Nanda Devi East BC Trek

Your adventure begins with a scenic drive from Kathgodam to Munsiyari, covering roughly 280 km in 10 to 12 hours. The route passes through the charming towns of Almora, Bageshwar, and Thal, each offering glimpses of Kumaon’s vibrant culture and architecture. As you ascend, the landscape transforms from terraced fields to pine forests. By evening you will reach Munsiyari, which sits at 2,200 m and serves as the base for several Himalayan treks. The crisp mountain air and the sight of the Panchachuli Peaks set the perfect tone.

Overnight stay in Munsiyari.

This day is dedicated to acclimatization, an essential step for the Nanda Devi East Base Camp Trek in Uttarakhand. After breakfast, embark on a moderate hike to Khaliya Top, a high-altitude meadow at 3,709 m. This trek offers panoramic views of Nanda Kot, Rajrambha, and the Panchachuli Range. Later, descend and complete the trekking permit formalities and gear checks to ensure a smooth trekking experience.

Overnight stay in Munsiyari.

After a short drive to Babaldhar from Munsiyari, we will begin the trekking with an 8 km hike to Bagudiyar, passing through the small settlement of Lilam. The trail winds through rhododendron and pine forests alongside the Gori Ganga River. Keep an eye out for Himalayan langurs, rich birdlife, and signs of the elusive musk deer. Bagudiyar, near an ITBP post, marks the entry into the wilderness. Night stay in Bagudiyar.

After breakfast, we will begin our 16 km trek to Rilkot. The trekking trail takes you through lush valleys, rocky terrain, and wooden bridges crossing glacial streams. The scenery shifts from dense forests to breathtaking alpine vistas. Rilkot, which was once a stop on the Indo-Tibetan trade route, still carries its rich heritage in stone houses and ancient ruins. Camping here promises an authentic Himalayan experience with clear starry skies and crisp mountain air.

A 13 km trek from Rilkot to Ganghar reveals alpine meadows, seasonal wildflowers, and grazing yaks. You might also meet shepherds from the Johari Shauka community, who are known for their centuries-old nomadic traditions. As you approach Ganghar, views of Nanda Devi East grow sharper, building excitement for the base camp. Camp at Ganghar in a peaceful Himalayan setting.

This final 7 km ascent stands as the highlight of the entire trek, guiding you to the legendary Nanda Devi East Base Camp at 4,150 m. The trail begins with a steady climb through enchanting rhododendron, birch, and juniper forests, where splashes of white and pink blossoms brighten the path. As you move higher, the forest gives way to vast alpine meadows, and the climb turns steeper, building anticipation with every step. At the summit of this ascent lies the ultimate reward, an awe-inspiring panorama of Nanda Devi's majestic east face framed by sweeping glaciers, an unforgettable sight that makes every effort worthwhile. Overnight camping at the Base Camp.

Today's highlight is an unforgettable excursion to the Pachu Glacier, an 8 km round trip from the base camp. The trail takes you across uneven ridges and past frozen walls that reveal the glacier's timeless work in carving out these valleys. What makes this experience truly special is its rarity; few Himalayan treks allow such close and safe access to a major glacier, making it a once-in-a-lifetime sight for most trekkers. Return to the base camp for an overnight stay.

We will begin our descent today with a 12 km trek to Martoli. The trekking trail takes you through alpine pastures, rocky paths, and historic settlements that once thrived on Indo-Tibetan trade. Martoli's stone houses and wooden temples are rich with Kumaoni heritage, making this stop culturally significant. Depending on the season, the village is framed by fields of buckwheat or marigolds. Overnight stay in Martoli.

The day unfolds with a long 18 km descent, retracing sections of the trail back to Bagudiyar. Though the route feels familiar, the downhill journey offers a fresh perspective of grazing pastures, dense pine forests, and sparkling mountain streams that accompany you along the way. As evening approaches, the trail leads to a serene campsite by the Gori Ganga, where the river's gentle flow provides a peaceful backdrop to end the day.

The final trekking segment is an 8 km hike to Babaldhar, followed by a drive to Munsiyari. This marks the completion of one of the best treks in North India, blending physical challenge with unmatched Himalayan beauty. Overnight stay in Munsiyari.

A final 280 km drive of 10-12 hours brings you back to Kathgodam, marking the conclusion of your Kumaon trekking adventure. The journey winds through forested hills, quiet river valleys, and charming rural landscapes. As the road carries you homeward, your body rests while your mind lingers on the glaciers, meadows, and towering peaks experienced over the past 10 days, a Himalayan journey to remember for a lifetime.