A trekker’s paradise, the hills of Garhwal and Kumaon, famous as the Valley of Gods, offer unique opportunities for adventure sports, walking and trekking. The treks take you through villages and high into the mountains where the ultimate goal are the glaciers.

The most accessible and popular glacier in the Kumaon region is the Pindari Glacier (3,820m) located in Patti Malla Danpur of Almora District – south of Nanda Devi. Here you will be surrounded by some of the Himalaya’s mightiest and most sacred snow-capped peaks, including the revered Nanda Devi itself.

East of Nanda Devi, the Milan Glacier trek includes magnificent views of Nanda Devi (7,817m) and initially follows the course of the Gori Ganga past  villages and mixed forests of chestnut and bamboo.

Joshimath (Auli)  to Lohajung  via the Kuari Pass - also known as The Curzon Trail. A strenuous 12 day trek offering marvellous views of peaks on the Indo-Tibetan border, including Nanda Devi. The trail runs through lush forests , past waterfalls, across 5 major rivers, and over passes up to 3,500m high (the Kumari Pass, an unsurpassed vantage point).

Due to relaxation of ‘off limits’ restrictions in this area –a trek to the Panchachuli Glacier is now available. The route to the glacier abounds in exotic scenery and  a rich variety of flora and fauna. From the glacier one can see the panchachuli peaks in their towering glory.

Valley of Flowers and Hemkund           

 the enchanting Valley of Flowers is a spectacular sight with an impressive array of wildflowers against the snow clad-peaks including Nilgiri Parbat (6,474m). The Valley is nearly 10km long and 2km wide. Due to large number of trekkers, only day walks (from Ghangria)  into the Valley are permitted. From Ghangria you can also follow the trek to the sacred lake at Hemkund

OPTIMUM TIME

February-March at lower altitudes for spectacular rhododendrons. April-May at higher altitudes. October-November for post-monsoon clear skies, equable temperatures and heavy vegetation.  For Valley of Flowers ideal time is mid July to mid September.

OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES
Apart from White Water Rafting at Rishikesh, spring to autumn, the winter offers skiing at Auli near Joshimath, the venue for the All India Open Championships. There are good views of Nanda Devi and experienced skiers have 10-20km of virgin slopes amidst deodar forests, ideal for cross-country and downhill racing.