MILAM GLACIER TREK
Duration & Total Trekking
11 days & 115 Kms.
Highest Elevation
3880 M
Difficulty Level
Moderate
Trekking Highlights
Riverwalk, Rhododendron plantations, views of Nanda Devi and Nanda Devi East
Best time to Travel
mid-May to mid-June; mid-September to end-November
Approximate Cost per person:
Depends on number of people and time of the year
In this Trek we offer you a combined itinerary for Nanda Devi Base camp followed by a trip to Milam Glacier. Nanda Devi looms at an imposing height of 7816 m and is India’s second highest peak. The trail to the base camp is a sought after trek for trekkers from different parts of the world. After the closure of the Nanda Devi Inner Sanctuary region, the Nanda Devi East Base Camp Trek became the sole route to trekkers to attest the beauty of the twin peaks –Nanda Devi and Nanda Devi East.
Day
Region Covered
Trek Time
Highlights
Overnight Stay
Day 01
Munsiyari to Pamdeo
3.5 hrs
After breakfast, we drive 13 km / 30 min by jeep to Dhapa Bend, our trekking point. We begin trekking to Pamdeo. We cross the river by wooden bridge and then trek ascends slowly towards Lilam village or Pamdeo. Enroute we get little bit view of Raj Ramba and Hanshling peak (5350 m).
Tents or local huts
Day 02
Pamdeo to Bogudiyar
8 hrs
This part of the trek is the most difficult. The first three hours are a steep climb and then we trek downwards towards Bagudiyar. Enroute we cross Bhabali Dhar from where there are views of Raj Ramba and upper peaks of Panchachuli. In Bagudiyar we cross an iron bridge and walk upto the campsite. The rivulet that we cross originates from the Ponting Glacier. Bagudiyar is a small Checkpost of the Indo Tibetan Border Police Force.
Tents or local huts
Day 03
Bogudiyar to Rilkot
7 hrs
Today, we will continue trekking upwards from Bagudiyar towards Nahardevi for about one hour. Walking on level grounds for thirty minutes the trek again ascends till Mapa for the next thirty minutes. We will cross Mapa on steps carved out in the rock and enter an open valley with wide views of the Gori River. We can see till Rilkot alongside the river. Rilkot (3000 mtrs) is a small village used as a transit camp by shepherds while migrating during the winter season. It has a large campsite with adequate water and space.
Tents
Day 04
Rilkot to Ganghar
6 hrs
From Rilkot we continue our trek to Ghanghar Village, Throughout the day we may get intermittent views of Himalayan peaks, depending on the weather and on reaching the campsite we will have a commanding view of Nanda Devi East in front of us. Camp will be on an alpine meadow laden with rhododendron bushes blooming during the season with pink and white flowers.
Tents
Day 05
Ganghar to Nanda Devi Base Camp
4 hrs / 7 Kms.
On day five, we will ascend to Nanda Devi Base camp. Once we start the trek, the views become grandiose and panoramic as we near Nanda Devi. The rolling hills dotted with pink and white rhododendron flowers and the fresh green birch forests make the trek a breathtaking experience. Our destination today is an open alpine meadow with varied flora at the head of the Pachu Glacier emanating from the northern face of Nanda Devi
Tents
Day 06
Nanda Devi Base Camp to Milam / Martoli
6 hrs
We start early in the morning for Milam village. There are two routes to reach Milam village. The first one is via Panchu village which is shorter but still picturesque. We have to follow the Gori river till Milam village and then cross the river on a wooden bridge made by the villagers. (But sometimes, the villagers migrate to lower areas early so they take off the bridge.) In that case we have to follow another way that goes towards Martoli and cross over on the Burfu . It is then another three hours walk to Milam, totaling six hours. We can enjoy the magnificient views of Nanda Lapak, Bankatia and Matoli peaks from our site.
Tents or local houses
Day 07
Milam to Milam Glacier to Milam
6 kms
After Breakfast we would proceed to Milam Glacier. The glacier is six kilometers from Milam village. After spending sometime there, we will come back to Milam village to stay overnight.
Tents
Day 08
Milam village to Rilkote
–
The trek to Rilkote from Milam is a downhill road trek. The Army and Border Roads Organisation (BRO) are making a road here and they have almost completed it till Milam. The other option is that we can get a BRO truck till Rilkote
Day 09
Rilkote to Bogudiyar
6 hrs
The trek on this day is mostly downhill till Bogudiyar and we will use the same route back as we used to get to Rilkote from Bogudiyar
Day 10
Bogudiyar to Pamdev
7 hrs
The trek is both an uphill and downhill climb to Pamdev
Day 11
Pamdev to Munsiyari
3 hrs; 30 min drive
This is the last day of the trek and we will reach back to Munsyari
- Cost for the trek will be shared through email and will be from the start to the end point of the trek. It will also depend on the number of people in the group. (If you want the costing from your point of origin, please inform at the time of booking).
- Cost includes transport, accompanying English speaking trekking escort, entrance and camping fees, mess tent, client tent, kitchen tent and camping crew cook and kitchen helpers.
- Meal Plan will be only Vegetarian and full board DURING TREKKING ONLY
- GST as applicable and levied by the Government will be added to the cost and is subject to change if revised by the Government.
- Necessary items to carry during the trip would be informed once final payment has been made
- Itinerary has to be confirmed 45 days in advance and no changes will be entertained after that
NOT INCLUDED – international flights, soft/alcoholic drinks, airport tax, insurance, telecom expenses, meals not specified, camera fee, emergency evacuation / transport expenses and expenses of personal nature like tips, laundry, etc.
For an exhaustive list of Terms & Conditions please Click here
Why should I trek with eTara Trips?
– eTara strives be a socially responsible company to serve the global community by providing an experiential travel portal and customised trips to them. We believe that we will enrich your holiday experience while you customised options to choose from. Further to this, we will use a part of your spend register self-help groups in local populations and increase economic prosperity and health for the area we operate in.
What does trekking entail?
– Our treks are mainly concentrated in the Kumaon Himalayas. You will be expected to walk for up to 130 km round trip over trekking trails through forests, villages and mountains to reach the glacier or meadow that is advertised.
Do I need some preparation for the Trek? Level of fitness expected from participants?
– Yes, you do need a little preparation, depending on the difficulty level of the trek. We do suggest that you walk 3 to 5 km everyday for 20 days before the trek. A brisk walk will also help.
Should I be extremely fit in order to trek?
-You need to be medically fit to manage altitude and the uphill walk of a few kilometers with a backpack. Consult your doctor before undertaking any trek.
When do we book the trek?
– You should book the Trek 45 days in advance so that there is ample preparation time.
Who will carry my backpack?
– A pony/porter can carry your backpack while trekking, on extra payment. You will need to carry a knapsack with your daily needs.
What should be the weight of the backpack?
– Total weight of the backpack should not exceed 12 kg. You will be expected to carry all the things that will be listed in the itinerary given by eTara Trips at the time of confirming your package.
Where will you meet us?
– The starting point of the trek (as per Trek Details that will be shared on email) will be the meeting point for all the trekkers. Our guide will be there to provide a pre trek orientation on Day One.
Who will run the trek?
– From the beginning to the end, the trek will be led by experienced guides, who are also trained mountaineers.
What will be an optimum batch size?
– 4-12 people is a good batch size and includes all genders
What is the minimum age requirement for a trek?
Moderate trek: 8 years and above
High Intensity trek: 18 years and above
(Note: Medical certificate for being allowed to trek will be needed in some treks)
What will be the minimum temperature during the trek?
– The temperatures may drop to 10° C during the night hours at certain altitudes. In December to March, the temperature goes to below freezing ie 0° C . It is rainy season in July and August.
What will happen if we have to extend the stay during a landslide or other ‘Force Majeure’ reasons?
– If, for any reasons beyond our control, we have to extend the trek, then additional charges may apply for stay and food.
Can I take Diamox for mountain sickness?
– We do not make such recommendations and deem it advisable to consult your doctor for any medicines required by you.
How safe are these treks for a woman traveling solo?
– Safety is a very important factor for us. Our treks are managed by our own guides and personally known and trusted vendors. Thus, we assure that the trek is absolutely safe even for solo female trekkers.
What kind of shoes will be required?
Different shoes are suitable for different types of treks. These are dependent on the weather, trail condition as well as duration of the trek.
Low ankle hiking shoes: For warm and dry terrains
Trek boots:For rugged and cold condition
Trek boots with crampon ready features: For trekking on the glaciers and extensive snow
What kind of food is served during the trek?
– During the trek, nutritious vegetarian food rich in protein and carbohydrates is served. If possible, we may surprise our trekkers with treats from the local villages like pakoras etc.
Is it safe to drink water from the streams we might cross?
– It is completely safe to drink and even for cook with stream water, but, to be on the safer side we always carry filters and chlorine tablets
Is alcohol allowed during the trek?
– No, alcohol is not allowed during the trek
What vehicles do you use for transportation during trek, if any?
– Vehicles like Mahindra Bolero, Tata Sumo, Scorpio, Max, and Tempo Traveller are used by us for a ride on Himalayan roads
Are your Fixed Departure Dates flexible?
– We will go on the trek as long as we get the minimum four people (the cost for less than that is not economical on the person booking). And fixed dates do not change.
How do you deal with emergency situations?
– Trekking is a rewarding experience. But, it is important that safety is kept in mind during a trek. We make all arrangements to ensure that accidents are not a possibilty. But rarely, emergencies like illness, AMS, storms, mis-steps, landslides and even avalanches can occur anytime during the trek, so we need to be prepared. To deal with any minor emergency, your guides, who are trained mountaineers will help you. Your tour guide will always carry a first aid kit to deal with any medical emergencies. In the case of a rescue operation required, extra charges will be borne by the Trekker.
How do I book for a Trek?
– Please register online or contact us for further information.
What do I need to carry for the Trek?
– A list of items and essential documents to carry will be provided via email once you have finalised the Trek you want to go on.
What type of accommodation will be provided on the trek?
– The accommodation will be in the form of guesthouses, village homestays or tents. This depends on the trek route and itinerary.
Can I charge my digital camera, mobile or other batteries on my trip?
– We will be trekking in the interiors of forests and the wilderness. There are little or no chances of electricity in these areas. We suggest you take battery powered, power banks and extra batteries if you want to charge your appliances.
Do I need to tip my guide and porters? What is the customary tip?
– There is no compulsion to tip the guide or porters. But you can do so to show your gratitude and the amount is totally dependent on your discretion.