Right up in the northern most frontiers of the Kumaon Himalayas, the Johar
Valley remains till today one of the less frequented but well coveted
destinations for the true lovers of the Himalayas. Nanda Devi needs no
introduction. Ever since the closure of the sanctuary, knowledge about this
cross section of the Himalayas continues to be the preserve of books and
periodicals only. But lately with relaxation of the innerline permit it has
now become possible to walk upto the Nanda Devi base camp through the Johar
Valley from Munsiyari.
Day 1 : Delhi - Pithoragarh
Overnight journey by bus. arrival in the morning at Pithoragrh, also known
as a part of Sor valley. Pithoragarh is curious amalgamation of the town and
the village, the settlement and the agricultural fields. Famous for leather,
woolen, wooden and cane goods, the town also has a host of temples.
Day 2 : Pithoragarh - Munsyari distance is 154 kms.
Overnight stay at Munsyari which is the road head of the trek. From
Munsyari one gets an excellent view of the Panchchuli peaks.
Day 3 : Munsyari to Lilam
After breakfast vehicle will drop participants at Darkot (4 kms) from where
trekkers will commence walking along the banks of Gori Ganga at an average
height of 4500 ft. Our destination is past Lilam village to Raurgari where
we camp for the night.
Day 4 : After breakfast vehicle will drop participants
at Darkot (4 kms) from where trekkers will commence walking along the banks
of Gori Ganga at an average height of 4500 ft. Our destination is past Lilam
village to Raurgari where we camp for the night.
Day 5 : Rilkot - Martoli Village (3324 m) - Lawan
(3600M) 10 kms trek.
You are in high mountain country now and the tree line disappears giving
access to vast stretches of Alpine pastures. One gets the view of the
Martoli peak soon after Rilkot and we reach Martoli and explore the town
before lunch. The trek to Lawan is along the river and through meadows with
the Nanda Devi looming up large ahead.
Day 6 : Lawan - Shiama Kharak(4200 M)
10 kms Shiama Kharak with its rolling meadows is our base camp. From here
only we can get fantastic views of the biggest Indian Himalayan Peaks.
Day 7 : Bhital Guar (4450 m)5kms Day trek to the base
for views of the glacier and the peaks. From here we can visit the glaciers
on the Traill's pass area and the base camp for Nanda Kot.
Day 8 : It is a day to rest and simply enjoy yourself
in this magnificent location. Options include the hike up to the snow ridges
of Nanda Devi East. There have been several sightings of bluesheep in the
region.
Day 9 : Shiama - Rilkot (20 kms).
Day 10 : Rirgari - Munsiyari (20 kms).
Day 11 : Munsiyari - Saat Tal - Kathgodam - Delhi
Drive back starting early from Munsyari to reach Kathgodam by the evening
to catch the overnight train to Delhi from Kathgodam in the evening. Arrive
in Delhi on the 21st morning.