IN THE SHADOW OF NANDA DEVI

Dates and prices

Saturday 14th April until Sunday 29th April 2007

Friday 4th May until Saturday 19th May 2007

. Friday 19th October until Saturday 3rd November 2007

Min group size 2 - maximum 12

16 days London to London

Price per person £835 single supp £110

A classic trek that retraces the pioneering steps of Shipton and Tilman through the Garwhal Himalaya.

The Nanda Devi basin must surely be one of the most legendary regions in the entire Himalayan chain. The mountain itself, revered since time immemorial by all those who live in its shadow, has long attracted the attention of the pioneering mountaineers and explorers, mystics and spiritualists, writers and everyday travellers who have visited the area. Everest may well be the highest peak in the world but the beautiful peak of Nanda Devi must surely be the most fascinating.

The area first came to the attention of the Western world as a result of the 19th century explorations by Traill, Graham and Longstaff but shot to fame in the 1930's when Shipton and Tilman forced a route into the Inner Sanctuary. Nanda Devi is the highest mountain situated completely within India and is surrounded by a ridge wall of nearly 6000m. The only break in this wall is the Rishi Ganga, a wild and seemingly impenetrable gorge. This amazing feat of endurance and determination was capped when Tilman later returned to conquer the peak itself. Sadly, the mystic of the area led to an excess of expeditions and ecological damage and the Sanctuary was closed in the 1980's. Investigations are currently underway to assess the recovery.

Understandably, the country that surrounds the Sanctuary now has its own attractions for walkers and pilgrims alike. The immediate landscape has been beautifully tamed by centuries of low-key habitation and cultivation but the constant backdrop of the mighty Himalayan peaks makes for a magnificence unrivalled elsewhere in the region.

Route Profile

This classic trek takes us across the picturesque meadows and valleys that border the western edge of the Nanda Devi Sanctuary. Sometimes known as the Curzon Trail after the British Viceroy that enjoyed this area, the route we follow was used by Shipton and Tilman on their amazing journey to the Nanda Devi basin. During the trek there are many views of the surrounding peaks and the Kuari Pass (3658m) itself has an unrivalled panorama of the Great Himalayan peaks including Nanda Devi (7816m), Changabang (6864m), Dunagiri (7066m) and Kamet (7756m). The trails are generally good, being in regular use by local villagers and traders. The trek is not technically difficult but the ascents and descents can be long and feel relentless, especially in hot weather. You should, therefore, have some experience of long distance walking. Surprisingly, this area is not over-trekked and indeed it is uncommon to meet other groups on this route. In keeping with this lack of outside influence, the villagers are still inherently traditional in habit and revere the landscape and nature that surrounds them, a timely reminder to us all. A classic trek, and a must for the keen Himalayan walker.

Itinerary:

Day 1: Depart London for New Delhi.

Day 2: Arrive New Delhi and you will be met and transferred by taxi to your hotel. We then take the 06:35hrs morning train to Haridwar, one of the most holy Hindu towns on the banks of the Ganges. Arrive Haridwar 11:22hrs and continue by private transport to the small hamlet of Devprayag, perched above the confluence of the Bhagirathi and Alaknanda rivers. A visit to the sadhus on the riverbank for a good weather blessing is a must! Overnight Guesthouse. (Approximately 4 hours drive time)

Day 3: We follow the gently winding road into the heart of the Garwhal foothills, past Rudraprayag with its memorial stone to Jim Corbett and the infamous man eating leopard and onwards towards the Pindar valley. We camp above the road-head near Mundoli. Camp. (Approximately 6 hrs drive time).

Day 4: An excellent start to our journey as we trek through rhododendron forest, hand-tilled fields and small, friendly villages. We camp near an old Forest Rest House with impressively large deodar trees. Camp.

Day 5: Today involves a long climb to the magnificent grazing meadow of Bedni. Here we are rewarded with startling views of Trisul (7120m) and Nanda Ghunti (6390m). A tougher day of steep ascent and descent. Camp.

Day 6: Classic walking today as we head north through rolling meadows bordered with ancient rhododendron trees that give the most wonderful display of colour in spring. The trails are good and the scenery magnificent. We camp near a river beside the village of Kanol. Camp.

Day 7: A tough morning as we make the long descent to the Nandakini River. A welcome paddle in the clear water to sooth our feet whilst the porters set up camp. A long half day. Camp.

Day 8: We start the day by trekking up and out of the Nandakini valley, a tough but rewarding climb along good trails. Birds of prey such as Lammergeyer, Golden Eagle and Himalayan Griffon are common in this area. The day's efforts are well worth it as we camp in peaceful and wonderfully flat meadow for the night. Camp.

Day 9: A day traversing one of the main valleys that radiate out from the Inner Sanctuary of Nanda Devi. A steep descent takes us to our interesting campsite above the gorge of the Bharagithi. Camp.

Day 10: We cross the river on a splendid suspension bridge. Shipton and Tilman were not so fortunate and had to improvise a crossing out of fallen tree trunks and rope....From the river we climb steeply to a level trail that takes us to our next campground, in sight of the Kuari Pass. Camp.

Day 11: An easier day as we make camp at Dhakwani near the base of the Kauri Pass in preparation for an early start tomorrow. Camp.

Day 12: We make a pre-dawn start for the pass to gain the best views. Climbing in the footsteps of Shipton and Tilman, we follow the zig-zag path to the top of the pass (3658m). The route is not difficult and the views that unfold at the top are unrivalled anywhere in the Himalaya. A stunning panorama of snow covered 6000 and 7000m peaks stretches as far as the eye can see. After savouring this moment we descend to a sheltered grazing meadow to watch the peaks fade into the twilight. Camp.

Day 13: The final day of our classic trek. We descend further towards the Alaknanda valley and the small settlement of Tapovan where we rejoin our transport for the short ride to Josimath, an important halting point for Shipton and Tilman during their explorations. Overnight Guest House .

Day 14: A long day of driving as we follow the river to the Alaknanda valley southwest on to Devprayag. Overnight Guesthouse.

Day 15: We continue our journey to Delhi via Haridwar where we take the train on to Delhi (if tickets are unavailable due to pilgrims, we will continue by road). We arrive in Delhi in time for last minute souvenir hunting and an enjoyable meal in one of the many excellent restaurants. Stay in the Siddarth Hotel.

Day 16: Early morning flight to London.

Trek Notes:

A "moderate" to "moderately tough" trek at low altitude.
Average walking time 6 hours.
16 day trip, London to London. 10 days trekking with full porterage.
Maximum altitude 3658m. Average 2700m.
2 nights hotels, 3 nights simple rest house, 10 nights camping.

ACCOMMODATION: DELHI: We use the 4 star Siddarth Hotel. Facilities include restaurant, bar, swimming pool and it is fully air-conditioned. Elsewhere we use simple guest house accommodation

NOT INCLUDED: Air travel*. Alcohol, bottled water or soft drinks. Entry fees to monuments of historical importance. The Taj Mahal is closed to the public on Fridays.

TRANSPORT: Transport is by private car/coach with an English speaking driver.

SPENDING MONEY: You should allow about £4 a day for incidentals and tips, perhaps a little more if you enjoy a few beers as these are comparatively expensive in India.

INSURANCE: It is a condition of joining any of our tours that you hold adequate insurance cover. This must include medical and personal accident insurance.

TRAIN TRAVEL. Train travel is by air-conditioned carriage. Bedding is normally provided free of charge on the train (sheets, pillows and blankets)

TRAVEL ADVICE: Golden Hill Travel is constantly in touch with the UK foreign Office and their advice is followed instantly and to the letter. Our base for many of our workshops is in the State of Himachal Pradesh in Northern India. Our ground operators have friends and family still living there and are kept well informed of any local political developments. Himachal Pradesh has continued to remain unaffected by events in Kashmir. Golden Hill Travel will travel whenever possible, provided it's safe, enjoyable and in our clients best interests.

RECOMMENDED READING: The Lonely Planet India Travel Guide and Rough Guides Travel To India.

Timings given are approximate

IMPORTANT NOTE: Whilst every effort is made to keep to the above itinerary, clients will hopefully appreciate that this is adventure travel. Weather conditions, road conditions and vehicle breakdowns can contribute to the need for changes. Your driver/guide will do everything in his power to see that you are inconvenienced as little as possible in such events.

EQUIPMENT PROVIDED. We provide 'A' frame or dome tents which have room for two people plus all of your equipment. There is also a dining tent, a toilet tent exclusively for our group use, and a kitchen and staff tent. There are camp chairs or stools, a kerosene/gas lamp or candles for reading in the dining tent at night, stainless steel crockery and tableware and *foam sleeping mats. (*subject to availability) We strongly recommend you bring your own karrimat or therma-a-rest as well. The staff complement of cooks and assistants are always in attendance. They put up and take down the tents, make the tea, cook the food, wash the dishes, load the porters and carry a load of their own. They work extremely hard and are always willing to help. If you want to join in putting up tents and taking them down, you are free to do so, but it is not expected.

A TYPICAL DAY ON TREK

Soon after dawn you are served tea or coffee while still in your sleeping bag. A few minutes later a washing bowl of hot water is placed outside your tent. You can wash inside or outside the tent. Once dressed you can pack your kit-bag/duffel bag and day-pack in preparation for the day's hike, and place these outside the tent. The camp staff will take down the tents. While this is happening, breakfast is served. In the Himalaya breakfast usually consists of cereals and/or porridge with milk, eggs, usually served with chapatis, (unleavened bread that is cooked on a hot iron plate) or pancakes with honey or jam. There is always plenty of tea and coffee. The camp will be being struck while you are eating, and you will need to be packed and out of your tents before breakfast.

You can take a leisurely breakfast breakfast will the staff prepare loads for the porters or pack animals. If you have not filled up your water bottle the night before ask the cook to fill your bottle with boiled water. You may also collect a packed lunch, although usually you may have a cooked meal at the lunch stop. Departure from camp could be from any time between dawn and 9.00am, depending on the days itinerary, but generally you will start walking at around 8.00am.

Depending on the length of the day's walk, you will walk for three or four hours before stopping for lunch. The lunch stop will last for about an hour.

You usually arrive at the next camp site by 4:00pm. Camp may already set up by the time you get there, and tea/juice and biscuits will be ready to welcome you. Supper will be ready soon after dark, and will be served in the dining tent or in some instances, around the camp fire. Camp fires will only be made if dead wood is available. The standard of cooking on trek is usually surprisingly good, with the style of cooking being a compromise between local and western food. Menus vary, but typically we start with soup. The main course is often a rice based meal with meat stew or mild curry, plus separate vegetable and salad dishes. A sweet dish is provided after the meal. Our meal is finished with tea, coffee or hot chocolate. Sometimes a bottle of local spirit is provided by the camp staff, but we advise clients to buy plastic half bottles from duty free. However, you should only drink alcohol when you feel acclimatised. After dinner, the usual practise is for your water bottle to be filled with hot water and used as a hot water bottle for your sleeping bag and for drinking water the next day.

We would like you to enjoy the serenity of the unhurried atmosphere that exists in these wilderness regions. Our day to day camp routine on your trekking adventure is geared to allow you to make the most of your holiday.