Nanda Devi north and Nanda Devi south are two important glaciers, each with a length of approximately 19-km located in the Rishi Ganga River catchment. These glaciers originate on the southern slope of Nanda Devi peak (7,108 m). Other important glaciers in the vicinity are Trishul, Kurumtoli, Nandakna, Bartoli and Ramani. These glaciers are well developed and are large in size and length. Several melted-water streams originate from these glaciers and form the river Rishi Ganga, which later joins the Dhauli Ganga at Raini, 25-km from Joshimath.

Approach To The Glacier
These glaciers are approachable from Joshimath, on the way to Malari road. Lata, about 25-km from Joshimath, is the last roadhead. From Lata, a bridle path follows through a dense forest of Pine, Bhoj and other trees and alpine meadows upto Lata Kharak. From Lata Kharak the route passes through narrow gorges, steep mountain slopes and sometime through snow patches, to reach the glaciers snout.

Trek: - BASE CAMP - GANGOTRI TEMPLE

Gangotri glacier is a well-known glacier in Garhwal Himalayas, situated in Uttarkashi district. The glacier originates at the northern slope of Chaukhamba range of peaks. This is not a single valley glacier, but a combination of several other glaciers that are fed to it and form a huge mass of ice. Bhrigupanth (6,772m), Kirti stambh (6,285), Sumeru Parvat (6,380m) respectively and ratavana bamak, chaturangi bamak and swachand bamak lie on the northeast slope of Srikailash, Man Parvat, Satopanth and an un-named group of peaks.

The glacier lies within a span of 28-kms and terminates at Gaumukh (4,000m). The glacier flows at a gentle slope except for a few ice walls and crevices developed in the upper regions of the glacier where, as in the lower part (above the snout), the glacier is covered by debris, which imparts a muddy appearance to its surface.

Approach To The Glacier
The glacier is easily approachable. It is well connected by motorable road upto gangotri temple and from there a 17-km long bridle path follows along the right bank of the Bhagirathi River to Gaumukh, the snout of the glacier.

The Pindari Glacier, in the Bageshwar district, falls in the Kumaon Himalayas and has lured mountaineers and trekkers since the last century. It is one of the most easily accessible of all the Himalayan glaciers. Pindari's rugged beauty offers a breathtaking sight, especially for the trekker who is in love with nature in all its pristine glory. The Pindari glacier is an unsurpassable and an exhilarating experience.

A Glacial Beauty
It lies between the Nanda Devi and Nandakot peaks and terminates at an altitude of 3,627m. The glacier is 5-km long, the snout is about 6 m high and 2.5 m wide and above the snout, the glacier extends for about 3-m in length and 300-400 m in width, between an altitudinal range of about 3,000 m to 5,000 m. the Pindari glacier is located in the Pinder valley between longitudes 790 13'-800 02' E and latitudes 300 15' N. It occupies an area of 339.39-sq-kms.

The Pinder River that emerges from the Pindari glacier drains the valley. The river, in its initial course, flows through sedimentary rocks. Further to the south, it meanders through quarts schists. Granite is found in abundance in this area. The Pinder River has cut a gorge in thick glacial deposits upto nearly 10-km, resulting in the formation of spacious glacial terraces spread on both sides of the gorge. Further down, from Phurkia up to khati, places enroute to the pindari glacier, one comes across numerous waterfalls, hanging valleys and tremendous rolls cliffs as the one of at Dwali.

Approach To The Glacier
One has to go by road upto song, which can be accessed, from Almora, Bageshwar and Kathgodam and thereafter one has to trek 45-km upto zero point (Pindari glacier). The colour of Pindari glacier is very white and at some places, spots of light blue and brown may also be seen.

Trek: - BASE CAMP - SONG

The scenic beauty and the tranquility prevailing in this region has an unbeatable charm. The Kaphini glacier lies left of the Pinder valley below the famous peak of Nandakot. The route to Kaphini glacier covers the same track upto Dwali, as the trek to Pindari. Kaphini glacier is 12-km from Dwali via Byali Udiyar, which is at a distance of 8-km.

From Dwali as compared to Pinder the valley is much broader and the rhododendron that blooms here is spectacularly beautiful. The main Himalayan summits visible from the glacier are Nandakot (6,860 m.) and Nandabhnar (6,236 m). There are no rest houses beyond Dwali on the Kaphini track, so one has to use tents. Byali Udiyar is an ideal spot for a night's stay, because there are grasslands pitch a tent and caves for a convenient night halt.

Approach To The Glacier
To reach the glacier, one should start very early from Byali Udiyar 4-km away, so as to arrive at the zero point before 9 a.m.

Trek: - BASE CAMP- SONG

To the west of the Pindari glacier, situated on the southern slope of the Sunderdhunga Khal, is the 5-km Long Maiktoli glacier. This glacier forms the source of the river flowing on the steep slope for about 25-km before joining the Pindar River at Dhakuri meadows.

Approach To The Glacier
The west of Maiktoli glacier is the Mrigthuni glacier, situated on the southern slope of the Mrithuni, Devtoli peaks. It is a 6-km long flow towards the S-E direction of the valley, with the snout opening at elevation of 4,000 m and as a stream, meeting the Sunderdhunga river at Sunderdhunga (3,206-kms) after a trek of 8-km. Towards Khati village upto Jaitoli and a bridle path along the western side of the Sunderdhunga, one reaches at a point from where the Maiktoli and the Mrigthuni glacier become approachable.

Trek: - BASE CAMP - SONG

One can also trek to the Sunderdhunga glacier while in the Pindar region. It is a touch trek as compared to Pindari and Kaphini. Sunderdhunga means the valley of beautiful stones. This valley is situated to the west of the Pindar valley and has two glaciers to offer to trekkers and nature lovers, namely Maiktoli and Sukhram. The route upto village Khati is common for both Pindari and Sunderdhunga glaciers. The peaks, which offer a spectacular view when seen from here, are Tharkot (6,100m), Mrigthuni (6,856m), Maiktoli (6,803m) and Panwalidwar (6,663m).

Approach To The Glacier
Sunderdhunga is approximately 24-km from the village Khati. From Khati one has to go to village Jatoli, which is 7-km away. Jatoli is the first night halt en route to Sunderghunga glacier. From Jatoli upto Dhungia Dhaun, about 8-km is a tough trek. One should spend the night in Dhungia Dhaun either in shepherd huts or in pitched tents. Beyond Dhungia Dhaun, it is necessary to take a guide even for experienced and professional trekkers. The next halt is Kathalia, which is 6 to 7-km from Dhungia Dhaun. From Kathalia one can go to both Sukhram and Maiktoli glaciers. They are in opposite directions, 7-km from Kathalia.

Trek: - BASE CAMP - SONG

Situated on the south-facing slope of the main Himalayan range is the 16-km long, Milam glacier. It originates from the slope of Kohli and Trishul peaks. It acts as the source for the Milam River and a tributary of the Pindar River.

Approach To Ralam Glacier
The glacier can be approached from Bageshwar and Pithoragarh upto Munsyari by road. A bridle path nearly 50-km upto Burfu and further 10-km is a route, which approaches the glacier.

Trek: - BASE CAMP - MUNSYARI

Approach To The Glacier
The uppermost catchment of Ramganga east is lesser known and the least travelled region of Kumaon. It is also among the more difficult trekking areas of the higher Himalayas. In one day, one reaches Bala village near the famous Birthi falls on the Thal Munsyari route. On the second day, one can stay at Thala Bugyal.

On the third day before reaching Sudam Khan one has to go through Thal - Thunk, Chafua, Ranthan and Malla Ranthan. On the fourth day after crossing Rahli, Nandakund and the ascent to Rumadhar, the trekker reaches Hiramani glacier. The fifth is the memorable day as one sees the snout of Namik Glacier and the lesser stream coming down from Anargal to meet the main stream, after passing through Jogi Udiyar the ascent of Bhindawali and Penthang.