Nanda Devi Base Camp Trek

For the Nanda Devi Basecamp Trek, the team travels to Munsiyari, a quaint village in Pittoragarh district. Munsiyari is around 278 km from Kathgodam. Kathmodam is the nearest railway station for this trek. Reaching Munsiyari takes you around 8-9 hrs through picturesque mountain roads.

The journey to the base camp of India’s highest mountain peak, Nanda Devi begins today with an extended hike of around 15 km from Lilam to Bugdiyar. 

On the way, you cross a ridge, waterfalls, and a dense conifer forest. River Goriganga and its icy cold water refresh you for the journey ahead. The team reaches Bugdiyar in the evening.

The trek begins on a trail alongside river Goriganga. A steady climb takes you to the destination, Rilkot Campsite. Rilkot is a small hamlet in Munsiyari block. On the way to Rilkot, one can detour to Laspa village and the northern glacier of Nandakot. (12kms, 6-7 hours)

A tiny and picturesque village, Rilkot has ideal camping sites and flanks towering cliffs on both sides.

The next campsite is Martoli. You will hike on a mixed trail today. En route Martoli, you will switch between steep ascent and flat surfaces. Martoli is a small settlement with a population of less than 100. You will camp here tonight overlooking picturesque sceneries, as Murtoli Peak, the deity guards the sleepy hamlet. (8 kms, 6 hours)

The route from Martoli to Patta is challenging. You will traverse rocky and muddy patches, walk on river bed and tackle some snow bridges along the way. After negotiating a tricky trail for a few hours, you reach Patta campsite. The campsite overlooks a gushing stream flowing amidst the lush green valley.

It is a long and exhausting hike today. The day begins in the wee hours and follows a tricky patch of boulder-covered trail. You will trudge through ice bridges, slippery trails, and steep descents to the river bed. This is followed by a walk on a rock-strewn field, you navigate the unsteady boulders and scree.

After a few hours of traversing the challenging trail, you’ll be greeted by the beautiful and lush green meadow of Naspanpatti. Witnessing the verdant grassland covered in vibrant wildflowers and herds of sheep grazing on the meadow is a welcome relief.

A short break lets you admire the wide meadow of Naspanpatti before marching towards Bittalgwar, your next campsite. The route to Bittalgwar passes through a gravel mud-covered trail. You traverse the challenging landslide zones and a pile of steep scree. This is followed by a steep descent to a stream. A shepherd’s hut of stone welcomes you to Bittalgwar.  The campsite offers magnificent views of peaks like Nandakot to Nandalapak, Nanda Devi East and Kuchela.

Today is the summit day. It is a demanding day as you will traverse a glacial stream and the remains of a glacier to reach Nanda Devi Advance Base Camp. Once you reach the base camp, you can explore and indulge in photography. Do not miss the sunset from here as the entire Nanda Devi peak glistens in crimson red. 

It is time to descend to the lower regions. You start retreating to lower elevations after breakfast and follow a rocky and boulder-covered trail to reach Naspanpatti. You will camp here for the night. The majestic peaks of Nanda Devi continue to flaunt their majestic appearance.

You will descend to Martoli village, one of the villages on an ancient trade route. The village houses traditional stone huts and flaunts breathtaking views of snow-studded peaks. You can explore the village and learn the local way of life.

After immersing yourself in the charm of this village, it is time to march towards Laspa Village. You will have a company of mountain goats and sheep grazing on meadows along the way. The snow-studded peaks keep you company throughout your descent. You will reach Laspa village after a long hike and rest here for the night. Laspa village has few houses and you can explore the village in the evening for a cup of tea and to communicate with the locals.

It’s a long stretch from Laspa to Lilam village. A mix trail of steep ascent and descents brings you to Lilam village. You will reach the village in the evening, followed by a short drive to Munsiyari. You are back in civilization as Munisiyari flaunts a stable mobile network.

After a long and fulfilling journey to the base of India’s second-highest mountain, it is time to head back home with a bag full of thrilling stories. You will leave early in the morning for Kathgodam.

Nanda Devi Base Camp Trek is in Uttarakhand. The trek starts from the sleepy hamlet of Munsiyari in Pittoragarh district.

Munsiyari is the start point of Nanda Devi Base Camp  trek. 

The total distance of the Nanda Devi Base Camp trek is 110 km. You walk an average of 5- 8 hours daily.

Nanda Devi Base Camp Trek spans over 12 days, including the time required for travelling to and from the base camp.

The trek is at an altitude of 13,700ft.

The best time to visit the Nanda Devi Base Camp trek is during summer. Nanda Devi Base Camp trek remains accessible in the autumn months of September to early November.

Nanda Devi Base Camp temperature ranges between 12°C to 17°C during the day. The temperature drops to 2°C at night in the summer months. Autumn months start in September and continue till the first week of November. Expect a temperature between 10°C  to -5°C  in autumn.

Trekkers with adequate physical fitness can participate in the Nanda Devi Base Camp trek. 

If you have prior experience of a high-altitude trek, you can opt for the Nanda Devi Base Camp trek.

The trek can be categorised as difficult, considering the duration and altitude of Nanda Devi Base Camp. It is recommended for seasoned trekkers.

Yes, it is a challenging trek. You need prior experience of at least one high-altitude trek.

The trek is suitable for seasoned trekkers with prior experience of high altitude treks. We do not recommend the trek to beginners.

Nanda Devi Base Camp trek is challenging with long hiking hours. The trek requires experienced guides to help you navigate the difficult terrain. If you plan to go solo on this trek, hiring a guide is necessary to avoid any unforeseen situation in the wild.

Yes. Nanda Devi Base Camp is a high-altitude trek. You will find abundant snow along the trail if you plan your trek in early summer.

 The Nanda Devi Base Camp trek cost is Rs /- 29500

 The trek cost covers your experience from start point to end point of trek.

The last place with a mobile network will be the base camp in Munsiyari.

Please keep the following documents ready for your trek –

• ID proof – Aadhar Card or Passport
• Health form 

The most important thing to do on a trek to avoid AMS is to drink water, more than your daily intake. Water is an excellent way to avoid AMS. Along with this, you should also have all the nutritious meals we provide on the trek. If you still are sceptical about getting AMS, we would advise you to carry Diamox tablets with you. However, according to the situation your Outdoor leader will advise whether or not you should take it.

We encourage everyone to trek, even if or not they have a medical condition. We have an in-house doctor at OWLS with whom you can discuss your medical condition and accordingly, we can help you better prepare you for the trek.

Please keep the following documents ready before filling out this form

1. ID proof (Aadhar Card)
2. Health form  

Although we provide filling breakfast, lunch, and dinner along with morning tea and evening snacks, you can carry some light snacks for munching on the trail. You can carry protein bars, dry fruits, and homemade snacks like Shakkarpara to help you give that extra energy on the trek. 

All our Outdoor Leaders are trained and experienced leaders. They have completed basic Mountaineering Course, and are equipped with basic first-aid knowledge. Our leaders are certified Wilderness First Responders. 

You don’t need to carry your medical kit. If you have your prescribed medications, you need to carry them on the trek

The accommodation will be on twin sharing basis. One tent will be shared by two trekkers. 

Yes. Communicate your requirement to the trek leaders beforehand, as it will be difficult to arrange to offload at the last minute. The offloading charges will be Rs 700 per bag per day, and your bag should not weigh more than 9 kg. Your beg will be carried by high altitude porters on this trek.,

Note: At OWLs, we suggest our participants carry their backpacks and avoid offloading. However, in case of pressing circumstances, you can opt for offloading.

No, you can not leave the extra luggage at the start point. As this is a crossover trek, we will not be coming back to same point. You can leave your extra luggage at Dehradun if you have any, You can directly ask for help at hotel in Dehradun. OWLS team also does the same.

The OWLS team will set up a toilet tent near the campsites. The toilets will be dry toilets and you will have to use toilet paper. There will be a pit dug by the team and you will have to cover your nature’s call with dry soil. Avoid using wet wipes, as they are not biodegradable. At OWLS, we thrive to leave no trace in the mountains. 

At the base camp, you will have regular concrete toilets.

The food offered will be as per the nutritional requirements. As you will be walking every day for 5-7 hours, you will be burning a good amount of calories. The team makes sure that the food you will be offered is healthy and helps you sustain through the day. The regular meal comprises eggs, locally grown vegetables, rice, roti, and pulses. The menu changes from day to day. 

The last place with a mobile network will be the start point, Munsiyari. We suggest you make calls from Munsiyari. There will be no signals throughout the trek. There will be no access to charging points on the Nanda Devi Base Camp trek.

At OWLs, we prioritize the safety of our participants above everything else. Our team of Outdoor Leaders is certified to lead trekkers on a trek like Pin Bhaba. They are NOLS First Responders approved Outdoor Leaders. 

Our team is equipped with the medical assistance required for our participants. Up in the mountains, the trekkers often fall prey to Acute Mountain Sickness. AMS can hit anyone, irrespective of their trek experience. Our Leaders are well-trained to handle the situation and ensure the safety of our trekkers. We engage in the Health Assessment of our trekkers right at the base camp. It helps us respond in case of any untoward situation.