Superb alpine trekking around Nanda Devi in the Indian Himalaya - Nanda Devi Alpine Trek, India

Superb alpine trekking around Nanda Devi in the Indian Himalaya | Garry Weare

Trekkers in the Nanda Devi region of the Indian Himalaya - Nanda Devi Alpine Trek, India

Trekkers in the Nanda Devi region of the Indian Himalaya | Garry Weare

Nanda Devi Alpine Trek - Nanda Devi Alpine Trek, India

Nanda Devi Alpine Trek | Garry Weare

Nanda Devi Alpine Trek

Trek to Kuari Pass (3,640 m / 11,942 ft) for expansive Himalayan views extending across the Zanskar Range and towards Nanda Devi (7,816 m / 25,643 ft).

India

15 Days from

$4390 USD

Trip Code: NAT

View dates to Book

Essential Information

Extra trip options & supplements

*Prices listed are per person

Your own room - every night (limited availability)

$800 USD

Duration

15 Days

Activities

8 day trek

Accommodation

6 nights hotel
8 nights wilderness camping

Meals

13 Dinners
11 Lunches
14 Breakfasts

Difficulty Grading: Introductory to Moderate
The Nanda Devi Alpine Trek is graded introductory to moderate and is suitable for travellers with a reasonable level of fitness. The trek follows well-defined village and mountain trails, with Kuari Pass at 3,640 metres the highest point reached. Walking days are generally up to six hours, including stops for snacks, water and rest. While the trails are not technically difficult, mountain weather can change quickly and rain can make sections wet, muddy and slippery, particularly on steep ascents and descents. Your experienced guides will assist where conditions are more challenging. Expect uneven terrain and sustained climbs and descents, sometimes involving 500 metres or more of elevation change. Level walking is relatively uncommon. We recommend beginning training four to five months before departure, with at least one hour of aerobic exercise three to four times per week. Regular bushwalking or hiking with sustained ascents and descents is the best preparation. Speed is not important; stamina, confidence on uneven terrain and maintaining a steady pace over consecutive days are key.
4 / 10
Introductory to Moderate

Trip highlights

Embark on an unforgettable 8-day trek through the breathtaking landscapes of the Indian Himalaya.
Take in spectacular views towards Nanda Devi and a skyline of 6,000m and 7,000m Himalayan peaks
Walk through rhododendron and oak forests, alpine meadows and traditional mountain settlements
Experience the sacred Ganges and atmospheric evening Ganga Aarti in Rishikesh
Explore historic Mussoorie and visit Sir George Everest’s former home and observatory.
Enjoy a fully supported camping trek, with an expert bilingual guide and mules carrying personal and group baggage.

Overview

Embark on an unforgettable 15-day journey through the Indian Himalaya, combining eight days of spectacular trekking with sacred sites, wilderness camping and fascinating mountain heritage. Begin in Delhi before travelling to Rishikesh, where you’ll experience the atmospheric Ganga Aarti on the banks of the sacred Ganges.

Journey deeper into the Himalaya and trek through rhododendron and oak forests, alpine meadows and traditional mountain settlements, camping beneath magnificent snow-capped peaks. Ascend to Kuari Pass (3,650m) for sweeping views across the Himalaya towards the Zanskar Range and towering 6,000m and 7,000m peaks, with spectacular views towards Nanda Devi (7,816m).

After completing the trek at Auli, continue to the historic hill station of Mussoorie, where you’ll visit Sir George Everest’s former home and observatory and enjoy views towards the distant Himalaya.

Combining breathtaking mountain scenery, rewarding trekking and memorable cultural experiences, this journey reveals a captivating side of the Indian Himalaya.

Itinerary

Expand all | Collapse all

On arrival at Delhi International Airport, you will be met by a representative of World Expeditions and transferred to the group hotel. The remainder of the day is at leisure to rest after your journey or enjoy some personal exploration of this fascinating city. In the evening, we meet our guide and fellow group members for a trip briefing, providing an opportunity to discuss the journey ahead and answer any questions. Note: If you are arriving in Delhi on a late-night flight, you may prefer to arrive the day before the trip commences. Please speak with your World Expeditions reservations consultant or travel agent for pre-tour accommodation options. Accommodation: Group Hotel, Delhi

Meals: Nil

This morning, we leave Delhi behind and travel north by road towards the foothills of the Himalaya. The drive to Rishikesh takes approximately 4 to 5 hours, passing through the plains of northern India before reaching the sacred Ganges River. On arrival in Rishikesh, we check into our hotel close to the banks of the Ganges. Later in the afternoon, we attend the atmospheric Ganga Aarti, when Hindu pilgrims gather along the river to offer prayers, light lamps and pay their respects to India’s most sacred river. Accommodation: Vasundhra Palace or similar, Rishikesh

Meals: B,L,D

At dawn, we return to the banks of the Ganges, where pilgrims gather to bathe in the sacred waters. Our journey coincides with the Char Dham pilgrimage season, when thousands of devotees travel into the Himalaya to visit four of Hinduism’s most sacred pilgrimage sites. Leaving Rishikesh, we follow the early stages of this historic pilgrimage route, winding deeper into the Himalayan foothills through increasingly dramatic mountain scenery. Our journey continues to Rudraprayag, spectacularly situated at the sacred confluence of the Alaknanda and Mandakini rivers. For those familiar with the stories of Jim Corbett, Rudraprayag also holds a fascinating place in the history of the renowned hunter who later became one of India’s pioneering conservationists. On arrival, we settle into our comfortable hotel overlooking the Alaknanda River. Accommodation: Monal Resorts, Rudraprayag

Meals: B,L,D

From Rudraprayag, we travel for approximately two hours to Ghat before leaving the main highway and continuing deeper into the mountains towards Goni (2,345 m / 7,694 ft). On arrival, we settle into our wilderness camp before heading out for a gentle afternoon walk through the surrounding countryside and nearby village. Subject to local arrangements, there may also be an opportunity to visit the local school. As we gain altitude, we enjoy our first views of the high Himalayan peaks, offering an exciting glimpse of the spectacular mountain landscapes that await us in the days ahead. Accommodation: Wilderness Camping, Goni

Meals: B,L,D

We make an early start today, beginning with a sustained climb from the Brithi Ganga before the morning sun reaches the valley. The first couple of hours are demanding, with some steep sections as we follow the trekking trail and avoid much of the recent road development towards Pana. Once the initial climb is behind us, we continue along the established trail towards Pana village (2,450 m / 8,038 ft), enjoying increasingly impressive views across the surrounding mountain landscape. From Pana, we tackle the final ascent of approximately 400 m / 1,312 ft to reach our grassy campsite at Shimkhadak (2,850 m / 9,350 ft). From camp, there are wonderful views across Pana and the scattered settlements of the Brithi Ganga valley below. Accommodation: Wilderness Camping, Shimkhadak

Meals: B,L,D

Today we descend gradually through beautiful mixed forest and a series of open meadows, with views towards the snow-capped peaks at the head of the Birthi Ganga Valley. The forest is particularly impressive, with rhododendrons adding bursts of colour when in bloom as we make our way towards Jhangi Pani (2,000 m / 6,562 ft). On arrival at camp, the remainder of the day is at leisure. There is time to explore the surrounding area, wander along nearby forest trails or simply relax and enjoy the peaceful Himalayan setting. Accommodation: Wilderness Camping, Jhangi Pani

Meals: B,L,D

Today is one of the longer days of our trek. We begin with a descent of approximately one hour to the Birthi Ganga River, crossing via a well-constructed bridge before beginning our sustained climb towards Pana village (2,450 m / 8,038 ft). We follow a quiet dirt road with minimal traffic, climbing steadily for around 3–4 hours through the mountain landscape, with a break for lunch along the way. On reaching Pana, we begin our final ascent, climbing approximately 400 m / 1,312 ft above the village to our beautifully positioned wilderness camp on a grassy plateau at around 2,850 m / 9,350 ft. From camp, we enjoy fine views over Pana and the scattered settlements of the Birthi Ganga Valley, a rewarding end to a full day on the trail. Accommodation: Wilderness Camping, Pana

Meals: B,L,D

Today is a rewarding stage as we trek through mixed forest to the open meadows of Sutoli, where we gain impressive views towards Kuari Pass and the surrounding high Himalayan peaks. From the meadows, we descend gradually through beautiful rhododendron and oak forest to an impressive waterfall at around 2,515 m / 8,251 ft. After a well-earned break, we begin a sustained ascent towards a forested ridge, with some steep sections during the first hour. From the ridge, the trail follows the contours of the hillside through increasingly impressive mountain scenery before reaching our wilderness camp at Dakwani (3,200 m / 10,499 ft). Our camp is ideally positioned for tomorrow’s crossing of Kuari Pass, one of the highlights of the trek. Accommodation: Wilderness Camping, Dakwani

Meals: B,L,D

From camp, we ascend through forest towards the base of Kuari Pass. While the final climb initially appears daunting, a series of well-graded switchbacks provides a steady route upwards, and in less than two hours we reach the crest of the pass. The reward is one of the finest mountain panoramas in the Indian Himalaya. Across the horizon rise the great peaks of the Zanskar and Garhwal Himalaya, including Mana Peak, Kamet and Abi Gamin, alongside an extraordinary succession of 6,000 and 7,000-metre summits. We take time at the pass to enjoy the sweeping views and appreciate the scale of the surrounding mountains. Long admired by early explorers and mountaineers, the panorama from Kuari Pass remains one of the great highlights of trekking in this region. Afterwards, we make our way to our wilderness camp for the evening, surrounded by the magnificent high Himalayan landscape. Accommodation: Wilderness Camping, Kuari Pass

Meals: B,L,D

Today is set aside to enjoy our spectacular location near Kuari Pass, surrounded by panoramic vistas across the Garhwal Himalaya. After several rewarding days on the trail, this is an ideal opportunity to rest, explore and simply appreciate the scale of the high mountains around us. For those keen to stretch their legs, there are opportunities to walk to nearby viewpoints for even broader Himalayan panoramas, including glimpses towards the magnificent Nanda Devi (7,816 m / 25,643 ft). Rising entirely within India, Nanda Devi is the country’s highest mountain wholly within its borders and one of the most revered peaks of the Indian Himalaya. The remainder of the day is ours to relax at camp, enjoy the peaceful mountain surroundings and savour one of the finest panoramas of the journey. Accommodation: Wilderness Camping, Kuari Pass

Meals: B,L,D

Today is a more relaxed day on the trail as we follow a scenic route across the ridges before gradually descending into beautiful rhododendron forest. When in bloom, the rhododendrons bring vivid splashes of colour to the surrounding Himalayan landscape. Our wilderness camp is tucked away in a peaceful forest clearing, providing a wonderful setting to relax after the morning’s walk. For those keen to explore further, there is the option of an afternoon walk to a nearby open meadow. From here, we can enjoy magnificent views towards the distinctive twin summits of Nanda Devi, one of the most spectacular mountain vistas of the trek. Accommodation: Wilderness Camping, Forest Camp

Meals: B,L,D

We set out this morning with Nanda Devi illuminated by the rising sun, providing a memorable start to our final day on the trail. Our route crosses a series of beautiful open meadows, with sweeping views towards the Chaukhamba Range and surrounding Himalayan peaks. During the final hour of our walk, we pass a small Hindu shrine before reaching the mountain settlement of Auli. Here, we farewell our trekking crew and mule attendants who have supported us throughout our journey in the mountains. From Auli, we continue by vehicle and join the main Joshimath–Rishikesh highway for the approximately five-hour journey to Rudraprayag (895 m / 2,936 ft). On arrival, we settle into our comfortable hotel and enjoy a well-earned hot shower after our days on the trail. Accommodation: Hotel, Rudraprayag

Meals: B,L,D

From Rudraprayag, we return to the town of Srinagar before leaving the main highway and following a winding village road through the Himalayan foothills towards the impressive Tehri Dam. After lunch, we continue our journey, ascending through pine-forested ridges towards Mussoorie (2,005 m / 6,578 ft). Along the way, there are opportunities to glimpse the distant snow-capped Himalaya before we arrive in this bustling and historic hill station. We settle into the Kasmanda Palace Hotel, a former royal retreat and a comfortable base for our stay in Mussoorie. Accommodation: Kasmanda Palace Hotel, Mussoorie

Meals: B,D

Today we have a full day to explore Mussoorie, one of India’s best-known historic hill stations. We visit Everest House, the former home and observatory of Sir George Everest, who served as Surveyor General of India and played an important role in the Great Trigonometrical Survey of the subcontinent. Set high above the surrounding countryside, Everest House offers sweeping views across the plains of northern India and, in clear conditions, towards the snow-capped Himalayan ranges. The world’s highest mountain was later named Mount Everest in Sir George Everest’s honour. The afternoon is free to explore Mussoorie at your own pace. Wander along The Mall, browse the local markets and shops, or simply relax and enjoy the peaceful grounds of the Kasmanda Palace Hotel. Accommodation: Kasmanda Palace Hotel, Mussoorie

Meals: B,D

After breakfast, we farewell Mussoorie and descend through the Himalayan foothills towards Dehradun, the capital of Uttarakhand. From here, we join the highway and continue across the plains of northern India towards Delhi. On arrival in Delhi, our journey comes to an end. A transfer will be provided to Delhi International Airport, or to your hotel if you have arranged an additional night in the city. We farewell our fellow travellers and expedition team after a memorable journey through the Indian Himalaya, from the sacred waters of the Ganges to the spectacular trails and mountain panoramas of Kuari Pass and Nanda Devi.

Meals: B

Ready to start your adventure?

2 scheduled departures between 3 May 2027 and 28 Sep 2027.

Departs 3 May 2027 – ends 17 May 2027 (15 days)
Departs 28 Sep 2027 – ends 12 Oct 2027 (15 days)

View dates to Book

What's included?

Included

14 breakfasts, 13 lunches and 13 dinners
Airport transfers on days 1 and 15
Extensive group medical kit
Good quality hotel accommodation in Delhi, Rishikesh and Rudraprayag, including heritage hotel accommodation in Mussoorie
Gear package for use during the trip including kit bag, sleeping bag & liner, down or fibre filled jacket and insulated sleeping mat valued at US$500
Private group transportation
All park entrance fees and trekking permits
Mules to carry all personal and group equipment
Souvenir World Expeditions kit bag

Not included

Items of a personal nature such as phone calls, laundry, etc
Aerated and alcoholic drinks on trek
Tips
Visa
Travel insurance
International airfares

Extra trip info

Will My Trip Run?

Every departure date advises whether the date is confirmed, and roughly how full it is. Here is what each one means.

Is the departure confirmed?

Guaranteed to go This departure has reached its minimum number and will run.
It is the point travellers should wait for before booking any non-refundable flights.

Close to guaranteed This appears only when a date is close to reaching minimum numbers. If it shows 1 or 2 to guaranteed, book as a pair on a date needing two and it reaches its minimum. Your booking confirms the date for everybody already booked.

How full is the date I am looking at?

Space is filling or Space is filling fast This date has bookings and places are still open. Filling fast means limited spots available, so don't leave your decision too late.

Closing soon Down to its last few places, or close enough to departure that we are finalising numbers. Still bookable online.

Closed Not bookable online - either full, or inside the notice we need to arrange permits, flights and logistics. Ask us anyway, you never know!

Availability questions answered

Will this trip actually go ahead, or could it be cancelled?

If a date shows Guaranteed to go, it runs regardless of further bookings.

What does 2 to guarantee mean?

It means two travellers are enough to confirm the departure. It could be 2 more to add to the group, or the date only needs 2 people to run. Either way, if you book for two people, the date will become guaranteed to run.

What happens if my departure does not reach minimum numbers?

You will know the status before you book. Every date on this page is labelled, and dates marked “Guaranteed to go” are running regardless of further bookings. Where a date has not reached its minimum we either offer a surcharge to operate for a smaller group size so it can still run, or we cancel it. We contact you directly either way.

Will I get my money back if you cancel a departure?

If we cancel a departure due to not meeting minimum trip numbers, you receive a full refund of everything you have paid us less any non recoverable costs, where insurance may cover you. We cannot refund money committed elsewhere – additional non refundable deposits advised at the time of booking, flights, visas, vaccinations, gear - which is why it is worth waiting for “Guaranteed to go” before booking other arrangements around this trip date. Please read our Booking Terms and Conditions before you book.

Why can't I book some dates online?

Each trip closes online a set time before departure. Permits, internal flights and hut or campsite bookings all have to be arranged before we take payment. Call or enquire as it might still be possible to organise last minute places.

The date I want is closed. What are my options and why does it say to enquire?

Cancellations happen and places do open up on closed dates, so it is worth being on our list. We can also tell you which nearby date on the same trip has space, which is usually the faster route.

None of these dates suit me. Can you run this trip on another date?

Yes, as a private departure. We can run this trip on a date you choose, for your own group - family, friends, a club, or in many cases, just for the two of you. Tell us when you want to travel and who is coming, and we will build it around that.

Guaranteeing A Great India Trip

Pioneering World Firsts

Quality equipment

Quality accommodations

Innovative itineraries

Custom built, reliable transport

Our all inclusive approach

Nanda Devi Alpine Trek

Trip highlights

Overview

Itinerary

Ready to start your adventure?