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 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 and the surrounding valley.

A short drive from Baling to Dantu (30 minutes) followed by an easy hike to Phillum and back: 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 offer a built atmosphere reminiscent of another era. The houses here are made of stones carved from rocks from the ancient Tethyan sea bed. The hike to Phillum from Dantu is an easy one. If you are interested in a more challenging version of the hike, you can cross the river from Baling and walk uphill to Phillum, while our team ensures that your luggage reaches Dantu safely and is waiting for you, by the time you reach there on foot. At 3500m altitude, Dantu is the last inhabited village of the Darma valley. It is perched on the hill slopes offering a ringside view of the Panchachuli peaks.

Hike from Dantu to the snout of Panchachuli glacier, and back: 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. We walk at a comfortable pace, soaking in the surroundings and taking as much time as needed. We return to our guest house in Daantu and spend another night there. This is a relatively challenging walk and if you are not up for it, you may choose to spend the day lounging on the sunlit terraces of Dantu, and exploring village homes. For our stay tonight, we move to the nearby village of Duktu, from where we will start our hike to the base camp tomorrow.

Hike to Panchachuli Base Camp and return to Duktu, then a three-hour drive to Nagling: 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. Another pleasant walk and a short drive bring us to the beautiful village of Nagling, where we stay overnight in a guest house.

Moderately challenging hike to Nagling glacier and back: The hike to the Naagling glacier presents some stunning views, including a perfect U-shaped valley carved by the glacier. You enjoy lunch in the meadows and wonder at the massive domes of the mountain core. Of course, if you want to take it easy today, you can rest in Nagling, take short walks, and interact with the Darma folks.

Drive from Nagling to the river side camp in Nachani village (about 5 hours): The Nachani camp, along the banks of the Ramganga river, offers the perfect setting to conclude our adventures. We unwind from the trek at the private beach along the river. The camp is a hot spot for activities like swimming in pristine river waters, kayaking, fishing, or just admiring the gorgeous views on offer. Our sleeping arrangements for the night are in alpine tents or huts by the riverside.

Drive from Nachni to your point of departure (seven to nine hours): 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 Saat Taal and drop you to Kathogodam or Pant Nagar the next day.