Activity location: Nanda Devi East Base Camp, Himalayas, Uttarakhand

Start Point: Munsiyari

End Point: Munsiyari

Duration: 9 -17 days based on itinerary

Trek height: 4150 meters

Difficulty Level: Difficult

Limitations: Only for regular  trekkers

About Trekking

Trekking is an aspect of walking undertaken with the distinct purpose of exploring and admiring the scenery. It usually takes place on tracks in regions of relatively unspoiled nature. Trekking is comparable to meditation when you climb up to a mountain peak.it somehow calms you down. You are with yourself for that sudden moment and there is no other belief that can match that serenity and nearness to oneself. Trekking is a positive walking experience that is a blend of hiking and walking activity in which one can take a multi-day excursion admiring the panorama of rural areas, rugged ridges & regions, valleys, and palaces.

About Nanda Devi Base Camp Trek

Nanda Devi East Base camp is the closest way for trekkers to explore and commend the alluring beauty of the Nanda Devi Peaks, the splendid biosphere and a peek into the lives of the Himalayan people. The Nanda Devi trek is on the bucket list of many trekkers despite its challenging level of difficulty. The trek to Nanda Devi is a 9 to 17 days trek depending on the trek guide. Though the level of this trek is difficult yet the beautiful views of enormous Himalayan Peaks are worth the trek. The base camp is also abode to the Panchu Glacier. The trek starts from Munsiyari which is an easy climb, the difficulty level keeps ascending once reached Bugdiyar. The Nanda Devi East base camp trek route passes through extensive grasslands, ancient villages, gorges, deep valleys, various high-altitude glaciers, dense forest, moraine fields, and an old Tibet trade route through the Indian Himalayas. With the historical background stories, the trial becomes more interesting and impressive. There are high chances of spotting the Himalayan species during the trek like a leopard, black bear, Himalayan Thar, Bharal, etc. For the Nanda Devi trek, a permit is required by the Mountaineering Foundation of India and a government Liasion will companionate with the team. The fees are charged according to the level of difficulty and height.

Best time to visit Nanda Devi

• Nanda Devi in Summers ( April- June)
• Summers in Nanda Devi has a pleasant and clear sky, it is the best time for trekking as in the clear weather different species of flora and fauna can be spotted. The trek will be easy to complete without any environmental disturbances. Majorly trekkers prefer this season to commence their trek. Because of Nanda Devi being a peak and located at a high altitude the summers are not too hot here.
• Nanda Devi in Monsoon (July-Aug)
• Nanda Devi in monsoon remains closed due to heavy rains the there is a high risk of landslides and floods and the roads get slippery making it unfavorable for trekking.
• Nanda Devi in Post Monsoon (Mid Sept- Mid October)
• Nanda Devi post-monsoon is a favorable time to trek as the flowers here are in fullest bloom post-monsoon, one can spot different exotic and endangered species of flowers. The path becomes more lively with green meadows and colorful flowers bloomed everywhere.
• Nanda Devi in Winters ( November- March)
• Nanda Devi in winters is fully covered with snow and the temperature drops to minus. The roads remain closed due to the snow. Hence the destination also remains closed for visitors.

How to Reach Nanda Devi

For the Nanda Devi East Base Camp, the trek starts from Munsiyari, one has to reach Munsiyari for the same.

Nanda Devi by Air

The nearest airport to Nanda Devi is Pantnagar Airport (PGH). The airport is not busy as compared to Jolly Grant Airport ( DED). There are 4 flights available from Indira Gandhi International Airport( DEL) per week. Further, the roads are well connected for buses, cabs, and taxis till Munsiyari. The distance from Pantnagar Airport to Munsiyari is 312km. Another airport with frequent flights from major cities of India is Jolly Grant Airport. Flights of Air India, Indigo, and Spicejet have multiple flights each day at affordable prices. From Jolly Grant Airport cabs, taxis, government, and private buses are available.

Nanda Devi by Rail

The nearest railway station to Nanda Devi is Kathgodam Railway Station (KGM) at a distance of nearly 180km is a 3 platformed station where trains from different cities of India halt. 1 Daily and 1 weekly train are available from New Delhi which takes a minimum of 05hr and 30 mins and a maximum of 08hr 40 mins. Cabs, local buses, and Taxis are available from there till Munsiyari covering a distance of 278 km.

Nanda Devi by Road

The nearest motorable town to Nanda Devi East Base Camp is Munsiyari. The roads are well constructed for the accessibility of buses, taxis, and cabs to Munsiyari. To travel further trek has to be done till Nanda Devi Base camp. The distance between Delhi to Munsuyari is 580 km via Almora-Bageshwar- Munsiyari Rd. Kausani to Munsiyari is165 km. Almora to Munsiyari is 198 km. Pithoragarh to Munsiyari is 129 km via NH09 and Jauljibhi - Madkote Rd.

Things to Carry

• ID Proof: Valid ID card issued by Government
• A permit from the Mountaineering Foundation of India and a Medical certificate
• Clothing: Warm clothing (Down jacket/fleece jacket, woolen cap/scarf, hat, lowers, woolen & cotton socks, thermal wears), cotton towels, trekking/hiking shoes & other comfortable regular wear. Prefer light-colored clothes. Also, carry a lightweight raincoat. Sunglasses to prevent snow blindness and trekking pole are mandatory.
• Toiletries: Lip balm, wet wipes, toilet paper, skin moisturizer, sunscreen(SPF 40+), cold cream.
• Medical Related: Personal medicines (if any), mosquito repellent, prescribed medicines for high altitude sickness, dehydration salt.
• Other Optional: power bank, candy, dust mask, etc.
• Food: Munsiyari is the last stop with markets to shop stuff. Buy all required food, snacks, and drinks in Munsiyari itself.

Do`s & Don`ts in Nanda Devi East Base Camp

Do’s

• Do carry mask and Sanitizer
• Carry light edibles and energy drinks
• Carry eco-friendly and reusable items
• Carry your waste bag

Don`ts

• Do not carry excess luggage to the trek
• Do not litter or pollute the environment surrounding
• Do not wander alone or without a guide
• Do not disrespect locals or any local cultural beliefs.