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markha valley trek
Delhi - Tanakpur - Pithoragarh - Munsiyari - Lilam - Bugudiyar - Rilkot - Bilju - Kathgodam - Delhi
Duration: 15 days
Best season to visit: May to September
The Himalayan region of Kumaon is a storehouse of natural beauty beyond belief, protected from the onslaught of the outside world, the Himalayan ecology remains well conserved here, making the region a great retreat for the lovers of nature. The trek to the Milam Glacier is amongst the best of treks in this region, taking you through some of the remotest areas with breathtaking panorama. The Milam Glacier, approximately 700 kms. from Delhi lies in Johar Valley of Pithoragarh district, the eastern most part of Uttarakhand. The Valley is locally known as Milam Valley. Milam Village is the last village of the valley which is also one of the highest villages in Himalayan range. Till the year 1962 the People of Johar Valley used to do trading with Tibet through the passes of Unta Dhura and Kungribhingri la. This trek all the way across the Goriganga river takes you to the snout in Milam Glacier through the dense and beautiful forests of Rhododendrons, Oak, Pine, Cedar and Bhojpatra. Splendid Waterfalls and beautiful Alpine Meadows makes you spellbound. On the way you pass through the eastern part of Nanda devi Sanctuary and have fantabulous views of Nanda devi east (7430 mtrs.), Nanda devi(7820 mtrs.), Hardeol(7161 metres) and Trishuli(7070 mtrs.). One can have gigantic view of Nanda devi east and Nanda devi peaks from Bilju.
Day 1: Drive Delhi to Tanakpur
Take a long drive via Ghaziabad, Hapur, Gajraula,Moradabad, Rampur and Rudrapur to the small township of Tanakpur which lies in Sarda Valley on the bank of river Sarda, on the other side is Nepal. This place is famous for its old Purnagiri temple which is visited throughout the year by the devotees from all parts of India and Nepal. Particularly during Chaitra Navratri in the month of March - April. From here the river Kali descends into the plains and is known as Sharda. From the highest point (the temple) of Purnagiri hill the pilgrim can have a grand view of the expanse of Kali, its islands, the township of Tanakpur and a few Nepali villages.
Overnight: stay at a simple neat and clean hotel.
Day 2: Pithoragarh
Pithoragarh Start for a hill journey of 6 hours to Pithoragarh via Champawat through the dense and beautiful forests of Rhododendron, Oak, Pine and Cedar. Pithoragarh is also known as miniature Kashmir for the splendid view of the vast & beautiful valley and stunning & picturesque views of Nanda Devi, Panchachuli peaks and some peaks of Nepal Himalaya like Api & Nampa. Pithoragarh is famous for its Temples, Ashrams, Carpet weaving, folk lore and dances like Phag, Chabeli, Aathoon and Chaliya dance. Ever year in the month of September-October a big cultural festival is organized known as Chaliya Mahotsava which shows the culture of Kumaun, Chaliya dance and Hiljatra are the main attractions. Pithoragarh gives way to many treks in Kumaun like Milam Glacier trek, Nanda devi east base camp trek,Panchachuli Glacier trek, Nabidang Parwat trek, Adi kailash trek etc. The famous Hindu pilgrimage tour to Kailash-Mansarover passes through the district.
Overnight: stay at a simple neat and clean hotel.
Day 3: Birthi fall to Munsiyari
Birthi Fall Start early to enjoy your lunch in front of the gigantic Birthi waterfall,125 metres from the ground. The onward drive takes you through the beautiful jungles of Pine, Cedar and Rhododendrons, breathtaking view of the giant look of Panchachuli ranges from Kala Muni Temple the topmost point of munsiyari (2700 metres). Munsiyari has very large and varied vegetation, with many herbs exclusively available here. In winter, the alpine slopes of Khaliatop and Betulidhar in the higher reaches offer some splendid skiing opportunities. Enjoy the golden colours of Panchuli peaks and rhythmic sound of Goriganga River with a cup of coffee/Tea in the evening.
Overnight: stay at the hotel.
Day 4: Lilam
After the breakfast drive 5 km till selapani where the trek starts. You have to descend about 1800 metres, then walk along the Gori ganga River with Paton and Bhuj villages on the left banks and again ascend for about 1 hr to reach Lilam. Lilam is a small gathering of huts with a small camping place. It is the winter home of the Milam Villagers. Most of the residents have become permanent though a few houses continue the tradition of migration to Milam during the summer months. These villages have potatoes and rajma as their main crops and are famous for them.
Overnight in tents
Day 5: Bugudiyar
Walk through thick forest of Utees trees and on the way cross various small tributaries and the Ralam rivulet which meets in the water of the Gori Ganga. After a steep uphill climb and some ups and downs reach Bogudiyar where the Poting River meets the Gori Ganga. The route goes very close to the river and in fact at some stage it almost becomes a bridge parallel and clinging to the rock face. On this route you do get to see some scenic alpine meadows and shepherd pasture and some nameless snow capped peaks mainly leading towards the Ralam village. Get your passports checked and legal formalities done by the ITBP personnel.
Overnight: in tents at a neat and clean place in Bugudiyar.
Day 6: Rilkot
Just after Bodgudiyar you have to cross the river which merges into the river Gori. The route steadly climbs along the river which is very noisy at this stage. An hour after you reach the upper Bugudiyar meadow crossing the Gori ganga to reach the left side of the river and again at the other end of this meadow a bridge have to be crossed to get back to the right side of the river. This is a beautiful place which is guarded by huge cliffs on both side and looks very impressive. From now on, the route starts to go up and down and flat at times, some time you get to eat some wild strawberries if you are lucky enough to find them and after about an hour walk you get to a place where you have to walk on the thick ice for about a minute. On the way there is a bifurcation which heads to Laspa village and crossing the Laspa pass one reaches the east Shalang glacier or northern glacier of Nandakot. The route then goes along the river going up and down to reach Rilkot. Rilkot is covered by nameless snow capped peaks on all the sides. In the evening one can visit the old ruins of the village.
Overnight: in Rilkot on the river beach.
Day 7: Trek Rilkot via Martoli to Bilju
Nanda devi Start walking towards Martoli, after half an hour walk there is a bifurcation -one route going up and other route going down. The route going up heads to Martoli village and the main trail is the route to Burfu, a village just before Bilju. At the end of the steep climb you come across the ruins of Rilkot which is a bunch of broken down stone houses. At this stage you get a view of the Sumdu village which is on the other side of Goriganga, from here the path from Sumdu village goes up towards the Ralam Glacier (4700 mtrs). Martoli(3340 mtrs.) is a huge village which used to be the major center of the Indo-Tibetan trade route before 1962. There used to be 500 families in this village, but now you can hardly find five inhabited houses. The carvings on the doors and windows of the houses in the village are very beautiful. At Martoli we get the first views of Nanda Devi ranges and the peaks behind the Milam glacier. One could get a good view of the Martoli peak (4550 mtrs) which is a small and beautiful hill towering the village. From one end of the village the trail descends sharply towards the meeting of the Goriganga and the Lwan gaad river which flows from the Nanda devi east and Nanda Khat. It is about 250m on a easy scree slope which zig-zag till it reaches Lwan gaad river. There is a bifurcation now on both sides of the Burphu bridge, there is a route going to the Pacchu Glacier and another to Burfu village. Another bifurcation just after crossing the bridge leads one to Milam village and one climbing towards the Burphu village. Carrying on towards the Milam route, after half an hour of walking you get the first views of the peak Trishuli (7065 mtrs) and gigantic view of Nandadevi and Nandadevi east.
Overnight: in the camps at Bilju.
Day 8: Rest day in Bilju
relax yourself in the camps and enjoy the fantastic view ofNanda devi east and Nanda devi towards the west just above the villages Pacchu and Ghangar on the other side of the Gori ganga river or climb up to the Bugyals with theShepherds and listen some interesting stories from the villagers in the evening.
Day 9: Trek Martoli to Milam Village
Follow the calmer water of Gori ganga towards the Milam village. On the east there is a long snow ridge which is parallel to the route to Milam village. Just before reaching the Milam ITBP post you have to cross a bridge across a small river which flows from peaks near the Unta dhura pass (5300 mtrs) and Kungribhingri la (5600mtrs) pass at the Indo-Tibetian border from where the people of Johar valley used to trade with the Tibetans. Milam Village is located near the glacier and is one of the highest villages in the Himalayan range at an outstanding height of about 3430 metres above sea level. The people of Milam claim themselves to be Rajputs. Get your passports checked at the check post and take a round of the beautiful village.
Overnight: in the tents.
Day 10: Trek Milam Village to Snout
Milam Glacier is just 4 kms away from the Village, this is a short and easy trek and is full of scenic beauty and spectacular vision of high Himalaya and snow capped peaks. On the start of the glacier there is a board saying we are at an altitude of 3500 mtrs., after this the trail almost disappears with only stone markers kept at small distances. The route goes through the glacial moraines which is full of rocks and you might have to cross a small streams occasionally. In front of you seen the seven thousand meter peaks Hardeol(7161 metres) and Trishuli(7070 mtrs.). Reach the snout of the glacier and take some good pictures with your fellow members. The best bit is to the left, where most water roars from underneath the ice; you can get very close but beware of shifting and falling stones, it can get really dangerous here, especially when the sun starts heating things up. One could have a bath in the icy cold water of Gori ganga coming out from the snout. Spend the day there and return to the Village in the evening.
Overnight: in the tents.
Day 11: Trek Milam Village to Rilkot
Trek back from Milam Village to Rilkot enjoying the beauty of the peaks Nanda devi, Martoli, and others with ups and down along the soft roars of the river Gori, reach Rilkot and enjoy the evening there.
Overnight: in the tents.
Day 12: Trek Rilkot to Lilam
Walk slowly from Rilkot to Lilam enjoying the beautiful views of grasslands, streams and waterfall. It’s a long day but quite an easy one as you just have to descend but mind your foot and be very careful in stepping down the rocky terrain.
Relax yourself inside the tents at night.
Day 13: Trek Lilam to Munsiyari
Trek to Munsiyari from Lilam is small and quite easy so start late as you can sleep for long hours. Reach Munsiyari in the evening and have a great dinner after the successful trek.
Overnight: stay in the hotel in a cozy bed.
Day 14: Rest in Munsiyari
Enjoy the beautiful view of Panchachuli peaks or take a walk to Kalamuni temple or simply take rest to prepare yourself for the next day long drive in the hills.
Overnight: stay in the hotel.
Day 15: Drive Munsiyari to Kathgodam Via Berinag – 340 kms.- 10 hrs.
A long day drive for 10 hours, enjoy the beauty of the mountains and rivers flowing along and take lunch on the way.
Take your dinner at a neat and clean restaurant in Kathgodam
Train Kathgodam to Delhi whole night
Overnight: in the train.
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