About Milam Glacier Trek
If walking on the glaciers, passing through the forest, gazing up at a
clear blue sky and enjoying the best of nature is what interest you the
most then a trek to Milam Glacier can be the best idea for your
adventure vacation. The Milam glaciers, located at an elevation of 4268
m, sprawling over an area of 37 sq km, have all the reasons on this
earth to be on the bucket list of every trekker. Trail, from the base
camp, Munsyari, till the glacier, is bestowed with a unique blend of
splendor and thrill. It will be little tiresome as the trail might show
challenges on some turns but the result, breathtaking view of the Mt.
Trishuli (7070m) and Hardeol (7151m), is worth all the effort and money.
Indo-Sino war 1962, citizens of both the countries witnessed
something they would have never imagined would happen. You can see the
remnants of the Indo-Sino war in some prominent landmarks of the Milam
Glacier trek. In the year 1962, the trek was closed for trekkers,
however, in the year 1994, trekking was started again and slowly it
became closest to many trekkers and adventurers hearts.
The expedition to the glacier starts from Munsiyari, a small town
which is 300 km away from the Kathgodam. The trekking is rather simple
here as you will have trek downhill till the Jimighat. Next day in the
morning, putting on a brave smile, you will head to Bugdiar, which can
be reached by crossing a series of the forest. After Bugdiar, you will
have to pass narrow gorges to reach Martoli and then further to Milam,
which will be the final destination. The trail, from Munsiyari till
Milam, brings out the true colours of nature.
Area : Kumaon Himalaya
Duration : 13 days (4 day traveling/9 days trekking)
Best Season : April - June & Sept – Oct
Grade :Moderate
Altitude : 4150 mts/13612 ft
Total Trekking : 116 K.M
Dense forest lined with trees clung to each other, chattering streams
making its way to the river from the glaciers, meeting and greeting the
locals along with challenges makes the Milam Glacier trek best for
explorers and adventurers, alike. The 13 days travel to Milam Glacier
Trek might show you the most pristine form of nature, which can change
your perspective about the bounty of the natural world. It's tough to
explain further the splendors of the trek, as it can be only
experienced.
Milam Glacier Trekking Tour Highlights
- Explore secret settlements nestled in Kumaon Himalaya
- Camp at Nanda Devi East Base Camp
- Cross gorges, alpine meadows and ridges
- Trek to the terminus of the Milam Glacier
- Nights in Hotel/Guest House/Camps
Best Time to Visit Milam Glacier Trek
Mid March to Mid June is an ideal time to visit this trek.
Weather in Milam Glacier
Summer (Mid March to June): Weather remains hot during the summer season.
Monsoon (Mid-June to Mid-September)
It's not a good time to visit as the trail gets slippery, and trekkers find it tough to make through the route.
Spring (Mid-September to late October):
Weather remains moderate during these months of the year.
Winter (November to late February)
Trekkers can't go for trekking during winter as the temperature rolls down in minus and thus, trails remain covered with snow.
Where is the Milam Glacier Trek?
One of the biggest glaciers in Kumaon region, mighty Milam is a
perfect trail for trekking. Spread over an area of 37 sq km, at an
altitude of 4268 m in Pithoragarh district of Uttarakhand, the trekking
trail to Milam glacier features rivers, water streams, canyons,
crevasses and more. The village of Milam lies near the snout of the
glacier; Munsiyari, further down the Goriganga valley, is the base for
the trek to the glacier. In the year 1962, the area was declared as a
ghost town because it faced significant destruction during the Indo-Sino
war, leaving behind the wreckages. However in 1994, entry to the city
was allowed to the trekkers and the other visitors. Months between March
and May are considered as the best time for trekking.
How to Reach Milam Glacier Trek
By Air: The nearest airport is Pantnagar airport, which is around 340 km from Munsiyari, the starting point of the trek.
By Rail: Kathgodam railway station is the nearest railway station.
By Roadways: Neighbouring towns like Nainital, Ranikhet, Kausani, and Haldwani are well-connected with state-owned buses and taxis.
Milam Glacier Trek (Detailed Itinerary)
Day 01: Delhi - Kathgodam (300 kms by train)
AC train from Old Delhi railway station will arrive at Kathgodam by morning. On arrival, you will meet your travel guide, who will transfer you to the hotel.Day 02: Kathgodam - Almora - Munsyari (2290 mts/7512 ft) 300 kms/8-9 hrs
On arrival, meet our agent, who will be your guide for the tour. From the station, you will be transferred to a hotel for an overnight stay.Day 03: Munsiyari - Lilam (1850 m/6068 ft) (14 kms/ 5-6 hrs)
The first leg of your journey towards Milam Glacier starts from Munsiyari. After breakfast, you will begin your trek to Lilam via Darkot. From Darkot, the trek will descend downhill to Gori Ganga until Jimighat. From the riverside, you will trek back to Lilam. Overnight stay at camps in Lilam.Day 04: Lilam – Bugdiar (2500 mts/8200 ft) (12 kms/5-6 hrs)
Getting up in the morning, you will trek uphill to Bugdiar. After crossing a series of lush green forest, lined with trees, you will reach Bugdiar. Flocks of sheep and goats are a common sight at the meadows of Bugdiar, which will be our campsite for the night stay. Dinner will be served in the tent.Day 05: Bugdiar– Martoli (3430 mts/11250 ft) (14 kms/5-6 hrs)
Passing through the series of narrow gorges today, you will trek to Martoli via Railkot, which is located at the edge of Lwan Gad Valley. Overnight stay in the tent in village Martoli.Day 06: Martoli – Milam (3450 m/11316 ft) (11kms/5-6 hrs)
With today's trek, you will reach the most important landmark of the trek, Milam village. On the sixth day, you will firstly cross the bridges over Lwan Gad and Gori Ganga to reach Burphu Village (3350 M). Your next stopover point will be Milam village, which will also be your stopover for camping.Day 07: Milam – Milam Glacier – Milam (6 kms /3-4 hrs)
Set forth after an early breakfast on a trail to Milam Glacier, from where you can enjoy the panoramic view of magnificent peaks like Rishi Parvat (6692 M), Hardeol (7151 M) and Tirsuli (7074 M). Later trek back to Milam for dinner and overnight stay.Day 08: Milam - Railkot (3250 M/10725)
Trek downhill for 17 km till Railkot. Overnight stay in the tent.Day 09: Railkot – Bugdiar
You will trek 12 km downhill even today; highlights of the trail are the narrow gorge of Nahar Devi. Overnight stay in the tent.Day 10: Bugdiar – Lilam
Its 12 km of downhill all the way. Reach campsite by the afternoon and chill out. Overnight in tents.Day 11: Lilam – Munsiyari
Trek to the road head and head back to Munsiyari for a well deserved hot water bath. Overnight in rest houseDay 12: Munsyari – Kathgodam
The trek for the last day is relaxing and fun walk through the forest and on manmade roads. This day is highlighted by a back drive to Delhi. Following your arrival in Kathgodam; at about 08:40 PM, the adventure of the Milam Glacier trekking comes to an end.Day 13: Arrive Delhi
Arrive at Delhi by morning.Tour & Services End.
Fixed Departure Dates 2018
27 April, 2018 | 04 May, 2018 | 18 May, 2018 |
01 June, 2018 | 14 September, 2018 | 28 September, 2018 |
05 October, 2018 | 19 October, 2018 |