The Nanda Devi Base Camp Trek is the closest approach to witness India’s second-highest peak, Nanda Devi, which is one of the most glorious summits on the planet. The massif is called twin/sister peaks Nanda Devi West (7,817 m) and Nanda Devi East (7,434 m), which is locally known as “Sunanda Devi“. This trek offers an approach to the eastern base camp, where trekkers witness both peaks standing tall in the middle of a protective circle of mountains.
The trail starts from Munsyari, a Himalayan town that serves as the gateway to the trek. Known for its views of the Panchachuli peaks and cultural heritage of the Johari tribe, Munsyari sets the tone for the journey. As the Nanda Devi Base Camp Trek progresses, it moves through valleys, glacial rivers, forests, and alpine meadows before reaching the base camp at about 4000 meters. This gradual rise in terrain makes the trek not only a physical adventure but also a natural passage into the world of the sacred mountain.
Highlights of the Nanda Devi Base Camp Trek
1. Exploration History and the Opening of the Trek
The story of the Nanda Devi Base Camp Trek is closely tied to the early exploration of the Nanda Devi Sanctuary. In 1883, W W Graham tried to enter the sanctuary but reached only as far as the Rishi Ganga. Later attempts were made by T G Longstaff and Hugh Ruttledge, but none were successful. In 1934, Eric Shipton and H W Tilman finally managed to enter the Inner Sanctuary through the Rishi Gorge. Their achievement made the region more accessible and marked the beginning of interest in what we now recognize as the Nanda Devi Base Camp Trek.
2. Protection of the Sanctuary and Its Impact on the Trek
In 1939, the area was declared a protected game reserve. Decades later, in 1983, the Indian government placed restrictions on climbing and entry into the Inner Sanctuary to protect its delicate ecosystem. Because of these measures, the eastern approach through the Nanda Devi Base Camp Trek became the established route for visitors. This shift ensured that people could still experience the mountain while helping preserve the sanctuary.
3. Role of the Nanda Devi National Park in the Trek
The creation of the Nanda Devi National Park in 1982 added further importance to the trek. In 1988, the park was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The trail leading to the Nanda Devi Base Camp passes close to this protected area, which is home to alpine meadows, glaciers, and wildlife such as Himalayan musk deer, blue sheep, and, on rare occasions, snow leopards. For trekkers, this means walking near one of the most well-preserved natural environments in the Indian Himalayas.
4. Nanda Devi as a Deity and the Spiritual Layer of the Trek
Nanda Devi is more than a mountain for the people of Uttarakhand. The name means Bliss-Giving Goddess, and she is seen as a form of Goddess Parvati, the consort of Lord Shiva. She is worshiped as the protector of the region. For trekkers, the Nanda Devi Base Camp Trek is not just a route to a peak but a journey that passes through land considered sacred by the local communities.
Nanda Devi East Base Camp Trek Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival at Munsiyari
Arrive at Munsiyari, a charming town set against the backdrop of the Panchachuli peaks. An overnight stay at Munsiyari provides rest before the trekking trail begins.
Day 2: Drive from Munsiyari to Dhapa and Trek to Lilam
Trekkers usually begin their journey from Munsiyari with a short drive to Dhapa. The trail starts here with a sharp downhill stretch of around two kilometers that leads to the Gori Ganga river at Jimighat. After crossing the bridge, the route turns into a gradual uphill walk that can take two to three hours before reaching Lilam at about 1,850 meters. This small village has a security post and a few simple stalls serving tea and food. Accommodation is basic, either in local huts or in tents, giving travelers their first taste of life inside the valley.
Day 3: Trek from Lilam to Bugdiyar
Trekkers leave Lilam in the morning and follow a route that gradually rises through a deep gorge carved by the Gori Ganga. Along the way, small roadside shelters like Rirgari provide snacks and rest. A little further, the hot springs of Garam Pani invite tired walkers to pause before the ascent resumes. The path then winds through thick stands of oak, bamboo, and conifers until Bugdiyar is reached. The settlement has meadows, modest tea shops, and is often chosen as an overnight campsite.
Day 4: Trek from Bugdiyar to Rilkot
Leaving Bugdiyar, the path continues beside the Gori Ganga, narrowing at points into rocky gorges where streams and waterfalls tumble down from higher ridges. As the climb progresses, the landscape begins to open into high pastures. Rilkot campsite offers open meadows, has a small ITBP post, and a couple of tea stalls where trekkers can rest. The long approach is strenuous, so carrying poles and wearing durable boots proves essential. The rewards are in the alpine views and the sense of entering deeper Himalayan terrain.
Day 5: Trek from Rilkot to Ganghar via Martoli
Leaving Rilkot, the trail follows the Gori Ganga upstream and soon begins climbing toward the Martoli. The village, once a thriving settlement, still shows traces of its past in the old wooden houses scattered across the ridge. From here, wide views open up, with Martoli Peak rising nearby. Beyond the Martoli, the path stretches across open grasslands along the valley until Ganghar comes into sight. Set amid broad meadows, this hamlet is known for its clear and commanding view of Nanda Devi East.
Day 6: Trek from Ganghar to Nanda Devi East Base Camp
From Ganghar, the trail begins with a steady climb into high-altitude forests of rhododendron and birch, gradually giving way to stony paths and juniper thickets. The route then skirts alongside the Panchu Glacier, where the landscape opens into windswept meadows with wide horizons. By afternoon, the tents of Nanda Devi East Base Camp come into sight at about 4,300 meters. Here the mountains form a natural amphitheater, with Nanda Kot, Kuchela, and the striking pyramid of Nanda Devi East rising overhead. The air is colder and the weather unpredictable, but the setting is unmatched, offering one of the most memorable views in the Himalaya.
Day 7: Trek from Nanda Devi Base Camp to Martoli
The return trail leads back across meadows and streams towards Martoli. The village offers a pause for acclimatization and exploration, with the Nanda Devi temple nearby and wide views of Trishul, Nanda Lapak, and surrounding ridges. Evening light at Martoli creates one of the most memorable halts of the journey.
Day 8: Trek from Martoli to Bugdiyar
A long downhill walk retraces through Rilkot and follows the Gori Ganga once more. The trail passes waterfalls, bamboo clusters, and grazing grounds before settling back at Bugdiyar. The easier gradient allows faster progress, and the riverside campsite provides a quiet night under open skies.
Day 9: Trek Bugdiyar to Lilam
The trail descends through gorges and dense forests to Lilam, with sections of rocky footing requiring steady steps. The bamboo groves and rushing streams bring familiar scenery from earlier days. Accommodation is simple, either in lodges or tents near the ITBP post, offering one last night in the valley.
Day 10: Trek Lilam to Munsiyari
The final stretch begins with a stone-paved climb back to Dhapa, where vehicles wait. From here, the road leads to Munsiyari. The transition from mountain paths to winding highways marks the gradual return from the wilderness to village life.
Day 11: Drive from Chaukori to Kathgodam
The concluding drive across the Kumaon hills passes terraced slopes, pine forests, and panoramic ridgelines. By evening, Kathgodam is reached, bringing the trek to a close. The route leaves lasting impressions of rugged trails, alpine meadows, and the striking presence of Nanda Devi East.
Best Time to Visit the Trek
The best time to visit the Nanda Devi Base Camp Trek is from May to June and September to October. These months offer the most favorable conditions. Pre monsoon brings snow-clad slopes and fresh greenery, while post monsoon ensures clear skies, colorful vegetation, and excellent visibility of the Himalayan peaks. Together, these seasons make the trek both scenic and stable for walking.
Not Recommended Windows
During the monsoon months of July and August, heavy rainfall often leads to slippery trails and landslides, making the route risky. Similarly, from November to April, snow blocks the higher sections, rendering the trek inaccessible. For this reason, the window outside these recommended months is considered unsafe for trekking to the base camp.
How Difficult is the Route and What it Means for the Nanda Devi Base Camp Trek
Nanda Devi Base Camp Trek is a moderate level trek, best suited for trekkers with prior high-altitude experience and strong physical conditioning. It demands not only fitness but also mental stamina, as the journey involves long trekking hours across challenging terrain.
Terrain of the Route
The path varies widely, moving through forested trails, river crossings, alpine meadows, and rocky moraines. As you approach higher ground, the trails become steeper and narrower, often with loose rocks or occasional snow patches. This mix of beauty and difficulty makes the trek rewarding yet demanding, requiring balance and focus at every step.
Walking Distance and Altitude Gain
Spanning roughly 110 km over 10–12 days, the trek reaches close to 4,000 meters at the base camp. Daily distances range between 7 km and 19 km, which translates to 6–8 hours of steady walking. With such altitude gain, proper acclimatization is essential to avoid Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS), which can cause fatigue, dizziness, or headaches.
Additional Challenges
Beyond the physical effort, the remoteness of the region adds to the challenge. As the trail progresses, the environment becomes harsher, and the support of an experienced guide is often recommended. Trekkers who are well-prepared physically, mentally, and logistically will find the journey both challenging and deeply rewarding.
How to Reach Munsyari to start the Trek
Munsyari, the gateway to the Nanda Devi Base Camp Trek, is not directly connected to major Indian cities, so reaching it requires a combination of transport modes.
- By Rail: The nearest stations are Kathgodam (275 km) and Tanakpur (286 km). Both are well linked to Delhi and other major cities. From there, buses and shared taxis connect travelers to Almora, Pithoragarh, Bageshwar, and finally Munsyari.
- By Air: Pantnagar Airport (249 km) is the closest, with regular flights from Delhi. Taxis are available from the airport to nearby towns and onward to Munsyari. The nearest international airport is in Delhi, about 600 km away.
- By Road: Buses and taxis run from Haldwani, Almora, and Pithoragarh. The drive is long and involves breaks at multiple points, but it offers scenic Himalayan views. Some travelers also reach Munsyari via bike rides or extended road trips.
Backpacking Guide and Essentials for the Nanda Devi Base Camp Trek
Packing must suit high altitude Himalayan trekking conditions. Essentials include:
- Sturdy trekking shoes with ankle support
- Layered warm clothing including thermals
- Waterproof jacket and trousers
- Sleeping bag to beat sub zero conditions
- Backpack with rain cover and trekking poles
- Sunglasses, sunscreen, gloves, wool cap
- Headlamp with batteries, water purification tablets
- First aid kit and required permits
Fitness Guide and Preparation
Good fitness is vital for the Nanda Devi Base Camp Trek. Preparations should begin at least a month in advance.
- Cardiovascular training such as jogging or cycling builds stamina.
- Leg strengthening exercises such as squats and step ups prepare muscles.
- Flexibility routines or yoga help reduce injury risks.
- Short practice hikes with a backpack simulate real trekking conditions.
Conclusion
The Nanda Devi Base Camp Trek is more than a walk into the Himalayas. It is a journey into history, ecology, and spirituality. Every section of the route reflects the cultural reverence of the goddess, the protection of fragile ecosystems, and the grandeur of high mountains. With careful preparation and respect for the environment, the trek becomes a balanced blend of adventure, culture, and natural discovery.
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