Thoughts on trekking to Nanda Devi (East) Base Camp?

wanderingstars

We are thinking of doing this trek in late May/early June and are wondering if this is possible this early. (Due to snow?) What other adive could you give if you have done this trek? Thanks!

Trishul

Hi. This is the best time for that bhat i want to know which trek you like From Munsyari Or from Joshimath but you know mind one thing you dont reach base camp from the side of Joshimath,if you want in the botom of Nanda devi then From Munsyari is the best way

karakal

I presume you mean Nanda Devi East. I think Trisul has already made the point - you can't get to the base camp from Garhwal/Joshimath. The furthest you're allowed to go down the Rishi Ganga gorge is the Dharansi pass (and maybe till dibrugetha - not sure).
I trekked to the nanda devi east basecamp in May of 2007. I reached Martoli around the 20th of May. I wouldn't recommend going so soon, even end May, just because there still is a lot of ice once you start climbing the Lwanl Gad. The bridge at Lwanl was broken, but we managed (somehow!) to cross it. However, at Naspanpatti, which is 3/4 the way to the base camp, it became impossible because of the ice. So I would recommend June, at the earliest. Also, here are some great alternatives to the base camp in case you can't make it there because of snow/ice conditions:
- The Shalang Gad: This is the gorge running south-west of martoli. you walk on the same route to the nande devi east base camp, but instead of descending to the river and crossing it at Lwanl to continue straight, you turn left and walk down this other gorge heading south. the height gain and landscape is very similar to the base camp and you have a choice of camping at 4000m and 4400 (talla shalang). This is very close to the mountains that form the south-eastern ring of the sanctuary - nanda kot, nandbhanar, nandakhani. I believe there is a pass further on this route called dan dhura which gives access to phurkia on the pindari side. after having to turn back on the route to the base camp, i explored the shalang gad and camped at talla shalang, which really was an incredible experience.
- and then, there's the obvious choice of trekking to the paachu glacier which gives wonderful views of nanda devi.
-on the way from rilkot to martoli, you will notice a village on the opposite side of the bank. this is tola, and the route from there to ralam is supposed to be great. you go over the brijganga dhura, which might, given snow conditions, require equipment (so i hear from my guide).
the land and its people are beautiful. if you are planning on carrying your own stuff, bear in mind that you get food all along the main path to milam. this is important because then you need to pack for only the days to and from the base camp. I learned the hard way by carrying food for 12 days. typically, it will take you two days from martoli to get to the camp and one to get back. you might want to spend a day there.
and you will need permission from the DM and the ITBP at Munsyari.
anyway, its well worth it. enjoy.

wanderingstars

Thanks for the advice! We are looking at a trek that begins in Munsiary and ends in Milam. Hopefully there won't be too much snow and ice and we can make it that far.

VSK Sharma

Hi,
Well all the details have been provided especially about the food. However, this year the snow conditions may be quite different from 2007 and that needs to be taken in account. The manager of KMVN at Munsiari should be able to give the right picture of the same.
VSK

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ranjan154

Thanks for this informative link....this will help future travelers
to prepare accordingly.

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Rakesh Ranjan
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