Gori Ganga Valley to Milam Glacier Trek #1

22 days in India, 10 days trekking; level: moderate

Dates: May, June, September, October, November

Highlights: Almora Hill Town Bazaar - Jageshwar Temples - Birthi Falls - Munsiyari - Gori Ganga Valley to Milam Glacier - Chaukori - Nainital

From Munsiyari (2,135m), the trail follows an impressive gorge of the Gori Ganga up and through the crest of the principal chain of the Himalaya, a part of the old trade route between Kumaon and Tibet. It's a moderate level trek with spectacular scenery. Past Martoli, the valley opens up and the landscape become progressively more arid. Nanda Devi East dominates views on one side, Panch Chuli on the other. From here the trek continues to Milam village (3,703m) and beyond to the glacier (4,242m) which is another 5km further on surrounded by the peaks of Rishi Pahar (6992m), Hardeol (7151m) and Trisuli (7074m).  

Gori Ganga Valley to Milam Glacier Trek #2 via Nanda Devi East Base Camp and Ralam

28 days in India, 16 days trekking; level: moderate

Dates: May, June, September, October

At Martoli a side valley leads to the base of Nanda Devi East, Nanda Kot and approach to the Longstaff Col, the eastern point of entry into the Nanda Devi Sanctuary. This is a side trek on the Milam Glacier trek described above. This option of the Milam trek also includes a return via Ralam and a detour up to glaciers in the watershed of Ralam and Darma valleys.