In The Shadow of Nanda Devi

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.

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 Trail, Graham and Long staff 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 gorge.

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), Doonagiri (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.

• Famous Temples at Haridwar, Rishikesh, & Joshimath, Confluences, Snow clapped Himalayan Peaks and many more.
• High altitude trek with cavernous gorges, spacious views, vibrant colors. Dazzling variation in scenery
• Murmuring Waterfalls, lush green meadows & Mountain Goats.
• Rare glimpses of an ancient culture of local people.
• Sweeping views to Mt. Nanda Devi Peak. Rare species of Flora & Fauna, Possible sightings of some wildlife,
• Nights in Hotel, Guest House and Tents.

You may also be interested in :

• Lord Curzon Trail Kuari Pass Trek
• The Sources of Holy Ganges Trek
• Roopkund Mysterious Lake
• Khatling Glacier Trek
• Chopta Chandrasila Trek

Area : Garhwal Himalayas
Duration : 12 Days
Max. Altitude : 4250 m/13940 ft
Grade : Moderate to tough
Season : May - Mid October

Day 01 : Delhi Arrival

On arrival at Delhi airport meet our representative and transfer to hotel for overnight stay.

Day 02 : Delhi – Haridwar – Rishikesh (230 kms/6 hrs)

Drive to Rishikesh via Haridwar. On arrival check into the hotel chek in. Evening explore the spritual town of Rishikesh, which is considered as town of saints and "Sadhus" (ascetic), and the gateway to the mountains. There are several ashrams (spritual hermitage) and temples that add to a distinctive flavor of this town, The “Ganga Aarti” ( prayer to goddess Ganga at sundown on the river bank) is a must watch!. Overnight in hotel.

Day 03 : Rishikesh – Joshimath (270 kms/8-9 hrs)

The drive to Joshimath comprises of rough hilly landscape. Enroute visit the much revered confluence of Alaknanda and Bhagirathi at Devprayag. This is the place from where the river is named as “Ganges”. As Uttarakhand is the abode of gods there are another three holy "prayags" (confluences) Rudraprayag, Karanprayag and Nandprayag, which are a real site to see. Arrive the hill station of Joshimath followed by hotel check in. Evening explore the town of Joshimath. Overnight in the hotel.

Day 04 : Joshimath - Lata Village (2317 mts/7599 ft) (2 kms/1 hrs)

After Joshimath leave the national highway and drive on narrow mountain roads. The drive from Joshimath to Lata (28 km) takes approximately an hour. Enroute see a big thermal hydro project at the village of Tapovan. Lata is the starting point and an introduction the porters and the trekking team. The trek to the village of Lata is a steep walk through fields and clusters of abandoned houses. After a series of switch backs approach the village of Lata. A warm welcome at the humble village houses is a unique experience. Inhabitants of Lata are considered friendly and renowned for hospitality. Evening visit the Nanda Devi Temple (a local deity) and explore the village. Overnight in the village.

Day 05 : Lata Village - Lata Kharak (3689 mts/12099 ft) (9 kms/7 hrs)

The trail from Lata village is distinctive and climbs gradually through a Rhododendron, Pine and Oak forest, to a ridge -followed by a traverse to cross a side stream. After this the trail again climbs over another ridge and continues to another side stream. On crossing the stream the trail now becomes more steep, with a series of switch backs to the campsite at Lata Kharak. The walk of the day is challenging at times, but the peaks i.e. Hanuman, Hathi Godhi elevates the spirits. The campsite is an open space on the ridge with Himalayan peaks i.e. Trishul, Nanda Ghunti, Dronagiri, Hathi Ghodi and Dev Sthan visible all around. Overnight in the tents.

Day 06 : Lata Kharak – Semi Kharak – Lata Kharak

This day is ideal for exploration. The trek to Semi Kharak goes through a path strewn with boulders. Semi Kharak is famous for viewing Nanda Devi and the Rishi Ganga River. The area of inner line adjoining Nanda Devi can be viewed from here. This is a walk of approximately 6 Kilometers both ways and it’s a process of approximately 4 hours. Return to camp and enjoy lunch. Evening at leisure and relaxation. Overnight in tents.

Day 07 : Lata Kharak - Dharansi Pass (4250 mts/13940 ft) (10 kms/4 -5 hrs)

The trail from Lata Kharak climbs steeply to reach to Jhandi Dhar. There is a bifurcation to the village of Tolma at this point. From Jhandidhar the trail traverses for about 1.5 kilometer before it becomes steep for 500 metres till Bagfyana Pass. From here the trail continues to ascend and descend through the narrow gorge of Satkul to reach Dharansi Pass. The stunning view of Nanda Devi is venerable for the devout. Other Himalayan gems visible from here are, Nanda Ghunti, Chang Bang, Dronagiri, Hathi Ghodi and Dev Sthan Over night in tents.

Day 08 : Dharansi Pass – Tolma Village

The day’s trek is a long descent to the village of Tolma. Start the reverse trek on same trail till Jhandi Dhar, following a new trail which descends down a ridge continuing to descend further through a forest of Oak and Rhododendron, to the village of Tolma. Another warm welcome to a village house is really enjoyable, followed by a warm cup of tea. The houses in the village are typical village houses made of stone and mud and inhabitants are known for hospitality. Overnight in the village.

Day 09 : Tolma Village – Surai Thotta - Karanprayag (1890 mts/6199 ft) (8 kms/3-4 hrs)

The trail from Tolma descends through fields to reach Surai Thotta. It’s time to bid farewell to the porters. From this point drive towards Karanprayag via Joshimath and Nandprayag. Overnight in the hotel.

Day 10 : Karanprayag – Rishikesh (170 km/ 6-7 hrs)

The drive on this day covers 170 kilometers and will take approximately 7 hours. Enroute visit the confluences at Rudraprayag and Devprayag. Arrive and check into hotel at Rishikesh. Overnight in the hotel.

Day 11 : Rishikesh – Haridwar - Delhi

Drive to Delhi via Haridwar after breakfast. On arrival transfer to hotel for relaxation. Ganga aarti (prayer to river Ganga) at Har Ki Pauri in the evening is a sight to behold. Overnight in the hotel.

Day 12 : Delhi Departure

Transfer to international airport according to your flight schedule.

Trip & Services Ends Here

Cost Includes :

• Train : 3rd AC Train ticket from Delhi to Haridwar and back to Delhi.
• All road transfers by a Toyota Qualis/Tavera/Tata Indigo from and back to Haridwar
• Accommodation in a hotel at Delhi, Haridwar & Joshimath on DBL/TWIN sharing basis with breakfast. While on trek Dome/Alpine tents will be provided.
• Meals : At Delhi, Haridwar & Joshimath only breakfast will be serving. While on trek all meals will be provided. Meals will be freshly prepared by mix of Indian, Chinese and Continental.
• Camping equipment like tents, mattresses, kitchen tent, dining tent, camping stools, table etc.
• Professional and experienced local English speaking trekking guide who knows the area very well.
• Cook & porters for carrying camping equipment, rations, vegetables and some amount of personal gear of the clients (one bag not weighing more than 14 kgs).
• Entry fee and permission of the

Cost does not includes :

• Enroute meal
• Air fare
• Any meals / services not mentioned above
• Liquor, soft drinks, bottled water, beverages, etc.
• Personal expenses like tips, telephone calls, laundry, etc.
• Any expenses rising due to bad weather, landslides, etc.
• Travel insurance

Visa

You Need to have Indian Visa for entry to India on your holiday. To apply for Indian Visa you have to contact your nearest Indian consulate or you can call on 09057570045 or visit http://in.vfsglobal.co.uk/ for more information.

Indian Embassy in London

Address : Indian Embassy
India House, Aldwych,
London WC2B 4NA.
Tel: 020 7836 8484
Site URL : http://www.hcilondon.net/

Money

There is no limit to the amount of foreign currency that visitors can bring.

Banks

Banks are open in the major cities & the nearest towns of the sanctuaries for transaction from 10.00 to 14.00 hrs on all days except Sunday.

Best time to visit

High season: October to April - Monsoon.

Travel wear

Cotton outfits, hats, sunglasses, sunscreen lotion etc. Some woolen clothes require, during winter.

Credit cards

Main hotels, restaurants and shopping centers honor major credit cards.

Currency

Indian Rupee (INR)

Drugs

Heavy punishments including imprisonment are imposed for possession of narcotic drugs.

Food

All standard restaurants offer a variety of cuisines including Continental, Chinese, Indian & local.

Water

It is always better to drink bottled drinking water or drinking water from restaurants. It is not advisable to drink water from slow moving streams, lakes or dams. Mineral water is available in sealed bottles.

Trekking Equipment List:

• Trekking boots - well broken in and waterproofed
• Down jacket or equivalent with hood
• One heavy wool shirt or sweater
• Two cotton shirts
• One pair cotton trousers or shorts
• One pair woolen trousers
• One pair shorts or calf-length skirt for women
• Three pairs of regular underwear
• Long underwear - thermal or wool
• Wind- and rain-gear with hood, Sun hat with brim
• Woolen hat or balaclava, Woolen gloves
• Woolen socks to wear with boots
• Cotton socks
• Personal first-aid kit including medication for common ailments
• Flashlight with extra batteries
• Sunglasses or snow goggles (an extra pair is recommended)
• Water bottle, preferably wide mouthed, with at least one liter capacity
• Pocket knife
• Note book with pens and pencils
• Plastic bags - small size for books, film etc., larger bags for clothes, sleeping bags
• Well fitting strong shoes with a couple of woolen socks. The shoes should be used before treks to avoid blisters.
• First aid set for minor accidents and sickness.
• A raincoat is necessary to meet uncertainties of weather.
• Chocolates, lozenges, candies, glucose and dry fruits provide extra pep and energy.
• It is advisable not to exhaust energy by walking fast, as otherwise the trek will be not enjoyable.

Private Departures

Did you know that we can also arrange private departures on the vast majority of our small group tours? So if you can’t find a date to suit you or if you want to have your very own adventure just with your friends or family then we can help you.

Private departures will follow the same itineraries as our usual group tours, but on a date to suit you, with no minimum numbers.

Customised Private Groups

For a group of 6 or more people we can organise a customised private group tour where we design the itinerary and activities especially for you, according to your requirements.

To enquire about booking a private departure of this tour or about organising your own private group tour, please fill in the form below and our Private Tours Team will be in touch shortly.

Frequently Asked Questions

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