Assemble at Mukteshwar: You arrive at the nearest railroad at Kathgodam, or airport at Pant Nagar and reach our camp at Mukteshwar. We gather at our well-appointed campsite at Mukteshwar, set in an apple and peach orchard. You may choose to reach there yourself or we can arrange your pick-up (additional charge on actuals).

Drive from Mukteshwar to Dharchula (7 hours): Our drive takes us from the Himalayan foothills through the lesser Himalayas, and then into the greater Himalayas ranges. We make occasional stops to examine interesting geological features along the road as we make our way from the foothills, into the greater Himalayas ranges. We stay overnight at a hotel in Dharchula.

Drive from Dharchula to Baling (2.5 hours): The drive is along the Kali river which separates India from Nepal, and later along the Dhauli Ganga. With our focus on acclimatization, we take it easy today, indulging in a light exploration of Baling - our base for the next few days, and the surrounding valley. In this ecologically distinct valley, we are flanked by the stunning ranges of the Tethyan Sedimentary Sequence. We explore stream beds to identify different rocks and try to deduce where their source is located.

Hike to the villages of Go, Phillum and Bonh. Drop to and pick up from Dantu, the start and end point for the hike. Return to Baling for the night: Today, we hope to get our first glimpse of the Panchachuli peaks, weather gods permitting. Our first hike of the trip takes us to a cluster of villages called Go, Phillum and Bonh. The villages are set off the usual trekking route and are reminiscent of another era. Here we identify rocks from the Tethyan sea bed, being used as building materials. We compare and contrast these with other rocks we have encountered so far or may be found in the area.

Drive to Dantu followed by a hike to the snout of the Panchachuli Glacier and back. Return to Baling for the night: The snout (or the lowest end of a glacier; also called glacier terminus or toe) of the Panchachuli glacier is at an altitude of 3900 m. It is the point where the Dhauliganga river emerges from an ice cave. On this route, we observe the different types of boulders that the glacier and the Dhauliganga river have gouged out of the Panchchuli range. We also observe the detailed makeup of glacial sediments at close range. We walk at a comfortable pace, soaking in the surroundings and taking as much time as needed.

Hike to Panchachuli Base Camp via Duktu and back to Baling for the night: Our hike takes us to the Panchachuli Base Camp at 4100m. We walk through a large lateral moraine, which is glacial sediment deposited along the sides of a valley. A spectacular view of the valley opens up from the top of this moraine. At the base camp, we spend time exploring the glacier and have a well deserved delicious lunch in the meadows, as the Panchachuli peaks tower overhead.

Hike to Nagling glacier followed by drive to Dharchula: The hike to the Nagling glacier presents some stunning views, including a perfect U-shaped valley carved by the glacier. At and around Nagling glacier and towards Baling, are massive domes of the Greater Himalaya. This is the core of the mountain belt. Here we observe and wonder at rocks formed deep in the earth’s crust; so deep that they partially melted. We enjoy lunch in the meadows and wonder at the massive domes of the mountain core, before saying goodbye to the Valley and returning to Dharchula.

Drive from Dharchular to Kathgodam or Mukteshwar: The program ends and we drive back to Kathogdam, if you are taking the overnight train or Volvo bus to Delhi. In case, your travel arrangements are for the next day (May 22nd), then we offer you a complimentary night’s stay at our excellent camp in Mukteshwar, and drop you to Kathogodam or Pant Nagar the next day.