Uttarakhand
Destination
Trekking
Adventure
A classic trek that retraces the pioneering steps of Shipton and Tilman through the Garwhal Himalaya. This classic trek takes us across the picturesque meadows and valleys that border the western edge of the Nanda Devi Sanctuary. Sometimes known as the Curzon Trail after the British Viceroy that enjoyed this area, there are many views of the surrounding peaks including Nanda Devi (7,816 m), Changabang (6,864 m), Dunagiri (7,066 m) and Kamet (7,756 m). The trails are generally good, being in regular use by local villagers and traders. The trek is not technically difficult but the ascents and descents can be long and feel relentless, especially in hot weather. Surprisingly, this area is not over-trekked and indeed it is uncommon to meet other groups on this route. In keeping with this lack of outside influence, the villagers are still inherently traditional in habit and revere the landscape and nature that surrounds them, a timely reminder to us all. A classic trek and a must for the keen Himalayan walker.
| Total Duration |
10 Nights / 11 Days
|
| Grade |
Moderate
|
| Maximum Altitude |
4,268 m / 14,003 ft
|
| Best Season |
March to June; September to October
|
| Accommodation |
Hotel/Guesthouse– 2; Organized campsite – 8
|
| Food |
Rishikesh, Chefna and on trek– All meals included
|
| Travel |
In small, non-AC vehicles/coach depending on the group size
|
WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT FROM THIS ADVENTURE TRIP
A classic trek that retraces the pioneering steps of Shipton and Tilman through the Garwhal Himalaya. This classic trek takes us across the picturesque meadows and valleys that border the western edge of the Nanda Devi Sanctuary. Sometimes known as the Curzon Trail after the British Viceroy that enjoyed this area, there are many views of the surrounding peaks including Nanda Devi (7,816 m), Changabang (6,864 m), Dunagiri (7,066 m) and Kamet (7,756 m). The trails are generally good, being in regular use by local villagers and traders. The trek is not technically difficult but the ascents and descents can be long and feel relentless, especially in hot weather. Surprisingly, this area is not over-trekked and indeed it is uncommon to meet other groups on this route. In keeping with this lack of outside influence, the villagers are still inherently traditional in habit and revere the landscape and nature that surrounds them, a timely reminder to us all. A classic trek and a must for the keen Himalayan walker.
1
DAY 1: ARRIVAL HARIDWAR. DRIVE TO RISHIKESH
Arrive in Haridwar and drive to Rishikesh
2
DAY 2: DRIVE RISHIKESH TO CHEFNA (8hrs)
A full day of driving as we continue through the heart of Garhwal. From Rishikesh the road gradually ascends as it follows the Alaknanda Valley through a timeless agricultural landscape. On the way we will see Devprayag (the confluence of Alaknanda and Bhagirathi rivers: where the Ganga begins) lunch at Rudraprayag (610 m). The “prayags” are the sacred confluences on the rivers that drain into the Ganges; there are five in all and further along the valley is Karanprayag (832 m), situated on the junction of the lovely Pinder River and the Alaknanda. We drive further to Nandprayag and turn right to Ghat Chefna. This is very beautiful valley called “Nandakini valley”. Camping next to Nandakini river.
3
DAY 3: TREK STARTS TO GHUNI/RAMNI (1,982 m / 6,500 ft; 10 kms; 5 hrs)
This is the heart of Nanda Devi country as the Nandakini is worshipped as the river of the mountain goddess. Our morning walk takes us up and out of the valley through delightful villages where many social rituals and annual events are still intimately linked to worship of the “mother goddess”. Almost every stone, tree and hilltop seems to have some spiritual significance attached to it and a sense of timelessness prevails. After breakfast an easy walk followed by steep climb takes us to our campsite above the village of Ghuni. From here there are wonderful views. Overnight in the campsite.
4
DAY 4: GHUNI/RAMNI TO SEM KHRAK (2,121 m / 6,956 ft; 11 kms; 6 hrs)
A less demanding day due to a restricted choice of campsites after lunch. A steady climb through forest brings us to the top of a ridge known as the Ramni pass (3,215 m) with distant views of the Kuari Pass that we cross in a few days. This is ancient forest with splendid old specimens of gnarled oak, holly, chestnut and rhododendron emerging from a thick carpet of white and pink flowering peonies (depends on season you trek). There may be occasional glimpses of monal and other jungle fowl. We camp near Shem Kharak, amongst the trees. The afternoon is yours to relax and enjoy the peaceful beauty of our surroundings. Overnight in the campsite.
5
DAY 5: SEM KHRAK TO PANA (2,286 mts / 7.500 ft; 12 kms; 6 hrs)
We continue through thick forest to the village of Jhenjipani (1,524 m) from where a steep descent takes us down the wild Birahi Ganga. The river is now spanned by an impressive suspension bridge built in the post-war period. Not surprisingly, across the bridge is a steep ascent that follows a zigzag path up the bare and eroded hillside. As we climb we can see the remains of Gohna Lake. In 1893 a great landslip dammed the Birahi Ganga, so creating a massive lake. In the following year, monsoon rains broke the dam and caused a catastrophic flood as far downstream as Srinagar. After lunch a great walk through forest and pastures takes us towards Pana, the last village before the pass, we camp after the village. Overnight in the campsite.
6
DAY 6: PANA TO DHAKWANI (3,341 m / 10,960 ft; 12km; 6 hrs)
A fine morning walk leads us as we head for the base of the Kuari, crossing the last of the bugyals as we go. A steep and sometimes slippery descent takes us to the Pal Gadhera stream and this is immediately followed by a steep climb up through wild crag and forest country. We are following an ancient trade route that linked the southern valleys of Garhwal with Tibet. Goats and sheep carried grain from here over the Kuari and Niti passes into Tibet, with salt and borax being brought on the return trip. The afternoon is spent relaxing at Dhakwani, a small grazing pasture below the base of the Kuari pass. Overnight in the campsite.
7
DAY 7: DHAKWANI - KUARI PASS BASE (4,268 m / 13,999 ft; 8 kms; 4 hrs)
An early start for the Kuari Pass in order to enjoy the splendours of sunrise on the Great Himalayas. The ascent, that takes less than two hours, follows a zigzag path to the col (3,658 m) but the most impressive views are gained from a point further along the Kuari ridge. Here, on the divide between the middle and the Great Himalaya the snow capped peaks stretch in a seemingly endless arc, so forming the border with Tibet. Just some of the major peaks visible are Kamet (7,757 m), Choukhamba (7,138 m), Dunagiri (7,066 m) and Changabang (6,863 m), Nilkanth (6,600 m), the elephant shaped Hathi Parvat (6,727 m) and of course, Nanda Devi (7,817 m) and many others. After savouring this superb panorama, we descend a little from the main ridge to camp about 280m below the pass. From this beautiful spot we can, with luck, watch the sunset on the mountains as a perfect end to the day. Overnight in the campsite.
8
DAY 8: KUARI BASE TO AULI (14 km; 6 hrs). DRIVE TO JOSHIMATH/PIPALKOTI (1,875 m, 14k m; 05-06 hrs)
Our last day of this magnificent trek as we follow a long winding trail downhill to the road at Auli. The walk is narrow in some points but pleasant as we descend through meadows and ancient woodland with glimpses of the high Himalayas in the distance. At lower altitudes, village life returns and from here a good path brings us to Auli, a famous ski station. From here we rejoin our vehicles and make the short drive through the splendid forest to Josimath/ Pipalkoti where we arrive for a late afternoon. Overnight in the hotel /guesthouse.
9
DAY 9: JOSHIMATH TO RISHIKESH
A full day of driving so a prompt start after breakfast. We follow the Alaknanda River away from the high peaks back to the Shivalik foothills. From here it is a pleasant drive along the main valley back to Rishikesh. Stay in a hotel.
10
DAY 10: FINAL DEPARTURE
Early morning drop to Haridwar railway station to catch Jansatabdi Express to Delhi.
