The Milam glacier teahouse trek - the details

Ashutosh · Apr 9th, 2007, 07:51

Thanks Jeroen! I look forward to doing this trek soon! Your information on this trek through your posts in the past have been full of phenomenal information. Thank you very much for the same!

Instead of the 4-5 days that people usually tend to do this trek in, I am spending about 13-15 days here, mostly for photography.

My plan is to not only do the Milam trek from Munsiyari, but also attempt the Khalia trek.

Do you think it's feasible? I'm also a predominantly winter hiker rather than a summer one, so I would be interested in knowing if there are vantage points around and above Milam Glacier itself to take photographs of.

Also, are there any high-altitute lakes on this trek?

Jeroen · Apr 9th, 2007, 08:58

There was a large lake along the trail caused by a landslide but that may have drained by now - otherwise there are lakes northwest above the glacier, but you'll need a tent for that trip. Ask AvidTrekker here for more information; I haven't gone that far!

rajkumar · Apr 9th, 2007, 20:26

Hi,
The name of the lake is Surajkund. From Milam village, it's a day or two day trek sometimes on the glaciar. The route is
Milam village -Pichar Gang-Nitwal thaur- Surajkund. For photography, allot atleast 3 days for this trek ex. Milam. And on the way back from Surajkund, on the true right side of the Gori ganga river, go to Pachhu village and from there to Nandasevi(East) base camp. It's a side valley and spend a day/night at the base camp. And you should take tent and food as there are no rest houses over there. for some pics of my trek to the base camp see this:

From Malari to Milam

Ashutosh · Apr 10th, 2007, 04:17

Thanks! Do Indian nationals (with or without guides) need permits for this trek?

Almoraboy · Apr 10th, 2007, 11:01

nopes, indians do not need any permit. just go out and enjoy

ks_bluechip · Apr 19th, 2007, 19:59

Jorean, Thanks

for your detailed report on Milam trek. It will be a big help. I plan to do this trek starting around 15th May 2007. I will probably do some side treks too .... stretching it to 15-20 days. plan to go alone, with a porter-guide. But hope to meet many others on the trail. Anybody else going there around the same dates? I expect there will be some snow still in the higher regions?

I have done several other treks & travels in Himalayas in last 2-3 years. Those interestd can see my blog at:

http://kothanda.srinivasan.googlepage s.com/

- KS

Jeroen · Apr 19th, 2007, 20:34

I'm glad to see my scribblings still inspire some people to do the Pindari and Milam treks! The notes are from 2004 - do let me know if thgere are any changes and I'll update accordingly.

KS - wonderful website, thanks, and it's good to see that Indians can also learn about their own country by using Western guidebooks! Also try reading the Rough Guide India; I find that one has more detail about sights and treks than LP. The latter has more practical information on hotel prices and bus times however.

Have a great trek - by taking the time you'll enjoy it so much more. Do check on the snow status before you go; an earlier poster here was turned back because of these conditions.

ks_bluechip · Apr 20th, 2007, 09:17

Hi Joroen, Thanks for your very quick reply, I think I will buy the Rough Guide India too. Some others too recommended that. Glad you liked my website ... I was writing it more as diary-record.... but now after reading your posts, I am motivated to make it more with helpful info/tips for future trekkers. Reagrds,
KS

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jeroen

I'm glad to see my scribblings still inspire some people to do the Pindari and Milam treks! The notes are from 2004 - do let me know if thgere are any changes and I'll update accordingly.

KS - wonderful website, thanks, and it's good to see that Indians can also learn about their own country by using Western guidebooks! Also try reading the Rough Guide India; I find that one has more detail about sights and treks than LP. The latter has more practical information on hotel prices and bus times however.

Have a great trek - by taking the time you'll enjoy it so much more. Do check on the snow status before you go; an earlier poster here was turned back because of these conditions.

rajkumar · Apr 20th, 2007, 16:34

Dear ks_bluechip,
Great pictures and matter of fact write up. Well done sir. And let me congratulate you for fulfilling your dream of travelling and taking photographs. And let me tell you there are number of places in the world waiting for you to explore and enjoy.
Thanks for sharing your experiences. Keep it up. I look for more updates from you. Keep travelling.
regards
rajkumar
Niti, Mana and Darma Valley - photos and info

Bhaswaran · Apr 20th, 2007, 16:59

An excellent post.........probably one of the best trekking info posts.......

ks_bluechip · Apr 20th, 2007, 17:10

Hi Rajkumar,

Thanks for visiting and appreciating my travel blog. I was maintaining it just as a travel diary; but now motivated to expand it to include practical tips for future trekkers. I will checkout your web-link too

.... KS

Ashutosh · Apr 22nd, 2007, 08:02

ks_bluechip, very nice writeups and photos. Great work and I hope to see more as time progresses!

I agree with you on the desire to see all of India on foot. I hope to do the same myself ... and have barely made my humble beginning.

Regards,

ks_bluechip · Apr 22nd, 2007, 09:10

Ashutosh,
Thanks .... glad you like my writeups & photos. I see you live in Monteal ... I did travel a bit in canada last year; ottawa, montreal, 1000islands rockies, banff, jasper, vancouver. Butchart Gardens in Victoria was Awsome! If you like you can see those pics at www.flickr.com my-IDis same there too: ks_bluechip

Ashutosh · Apr 27th, 2007, 09:37

Hi everybody,

Here's my tentative itinerary, so please suggest any changes if you think this is out of whack! I am taking a guide, but will be sticking to the teahouses/lodges, so no carrying of food and tent, but I will be carrying spare food and water.

4th May: Arrive in Mumbai 9pm, overnight stay in hotel
5th May: Fly to Delhi in the afternoon, catch 22:40PM 5013 Ranikhet Express for Kathgodam
6th May: Arrive in Kathgodam at 5:45AM. Catch bus/jeep for Munsiyari, make arrangements (guide) for trek, stay overnight in Munsiyari.

7th May: Begin trek from Munsiyari, to Lilam (Darkot to Lilam, 13km)
8th May: Lilam to Rilkot (9km to Bogdiar, 11km to Rilkot)
9th May: Rilkot to Martoli (7km)
10th May: Martoli to Milam (9km)
11th May: Milam to lakes if possible (???)
12th May: Milam to Martoli
13th May: Martoli to Rilkot
14th May: Rilkot to Lilam/Bugdiyar
15th May: back to Munsiyari
16th May: spare day
17th May: spare day
18th May: return from Munsiyari to Kathgodam in time for the 20:40PM 5014 Ranikhet Express to Delhi
19th May: arrive in Delhi at 05:10AM, and fly to Mumbai in afternoon.

How does it sound? I have the flights from Mumbai to Delhi and back booked, so I have to stay within this itinerary. I have the spare days in hand to take care of emergencies on the way, or just spend extra days photographing a particular place I like.

I would like to have specific inputs on whether the trek can be done on these many days, and if it is actually possible to get from Delhi to Munsiyari and back within the specified timeframe.

Thanks in advance,
Ashutosh

ks_bluechip · Apr 27th, 2007, 09:48

Hi Ashutosh,
I can't comment on feasibilty of your schedule....somebody already done this trek must reply. I will be doing this same trek, in leisurely fashion, with a porter-guide name Debu, starting from Munsiyari on 15th May morning. I will be in KMVN TRH at Munisyari on 14th night.... so maybe will see you on the trail on your return journey .... KS

Apr 9th, 2007, 08:58	#47
Jeroen A government of India undertaking Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Prague, Czech Republic Posts: 296	There was a large lake along the trail caused by a landslide but that may have drained by now - otherwise there are lakes northwest above the glacier, but you'll need a tent for that trip. Ask AvidTrekker here for more information; I haven't gone that far! __________________ 'To see the world in a grain of sand; and heaven in a wild flower; to hold infinity in the palm of your hand; and eternity in an hour'

Apr 9th, 2007, 20:26	#48
rajkumar Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: India Posts: 245	The lake above Milam glaciar Hi, The name of the lake is Surajkund. From Milam village, it's a day or two day trek sometimes on the glaciar. The route is Milam village -Pichar Gang-Nitwal thaur- Surajkund. For photography, allot atleast 3 days for this trek ex. Milam. And on the way back from Surajkund, on the true right side of the Gori ganga river, go to Pachhu village and from there to Nandasevi(East) base camp. It's a side valley and spend a day/night at the base camp. And you should take tent and food as there are no rest houses over there. for some pics of my trek to the base camp see this: From Malari to Milam

Apr 10th, 2007, 11:01	#50
Almoraboy Trekker Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: London.....Himalayas in between Posts: 919	nopes, indians do not need any permit. just go out and enjoy __________________ Trek blog over here

Apr 19th, 2007, 19:59	#51
ks_bluechip Maha Guru Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Mumbai, India Posts: 1,036	Milam Trek - starting 15th May 07 Jorean, Thanks for your detailed report on Milam trek. It will be a big help. I plan to do this trek starting around 15th May 2007. I will probably do some side treks too .... stretching it to 15-20 days. plan to go alone, with a porter-guide. But hope to meet many others on the trail. Anybody else going there around the same dates? I expect there will be some snow still in the higher regions? I have done several other treks & travels in Himalayas in last 2-3 years. Those interestd can see my blog at: http://kothanda.srinivasan.googlepage s.com/ - KS

Apr 20th, 2007, 16:34	#54
rajkumar Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: India Posts: 245	fantastic job... Dear ks_bluechip, Great pictures and matter of fact write up. Well done sir. And let me congratulate you for fulfilling your dream of travelling and taking photographs. And let me tell you there are number of places in the world waiting for you to explore and enjoy. Thanks for sharing your experiences. Keep it up. I look for more updates from you. Keep travelling. regards rajkumar Niti, Mana and Darma Valley - photos and info Last edited by rajkumar : Apr 20th, 2007 at 17:40.

Apr 9th, 2007, 07:51	#46
Ashutosh Member Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Montreal, Canada Posts: 22	Thanks Jeroen! I look forward to doing this trek soon! Your information on this trek through your posts in the past have been full of phenomenal information. Thank you very much for the same! Instead of the 4-5 days that people usually tend to do this trek in, I am spending about 13-15 days here, mostly for photography. My plan is to not only do the Milam trek from Munsiyari, but also attempt the Khalia trek. Do you think it's feasible? I'm also a predominantly winter hiker rather than a summer one, so I would be interested in knowing if there are vantage points around and above Milam Glacier itself to take photographs of. Also, are there any high-altitute lakes on this trek?

Apr 10th, 2007, 04:17	#49
Ashutosh Member Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Montreal, Canada Posts: 22	Thanks! Do Indian nationals (with or without guides) need permits for this trek?

Apr 19th, 2007, 20:34	#52
Jeroen A government of India undertaking Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Prague, Czech Republic Posts: 296	I'm glad to see my scribblings still inspire some people to do the Pindari and Milam treks! The notes are from 2004 - do let me know if thgere are any changes and I'll update accordingly. KS - wonderful website, thanks, and it's good to see that Indians can also learn about their own country by using Western guidebooks! Also try reading the Rough Guide India; I find that one has more detail about sights and treks than LP. The latter has more practical information on hotel prices and bus times however. Have a great trek - by taking the time you'll enjoy it so much more. Do check on the snow status before you go; an earlier poster here was turned back because of these conditions.

Apr 20th, 2007, 16:59	#55
Bhaswaran Landscape Photographer Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Kolkata. INDIA bhaswaran@redifmail.com Posts: 964	An excellent post.........probably one of the best trekking info posts.......

Apr 20th, 2007, 17:10	#56
ks_bluechip Maha Guru Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Mumbai, India Posts: 1,036	Hi Rajkumar, Thanks for visiting and appreciating my travel blog. I was maintaining it just as a travel diary; but now motivated to expand it to include practical tips for future trekkers. I will checkout your web-link too .... KS

Apr 22nd, 2007, 08:02	#57
Ashutosh Member Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Montreal, Canada Posts: 22	ks_bluechip, very nice writeups and photos. Great work and I hope to see more as time progresses! I agree with you on the desire to see all of India on foot. I hope to do the same myself ... and have barely made my humble beginning. Regards, __________________ -Ashutosh http://rajekar.ca

Apr 22nd, 2007, 09:10	#58
ks_bluechip Maha Guru Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Mumbai, India Posts: 1,036	Ashutosh, Thanks .... glad you like my writeups & photos. I see you live in Monteal ... I did travel a bit in canada last year; ottawa, montreal, 1000islands rockies, banff, jasper, vancouver. Butchart Gardens in Victoria was Awsome! If you like you can see those pics at www.flickr.com my-IDis same there too: ks_bluechip __________________ ks_bluechip [My Travel Blog] [My Flickr Photo Sets]

Apr 27th, 2007, 09:37	#59
Ashutosh Member Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Montreal, Canada Posts: 22	Hi everybody, Here's my tentative itinerary, so please suggest any changes if you think this is out of whack! I am taking a guide, but will be sticking to the teahouses/lodges, so no carrying of food and tent, but I will be carrying spare food and water. 4th May: Arrive in Mumbai 9pm, overnight stay in hotel 5th May: Fly to Delhi in the afternoon, catch 22:40PM 5013 Ranikhet Express for Kathgodam 6th May: Arrive in Kathgodam at 5:45AM. Catch bus/jeep for Munsiyari, make arrangements (guide) for trek, stay overnight in Munsiyari. 7th May: Begin trek from Munsiyari, to Lilam (Darkot to Lilam, 13km) 8th May: Lilam to Rilkot (9km to Bogdiar, 11km to Rilkot) 9th May: Rilkot to Martoli (7km) 10th May: Martoli to Milam (9km) 11th May: Milam to lakes if possible (???) 12th May: Milam to Martoli 13th May: Martoli to Rilkot 14th May: Rilkot to Lilam/Bugdiyar 15th May: back to Munsiyari 16th May: spare day 17th May: spare day 18th May: return from Munsiyari to Kathgodam in time for the 20:40PM 5014 Ranikhet Express to Delhi 19th May: arrive in Delhi at 05:10AM, and fly to Mumbai in afternoon. How does it sound? I have the flights from Mumbai to Delhi and back booked, so I have to stay within this itinerary. I have the spare days in hand to take care of emergencies on the way, or just spend extra days photographing a particular place I like. I would like to have specific inputs on whether the trek can be done on these many days, and if it is actually possible to get from Delhi to Munsiyari and back within the specified timeframe. Thanks in advance, Ashutosh

Apr 27th, 2007, 09:48	#60
ks_bluechip Maha Guru Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Mumbai, India Posts: 1,036	Hi Ashutosh, I can't comment on feasibilty of your schedule....somebody already done this trek must reply. I will be doing this same trek, in leisurely fashion, with a porter-guide name Debu, starting from Munsiyari on 15th May morning. I will be in KMVN TRH at Munisyari on 14th night.... so maybe will see you on the trail on your return journey .... KS

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