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Trekking in Garhwal Valley Uttaranchal
>> << Nanda Devi Trek Garhwal>>
Nanda Devi
Trek Garhwal, Uttaranchal
Duration:
Maximum - 14 Days
About This Trek:
This classic trek takes us across the
picturesque meadows and valleys that border the western edge of the
Nanda Devi Sanctuary. Situated in the upper watershed of the
Alaknanda River in the Garhwal Himalaya, Nanda Devi Sanctuary is a
vast glacial basin segmented by a series of parallel ridges emanating
from the encircling mountain ramparts. The sanctuary is a vast
amphitheatre some 132 km in circumference encompassing some of the
most formidable gorges and covering about 625 sq. km of snow and
ice. The most important ridge is the Rishikot-Devistan ridge which
separates the inner sanctuary from the basin.
The sanctuary is encircled by high mountain ranges and is accessible only from
NW for a short period. The mountain ranges and is accessible only from NW for a
short period. The mountain rim has such high peaks as Dunagiri 7066m,
Changabang 6864m, Kalanka 6931m, Rishi Pahar 6992m, Nanda Devi East 7434m, Nanda
Khat 6611m, Trisul 7120m. Nanda Devi main 7816m is situated on a short ridge
projecting from eastern rim at Nanda Devi East.
This amazing feat of endurance and determination was capped when Tilman later
returned to conquer the peak itself.
Sadly, the mystic of the area
led to an excess of expeditions and ecological damage and the Sanctuary was
closed in the 1980's. Investigations are currently underway to assess the
recovery. Understandably, the country that surrounds the Sanctuary now has its
own attractions for walkers and pilgrims alike. The immediate landscape has been
beautifully tamed by centuries of low-key habitation and cultivation but the
constant backdrop of the mighty Himalayan peaks makes for a magnificence
unrivalled elsewhere in the region.
:
I t i n e r a r y
:
All
the treks of Garhwal (Uttaranchal India) is connected by 'our coach'
with Delhi
DAY-1- Delhi - Haridwar -
Devprayag
We arrive New Delhi early morning and transfer to the hotel. We then take the
early morning train to Haridwar, one of the most holy Hindu towns on the banks
of the Ganges. We then continue by road to the small hamlet of Devprayag perched
above the confluence of the Bhagirathi and Alaknanda rivers. A visit to the
saddhus on the riverbank for a good weather blessing is a must! Simple
guesthouse.
DAY-2- Devprayag - Mundoli
We follows the gently winding road into the heart of the Garwhal foothills, past
Rudraprayag with its memorial stone to Jim Corbett and the infamous man eating
leopard and onwards up the Pindar valley. We camp above the road-head near
Mundoli. Camp.
DAY-3-Mundoli-
An excellent start to our journey as we trek through rhododendron forest,
hand-tilled fields and small, friendly villages. We camp near an old Forest Rest
House with impressively large deodar. Camp.
DAY-4- Mundoli - Nanda
Ghunti
Today involves a long climb to the magnificent bugyal or grazing meadow of Bedni.
Here we are rewarded with startling views of Trisul (7120m) and Nanda Ghunti
(6390m). A tougher day of steep ascent and descent. Camp.
DAY-5- Nanda Ghunti - Kanol
Classic walking today as we head north through Rolling Meadows bordered with
ancient rhododendron trees that give the most wonderful display of colour in
spring. The trails are good and the scenery magnificent. We camp near a river
beside the village of Kanol. Camp
DAY-6-Kanol-
A tough morning as we make the long descent to the Nandakini River. A welcome
paddle in the clear water to sooth our feet whilst the porters set up camp. A
long half-day. Camp.
DAY-7- Kanol - Nandakini
Valley
We start the day by trekking up and out of the Nandakini valley, a tough but
rewarding climb along good trails. Birds of prey such as Lammergeyer, Golden
Eagle and Himalayan Griffon are common in this area. The day's efforts are well
worth it as we camp in peaceful and wonderfully flat meadow for the night. Camp.
DAY-8- Nandakini Valley -
Nanda Devi
A day traversing one of the main valleys that radiate out from the Inner
Sanctuary of Nanda Devi. A steep descent takes us to our interesting campsite
above the gorge of the Bharagithi. Camp.
DAY-9- Nanda Devi - Kuari
Pass-
We cross the river on a splendid suspension bridge. Shipton and Tilman were not
so fortunate and had to improvise a crossing out of fallen tree trunks and
rope.... From the river we climb steeply to a level trail that takes us to our
next campground, in sight of the Kuari Pass. Camp.
DAY-10- Kuari Pass
An easier day as we make camp at Dhakwani near the base of the Kauri Pass in
preparation for an early start tomorrow. Camp.
DAY-11- Kuari Pass-
We make a pre-dawn start for the pass to gain the best views. Climbing in the
footsteps of Shipton and Tilman, we follow the zigzag path to the top of the
pass (3658m). The route is not difficult and the views that unfold at the top
are unrivalled anywhere in the Himalayas. A stunning panorama of snow covered
6000 and 7000m peaks stretches as far as the eye can see. After savoring this
moment we descend to a sheltered grazing meadow to watch the peaks fade into the
twilight.
DAY-12- Kuari Pass - Tapovan
The final day of our classic trek. We descend further towards the Alaknanda
valley and the small settlement of Tapovan where we rejoin our transport for the
short ride to Josimath, an important halting point for Shipton and Tilman during
their explorations. Overnight at Hotel or Guesthouse.
DAY-13- Tapovan - DevPrayag
A long day of driving as we follow the river to the Alaknanda valley southwest
on to Devprayag. Overnight at Hotel or guesthouse.
DAY-14- Devprayag - Haridwar
- Delhi
We continue our journey to Delhi via Haridwar where we take the train on to
Delhi (if tickets are unavailable due to pilgrims we will continue by road). We
arrive in Delhi in time for last minute souvenir hunting and an enjoyable meal
in one of the many excellent
 restaurants.
Overnight at Hotel.
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