incline. The going is arduous but very satisfying as the trail unfolds before ones eyes. Lata Kharak is a high plateau with high peaks surrounding it. Trekking time could vary from 5 - 7 hrs! Overnight in Camp.
Day 06): Lata Kharak - Dharansi Pass (4250 mts/13940 ft) (10 kms/4 -5 hrs)
A good nights sleep and what a morning! Towering snow clad peaks all around. Dronagiri, Nanda Gunthi and many more. The trail today takes a steep climb to Jhandi Dhar and Bagfyana Pass. From here on it ascends and descends through the narrow gorge of Satkul to Dharansi Pass. Over night in Camp.
Day 07): Dharansi Pass - Debrugheta (3500 mts/11480 ft) - Dharansi Pass (6 kms/3 -4 hrs)
On today's trail the Malthuni - Bethratoli Ridges of the inner and outer sanctuary form a magnificent pass up to Rani Kholi and |
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Donidar.The trail is a steep descent of about a kilometer to Debrugheta. Return to Dharansi Pass by late afternoon. Overnight at Camp.
Day 08): Dharansi Pass - Hitoli Camp Site (2900 mts/9512 ft) (12 kms/5-6 hrs)
Today we go through Jhandi Dhar a steep descent of 4.5 km to the Hitoli camp site through thick forests of Rhododendron, Birch and Fir. Overnight at Camp.
Day 09): Hitoli Campsite - Joshimath (1890 mts/6199 ft) (8 kms/3-4 hrs)
The trek goes through the village of Tolma to the road head from where it is a 30 km drive to Joshimath. We will trek through thick forests of Rhododendron, birch and many others. Upon arrival at Joshimath check into hotel for dinner and overnight stay.
Day 10): Joshimath - Rishikesh
After an early breakfast drive to Rishikesh via Nandprayag, Karnprayag, Rudraprayag and Devprayag. Upon arrival at Rishikesh check into hotel. Overnight stay at the hotel.
Day 11): Rishikesh - Haridwar - Delhi
In the morning after breakfast drive to Haridwar to catch same train for Delhi at 10:30 hrs. Arrival at Delhi by 14:45 hrs. On arrival transfer to hotel for relaxes. Overnight stay at hotel.
Guaranteed Fixed Departure July 04 2008 ( Limited Seats Are Available)
