WHY TRAVEL WITH US
explore The Himalayas
In the Realm of the Goddess
Trekking to Milam in the Shadow of Nanda Devi
Best Time: May–June, MID September–October
Duration: 14 Days Trek Grade: Moderate to Demanding
This deeply enriching 14-day journey weaves together sacred geography, remote mountain culture, and the physical and spiritual adventure of Himalayan trekking. At its heart lies Nanda Devi, the goddess-guardian of Kumaon, and one of the most revered peaks in the Indian Himalayas. The trail to Milam Glacier, following the ancient Johar Valley trade route, takes you through high meadows, pine forests, and ghost villages shaped by the rhythms of nature and the legacy of Himalayan commerce.
Along the way, expect to encounter rare high-altitude flora like blue poppies, rhododendrons, and Brahma Kamal, and fauna such as Himalayan monals, yellow-throated martens, lammergeiers, and possibly the elusive snow leopard. The people of the valley, mostly from the Bhotia tribe, continue to live in harmony with these landscapes, their traditions steeped in quiet spirituality and deep respect for the sacred mountains.
Highlights
- Witness the Taj Mahal at dawn, a monument as timeless as the peaks you’ll walk beneath
- Journey overnight by train and foot into the Johar Valley, once a vital trade link to Tibet
- Trek to Milam, a high-altitude ghost village near the Milam Glacier
- Take in views of Nanda Devi East (7,434m), Hardeol (7,151m), Trishuli (7,074m) and Rishi Pahar
- Encounter medicinal plants, wildflowers, and birds like Himalayan griffons, monals, and rosefinches
- Stay in traditional homestays and simple mountain camps, sharing meals with local families
- Experience a spiritual connection to the land, through sacred peaks, stone shrines, and ancestral trails
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Delhi
Arrive in India’s vibrant capital and settle into your hotel. In the afternoon, explore the spiritual legacy of Old Delhi with a visit to Jama Masjid, Chandni Chowk, and Raj Ghat. Later, gather for a welcome dinner and orientation.
Altitude: 200m
Overnight: Delhi hotel
Day 2: Delhi – Agra – Delhi (Train or Drive)
Depart early for Agra. At sunrise, witness the ethereal glow of the Taj Mahal, a monument to eternal love and impermanence. Explore the Agra Fort, another expression of Mughal grandeur, before returning to Delhi by evening.
Altitude: 200m
Overnight: Delhi hotel
Day 3: Delhi – Kathgodam (Train) – Binsar (Drive)
Board the early morning Shatabdi Express to Kathgodam (280km, 5.5 hrs), and drive uphill via Almora to reach Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary. Settle into a quiet forest retreat surrounded by oak, rhododendron, and deodar forests.
Altitude: 2,400m
Overnight: Binsar retreat or homestay
Day 4: Binsar Exploration – Forest and Temples
Hike to Zero Point for stunning views of Nanda Devi, Trishul, and Panchachuli. Visit the ancient Jageshwar temple complex, a meditative ensemble of over 100 Shiva shrines nestled in a cedar grove. Learn about Panch Dhatu (Five Elements) worship still practised in the region.
Walking: 8–10 km
Altitude: 2,400m
Overnight: Binsar
Wildlife note: Look out for Himalayan black bears, barking deer, mountain hawk eagles, and kalij pheasants.
Day 5: Binsar – Munsiyari (Drive)
Drive to Munsiyari (approx. 7 hrs), a small town perched above the Gori Ganga Valley, your gateway to the sacred Johar Valley. Pause en route at Birthi Falls. In Munsiyari, you’ll see the Panchachuli peaks rise like fingers of a divine hand.
Altitude: 2,200m
Overnight: Munsiyari lodge
Day 6: Munsiyari – Lilam (Start Trek)
Begin your trek. Descend to the Gori Ganga River and follow its glacial waters upstream through mixed forests. Cross a suspension bridge and reach Lilam, the first Bhotia village.
Distance: 14 km - Trek time: 5–6 hrs
Altitude: 2,600m
Flora: Chestnut, walnut, wild rose
Overnight: Homestay or tented camp
Day 7: Lilam – Bugdiar
Walk through deep forests and gorge sections, crossing the river several times. Arrive at Bugdiar, a scenic meadow hemmed in by cliffs and waterfalls. A memorial here honours mountaineers lost in the valley.
Distance: 12 km - Trek time: 6 hrs
Altitude: 3,200m
Wildlife: Himalayan tahrs, langurs, lammergeiers
Overnight: Camp
Day 8: Bugdiar – Martoli
Climb gently through forest and meadow to reach the alpine zone. Arrive at Martoli, once a wealthy trade village, now home to just a handful of summer residents. Visit its centuries-old Nanda Devi temple, still revered by locals.
Distance: 11 km - Trek time: 5 hrs
Altitude: 3,600m
Overnight: Homestay or camp
Spiritual note: Locals believe Martoli lies in the sacred shadow of Nanda Devi’s gaze.
Day 9: Martoli – Milam
Trek up past Burfu and small shrines, along the narrowing valley. Arrive at the hauntingly beautiful Milam village, deserted after the 1962 India–China war but seasonally inhabited.
Distance: 12 km - Trek time: 5 hrs
Altitude: 3,800m
Peaks visible: Nanda Devi East (7,434m), Hardeol (7,151m), Rishi Pahar (6,992m)
Overnight: Camp above Milam
Day 10: Hike to Milam Glacier Viewpoint or Nanda Devi East Base
Optional 2–3 hour hike toward the Milam Glacier snout or Nanda Devi East Base Camp viewpoint (up to 4,000m). Time for meditation and photography in the high Himalaya. Return to Milam by afternoon.
Walking: 10–12 km
Overnight: Camp
Day 11: Milam – Martoli – Bugdiar
Retrace your steps down through alpine valleys. Long but rewarding descent with changing views and afternoon sun lighting up the peaks.
Distance: 18 km - Trek time: 6–7 hrs
Overnight: Camp at Bugdiar
Day 12: Bugdiar – Lilam – Munsiyari
Descend to Lilam, then drive (or continue on foot) to Munsiyari. Enjoy a celebratory meal and rest.
Trek: 12 km - Drive: 1 hr
Overnight: Munsiyari guesthouse
Day 13: Munsiyari – Almora – Kathgodam – Delhi
Early departure for the drive to Kathgodam (8 hrs). Board the evening Shatabdi Express back to Delhi, arriving by night. Transfer to your hotel for a final night’s rest.
Overnight: Delhi hotel
Day 14: Depart Delhi
Depending on flight time, enjoy a reflective morning walk in Lodhi Garden or visit a temple or gurdwara before your transfer to the airport. Depart with memories of a land where mountain, myth, and spirit are one.
Optional Extensions
- 3-night stay in Rishikesh for Ganga aarti and yoga
- 3-night Varanasi extension for spiritual immersion on the Ganges
- 6-nights Cultural heritage tour of Agra, Jaipur and Udaipur
