Nanda Devi East Trek: Treks in Uttarakhand

Nanda Devi Trek is India’s second highest peak and one of the major attractions for trekkers around the world. This trekking adventure takes the trekkers to the unapproachable basin named Nanda Devi Sanctuary.Digging deep into its historical and spiritual significance, Nanda Devi is the name of a goddess that signifies “Bliss giving goddess”. It being the gigantic ring of high mountains, brings the sacred Garhwal at its backdrop. Moreover, it brings a lot of opportunities for the mountaineers as well as the trekkers which makes it the best trek of India.

Important features about Nanda Devi East Base Camp Trek

• Altitude: 4450 m or 14,600 ft
• Duration: 14 Days Trek
• Difficulty level: Nanda Devi Trek is considered as one of the most difficult treks of Himalayas as the entire trail is slippery and circular.
• Total distance covered: 105 km trek (round trip)
• Best time to visit: March – June, and September – December
• Nearest railway station: The nearest railway station is Kathgodam railway station.
• Nearest airport: If you like to travel by air, then the Jolly Grant airport in Dehradun is the nearest.
• Minimum age: The minimum age required for Nanda devi East Trek is 12 years.
• Base camp: Nandakot

Brief Description of the Itinerary

• DAY 1: Delhi – Kathgodam, 554 m (by train or car); 300 Km, 8-9 hours
• DAY 2: Kathgodam – Almora (1642 m) – Munsyari (2290m), 300 Kms drive, 8-9 hours
• DAY 3: Munsyari – Lilam (1852 m), 13 km trek, 5-6 hours
• DAY 4: Lilam – Bogudiyar (2450 m). 12 km trek, 5-6 hours
• DAY 5: Bogudiyar – Rilkot (3200 m), 12 km trek, 5-6 hours
• DAY 6: Rilkot – Martoli – Lawan (3324 m), 10 km trek, 4-5 hours
• DAY 7: Lawan – Shiama Kharak – Nandakot (4450 m) 14 km trek, 5-6 hours
• DAY 8: Nandakot – Explore Nanda Devi
• DAY 9: Nandakot – Lawan (trek)
• DAY 10: Lawan – Bogudiyar (trek)
• DAY 11: Bogudiyar – Bhui (trek)
• DAY 12 :Bhui – Lilam – Munsiyari – Gwaldam (drive)
• DAY 13: Gwaldam – Rudraprayag – Rishikesh (drive)
• DAY 14: Rishikesh – Delhi (drive)

Detailed Itinerary

DAY 1: Delhi – Kathgodam

• Altitude: 554 m
• Time: 8-9 hours
• Distance: 300 Kms

From Delhi, you can take the train to Kathgodam which will take approximately 8-9 hours. The height of Kathgodam is 554 m. you can stay the night here and you will find plenty of hotels and guest houses to spend your night.

DAY 2: Kathgodam – Almora – Munsyari

• Altitude of Munsyari: 2290 m
• Altitude of Almora: 1642 m
• Time: 8-9 hours
• Distance: 300 Km

Now you will again drive to Munsyari via Almora. The entire journey is approximately 300 Kms and it will take about 8-9 hours. The altitude of Almora is 1642 m and that of Munsyari is 2200 m. After reaching Munsyari, you can check in to a hotel and spend your night there.

DAY 3: Munsyari – Lilam

• Altitude: 1852 m
• Time: 5-6 hours
• Distance: 13 Km
• Water source: Carry 2-3 L with you. Refill at springs in your way.
• Gradient: ascent, medium to steep slopes.

Upon arrival to Munsyari, the next day your trek will start. You will move towards Lilam which is at the altitude of 1852 m. you will move via Darkot (4703 m) and from here, the trek will descend to the Gori Ganda and then it will continue to descent until to the river at Jimighat (2200 m). From Jimighat, trek upwards and reach Lilam which is a perfect spot to camp overnight. Springs are flowing all over in your way from where you can fill up your water bottle.

DAY 4: Lilam – Bogudiyar

• Altitude: 2450 m
• Time: 5-6 hours
• Distance: 12 Kms
• Water source: Carry 2-3 L with you. Refill at the villages.
• Gradient: ascent, moderate slopes.

Next day, you will trek up to Bogudiyar which is at 2450 m height. You will have to cross a thick forest on your way where you will see a variety of flora. After reaching Bogudiyar, you will enjoy the spectacular views. In addition to this, you will also see the shepherds with their flocks of sheep and goats. This is a good place to stay overnight in tents. As it is near the village, you will be able to easily find the water.

DAY 5: Bogudiyar – Rilkot

• Altitude: 3200 m
• Time: 5-6 hours
• Distance: 12 Kms
• Water source: Carry 2-3 L with you. Refill at Gori Ganga.
• Gradient: A combination of ascent and descent.

Today’s trek goes through mule bridges, granite rock faces, frozen ice streams and a final steep ascent to the village of Rilkot. Rilkot is situated at an altitude of 3200 m above sea level. En route one can divert to the Laspa village and further to northern glacier of Nandakot. Rilkot is a beautiful place for camping, guarded by huge cliffs on both sides.

DAY 6: Rilkot – Martoli – Lawan

• Altitude: 3324 m
• Time: 4-5 hours
• Distance: 10 Kms
• Water source: Carry 2-3 L with you.
• Gradient: A combination of medium to steep slopes.

Now you will head towards Lawan and in order to reach there, you will go via Martoli village (3430 m). This village has spectacular views. You can spend some time here if you want and then trek further to reach Lawan (3324 m) where you will have your overnights stay in tents.

DAY 7: Lawan – Shiama Kharak – Nandakot (Nanda Devi East)

• Altitude: 4450 m
• Time: 5-6 hours
• Distance: 14 Kms
• Water source: Carry 2-3 L with you. Refill at various points in the way.
• Gradient: ascent the slopes

Now head towards Nandakot which is at an altitude of 4450 m. In between way, you will pass via Shiama Kharak which is at 4200 m height. It’s a beautiful place with its rolling meadows. Fill up your water bottles from here. Proceed towards Nandakot i.e. your final desitnation.

DAY 8: Nandakot (Nanda Devi East base camp)

• Altitude: 4450 m

Stay at this place and explore the majestic Nanda Devi in all its glory.

DAY 9: Nandakot – Lawan (14 km, 5-6 hours)

Now it is the time to trek back. In the early morning, after breakfast, you will now trek to Lawan where you will set your camp.

DAY 10: Lawan – Bogudiyar (22 km, 9-10 hours)

Trek to Bogudiyar via Rilkot and experience breath-taking views enroute. After reaching Bogudiyar, you will camp here and stay overnight in your tents.

DAY 11: Bogudiyar – Bhui (5 Km, 2-3 hours)

Today, you’ll trek to Bhui which is at a short distance of 5 km from Bogudiyar.

DAY 12: Bhui – Lilam – Munsiyari – Gwaldam (12 Km, 4-5 hours)

Drive all the way from Bhui to Gwaldam via Lilam and Munsiyari

DAY 13: Gwaldam – Rudraprayag – Rishikesh (241 Km, 8-9 hours)

Take a cab or bus to Rishikesh which is 241 km away from Gwaldam. Have an overnight stay at Rishikesh and enjoy the famous spots in the city where The Beatles and Steve Jobs attained inner peace.

DAY 14: Rishikesh – Delhi (237 Km, 5 hours)

Prepare for the last stretch of journey towards Delhi.

Fitness Requirement

The Nanda Devi trek is very difficult and there shouldn’t be any compromise with your fitness if you are aiming to go on the Nanda Devi Trek. This trek is not suitable for absolute beginners. However, if you want to cover this trek, you can start preparing yourself by indulging in High-Intensity cardio. You can go for running, swimming, cycling and increase your pace every day. This requires at least a month of preparation if you wish to successfully complete it.

What to take

In order to compete the Nanda Devi trek successfully, make sure that you have the following items with you:

• A backpack of 40-60 litres.
• A good sleeping bag to spend the nights in extreme weathers
• A walking stick
• A torch
• Hiking shoes
• A winter jacket, sweaters, warm socks, gloves, winter caps
• Sunglasses and sunscreen
• A water bottle
• Good trek pants
• Waterproof trousers and jackets