Milam Glacier and Nanda Devi Base Camp Trek
Milam Glacier and Nanda Devi Base Camp Trek
This breathtaking high-altitude expedition through Uttarakhand’s Kumaon Himalayas promises adventurers an extraordinary high-altitude trek experience. Discovering Milam Glacier – one of the Indian Himalaya’s most impressive glaciers – as well as visiting Nanda Devi East Base Camp (7,434 meters high and the eastern counterpart to iconic Nanda Devi Summit), are among its highlights. This expedition combines high-altitude exploration, unspoiled Himalayan nature, and the ancient customs of Kumaoni people into one unforgettable journey. Following in their footsteps along the historic trade path between India and Tibet via Johar Valley will reveal stunning views of towering peaks such as Nanda Devi, Trishul, Hardeol, and Rishi Pahar, providing adventurers with an enriching, culturally diverse journey experience. It is ideal for adventurers searching for an engaging yet challenging journey.
Johar (also known as Milam Valley) was home to traders who traversed between India and Tibet using Unta Dhura and Kungribhingri La as high passes. For their winter trading season journeys, they would move down towards Munsyari or lower areas. Trade was disrupted due to the Indo-China war of 1962, leading to many once bustling villages being abandoned; yet the trek between them remains. Milam Glacier Trek begins at Munsyari and traverses Uttarakhand’s largest glacier: a 28 km-long glacier flowing between Kohli and Trishul peaks, flowing into Milam Village near it and rising to one of the highest settlements in Himalayan range – Milam Village is also one of its highlights, while another highlight is Nanda Devi East Base Camp offering close views of these sister peaks surrounded by other majestic peaks – Nanda Devi and Nanda Devi East Base Camp offers close up views of these beautiful sister peaks – offering close views between these stunning sister peaks which offer close views between two stunning sister peaks: Nanda Devi and Nanda Devi East with surrounding majestic peaks that rise into their respective summits surrounded by majestic peaks that surround both.
Trek Itinerary of Milam Glacier and Nanda Devi Base Camp Trek
Day 1: Munsiyari to Lilam
The trek drops quickly to Jimighat before beginning an ascent of three hours up the right-hand side of the valley until reaching Lilam. The trek involves a 14 km descent from 7513 feet (2290 metres) to 6069 feet (1850 meters), beginning from Dhapa. Starting along a path steeply descending to Jimighat near Gori Ganga River, three hours of uphill walk towards Lilam on its right bank before enjoying breakfast at local tea houses offering noodles and snacks and then riding mules back via longer routes back towards Dhapa before returning by team member on challenging two km descent to Jimighat Bridge on Gori Ganga River.
Day 2: Lilam to Bugdiyar
Bugdiyar is 15 kilometres away and takes around six hours to travel on foot. Along the trek are ascending ridges, winding gorges, mixed forests of conifers and bamboo, as well as waterfalls and snow bridges that lead to its arrival at Bugdiyar. This 15-kilometer trek will take about 6 hours to complete, ascending from an elevation of 6069 ft (1850 meters) to 8200 ft (2500 meters). The path follows a ridge through a canyon, traversing various landscapes such as conifer and bamboo forests, waterfalls, and snow bridges before finally arriving in Bugdiyar.
Day 3: Bugdiyar to Rilkot
This trek parallels Gori Ganga for 13 kilometres, taking 5 to 6 hours to cover it all the way along narrow gorges before gradually ascending up towards Rilkot.
Day 4: Rilkot to Ganagar.
Over 5-6 hours we will traverse 12 kilometres over 5-6 hours to the lightly populated village of Martoli where we will experience our first view of Nanda Devi East and spend the night camping out in tents.
Day 5: Ganagar to Base Nanda Devi East.
Four hours of winding treks take us on a four-hour ascent through dense sections of rhododendron, juniper, and birch, and Devi trees before reaching Nanda Bhanger at 5900m and reaching stunning alpine pastures below it, culminating with our picturesque campsite located just a short distance away at its base.
Day 6: Base camp.
Spend an indulgent day relaxing and exploring the captivating surroundings of your campsite.
Day 7: Base camp to Milam
After enjoying breakfast at 9 am, our trek will begin towards Pachhu, where we will cross over Gori River before setting up camp in Milam for the night in tents.
Day 8: Milam- Milam Glacier- Milam
As soon as breakfast is complete, our trek to Milam’s glacier begins. Along the way are multiple moraines and glaciers set against an impressive landscape. Finally, we turn back towards Milam for another round-trip experience!
Day 9 TO 11: Milam- Munsyari
Return to Munsyari via trekking route, making overnight stops in Rilkot on day 9, Bugdyar on day 10, and finally Munsyari on the 11th day.
Day 10: Munsyari- Kathgodam
Commencing their journey after having breakfast, travel 275 kilometers from Munsyar to Kathgodam through Almora.
Trek Highlights of Milam Glacier and Nanda Devi Base Camp Trek
- Milam Glacier: One of India’s longest glaciers, measuring approximately 16 km long.
- Nanda Devi East Base Camp (4,300 meters): Enjoy breathtaking views from this campsite on Nanda Devi’s eastern side.
- Johar Valley: An exceptional cultural trek featuring traditional villages such as Martoli, Milam, and Burfu.
- Panoramas of Nanda Devi (7,816 meters), Hardeol (7,151 meters), Trishul (7,120 meters), and Rishi Pahar (6.992 meters) from various angles.
- Kumaoni traditions, ancient trade routes, and remote high-altitude communities combine for an irresistibly alluring landscape.
- Beautiful alpine meadows, pine forests and glacial rivers of the Himalayans offer beautiful backdrops for some rare wildlife and flora to thrive.
How To Reach Milam Glacier and Nanda Devi Base Camp Trek
By Rail: Munsiyari’s closest railway station, Kathgodam (229 kilometres away), connects directly with Delhi as well as major cities of the North region.
By Air: Pantnagar Airport is approximately 250km away from Munsiyari.
By Road: Taxis and buses can be found from Kathgodam or Almora heading toward Munsiyari via Bageshwar and Thal.
Best Time to Visit Milam Glacier and Nanda Devi Base Camp Trek
Summer (May – Mid June): Crisp skies and flower-filled meadows await us this season. Post-Monsoon (September to late October): Experience spectacular mountain vistas, calm temperatures and vibrant fall hues with your next visit.
Want To Trek Like Pro?
Check out the following videos if you want to trek like a pro trekker and improve your skills. These videos contain helpful tips, tricks, and techniques to help you trek like a pro. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced trekker, these videos can provide valuable insights to enhance your trekking experience. So, watch the videos below by Trekup India experts to take your trekking skills to the next level.
Know Everything About Acute Mountain Sickness
Acute Mountain Sickness is a medical condition that can occur when individuals travel to high altitudes, typically above 8,000 feet. It is caused by the decrease in air pressure and oxygen levels in the air as altitude increases. Symptoms of Acute Mountain Sickness may include headache, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, and difficulty sleeping. To avoid Acute Mountain Sickness, it is important to gradually adjust to high altitudes and seek medical attention if symptoms worsen. To learn more about this condition, check out the videos by Trekup India.
