Nanda Devi East and Milam Glacier
Swift
Kumaon, Uttarakhand
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December
If Uttarakhand is the land of the gods, then the Johar Valley is the rugged corridor to their grandest wilderness. The historical trade route connecting India and Tibet, this is where the roaring Goriganga river carves a path through the mighty Greater Himalayas. From walking past abandoned silk-route villages steeped in folklore, to standing before the massive, crumbling snout of the Milam Glacier beneath the watchful gaze of Nanda Devi and Hardeol peaks, this trek is a deep dive into raw geography and human resilience. It is an exploration of a forgotten frontier reserved only for true wanderers.
At A Glance
ITINERARY
Day 1
Pick up from Kathgodam railway station early in the morning and begin your scenic mountain drive through winding pine forests. As you climb higher past Almora, enjoy stunning panoramas of the Himalayan foothills. Arrive in the quiet town of Chaukori by late afternoon, check into your guesthouse, and unwind with glorious sunset views over the snow-clad peaks.
Day 2
After breakfast, resume the drive toward Munsiyari, the bustling base town of the Johar Valley. You will catch breathtaking views of the majestic Panchachuli group of peaks as you enter town. Check into your guesthouse, complete inner-line permit formalities, and gather for a briefing session with your trip leader.
Day 3
A short drive takes us to the road-head where we begin our trek along the roaring Goriganga River. We hike up to the picturesque village of Laspa. After settling into our homestay, we embark on an invigorating afternoon radial hike to Bankatiya to explore the surrounding wilderness and assist with altitude acclimatisation before returning to Laspa for the night.
Day 4
Leaving Laspa, the trail opens up as we venture deeper into the windswept Johar Valley. As the dense tree line begins to fade, towering Himalayan peaks come into view. We ascend toward Martoli, a legendary 300-year-old stone-built village situated on a high plateau that once served as a prominent trading post on the Indo-Tibetan silk route.
Day 5
Today we head towards the iconic Nanda Devi East Base Camp. Leaving Martoli, the trail traverses dramatic high-altitude terrain into the glacial sanctuary of Mount Nanda Devi East (7,434m). We set up our high camps under the giant mountain wall, spending an unforgettable night camping beneath a brilliant blanket of stars.
Day 6
This day is kept as a dedicated buffer day to account for unpredictable high-altitude mountain weather, heavy snow, or terrain delays. If unused, this time is spent soaking in the majestic wilderness of the Nanda Devi sanctuary, resting, exploring nearby glacial moraines, and taking photographs.
Day 7
Descend from the base camp down the valley trail toward the road-head. Board our waiting vehicles for a drive further up the Johar Valley to Milam village. Once the largest trading hub of the region, Milam is now a serene high-altitude settlement frozen in time. Check into a local homestay for the night.
Day 8
An early start for the pinnacle of our journey! A morning trek leads us to the giant snout of the Milam Glacier, the powerful source of the Goriganga River. Stand before crumbling ice towers, vast moraines, and sweeping views of Hardeol and Trishuli peaks. After taking in the raw grandeur, retrace your steps back to your cozy homestay in Milam village.
Day 9
Bid farewell to the high valley as we trek down to the road-head and board our vehicles for a scenic drive down toward Birthi. Enjoy a relaxing evening at a local guesthouse located near the famous tumbling Birthi Waterfall.
Day 10
After breakfast, begin the final leg of the road trip descending through Kumaon's forest ridges and hills. Arrive back at Kathgodam by early evening in time for your onward train or road connections back home.
Inclusions and Exclusions
- Transport: Airport pick-up and drop . Transport for sightseeing as per program and for trekking point drop and pickup in comfortable vehicle.
- Accommodation: Hotel on double occupancy, and alpine tents/ campsite on trekking trails.
- Meals: All meals on the trek (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) and breakfast and dinner for the remaining itinerary
- Permits & Fees: Trek permit and other local permits.
- Staff: English-speaking tour leader, experienced local mountain guides and camping staff.
- Offloading: Porter and mule charges for ferrying all luggage except personal day pack.
- Insurance: Mandatory travel insurance.
- Personal Gear: Personal equipment (thermal wear, hiking poles, etc).
- Meals: Any meals not mentioned in the program.
- Beverages: Any drinks including soft drinks, bottled water, or alcoholic beverages.
- Extra Tours: Any activities outside the planned itinerary.
- Tips: Gratuities for guides, drivers, and hotel staff.
- Taxes: All applicable taxes and transactional fees.
- Contingency Fee: Any additional expenses arising due to unforeseen circumstances such as bad weather, road blocks or unrest, that result in an extension or change in the program, or emergency evacuation for medical reasons.