Nanda Devi Base Camp Trek - Nanda Devi Base Camp Trekking Route, Itineary, Location

Nanda Devi East Base Camp Trek

The peak of Nanda Devi and the mountains surrounding it were closed in 1983 to preserve and protect its fragile ecosystem. The area around is the Nanda Devi National Park which is declared as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. The trek to the Nanda Devi Base Camp is a difficult trek of 9 to 12 days depending on your trek guide.

This trek of Nanda Devi Base Camp will provide you a glimpse of many enormous Himalayan peaks. This trek leads you to the base camp on the eastern side of the peak which is also the home to Panchu Glacier. You will get to witness the rich biodiversity of this place with a sneak peek in the lives of the Himalayan people.

Chasing Nanda Devi Base Camp Video by eUttaranchal

Best Time to Travel to Nanda Devi Base Camp Trek

The Best Time to Travel the Nanda Devi Base Camp Trek is during the months of May to June & September to October. During this time the weather is bearable as it is neither to cold nor too rainy, which makes trekking in this region a bit easier.

Nanda Devi Base Camp Travel Tips

This trek should be taken by regular trekkers as it is a tough trek, and adequate preparation is a must.
Horses and mules can carry stuffs till Martoli only, after that only porters can carry equipments.
Munsiyari is the last market from where you can buy ration, vegetables, fruits, medicines, etc
Try to make all important calls in Munsiyari, after that Network do not work

Suggested Itinerary of Nanda Devi East Base Camp Trek

Day 1- Kathgodam-Munisiyari (2290 mtrs): Drive - 278 kms

Arrive at Kathgodam from your respective city, you can travel by bus or train as Kathgodam is well connected to railways and roadways across the entire Uttarakhand. Then travel on your journey to Munsiyari while passing by the lush grandeurs of the Himalayas.
Stay overnight at Chaukori and explore the place as it is very famous for its tea gardens and iconic views of The Himalayas.

Day 2- Munsiyari – Lilam (1850 mtrs) : Trek - 7 kms

The trek begins from a small trek from Munsiyari to lilam which is a small winter village of this area.
Stay overnight at Ilam.

Day 3- Lilam – Bogudiar (2609 mtrs) : Trek - 12 kms

Trek through the forest of Utees, where the small rivulets of Ralam and Goriganga meets.
Keep following the way, you will arrive at a point where the Goriganga meets the river Poting, marking the village Bogudiar, stay overnight here.

Day 4- Bigudiar – Rilkot (3130 mtrs) : Trek - 12 kms

The Trans-Himalaya trek begins from here while you will head towards Rilkot.
A short diversion on the way to the Lapsa Village to visit the Northern Nanda Kot Glacier. Keep trekking you will reach the Village Rilkot where you can stay overnight by the river.

Day 5- Rilkot – Ghanghar (3300 mtrs): Trek - 13 kms

Start from Rilkot, at a distance you will find the Martoli Peak, which will open up the view of the true form of the Trans-Himalayan landscapes.
Walking in the midst of the meadows you will arrive at the village Ghanghar. This village marks the beginning of the Panchu Valley which eventually leads to Nanda Devi base camp. Explore the culture of this area and stay overnight at this village.

Day 6- Ghanghar – Panchu Glacier (4000 mtrs) : Trek - 7 kms

The steep trek to Panchu Glacier begins on this day. You will pass by the Rhododendron trees where the peak seems to loom closer and closer.
After trekking for about 5 hours and 7 kms you will discover the Panchu Glacier on the Northern face of Nanda Devi. Stay overnight here.

Day 7- Explore the Nanda Devi Base Camp

Watch the beautiful sunrise at the Nanda Devi Peak from here. Walk up and down the glacier and get a very clear and beautiful view of the Nanda Devi Peak.

Day 8- Panchu Glacier – Martoli : Trek - 17 kms

You will trek downhill for a while before having an uphill trek at a distance.
The town of Martoli falls on an important ancient trade route, therefore you will see a number of houses with many ancient wood carvings. This town is also famous for getting the unbeatable views of the Nanda Devi east and the Nanda Kot. Stay here overnight.

Day 9- Martoli – Rargari : Trek - 20 kms

The trek will take you towards Munsiyari as you arrive at Rargari, where you will stay overnight.

Day 10- Rargari – Munsiyari : Trek - 14 kms

You will travel on your way back to Munsiyari, where you will stay overnight.

Day 11- Munsiyari – Kathgodam : Drive - 278 kms

It is the day of departure. You will travel to Kathgodam from Munisyari. You can halt at Chaukori for refreshments and further move ahead to Kathgodam from where your trekking journey will end and you can head out to your hometown.

Trail Type: Circular trail which starts and ends at Munsiyari. The trail is slippery and prone to landslides in many areas.