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|
 MILAM
GLACIER AND NANDADEVI EAST BASE TREK |
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| Duration |
: |
21 Days |
| Highest Point |
: |
Nanda Devi Base Camp |
| Focus |
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High Peaks, Flowers, Birds, Culture, temples & Villages |
| Highlights |
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Nanda Devi & Charming villages |
| Physical Challenge |
: |
Some days are in strenuous, but overall the trek is
moderate |
|
A
walk through history as we trek east of Nanda Devi to the
Milam Glacier |
| To the east of the magnificent
peaks that encompass the Nanda Devi sanctuary is the alluring
Johar valley. This area, steeped in folklore and legend, formed
the backbone of the epic mountaineering exploits of the early
20th century, culminating in the ascent of Nanda Devi by Tilman
and Odell in 1936. Described as one of the most beautiful regions
in the Indian Himalaya, the area has only been re-opened to
foreigners since 1993. Our route follows the Goriganga river,
through wild landscapes and now deserted villages to the base
of Milam Glacier, encircled by Great Himalayan peaks of Rishi
Pahar (6992m), Tirsuli I (7074m) and Hardeol (7151m). The Johar
valley also has an incredible history of trade as for many generations
the local Rajput tribes bartered goods over the stern passes
leading to Tibet. In the 1860s, at the climax of the Great Game,
villagers familiar with Tibetan customs were recruited from
Milam to explore Tibet in disguise. With much to fuel the imagination
of the mountain lover, our classic trek takes us along this
historically alluring valley through alpine meadow, forest and
high valleys to view some of the most significant peaks in the
region.
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|
| Itinerary |
Day 01: Arrive Delhi |
| Meeting and assistance on arrival and
transferred to Hotel The Connaught for overnight stay. |
| Day
02: Delhi |
| Delhi is a combination
of Old and New Delhi. To begin with Red fort, Built by
the great Mughal Shah Jahan in the 17th century. Rising
amid the chaotic huddle of streets is the Jama Masjid,
India most beautiful mosque, its blackstriped marble cupolas
etched against the skyline. Explore the bustling Chandni
Chowk, the Best of all bazaara. After noon half day city
tour of New Delhi Visiting India gate – The memorial
arch of the world war, President House – official
residence of India,s Presedent. Qutab Minar, which was
built by Qutbu’d din in 1199 as a memorial of victory. |
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| Day
03 : Delhi – Almora (325 km, 9-10 hrs) |
| Founded over 400 years ago,
Almora, with its numerous temples, is spread along a ridge from
where the view of high mountains is awe-inspiring. Perched atop
a 5 kms. Long saddle ridge of kashyap hill. Almora at an altitude
of 1646 mts is a charming resort in Himalayas. Magnificient
view of snow caved chaukhamba, Neelkanth and Kamet Peaks. Overnight
in Hotel. |
| Day
04 : Almora - Munsiari (223 km 7-8 hrs) 2,300 meter |
| Located at an aititude of 2300 meters.
Munsiari is situated at a distance of 223 kms from Almora via
Bhageshwar and Thal. Munsiari is the center as well as the gateway
of the John Region. Munsiari is base for treks to Milam, Namic
and Ralam Glaciers. A numbers of fairs take place in and around
Munsyari during august and September. Overnight at Resort. |
| About the Trek |
This is a trans-Himalayan trek in the
heart of Kumaon Himalayas. At 2290m Munsiyari is on the arterial
water body of the Goriganga which emerges from the Milam glacier
system of the eastern flanks of the Nandadevi sanctuary, fed
also by the Kalaband glacier and Panchchuli from the east. Into
the Milam glacier flow the subsidiary glaciers coming off peaks
of Mangraon (7542m), Deo Damla (7,602m) and Sakram (7,182m).
The trek begins from Munsiyari, the drive to which itself is
fascinating, Munsiyari is facing the Panchchuli range and commands
an excellent close-up view. Rolling meadows, small bazaar, untouched
villages and open valleys form essentially the fairy tale township
of Munsiyari. |
| Day
05 : Munsiari – Lilam 1,800 meter |
| The first day we take it easy. A fairly
easy walk brings us to Lilam the winter home of the Milam villagers.
Most of the residents have become permanent though a few houses
continue the tradition of migration to Milam during the summer
months. Overnight in tents. |
| Day
06 : Lilam – Bogdiyar 1,850 meter |
| In the thick forest
of Utees trees, the Ralam rivulet meets the Gori Ganga.
After a steep uphill climb one reaches Bogudiyar where
the Poting rivulet meets the Gori Ganga. Overnight in
tents. |
|
| Day
07 : Bogdiyar – Rilkote 3,200meter |
| En route one can divert to the Laspa village
and further to Northern glacier of Nanda Kot Rilkot village
is situated above the river and one can visit the ruins of old
Rilkot. Overnight can be in a camp set up near the river. |
| Day
08 : Rilkote- Milam 3,300 meter |
| Milam used to be a village of Rajputs
who some from Rajasthan and they do not like to be called Bhotias
or Tibetans. Although they had been trading animals and dairy
products, many house hold items with Tibet up to 1962. This
was also part of the old trade route between Kumaon and Tibet.
This village had many houses at one time and now only a few
occupied huts remain. Overnight in tents. |
| Day
09 : Day Hike |
| This short and easy
trail is full of scenic view and spectacular vision of
high Himalayan Ranges and peaks. Spend the day at Glacier
return to Milam Village & night stay. |
|
| Day
10 : Milam – Ghangar 3,300 meter |
| Throughout the day one gets intermittent
views of magnificent Himalayan peaks and just after reaching
campsite you will glimpse Nanda Devi East. |
| Day
11 : Ghangar- Nanda Devi East base Camp 3,900 meter |
|
| The narrow trail climbs
steadily through small stretches of rhodondron, juniper
and birch forest. As we pass by the peak of nanda Bhanar(5900
meter), the valley opens up to reveal beautiful, lush
alpine meadows. These meadows are at the terminal moraine
of the glacier leading form Nanda Devi East. A beautiful
campsite lies within a few kilometers of the kilometers
of the foot of Nanda Devi at 3900 meter.
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|
| Day
12 : Base Camp |
| A full day for resting or
for exploration around the stunning campsite. View of Nanda
devi main and sub ranges of nanda Devi. Afternoon lunch at the
same place. In the evening moves towards your camp for overnight
stay. |
| Day
13 : Base Camp - Ghangar 3,300 meter |
| Day
14 : Ghangar – Railkote 3,200 meter |
| Day
15 : Raikote – Bogdiyer 2,700 meter |
| This is a steady walk and mostly downhill
past the villages of Lhaspa, Mapang and the narrow gorge at
Nahar Devi. Camp overnight. |
Day
16 : Bogdiyar – Lilam 1,800 meter: Trek to road head,
transfer direct to
Almora |
| We walk downhill all throughout and reach
camp site by late afternoon. We retrace our steps along the
Gori river past Jimi ghat to Dumar.
|
| Day
17 : Almora – Corbett, Game Drive |
| Corbett National Park India
had the proud distinction of being chosen as the venue for the
inauguration of Project Tiger in India; earlier part of Uttar
Pradesh now comes under Uttaranchal, the newly found state.
Corbett Park is home to a variety of flora and fauna, Corbett
National Park is famous for its wild population of Tigers, Leopards
and Elephants. Corbett Tiger Reserve has a great variety of
fauna on account of habitat diversity. In the Jim Corbett National
Park are found 110 tree species, 50 mammals' species, 580 bird
species and 25 reptile species. O/n in The claridges Hideaway. |
| Day
18 : Corbett. Game Drives |
| Major
Wildlife Attractions - Corbett National Park |
| Corbett park is a haven for Tigers
as well as its prey, which include four kinds of Deer,
Wild Boar and some lesser-known animals. Leopards are
mostly found in the hilly areas of the Corbett park. Some
nocturnal cats found here are the Leopard Cat, Jungle
Cat and Fishing Cat. Sloth Bear is found in the lower
regions of the park while the Himalayan Black Bear is
seen in the higher hills only. The Dole or Wild Dog, though
they can be seen in the southern areas of the park along
with the Jackal. |
|
| Some of the smaller residents
of the park are Himalayan Palm Civet, Indian Gray Mongoose,
Common Otter, Blacknaped Hare and Porcupine. Elephants are among
one of the main attractions of Jim Corbett Park. Along the Ramganga
River shores, one can spot the long-snouted, fish-eating Gharial
Crocodile and the 'Mugger' Crocodile. Also seen on the rocky
hillsides is the Ghoral or Goat Antelopes. The Langur and Rhesus
Monkeys are well distributed through out the park and warning
the whole Jungle with alarm calls when they see either a Tiger
or Leopard from tree-top perches. |
| Day
19 : Corbett to Delhi |
| Morning and evening game
drives. Transfer to Delhi. On arrival transfer to Hotel The
Connaught for overnight stay. |
| Day
20 : Delhi |
| Free day to rest and relax
or to explore the city. |
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| Day
21 : Departure Delhi |
| In time transfer to airport to connect flight
back home. |
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