IN THE SHADOW OF NANDA DEVI

Day 1. Arrive Delhi : Transfer to pre-booked hotel. Morning free. Afternoon, half-day sightseeing tour to the majestic Red Fort & Jamia Masjid. Breakfast & overnight in hotel. Perhaps there is no other capital city in the world so steeped in history and legend as the Indian capital, Delhi. It was the magnet that drew the Mongols, Turks, Persians, Afghans, Mughals and Finally the British. All of whom contributed to its glorious but turbulent history. The fascination with Delhi was such that even though it was abandoned many times, its rulers returned to it again and again rebuilding it at least seven times.

Day 2. Delhi – Almora : After early breakfast drive about 09hrs through the plains of Uttar Pradesh and then to rolling hills of Kumaon to Almora. Upon arrival and stay overnight in hotel.

Day 3. Almora -Munsiari: Drive through forested hills. Enroute, there are brilliant views of Nanda Devi, Panch Chuli, Nanda Kot. This is the last sizeable settlement that we will pass. Camp near rest house.

Day 4. Munsiari-Lilam: We will watch a magnificent sunrise on the Panch Chuli (5 peaks), overlooking Munsiari. Two hours easy walking, mostly downhill, takes us to the starting point of the paved trail, which leads up the Gauri Ganga Valley. A short walk then takes us to the village of Lilam. Overnight camp.

Day 5. Lilam-Bogdiar: Lilam is situated at the start of the long gorge through which we begin our trek. We trek through dense, semi-tropical rain forest and thick bamboo, which grows on the steep slopes. After lunch we continue ascending along the gorge for another couple of hours to the rest house and police checkpost at Bogdiar. (Bogdiar is at 2700 mts. 14 kms. 6 hrs.).

Day 6 . Bogdiar-Rilkote: We have a good steady climb for most of the morning. After the first hour we reach the beautiful opening of the gorge and a small trail-side shrine to a local deity, which stands under an enormous cliff wall. Leaving the jungle below us, we climb out of the narrow gorge and pass a number of lovely waterfalls to reach our campsite just beyond the check-post at Rilkote. Camp is up against the cliff walls with a small spring nearby. (Rilkote is at 200 mts. 16 kms. 6hrs.)

Day 7. Rilkote-Ganghar: We follow a trail that descends to Burfu and then on to the sparsely inhabited village of Martoli, continuing up to the wide, more barren and rainless zone of the Gauri Ganga Valley. Our camp at Ghanghar sits at the head of the Pachhu Valley. This semi-deserted settlement, with only a few families left, is evidence of the general de-population of the area. From Ghanghar, we catch our first glimpse of Nanda Devi and to the north, Milam Village (Ghanghar is at 3300 mts. 13 kms. 6 hrs.).

Day 8. Ghanghar-Nanda Devi camp: The narrow trail climbs steadily through small stretches of rhododendron, juniper and birch forest. As we pass by the peak of Nanda Bhanar (5900 m), the valley opens up to reveal beautiful, lush ‘alpine’ meadows. These meadows are at the terminal moraine of the glacier leading from Nanda Devi East. A beautiful campsite lies within a few kilometers of the foot of the Nanda Devi. (Our base camp is at 3900 mts.).

Day 09. Nanda Devi Base Camp: A full day for resting or for exploration around the stunning campsite.

Day 10. Base Camp – Milam: An early start to the day, where we will be retracing our steps back to Ghanghar and Burphu. We cross the Gauri Ganga River on a wooden bridge and stop for lunch, before continuing up the valley to reach Milam village. (Milam is at 3300 mts., 17 kms., 6 to 7 hrs.).

Day 11. Milam-Sumdu: A beautiful day’s trek descending the Gauri GangaValley. We continue for another 1 km to Tola, a lovely campsite on a plateau overlooking the valley near Samdu village (Sumdu is at 3400 mts. 18 kms. 5 hrs.).

Day 12. Sumdu – Ralam: Today we descend a short distance, crossing a glacial stream on a stone and log bridge. We then begin a steady climb for about 4 to 5 hrs. – reaching the summit of the Brijganga Pass (4878 m). The approach to the pass takes us again, on a well-defined trail, through enchanting birch, rhododendron and juniper forests. We descend steeply to Ralam camp. (Ralam at 3700 mts.,12 kms., 7-8 hrs.).

Day 13, 14, 15. Ralam – Munsiari: For three days, we trek down the densely forest Ralam valley where we finally rejoin the Gauri Ganga valley near Lilam. There is a single trail, used extensively by local people. We end our trek by making the steep ascent back to Munsiari for O/n camp.

Day 16. Munsiari – Binsar : We make an early start on our interesting, overland journey to Binsar, travelling through blue pine forest with distant view s of high Himalayan peaks including Nanda Devi & Api in Nepal. Arrive Binsar and stay 02 nights in delightful Khali Estate, was originally brought from an English man for Mahatma Ghandhi. 12 cottages offer fine views of the peaks and one can enjoy the splendid sunset. Here we will be looked after a very charming family.

Day 17. A day at Leisure : This is a perfect place to rest and unwind. Overnight in Khali.

Day 18. Binsar -Corbett National Park: Morning after breakfast drive to Corbett National Park (about 85kms/04hrs), check into the hotel. One of the finest habitats of the tiger & birds of India, the Corbett National Park nestles in the foothills of the Himalayas in Uttaranchal, in the area known as South Patlidun. With its varied topography, diverse flora and fauna and the natural splendour of its landscapes the Park is a precious heritage. Overnight stay in jungle lodge/camp.

Day 19, Corbett National Park: Morning and evening jeep/elephant safari with naturalist. Day free to relax. All meals and overnight in jungle lodge/camp.

Day 20, Corbett – Delhi : Morning after breakfast drive to Delhi (about 230kms/07hrs), check into the hotel. Rest of the day free to relax. Overnight hotel.

Day 21, Delhi – Agra – Delhi: Early morning transfer to the railway station for fast train to Agra, visit India’s most celebrated monument the Taj Mahal, built as a monument of eternal love by Shah Jahan to the bride Mumtaz, the Taj Mahal looks amazingly graceful from almost any angle. It was built over a period of 20 years by 20,000 labourers and craftsmen and displays superb craftsmanship. RED Fort, Akbar began Agra Fort in 1565, with additions of the citadel being made through to the time of Akbar’s grandson, Shah Jahan (Kind of the World). The forts have fine views of the Taj across the River Yamuna. Evening return backs to Delhi by train and transfer direct to the international airport (Breakfast and Dinner will be on board).

Day 22, Delhi – Europe : Early morning fly back to your home country.