Great Himalaya Trail India Exploration

2010
Real Adventures
www.realadventures.in
depi@realadventures.in
+91 9811903301
Your opportunity to walk the entire Indian Himalaya
About the concept:
Overview
The Great Himalaya Trail (GHT) is the longest and highest alpine walking
track in the world, winding between the highest mountains and remotest
communities on the planet. Connecting 5 Asian countries; Bhutan, China,
India, Nepal and Pakistan, the GHT covers more than 4,500km from
Namche Barwa in Tibet to Nanga Parbat in Pakistan.
At the moment, only the Nepal section has been walked and mapped in
thoroughly. The other countries are still being researched.
Mission
The Great Himalaya Trail promises to become one of the great long dis-
tance paths of the world and completing it would be both a tremendous
adventure and achievement.
The community living in these remote areas are poor and by trekking
away from the beaten trail, you will be bringing extra, very useful income,
if only a little, to families with limited income. We would attempt staying
in village homes where possible to help the local community.
THE NEPAL - GHT
Robin Boustead has walked the entire Nepal GHT and has come out with a pictorial
book, the guide book is on its way.
The 1600km Nepal section of the trail begins near Kanchenjunga on the eastern border
and heads west navigating the domains of eight of the worlds 8000m peaks, from the
fearsome Kanchenjunga to the almost unknown Api-Saipal ranges. It is not the easiest
nor most direct route across Nepal, rather it sticks closest to the Himalayan Range taking
in glacial passes reaching altitudes of over 6000m. The Nepal section ends south-west on
the border with India, close to Darchula.
Leg 5
Leg 4
Leg 3
Leg 2
Road
Road
Road
Road
Road
Leg 1
Leg 6 Leg 7
Leg 8
THE GREAT HIMALAYA TRAIL - INDIA
Depi (Author of Collins Guide Book - Trekking in Western Himalaya) is
working on the GHT on the Indian side and this year plans to do the entire
section from the Kashmir (Sonmarg) to Nepal Border (Darchula). He is
going to map the entire Indian side of the GHT and would be accompanied
by some friends / guest.
We have broken the trail in India into 8 sections covering 16 passes and
over 1500 km in 111 days and you are welcome to join for one, some or all
but note places are limited.
Leg 1 - Kashmir valley
Leg 2 - Miyar Valley
Leg 3 - Baralacha La & Tos Valley
Leg 4 - Parvati & Bhaba Valley
Leg 5 - Baspa Valley & Lamkhanga Pass
Leg 6 - Kalandi Khal
Leg 7 - Nanda Devi National Park
Leg 8 - Nanda Devi Circuit
Fly to Srinagar 14th July
Drive to Sonmarg 15th July
16th July - Spare Day
Section Kashmir Valley
The Sonmarg area is one of the most beautiful places in the Himalaya and this is a very interesting remote
trek. There are many options on getting to the Zanskar region, some a little more challenging than the others.
Our trail goes east of Pahalgam and south of Amarnath through remote areas. The views of the highest peaks,
Nun & Kun, in this region are outstanding. This is also the route Genl Zoravar Singh took to reach Zanskar.
Dates - 17th to 30th July
Permits - None
Grade Interesting and Challenging
Cost - USD 2690
Sonamarg (2740m) - Kalohai Pass (4395m) - Bishram Nag - Rangmorg Pass (4526m) Zoji Nala - Chilung
La - Puchang (Ringdom) (4000m)
31st July Spare Day
1st Aug - Cycle from Puchang to Tepuk for those continuing on GHT
1st Aug - Departure for those exiting GHT to reach Delhi on 3rd (noon) Aug
Fly to Srinagar 29th July
Drive to Tepuk via Kargil 30th & 31st July
1st Aug - Spare Day
Section Miyar Valley
From the Zanskar side the trail takes you through the lesser know pass Hangshu over the Great Himalaya
Range towards the Kishtwar Region. The trail circles the Kishtwar Shivling following the beautiful valley
along the Dharlang River. The trail climbs up steeply northwards towards the Poat La and descends further
north before heding back south Kang la and the Miyar Glacier and valley. The Poat La is another major pass
connecting the Kishtwar region. The Miyar Valley, located in the Indian part of the Great Himalaya Range,
stretches for over 100 km from Udaipur to the Kang La (pass). The locals - the Tharanga people - are mainly
shepherds. It is the western most of the Lahul Valley. Its known for its medicinal herbs and wild fowers,
especially during July and August, and its breathtaking landscape. In recent years the valley has also attracted
a lot of climbing teams and is known as the Yosemite of India. The trail climbs over the Tarasalamu pass to
join the popular trail across the Zanskar.
Dates - 2nd Aug to 15th Aug
Permits - None
Grade - Diffcult (recommended that we do the earlier section for better acclimatization)
Cost - USD 2685
Tepuk (Zanskar) - Hangshu Pass (5500m) - Post La (5415m) - Kang la (5450m) - Miyar glacier - Phalpu
(4200 m) - Khanjar (3450 m) - Tarasalamu pass (5400 m) - Thach (4400m) - Zanskar Sumdo (3968m) -
Palamo(3681m) - Darcha (3352 m)
16th Aug Spare day
17th Aug - Cycle from Darcha to Baralacha la for those continuing on GHT
17th Aug - Departure for those exiting GHT to reach Delhi on 18th Aug
Fly/drive to Manali 15th August
Drive to Baralacha La 16th August
17th August - Spare Day (more the better for acclimatization - keep 3/4 days for that)
Section Baralacha La & Tos Valley
Baralacha La is an important interesting pass, it marks the divide between the Lahaul, Himalaya and the Zan-
skar Range. The views are spectacular from the pass. The trail takes us southwards through the partial trans
Himalayan barrenness of Lahaul to Chandra Tal. The river crossing is interesting, but care must be taken.
.Kullu and Lahaul are separated by the Rohtang Pass, Sara Umga La and Hampta Pass. The valleys are very
different, with KulluManali having a lush green forest cover due to the monsoon season. The LahaulSpiti
valleys, on the other hand, are in the rain shadow and have very little vegetation.
The Aminal Pass and Sara Umga La can be a little tricky - interesting - to cross. These are off the beaten path
and are not on the regular trekking route, often known as Tos Valley.
Dates - 18th Aug to 31th Aug
Permits - None
Grade - Interesting and Challenging
Cost - USD 2448
Baralacha la (4950 m) - Tokpo Yongma (4650 m) - Tokpo Gongma (4350 m) - Chandra tal (4250 m) - Kun-
zum la (4551m) - Batal (3950m) - Bara Sigri - Chhota Dara (3760m) - Sara Umga La (4884m) (Shigri Gla-
cier) Kalboti Pulga (2220m)
1st Sep - Spare Day
2nd Sep - Start Parvati & Bhaba Valley section for those continuing on GHT
2nd Sep - Departure for those exiting GHT to reach Delhi on 3rd Sep
Fly/drive to Manali 30th Aug
Drive to Pulga 31st Aug
1st Sep - Spare Day
Section Parvati & Bhaba Valley
This trans Himalayan trek is the shortest route between the Kullu and Spiti Valleys, and goes through the
Great Himalayan National Park. We must be well prepared as it involves crossing the Pin Parvati Pass
(5400m), which could be diffcult in the beginning of the season. Beyond the pass is a complete change of
landscape, with stark rugged mountains. There is also a change in culture from the Hindu villages of Kullu to
the Buddhist villages of Spiti.
The trail, going from Kinnaur to Spiti, is popularly called the Bhaba Pass trek. The pass, however, has dif-
ferent names on various maps, such as Tarik La or Tarikhunga Pass. We are rewarded by lush green forests,
various wildlife, alpine fowers, amazing panorama towards the Kinnaur Mountains from the Bhaba Pass and
facinating geological formations in the Pin Valley.

Dates - 2nd Sep to 11th Sep
Permits - None
Grade - Medium
Cost - USD 2104
Pulga (2220 m) - Khir Ganga (2850 m) - Tunda Bhuj (3200m) - Thakur Khan (3400m) - Mantalai (4070m) -
Pin Parvati pass (5400m) - Paldor (4040m) - Bhabha pass (4850m) - Bhabha pass base camp (4050m) - Mull-
ing (3100m) -
Kafnu (2450m)
12th Sep - Spare Day
13th Sep Cycle from Kafnu to Chitkul for those continuing on GHT
13th Sep - Departure for those exiting GHT to reach Delhi on 14th Sep
Fly/drive to Shimla 11th Sep
Drive to Chitkul 12th Sep
13th Sep - Spare Day or two are a must for acclimatization
Section Baspa Valley & Lamkhaga Pass
Chitkul is the last village in the Baspa Valley. The valley is know for its beauty and some ratings rate it to be
amongst the top 5 vallies of the world. This fairly remote trek is now regarded as the classic route from Gon-
gotri to Kinnaur, which was frst crossed by Marco Pallis in 1933. The beautiful route takes you through some
of the most remote areas of Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh, like the Jalandhari Valley that is covered
with fowers post-monsoon. The beautiful small town - Harsil is famous for Wilsons Cottage built in 1864.
Gangotri is a short drive from Harsil.
Dates - 14th to 20th Sep
Permits Inner Line Permits
Grade Moderate to Diffcult
Cost - USD 1876
Chitkul (3435m) - Rani Kanda (3700m) - Dumti (4050m) - Gundar (4450m) - Lamkhanga pass (5284m) -
Lamkhanga pass base camp (4400m) - Kiarkoti (3820m) - Gangapani (3400m) - Harsil (2400m)
21st Sep - Spare Day
22nd Sep Cycle from Harsil to Gangotri for those continuing on GHT
22nd Sep - Departure for those exiting GHT to reach Delhi on 24th Sep
Drive to Gangotri via Uttarkashi 19th-21st Sep
22nd Sep - Spare Day Spare Day or two are a must for acclimatization
Section Kalandi Khal
It is a challenging expedition style traverse of the Kalindikhal Pass (5967m) in the Garhwal Himalayas,
involving a trek, sometimes roped up with ice axe and crampons over the glaciers and crevassed snowfelds.
The Kalindi khal trek takes us round from the Bhagirathi Valley to the Alaknanda Valley.
The trail starts from Gangotri through to Tapovan and Nandavan, the base of the Bhagirathi peak. Excellent
views of the Shivling Peak. From here we climb on the Glacier for the challenging crossing of the Kalin-
dikhal Pass. Mana is the last village on the Chinese frontier.
Dates - 23rd Sep to 3rd Oct
Grade - Diffcult
Cost - USD 2337
Gangotri (3048 mts) - Bhojwassa (3729 mts) - Tapovan (4460 mts) - Nandanvan (4337 mts) - Vasukital (4880
mts) - Khara Pathar (5480 mts) - Sweta Glacier (5520 mts) - Kalindi Base (5570 mts) - Kalindikhal (5970
mts) - Raj Parao (4920 mts) - Arwatal (3920 mts) - Ghastoli (3800 mts) - Mana
4th Oct - Spare Day
5th Oct Cycle from Mana to Suraithota for those continuing on GHT
5th Oct - Departure for those exiting GHT to reach Delhi on 6th Oct
Drive to Joshimath 2nd & 3rd Oct
Drive to Mana 4th Oct
5th Oct - Spare Day
Section Nanda Devi National Park
This is a truly wonderful trek through the well preserved forests of the Nanda Devi National Park, a UNES-
CO World Heritage Site and is where the Chipko - tree hugging - movement started. The trail goes past the
national park and to the last village with nice home stays Tolma. The forest changes every day of the trek
from deodars and blue pine, to bhoj pattar and medicinal plants. The locals collect rare herbs that are unique
to the area. The hillsides are flled with wild fowers and strawberries. Dunagiri Peak towers above the
skyline, constantly reminds you of the mighty Himalayas. In 1982, access to trekkers and expeditions was
banned in order to protect the biodiversity of the park. It was recently opened to trekkers again, but only in
restricted numbers and under strict supervision.
Dates - 6th Oct to 14th Oct
Permits - None
Grade - Strenuous
Cost - USD 1763
Suraithota (2145m) Tolma (2551m) - Tolma Gadhera - Meadows Camp - Tarak Khal (4590m)- Nandi Kund
Khal (4515m) - Kanahari Khal (4150m) - Kalla Khal (4530m) - Malari
15th Oct - Spare Day
16th Oct - Start the Nanda Devi Circuit section for those continuing on GHT
16th Oct - Departure for those exiting GHT to reach Delhi on 17th Oct
Drive to Joshimath 12th & 13th Oct
Drive to Malari 14th Oct
15th Oct - Spare Day or two are a must for acclimatization
Section Nanda Devi Circuit
We are trekking part of the old trading route between Tibet and China, across the Unta Dhura that was active
until the war between India and China in 1962. Martoli, once a prosperous village, is deserted now. The Mi-
lam Glacier is a beautiful trek along the Gauri Ganga, dotted by resting points set up by the British at regular
intervals. The mountain views beyond the glacier are truly rewarding.
The highlights of this trek are the views of Nanda Devi East, and numerous other peaks, from the Ralam Khal
Pass. This is a far less frequented trek from Munsiyari, as compared to the Milam Valley trek. Watching the
sun set behind the Nanda Devi East, as well as seeing the early morning rays lighting up the mountain tip
against the dark sky, is a truly outstanding sight.
Dates - 16th Oct to 28th Oct
Permits Inner Line Permits
Grade Interesting and Diffcult
Cost - USD 2215
Malari (3021m) - Unta Dhura (5377) - Milam (3423m) - Martoli (3385m) - Ralam Khal (4666m) - Ralam
(3648m) - Darchula
29th Oct- Spare day
30th & 31st Oct Trace our way back to Delhi
1st Nov - Journey end
Gear
It is a long trek and conditions vary considerably, and some sections require camping on glaciers. Rain gear,
warm personal clothing, good trekking shoes, daypack (30/40 lts) with a waterproof cover and a good sleeping
bag are necessary. Pack the rest of your gear in a waterproof duffe bag.
First aid, medical & Insurance
We carry a fairly extensive frst aid kit, however, we recommend that you carry your personal medications if
any. These are very remote areas and often, good medical help is far from the closest road head. Personal insur-
ance is a must and must cover helicopter evacuation also.
Your guides and crew
Depi will be the main guide leading the GHT and has trekked most sections previously. Local guides and por-
ters assist on each of the section.
Arrival in India
Note that most fights into Delhi arrive late at night or very early in the morning. Plan your arrival time and date
carefully. Those joining us in the middle sections will have to coordinate a little more closely with our Delhi of-
fce for the transport, hotel etc.
Detailed itinerary
Note that the trekking itinerary and campsites may vary slightly depending on trail and weather conditions and
other contingences.
Permits
We obtain all necessary permits for the trek. The section 8 can pose some problems for foreign tourists. In the
past, despite having permits some foreigners were denied entry into the region.
Early Arrival
Many people arrive in Delhi a day earlier to explore the city or recover after a long fight. We can arrange air-
port transfer and hotel.
Highlights
+ full scale trekking expedition following a path as close to the Himalaya Range as possible.
+ Challenging and exciting trek with a huge variation in landscape and fauna.
+ Parts of the trail go through the old trading routes.
+ Stunning mountain views, fantastic camp sites,
+ Cycling in some beautiful parts of the Himalaya
+ perfect wild fower season
2010 Dates
Please see dates of each sections.
Cost
Please see cost of each leg. For multiple legs you earn a 10% additional discount for every leg.
All costs are on twin share basis. Single supplement USD 200. (Delays on account of fight schedule need to be
borne by the guest)
Leader
Depi Chaudhry
mobile: (+91) 98119 03301
Arrival hotel
Empire B&B, C-1, Greenwood city, Unitech Sector-45, Gurgaon-122001. Tel +91 124 425 9939, Jogi - +91
9212368576
Delhi offce contact
Real Adventures
B 34 Green Wood City
Sector 45
Gurgaon
brij@realadventures.in
archit@realadventures.in
Brij mobile: +(91) 98736 43301
Archit mobile: +(91) 98188 34004
Our service include
Airport transfers
Hotels in any other city/ town/ village required - onward and return journey
Domestic fights as needed
Group transportation by private vehicle
Expedition-style trek
all meals and hot drinks
Single tents (double for couples)
Inner Line permits where required
Trek cycles for the cycling sections
Our service excludes
Meals in city and when not camping, insurance, India visa, international fights, equipment rental, alcohol and
soft drinks, laundry, tipping and other items of a personal nature, any extra days in city pre or post trip.