Day 1: Kathgodam to Khati

• Highest Altitude: 2,210 meters
• Duration: 290 km, 10-11 hours (Drive)

Your adventure begins with an early morning drive from Kathgodam, a gateway to the Kumaon Himalayas, to Khati. The 290 km drive takes you through the picturesque towns of Almora, Bageshwar, Kapkot, and Karmi. The journey offers a visual treat as you traverse winding roads flanked by lush green valleys, terraced fields, and traditional Kumaoni villages. The drive is long but rewarding, with numerous opportunities to stop and capture the scenic beauty. Khati, the last major inhabited village on this route, serves as your first overnight halt. Enjoy the hospitality of the local villagers and rest up for the trek ahead.

Day 2: Khati to Dwali

• Highest Altitude: 2,620 meters
• Duration: 12 km, 7-8 hours (Trek)

The trek officially begins today as you set out from Khati towards Dwali. After an early breakfast, you’ll start your hike through dense forests, rich with flora and fauna. The trail is moderately challenging, offering a mix of ascents and descents, with the sound of the gushing Pindar River accompanying you along the way. Midway through the trek, you’ll encounter a stunning waterfall, a perfect spot to rest and rejuvenate. As you approach Dwali, the landscape opens up, revealing the majestic peaks that surround this small settlement. You’ll spend the night in Dwali, preparing for the tougher climbs ahead.

Day 3: Dwali to Base Camp

• Highest Altitude: 3,610 meters
• Duration: 12 km, 7-8 hours (Trek)

Today’s trek takes you from Dwali to the Base Camp, the staging ground for the higher altitudes. After breakfast, you’ll begin your ascent through alpine meadows, locally known as Bugyals. The trail follows the Pindar River, which you’ll cross via a wooden bridge. As you gain altitude, the vegetation changes, and you’ll be greeted with panoramic views of snow-capped peaks. The trek is moderate but requires a steady pace as you acclimate to the higher altitude. Upon reaching Base Camp, you’ll set up your tents and spend the night under the stars, with the towering peaks providing a dramatic backdrop.

Day 4: Base Camp to Advanced Base Camp (ABC) Load Ferry

• Highest Altitude: 4,435 meters
• Duration: 7 km, 8 hours (Trek)

Acclimatization is key to a successful trek, and today is dedicated to this process. After breakfast, you’ll participate in a load ferry to Advanced Base Camp (ABC). The trail to ABC is steep and challenging, with a significant increase in altitude. The path involves crossing Budhiya Nala, a glacial stream that requires careful navigation. The goal is to carry essential gear and supplies to ABC, preparing it for the following days. After depositing the load, you’ll return to Base Camp for the night, helping your body adjust to the altitude while keeping you physically active.

Day 5: Base Camp to Advanced Base Camp

• Highest Altitude: 4,435 meters
• Duration: 7 km, 7-8 hours (Trek)

Today, you’ll leave Base Camp behind and make the full ascent to Advanced Base Camp. The trek involves crossing Budhiya Nala again and navigating a series of rocky outcrops. The climb is steady, with sections requiring careful footwork, especially as you approach ABC. The reward is worth the effort as ABC offers stunning views of the surrounding peaks and glaciers. This camp will be your base for the next few days as you prepare for the final push towards Traill’s Pass. After setting up camp, you’ll have the evening to relax, acclimatize further, and mentally prepare for the challenges ahead.

Day 6: ABC to Camp 1 Load Ferry

• Highest Altitude: 5,334 meters
• Duration: 6 km, 7-8 hours (Trek)

Today, the team splits duties, with some members heading to Camp 1 for a load ferry and others staying back at ABC to rest and acclimatize. The route to Camp 1 involves a steep ascent, including a challenging 200-meter rock wall that requires fixed ropes for safety. This section of the trek is both physically and mentally demanding, but it offers incredible views of the surrounding glaciers and peaks. After reaching Camp 1 and depositing the load, the team returns to ABC. This day is crucial for preparing Camp 1 for the upcoming ascent while allowing everyone to adjust to the thinner air at higher altitudes.

Day 7: ABC to Camp 1

• Highest Altitude: 5,334 meters
• Duration: 6 km, 7-8 hours (Trek)

After breakfast, you’ll break camp at ABC and make the trek to Camp 1. The trail is familiar but remains challenging, especially as you approach the rock wall. This section of the trek offers some of the most dramatic scenery, with towering peaks and vast glaciers all around. The climb requires careful navigation and the use of fixed ropes in certain sections. Upon reaching Camp 1, you’ll set up your tents on the glacier and prepare for the final stages of the trek. The night will be spent at this high altitude, so it’s important to stay hydrated and rest as much as possible.

Day 8: Camp 1 to Camp 2

• Highest Altitude: 5,300 meters
• Duration: 5 km, 7 hours (Trek)

The trek from Camp 1 to Camp 2 is relatively short but requires an early start due to the presence of crevasses and snowfields. As you ascend, the landscape becomes increasingly rugged, with the trail passing through snow-covered terrain. The route involves navigating several snow bridges and carefully avoiding crevasses, making this section of the trek particularly challenging. The day’s trek culminates at Camp 2, located on a relatively flat section of the glacier. Here, you’ll set up camp and prepare for the crossing of Traill’s Pass, the most demanding part of the trek.

Day 9: Camp 2 to Traill’s Pass to Moren Camp

• Highest Altitude: 5,312 meters (Traill’s Pass)
• Lowest Altitude: 4,500 meters (Moren Camp)
• Duration: 7 km, 9-10 hours (Trek)

Today is the highlight of the trek as you cross Traill’s Pass. The day begins early, with the team fixing a 600-meter rope to descend onto the glacier below. The descent is steep and technical, requiring concentration and teamwork. Once on the glacier, you’ll traverse the icy expanse before entering a boulder zone, which adds another layer of complexity to the trek. After navigating through the boulders, you’ll reach Moren Camp, located at a lower altitude. The day is long and exhausting but immensely rewarding, with the crossing of Traill’s Pass being a testament to your endurance and skill.

Day 10: Moren Camp to Rata Dantal

• Highest Altitude: 3,700 meters
• Duration: 9 km, 5-6 hours (Trek)

The descent begins in earnest today as you leave the high altitudes behind and head towards Rata Dantal. The trail takes you through the Nanda Devi East Base Camp and Nasanpatti, following the course of the Lawan Gad River. The descent is relatively gentle, allowing you to take in the stunning scenery at a more leisurely pace. Rata Dantal is a beautiful campsite surrounded by alpine meadows and offering clear views of the surrounding peaks. This is a day to enjoy the beauty of the region and reflect on the incredible journey so far.

Day 11: Rata Dantal to Martoli

• Highest Altitude: 3,367 meters
• Duration: 10 km, 6-7 hours (Trek)

After breakfast, you’ll continue your descent towards Martoli, a picturesque village with some of the best views of Nanda Devi and other prominent peaks. The trail passes through Lawan village, offering a glimpse into the traditional lifestyle of the local Bhotia community. Martoli is a historic settlement with old stone houses and a rich cultural heritage. It’s a perfect place to spend the night, surrounded by the beauty of the meadows and the towering peaks. The evening can be spent exploring the village and interacting with the locals, adding a cultural dimension to your trekking experience.

Day 12: Martoli to Bogdiyar

• Highest Altitude: 2,450 meters
• Duration: 15 km, 9-10 hours (Trek)

Today’s trek is long but scenic, as you make your way from Martoli to Bogdiyar. The trail gradually descends, following the course