Brief Description
Mt. Nanda Ghunti (6309 M) otherwise known as the "Veil of Goddess Nanda Devi" is a peak in the Garhwal Himalayas lying in the Nanda Devi National Park. You will get a glimpse of this mighty peak from the famous Roopkund trail along with the mighty trident shaped Trishul massif. Mt. Nanda Ghunti has attracted serious mountaineering enthusiasts looking for a challenge. In spite of not being technically difficult, the mountain is infamous for its unpredictable weather conditions and crevasses en route to the summit. The summit gives you unimaginably gorgeous views of Mt. Trishul, Chaukhamba massif, Kamet, Nanda Devi, Dronagiri and many more. Starting from the famous Roopkund trail, the trail deviates to Homkund which is the base camp of the trek. Mt. Nanda Ghunti expedition is meant only for experienced trekkers and aspiring mountaineers with high fitness level and prior knowledge of roping up procedures and the use of jumars and crampons. The best season to undertake this expedition is June and September to early-October. The approach to the summit is from the eastern ridge crisscrossing glaciers and moraines. Stay on this page for more information on Mt. Nanda Ghunti expedition.
Itinerary
Itinerary
Show complete Itinerary
Dehradun to Sutol - 250 km Drive
The entire expedition team will meet us today morning by 6:30-7:00am and we drive to Sutol Village which is around 250km Dehradun. We will reach Sutol by evening. Overnight in a homestay. will meet and assemble in Dehradun where there will be an introduction and briefing session along. All the equipment needed in the expedition will be checked and finalized. We will rest for the night in hotel/guesthouse.
Rest day in Sutol
Today we will rest in Sutol where there will be an introduction and briefing session. We will also prepare for the expedition in terms of equipment and permits. Overnight in homestay.
Sutol (7875 FT) to Lata Khopri (9679 FT) - 8 km trek.
Today we start our trek to Lata Khopri leaving behind Sutol. The trek to Lata Khopri will take about 5-6 hours with a series of ascents and descents just like any other forest trek. We will reach Lata Khopri and pitch tents here for the night. Have dinner and retire for the night.
Lata Khopri to Homkund/Base Camp (13,450 FT) - 8 km trek
Today we will move forward from Lata Khopri to Homkund which will be our base camp. The glacial lake of Homkund is well known because of its popularity owing to the Nanda Devi Raj Yatra that happens once in 12 years. The first half of the trail is through a forest followed by the trail opening up to alpine meadows. With an initial gradual trek there is a steep incline during the last 2km of the trail before reaching the base camp. We will pitch tents here and retire for the night.
Acclimatization Day at Base Camp
Today we will rest at the base camp and let our bodies acclimatize properly and prepare for the upcoming days.
Base Camp to Advanced Base Camp (15,092 FT) and back to Base Camp
Today we load ferry from base camp to ABC and return to Base camp where we retire for the night.
Base camp to ABC (15,092 FT)
Today we will shift to the ABC and spend the night here allowing our body to acclimatize. Overnight in tents.
ABC to Camp 1 (18,373 FT) and back to ABC
Today we load ferry from ABC to camp 1 and return back to ABC where we retire for the night.
ABC to Camp 1 (18,373 FT)
Today we move ahead to Camp 1 and rest for the night. Let your body acclimatize to the high altitudes. Overnight in tents.
Camp 1 to Summit Camp (19,357 FT) and back to Camp 1
Today we load ferry from Camp 1 to summit camp and return to camp 1 to rest for the night.
Camp 1 to Summit Camp (19,357 FT)
We will move ahead and establish Summit Camp. We will also fix ropes wherever needed and prepare for the next day's summit push. Overnight in tents.
Summit Camp to Summit (20,699 FT) and back to Camp 1
Today we will push for the summit between 2-3 am. The gradient of slope at some sections is about 65 degrees with crevasses en route. This is where the fixed ropes are imperative. Upon reaching the summit you will be able to witness the magnificence of the surrounding peaks like Trishul, Bertoli, Chaukhamba, Kamet, Nanda Devi and plenty more. Definitely awe-inspiring and worth every sweat. Cherish the moment and descend down to camp 1 where we camp for the night.
Camp 1 to Base Camp/Homkund
We will retrace our steps and make our way down to the base camp where we will rest for the night. Overnight in tents.
Base Camp to Sutol
We will retrace our steps and end our magnificent expedition at the village of Sutol. Overnight in home stay.
Sutol to Dehradun - 250 km drive.
We will leave early and drive to Dehradun where we bid you goodbye.
Reserve Day
Reserve a day for summit climb if the weather does not allow you to summit the day before.
Frequently Asked Questions
Pick your question
Best Season: What are the best months to visit this trek?
June and September to mid-October are the best months to undertake the Mt. Nanda Ghunti expedition.
Packing List: What to pack
Click here for packing list.
Connectivity: How to Reach the base of the trek & how to go back from the end point?
Mt. Nanda Ghunti expedition begins from Lohajung which is about 200 km from Kathgodam/Haldwani. There are no direct buses from Kathgodam/Haldwani to Lohajung. But you can take a shared jeep which will cost you around INR 900. It takes around 12 hours to get to Lohajung from Haldwani/Kathgodam.
Kathgodam is well connected to Delhi through rail and road transport. Here is how you can reach:
By Road
Uttarakhand Roadways provides all kinds of bus services between Delhi ISBT to Haldwani. The distance between Delhi to Kathgodam is 294 km which takes about 7 hours to cover. You can book your bus tickets online through https://utconline.uk.gov.in/ or any other bus services available. You can also hire a private taxi or an outstation cab from Delhi. These taxis come at exorbitant prices.
By Rail
Kathgodam is the last railhead before Lohajung. Board Ranikhet Express from Delhi which reaches Kathgodam early in the morning. Or you can take Delhi Sampark Kranti which reaches Kathgodam in the night in case you want to stay the night.
By Air
Pantnagar Airport is the closest to Lohajung at a distance of 256 km. There is one Air India flight running every day between Delhi and Pantnagar. It is suggested to make your bookings well in advance due to a low frequency of flights. In case you are flying to Pantnagar, take a taxi from the airport to Kathgodam and then take one of those shared jeeps to reach Lohajung.
Connectivity: What is the cellular network connectivity for this trek?
Intermittent network till Sutol village.
Nearby attraction: What are the nearby attractions that I can explore?
There are a number of places to visit in Dehradun and Mussoorie. Sahastradhara, a ‘thousand fold water spring’ is a famous tourist spot in Dehradun. The waters of the spring are believed to have medicinal properties. Robber’s Cave or Guchhi Pani is a famous picnic spot for fun-loving enthusiasts. Visit the holy Tapkeshwar temple on the bank of Asan River which is believed have one of the oldest Shivling. Enjoy the splash at much-touted Kempty Falls in Mussoorie. The highest place in Mussoorie, Lal Tibba is where you can enjoy the panoramic views of the snow-capped mountains. Admire the Kumaon and Garhwal Art & Culture at SOHAM Heritage and Art Centre.
Eligibility: Is this trek good for me?
In accordance with the rules and regulation set forth by the Indian Mountaineering Foundation (IMF) for mountaineering expeditions, out of 12 seats per batch:
- 6 seats are reserved for aspirants with a certificate in Advanced Mountaineering Course (AMC)
- 4 seats are reserved for aspirants with a certificate in Basic Mountaineering Course (BMC)
- The remaining 2 seats are reserved for aspirants with previous trekking experience of expeditions above 5500 - 6000 meters
Foreign Nationals - Due to a specific set of guidelines for Foreign Nationals it is recommended to call our support team to gain information on the list of documents and procedure involved in booking a mountaineering expedition with us.
Mt. Nanda Ghunti is made only for experienced trekkers who want to test their limits. The challenges faced in the trek should not be underestimated. You should attempt this trek only If you have already done treks that climb to 4700-5500 metres. It is recommended not to opt this trek if you cannot get acclimatized in high altitudes. Besides you need to have a strong physical endurance to complete this trek. For details on trek difficulty level, please read on Bikat Rating Scale
Eligibility: Experience required
A basic mountaineering course is recommended though not mandatory in case of highly experienced & skilled trekkers. At least 2-3 challenging treks along with 20 – 25 total trekking days in the Himalayas. Medical fitness certificate from CMO of a recognized hospital.
Eligibility: Fitness benchmark
Jog/Run for 5 Kms in 25-30 mins Or Walk continuously for 10 kms (with 3-4 small breaks) on plain terrain (slight incline is better) and
Hold your breath for 40 seconds and
3 sets of Climbing 30 – 40 steps in one stretch and
Push Ups – 10 and
Lunges & Squats – 15 X 2 sets
If you are not meeting these benchmarks, please use the preparation schedule to improve your fitness till you achieve the above benchmarks.
Eligibility: Requisite skills
How to use an Ice Axe
How to use Climbing boots & Crampons
How to rope up & follow queued climbing/descending
How to self-arrest using an ice axe
Knowledge of Basic First aid
About the activity: Why should I go for this trek?
Mt. Nanda Ghunti Expedition
Mt. Nanda Ghunti at 6309 M is meant for avid mountaineers and experienced trekkers only. The summit approach is not technical however it demands high fitness level and endurance. Following the famous Roopkund trail, the summit gives you majestic views of peaks like Trishul, Kamet, Chaukhamba, Dronagiri, etc. This expedition is ideal for those looking to push their limits and prepare for 7000M+ peaks.Age limit: What is the minimum & maximum age limit?
The minimum age limit is 13 years. However, minors aged between 13 to 17 should be accompanied with their parents or guardians. If you are above the age of 60, kindly carry a medical certificate from your doctor that deem you fit for adventure activities like trekking.
Accommodation: What will be the accommodation type in this trek?
When you arrive in Lohajung, your stay will be made at local guest house.The rooms will be provided on twin or triple sharing basis. You will receive the details of your accommodation through email few days prior the trek. On trekking days you will be accommodated in tents on a twin sharing basis.
Equipment and facilities: What kind of tents and sleeping bags will be provided to us?
We provide 4 seasons tents by Gipfel for higher altitudes which can easily withstand heavy snowfall and storms. They are spacious enough to accommodate 3 people at once with a vestibule to place the backpacks. Our sleeping bags are made up of Heatseeker Pro synthetic insulation that can provide you comfort in -10 degrees Celsius. We also use additional fleece liners to have thermal efficiency even in the extreme temperatures of -17 degrees Celsius. If you carry your own sleeping bag, you will get a cashback reward provided that you inform us as soon as you have booked your trek.
Equipment and facilities: Are there any washroom/toilet facilities on the trek?
Toilet tents will be provided to you on the trek. These are portable toilets tents where a deep pit will be dug. A shovel will be provided inside the tent to cover the waste after you have made your business. You can take a toilet roll inside. Make sure you dig used toilet paper along with the waste. Though water is recommended in place of toilet paper. Please refrain from using wet wipes as they are non-biodegradable. There will be no facility for bathing on the trek. Go through our blog section for tips on how to maintain personal hygiene on treks.
Equipment and facilities: If we trek in snow, what equipment will you provide?
Since this is a technical climb at extremely high altitudes on snow and ice, all required technical equipment such as Ropes, Helmet, Ice Axe, Crampons, Mountaineering Boots, Jumar, Descender, Harness will be provided. You can refer to the inclusions section for more details.
Equipment and facilities: What kind of food will be provided for the trek?
Vegetarian food will be served throughout the trek. The only non-vegetarian item served on our treks are eggs. Our kitchen staff follows a proper menu for breakfast, lunch, and dinner which has been designed in order to fulfill the nutritional requirements of the participants. There will be milk, poha, eggs, muesli/corn flakes, bread, and butter served for breakfast. Rice or simple roti sabzi will be packed for lunch. In dinner, you will have dal, egg curry or any other vegetarian dish along with rice, roti, and a dessert item. Packed lunch will be provided to you on the days you are trekking. You are requested to carry your own tiffin box and a mug to consume food. The meals consumed on the journey and arrival day are not included in our cost.
Equipment and facilities: What equipment can I rent from you?
You can rent the following items from us- Trekking Pole, Trekking Shoes, Fleece Jacket, Rucksack.
Weather conditions: What will the temperatures be like during this trek?
You can expect temperatures to drop to as low as -10°C to -20°C at higher camps on the climb. The more altitude we gain the colder it gets. However, the weather is always unpredictable so be prepared with all the essential layers required to keep yourself warm and dry.
Weather conditions: When will there be snow on this trek?
Since this is a technical climb at 6300 M, you can expect snow and ice on the expedition.
Miscellaneous : Is there an option to offload my backpack?
If you want to offload your rucksack, you will have to make a request for offloading a few days prior to the trek through an email so that arrangement can be made in advance. You will be charged per day for offloading your rucksack. In case you decide to offload on the spot, you may have to pay a higher price than usual. However, offloading your rucksack is not recommended since it is not a safe practice.
Miscellaneous : Who will lead us on the trek?
A team of participants will be led by an IMF certified mountaineering guide. All participants are requested to abide by what their leader says. There will also be a team of kitchen staff and porters on the trek. We maintain a 1:8 ratio of trek leader and participants. All our trek leaders and staff have certified training in first-aid and rescue operation.
Miscellaneous : Is the trekking pole necessary?
Yes, the trekking pole is necessary. If you don’t want to buy one, you can rent it from us on minimal daily basis charges. You can request the renting link from us.
Miscellaneous : Are there any local stores/shops from where I can shop trekking necessities?
Yes, there are stores/shops in Gangotri from where you can buy necessary stuff. Though it is recommended that you come prepared with all the stuff. Please do not leave anything for last minute buying.
Miscellaneous : Is it safe for solo woman traveller to trek in Fixed departures?
Yes, it is absolutely safe for a solo woman to travel in fix departures. Women on the trek will be sharing a tent with each other. In case you are the only woman on the trek, you will be given a separate tent.
Miscellaneous : Will you give certificates on completion of trek?
Yes, e-certificates will be given at the end of each trek provided that you completed it. It will bear your name, the trek, and the maximum altitude you achieved on the trek.
Transport: In case we opt for the transport with you, where will you pick us from and where will you drop?
The pick up point will be at ISBT, Dehradun by 7am. The dropping points remain the same.
Transport: What time will you drop us at the end point on last day of the trek?
Expect to reach Haldwani/Kathgodam late in the evening, post 17:00 - 18:00 Hrs. Make sure your bus bookings from these points to your respective destinations are late in the night, post 21:00 Hrs.
Packing List: How should I pack my rucksack?
Packing List: How should I select my trekking shoe?
Mandatory documents: What are the mandatory documents required for the expedition?
ID Proof (Soft Copy to be sent to us in Advance & original to be carried), Medical Certificate (Soft Copy to be sent to us & original to be carried) and Photocopy of ID Proof and passport size photos are the mandatory documents required for the trek.
Why Bikat
Why Bikat
Learning Experience
- We are an Adventure Learning Organisation first.
- We want you to not just complete a trek safely but also pick up some basic trekking knowledge and skills along the way.
- To achieve this we have integrated learning modules into our itineraries.
- These modules will help you build the necessary skills to progress from trekking to mountaineering over time.
Loyality Programs
Our community is an integral part of us and we take pride in our trekkers and climbers. When you complete at least three days on any trek or expedition with us, you become eligible for our membership and referral programs.
- Currently we have three levels:
- Basic Membership
- Summiteer Membership
- Leader Membership
Personalized Attention
- Our group sizes on treks don’t exceed 15 members in order to maintain a healthy Participants : Leader Ratio of 8:1.
- Over time we have found this number to be optimum when it comes to ensuring personalised attention to every member of our group.
- On mountaineering expeditions this number is even smaller. Our group sizes are capped at 12 members ensuring a Participants : HAP Ratio of 2:1.
Best Expedition Leaders
- Our Expedition leaders are advanced mountaineering course qualified, specially trained in rescue procedures from NIM and certified first-aid responders.
- Even our local guides are certified first-aid responders.
Eco-friendly Practices
- Group sizes are capped at 15 people.
- Batch sizes are capped at 250 people per trail per season.
- We follow a rolling campsite model.
- We are constantly exploring and introducing new trails to reduce the burden on existing ones.
Safety
For us, a successful summit is not about reaching the highest point of a mountain but about making it safely back to base.
- To ensure this:
- Every region of ours is mapped with an emergency evacuation plan.
- The equipment we use is UIAA certified.
- Our trek leaders are AMC certified with specialisation in rescue procedures.
- Our support staffs are trained in first aid as well.
Reviews
What's Included
Whats Included
- Food as per menu on the trek
- Forest Permits/Camping Charges (upto the amount charged for Indian nationals)
- 4 season Dome Tents, Thermal rated Sleeping bags, Sleeping mats
- Safety Equipment includes static rescue rope, seat harness, carabiners, pulleys
- Expedition guide, cook, helpers, HAP and LAP for carrying common supplies
- Course certified & experienced Expedition Leader with Wilderness Emergency Responder & Rescue. course from NIM Uttarkashi
- Technical Equipment - PP Ropes, Helmet, Ice Axe, Crampons, Mountaineering Boots, Snow Stake, Dead Man/Boy
- Peak Booking Fee Charges (upto the amount charged for Indian nationals)
Whats Not Included?
- Portage of personal bags during the expedition
- Meals during road journeys from Dehradun to Sutol
- Meals during hotel stay in Lohajung
- Cost of any kind of Travel Insurance.
- IMF Peak Booking Fee for foreign nationals US$ 250 for a team of two members and US$ 110 for every additional participants
- Forest Permit / Camping Fee for foreign nationals (USD 880-1000 upto group of 10)
- Mandatory Liaison Officer Fee for foreign expeditions ( ~USD 500 for group of 10)
Cancellation Policy
Cash Refund
Cancellations up to 30 days prior to departure date
5% Deduction
Between 30 days to 15 days prior to departure
50%
deduction
Less than 15 days of departure
No Cash Refund
Voucher Refund
Cancellations up to 5 days prior to departure date
No Deduction
Cancellations less than 5 days prior to departure
No Refund
Please note
- Cash refund is applicable only in case of bookings made without using any promotional offer code or vouchers.
- This is only a brief of cancellation terms. For finer details please refer Detailed Cancellation Policy.
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