The Shadow of Nanda Devi Trek

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 1930s, 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 6,000m. 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 mystique of the area led to an excess of expeditions and ecological damage and the Sanctuary was closed in the 1980s. Investigations are currently under way 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.

Trek cuisine

You usually arrive at the next camp site by 4pm. Camp will already be set up by the time you get there, and tea/coffee and biscuits will be ready to welcome you. Supper will be ready just before dark, and will be served in the dining tent. The standard of cooking on trek is both varied and excellent, with the style of cooking being a compromise between local and western food. Menus vary from day to day, 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.

Recommended travel guide books: The India Lonely Planet Guide and the Rough Guide to India.

Trek notes:
Average walking time 6 hours.
17-day trip, London to London. 10 days trekking with full porterage.
Maximum altitude 3,658m. Average 2,700m. 3 nights hotels, 2 nights rest house, 10 nights camping.

Trek Grade: B/C

Full service treks

You only carry a day pack for items you need during the day, such as your camera, water bottle and sun cream. The main baggage is carried by pack horses or porters.

For further information on our treks in India (including details of our trek grading system, group leaders and our porter protection policy) please request a copy of our comprehensive 'India Travel Guide'.

Responsible tourism

We have carefully selected our ground agents for their reliability, quality of service and their likeminded philosophy of supporting the mountain communities and people that make for a special holiday experience.

Private tailor-made treks Many clients choose to have tailor-made treks. This applies to individuals, groups of friends, honeymooners and schools who would prefer to fix their own dates and plan their own itinerary. Private treks cost approximately the same, and often less, than our equivalent brochure departures. Many clients prefer not to have a European leader and are happy to trek with the assistance of our well qualified English speaking Sherpas.

Please note: We have arranged a special departure for this trek on the following dates: 04.04.08 until 20.04.08 For more information please click on this link: 'All about the Journey'

With over 25 years in the trekking business we have listed a selection of stunning treks for the outdoor enthusiasts.

For further information please telephone 01225 868544 or email info@essential-india.co.uk

Scheduled Departure Information

Duration: 17 Days
Dates: Friday 11.04.08 until Sunday 27.04.08 , Friday 09.05.08 until Sunday 25.05.08 Friday 17.10.08 until Sunday 02.11.08 , Mid range: (Deposit £300 per person) Final payment is due 8 weeks prior to your departure.
Cost: £1385 Airline: British Airways (Land only £895)
Car Supplement Cost: N/A
Domestic Flight Cost: N/A

Back to Tours