NANDA DEVI SANCTUARY

The magnificent group of peaks around Nanda Devi was for many years before second world was the focus of attention for the climbing world.

The view from inside the Nanda Devi sanctuary is one of the most outstanding mountain panoramas in the world, a natural fortress surrounded by about seventy snow-capped peaks.

Unfortunately trekkers, climbers and locals alike are denied this view at present, because the sanctuary has been closed by the government. The reasons are not clear, but the government is said to be concerned about the ecology and wants to prevent the poaching of musk deer, which was becoming a problem.

The inner sanctuary may be closed but it is still possible to trek to the outer sanctuary, a great bowl in the hills on the west side of the Nanda Devi group. The trek is not a difficult one, when we consider how close we get to the mountains and the superb views we have along many of the trails. This is along trails which are almost unknown to western trekking groups which for many people will add to the other attractions of magnificent scenery and fine displays of flowers.

ITINERARY:

Day-01: Arrive Delhi Arrive Delhi meet and greet upon arrival at airport and transfer to your hotel. Overnight hotel.

Day-02: In Delhi After breakfast full-day combined city tour of Old & New Delhi, in the evening we transfer to railway station and board the overnight air-conditioned train to Hardwar.

Day-03: Delhi - Rishikesh Arriving early in the morning, we go by bus to Rishikesh. This is the traditional starting point for the great yatra (pilgrimage) to the mountain temples of Garhwal, and the town has many religious institutions. Hotel at Rishikesh.

Day-04: Rishikesh - Deval We drive into the Garhwal hills, following the Alaknanda and Pinder rivers to the road head at Deval. Overnight in tents.

Day-05/06/07: Trek (Trishul - Nanda Ghunti) We set off walking along terraced hillsides alternating with conifer forests, passing the occasional small village. The climb gets steeper in places, but we are rewarded with spectacular views of the Nanda Devi group, Trisul (23,360 ft) and Nanda Ghunti (20,700 ft.) being especially prominent. Eventually we emerge via Lohjung into the lush green meadows at Alibugyal and Bednibugyal, at a little over 11,000 ft. Overnight in tents.

Day-08/09: Trek (Kalwavinayak) We spend two days at Bednibugyal to acclimatise and enjoy the surroundings. On the second day we can make an excursion to the ridge at Kalwavinayak at about 13,500 ft. for even better views of Trisul rising sheer above the shilasamudra glacier. Overnight in tents.

Day-10/11/12: Trek (Nandakini River) These three days take us from Bednibugyal along Tilman's trail into the valley of the Nandakini river. We start by walking down, and then climb again: the route is through dense forest and cultivated terraces, with the occasional village, and there are many fine viewpoints. Water is likely to be a bit short at our camp site on the last night, but the beautiful location should make us for this. Overnights in tents.

Day 13/14 : Trek A switchback trail now takes us across the valley and ridges which run off the west side of the Nanda Devi group, with alternating stretches of meadow and forest. These are the longest days of the trek. Overnight in tents.

Day 15 : Trek The going gets a little tougher, as we begin the approach to the Kuari Pass. At Sartholi Kharak we get our first views of the peaks to the north of the Kuari Pass. More stretches of up and settlement on the southern approach to the pass, at about 10,500 ft. Overnight in tents.

Day 16 : Trek (Kuari Pass) We complete the climb to the Kuari Pass at 12,000 ft., one of the high spots of the trek. There may be snow on the pass but the view from the summit will more than compen-sate for any difficulties on the trail. Almost the whole Garhwal Himalaya is in view - the great Badrinath group of peaks to the north and to the west the Nanda Devi Sanctuary; Dunagiri, Bethartoli, Hathi Parbat, Kamet, Nilkanth and Trisul are among the peaks we expect to see. As we descend from the pass, Nanda Devi can be seen. We descend to ski resort of Auli for the night. Overnight in tents.

Day 17 : AULI - JOSHIMATH (DRIVE) The last day's trek is a short walk down to Joshimath, the highest bazaar in the Alaknanda valley, and an important stop for pilgrims on their way to Badrinath. Here we pick up our transport for the tow and a half hour journey on a somewhat hair-rising road to Badrinath. We then have time to explore the village, whose temple is one of the greatest pilgrimage centres in all India. Its brightly coloured gilt-edged facade stands out, board steps leading upto a grand entrance hung with a huge bell.

Day 18/19 : Joshimath - Dehradun We travel by road back down the Alaknanda valley to Dehra Dun, reaching our very comfortable hotel in Dehradun in the evening.

Day 20 : Dehradun - Mussoorie From Dehra Dun we make excursion to the pleasant hill station of Musoorie. In the evening we board the night sleeper train to Delhi, arriving the following morning.

Day 21 : Delhi - Onward Upon arrival at Delhi railway station transfer to your hotel. Day free for individual activities in the evening transfer to international airport to connect flight for onward destination.