From Malari to Milam

VSK Sharma

Well remoteness adds to the difficulties, otherwise should not be much problem except the height. Are you sure you have to obtain permits from both the DMs.
VSK

__________________
http://himalayancamping.com/index.php

ashutosh69

yup....permit required from both DMs
Apparently the Topidunga-Chadmu-Lapthal-Sumna stretch is disputed by China as their territory...hence the constant patrol and the sensitiveness of the trek...

Amitava343

Ashutosh69
I do not want to discourage you but I did not have luck on this trek in the year 2006.
First of all Inner Line Permit is required for this trek. I did get permission from the SDM of Munsiyari but then the ITBP guys at Milam did not allow me go further.I had been to Milam in the year 2004, hence the trek would have begun from Milam itself.
I was disappointed so I tried to get permission from the Malory side the permission is given from the DM's office at Gopeshwar. Again full permission is not given You have to obtain permission from both the DM's at Gopeshwar for this side and from Pithoragarh for the other side not to mention Camera permits also. The only Interdistrict trek allowed is for Kalindi Khal (Pass) where two districts are involved, Uttatkasi and Chamoli. This is allowed because it has a directive from the tourisn ministry.
I wish you all success and hope you get to do the pass, till know Ido not know of any one who has done it, exceprt forthe article written in Bengali in a Bengali travel Magazie Bhraman where some Bengali boys had done it inthe year 1994 I think.
Amitava343

ashutosh69

Thanks Amit for that info. Any specific reasons why the ITBP would have contravened the DM's order? Or is it that one would have to acquire permit from ITBP also?

I read up an account by Harish Kohli of traversing the Khinger and Untadhurra pass on skis in winter. But then HC Kohli was himslef from the Army.....and it was a well supported Trans Himalaya Expedition.

Guess one would have to then mobilise contact to get the permits first. For a trek this thrilling...guess one would have to do that ground work. I hope the team gets formed of a decent size early enough. I have also heard of this trek being arranged by KMVN. That could be a better option. But then they require a minimum team size of ten. Let me see ...what they say

Amitava343

ashutosh69
The events what happned were like this,
I went to Munsiyari after writing to the guide there, he was the one who took me to Milam, Ralam and Pachu in the year 2004.

We went to the SDM's office who was very uncooperative, at the onset he told me that he does not have the authority to give such permission, such permission has to be give from Pithoragarh. However he asked me to hand in an application which I did in a form known as "Permission to visit Notified Areas" which I got from the orderly ourside his office.
The SDM asked me to go over to the ITBP camp (transfer of responsibility), I went out there. The inspector out there asked for photo identity card for the porters and the guide. They have them on their ration cards. This was given and attached with the document the inspector signed the document. This was given back to the SDM who signed also.

Regarding KMVN till now I know of no one who has availed of this facility of going to Untadhura with them. They do arrange for OM and Adi Kailash as I have seen such teams during my trip to Kailash Mansarovar in the yeasr 2005. I envy you guys had I been in India (now in Kazakhstan) I would have been in the team and would have helped physically.
If you are successful I pray to God that you will be, please inform me with details my email: amitavabhatt343@gmail.com

The ERRORS
1. Nothing about camera was mentioned in the application. (My mistake)
2. The words "PERMISSION GRANTED" was not written by the SDM.

The first may have been the cause but the ITBP guys insisted on the second point.

I had to ring up the SDM from Milam @ of Rs.27/- per minute via satelite phone but he was adamant. It was Independence Day 2006 which I celebrated with the Jawans at Milam outpost.

Some other facts which might be useful to you:
In the year 2004 I did not require permission for going to Milam that was revoked in 2006 I saw a Korean lady seeking permission to go to Martoli to see Nanda Devi. I had to show my permission at all the ITBP camps starting from Lilam.

In 2004 during my Saptakund trek from Taraktal one of the Nepali guide told me that there is a 6 foot road for this pass (Untadhura)from Malory.

I would suggest before proceeding futher from Munsiyari
1.Its better to get permission.
2.If you cameras (which I am sure you will) mention them how many, better not to take viedo camera, my cameras were inspected bythr ITBP at Milam.
3.Radio ahead from the ITBP camp at Munsiyari telling them that you would be comming. ITPB despite the fact that I was turned back by them are very co operative. The actual permissiom etc problem begins from MILAM talk to them (Milam Post)before prceeding from Munsiyari otherwise it become very costly and disappointing.

ashutosh69

Thanks Amitav again...for the specific pointers that you have provided. I guess I shall have to start with the permission. Got a connection in ITBP, dont know how handy will that be. I think I shall use my Garhwali agency for the permissions from Malari/Joshimath area. For Pithoragarh permission I shall have to contact KMVN and take their advice as to how to get that.
Basically one has to be careful about camera and specific mention of "Permission Granted" thingy.

Hope everythinggoes fine. If I can not muster the team and the permission this September, this is surely going to happen in June next year.
Are u in Kazakhstan right now? When will u be back?

Amitava343

Yes I am in Almaty which overlooks the Tein Shein Mountain range, I feel like a thirsty man beside a deep well with no means of drawing the water out. If you are succesul please let me know. I would still love to make the trip to Untadhura as and when I return to India which may be 3-5 years from now.I go on leave but not possible to go to the mountains.

AvidTrekker

Is it banned?? Can't you take a villager and explore the mountains which you can see from your city ?

You can go on leave but NO mountain climbing?

How come ???

__________________
The Universe is an ellipsoid?... or a Spheroid?? If the sphere smiles... it becomes an ellipse. This IS Creation.

Amitava343

I have been to a Ski resort which is not far from here, Language problem, Everything in Russian. Leave for short period just 10 days.
My trips and treks are for at least 3 to 4 treks in one outing. At least for 2008 no visit to the Himalays lets see from 2009 things may change. From 1991 till 2006 this will be the longest period away. How I have to hold myself back I only know.

VSK Sharma

What is the latest on this trek. How far the things have moved.

Ashish kaul

Got you on Indiamike! Thanks. I am on. When are you planning to do this? Sept this year not possible for me.

ashutosh69

Actually I got busy in a trek to Dhumdharkandi Pass..which we just finished a week back successfully. Will be back with more info in a week's time. Looks like possible.

Hey Ashish
Good to get u here!! Let's see how this turns out. If not September we shall gun for early summer. VSK is the only other guy seemingly interested. So let's see everyone's availability

gaurav_pande70

VSK sir,
have u been able to contact some one in the local administration for the permission from DM regarding ur Milam Malari trek. if u want some local phone numbers in gopeshwar and pithoragarh do let me know, from which exact official designation the premission is to be sought in DMs office. may be i can pitch in, i have been reading ur links through diwan sir
regards
gaurav

VSK Sharma

Hi,
Thanks
I shall get in touch with you.
VSK

gaurav_pande70

Link to map for trek
http://wikimapia.org/#lat=30.6281634...13&l=0&m=a&v=2

link to desciption of the terrain and the actual trek
http://books.google.com/books?id=GQr...result#PPP1,M1