Namik Glacier Trek
Glacier stretching to 3 kilometres. Majestic views of Nanda Devi, Trishul, and Nanda Kot peaks. Saline water springs, pristine villages, historic temples, dense forests, waterfalls, wooden bridges, and bugyals.
Stand witness to the full glory of the Himalayas!
Namik is an offbeat trek, majestically perched at an elevation of 3600 mts in the Kumaon Himalayas in Pithoragarh district of Uttarakhand.Stretching over 3 kms., this magnificent glacier resides on the Indo-Tibetan trade route, and is the source of Ramganga River. Reason why the valley is known as Ramganga valley.
Surrounded by the mountain peaks of Nanda Devi (7,848 m), Trishul (7,120 m), and Nanda Kot (6,861 m), it derives it's name from the Namik Village. Namik, which means ‘saline water springs’, perfectly describes the characteristics of the glacier as a number of waterfalls and sulphur springs originate around the glacier.
Unmissable for true trekking and adventure freaks who want to witness the full glory of the Himalayas.
This offbeat, magnificent trek is a must-do for true trek, adventure and nature lovers. It is a bit challenging owing to the long distances and sometimes steep ascents.
The trail goes through pristine, quaint villages where you'll meet local lifestyle and culture, historic temples, dense forests, waterfalls, wooden bridges. And bugyals. In fact, lots of them.
These villages lie on the alternate Indo-Tibetan route and are rich in heritage, specifically the villages of Gogina and Namik.
This trek retains it's old world charm also because it is not yet flooded by hikers, unlike most other treks. If you are looking for solace, and the splendor of the Himalayas, at the same time, then this trek is for you.
There are a plethora of waterfalls and sulphur springs originating around this glacier. The glacier can be reached from Gogina, which is 76 kms from Bageshwar.
Replete with bugyals, you will get a panoramic view of the Himalayas on both sides from Thaltop to Sudamkham. While on one side you will get to see the Panchachuli Glacier, on the other side Kafni, Pindari, Sundarunga glacier ranges will be visible.
Munsiyari is the starting, or the end-point of Namik Glacier trek. It is a hamlet with beautiful wide meadows and striking views of Panchachuli range which makes it one of the most beautiful spots of Kumaon.
Key features
Altitude
3600 metres (12100 feet)
Level
Easy to Moderate
Duration
5N/6D and 9N/10D
(Kathgodam to Kathgodam)
Best Season
May, June, September and October
Weather
Nights are cold and day temperatures are pleasant, according to season.
Starting point
Kathgodam
Itinerary
Option 1
Day 1
Kathgodam to Gogina ( 235 kms drive )
6am pickup from Kathgodam Railway Station.
En-route, stop at the majestic Baijnath group of temples in bageshwar.
Reach Gogina in the evening.
Look out for the 'Jhelum' waterfall on the other side of the hill. Check into your homestay. Enjoy a hot cup of pahadi tea, soup and snacks.
Rest well.
Day 2
Trek from Gogina To Namik Village (7 kms)
Early breakfast.
Begin the trek by 8 am.
Once you start walking, you will come across quaint hill houses. Cross the Ramganga river, and the climb starts. Lunch will be served in Namik village.
Enjoy local bugyals and nearby villages. Savour the place over tea or coffee.
Dinner. Rest.
Day 3
Trek from Namik Village to Thaltop (8 kms)
Freshen up. Early breakfast. Trek begins at 8 am.
First 2 kms you'll walk through a forest. Immediately after which you will hit the living spaces of shepherds, and a small flowing brook nearby. This place is called Bajyamanya; you will find a path coming from Munsiyari here.
A little further ahead, you will see large grasslands-this is Thala Bugyal.
Lunch will be served here.
From here, it's a steep climb to the top.
At a little distance, you will see a building with a tin shed. This is where you'll spend the night.
Day 4
Thaltop To Chaputop/Rantham
(10 kms round trek )
Get up before sunrise in the morning and hit the top of the hill.
The rays of the sun falling on the Himalayas will fascinate you.
Return for breakfast.
Trek further towards Rantham with packed lunch.
Return to the campsite in before sunset. Look out for the Panchachuli glacier area on your right side while walking from Thaltop toward Rantham.
And, on the left side, Nanda Kot peak and Pindari, Kafni and Sundarunga glaciers will be seen.
Enjoy your tea under the Himalayas.
Dinner, rest at Thaltop.
Day 5
Thaltop to Gogina (14 kms trek)
Early breakfast. Begin your trek back at around 8 am.
Easy day as most you will be descending, mostly.
Lunch at Namik village.
Dinner at Gogina homestay.
Day 6
Gogina To Kathgodam
Early breakfast.
And time to say goodbyee to the mountains and locals!
Savour the memories of a lifetime!
Itinerary
Option 2
Day 1
Kathgodam to Gogina ( 235 kms drive )
6am pickup from Kathgodam Railway Station.
En-route, stop at the majestic Baijnath group of temples in bageshwar.
Reach Gogina in the evening.
Look out for the 'Jhelum' waterfall on the other side of the hill. Check into your homestay.
Enjoy a hot cup of pahadi tea, soup and snacks.
Rest well.
Day 2
Trek from Gogina To Namik Village (7 kms)
Early breakfast.
Begin the trek by 8 am.
Once you start walking, you will come across quaint hill houses. Cross the Ramganga river, and the climb starts.
Lunch will be served in Namik village.
Enjoy local bugyals and nearby villages. Savour the place over tea or coffee.
Dinner. Rest.
Day 3
Trek from Namik Village to Thaltop (8 kms)
Freshen up. Early breakfast.
Trek begins at 8 am.
First 2 kms you'll walk through a forest. Immediately after which you will hit the living spaces of shepherds, and a small flowing brook nearby.
This place is called Bajyamanya; you will find a path coming from Munsiyari here.
A little further ahead, you will see large grasslands-this is Thala Bugyal.
Lunch will be served here.
From here, it's a steep climb to the top.
At a little distance, you will see a building with a tin shed.
This is where you'll spend the night.
Day 4
Thaltop To Ghaduli (14 kms trek)
Early breakfast. Get lunch packed, and start walking.
Cross magnificent bugyals on the way.
Darshan of Loord ganesha temple at the top in Sudamkham.
Ghaduli is around 4 kms from here.
Dinner, and rest here.
Day 5
Ghaduli to Nandakund to Ghaduli (10 kms trek)
Early breakfast, and start walking.
Nand Kund is at a distance of 5km from here; one can go even further but have to reach campsite before sunset.
Spend the night at Gadhuli again.
Day 6
Ghaduli To Rudkham (Trekking 12 Km)
Begin your trek after breakfast.
On the way back to Sudham Kham, the trail remains the same.
Enjoy a hot meal at Rudkham campsite. Enjoy what is left of the day.
Dinner. Rest.
Day 7
Rudkham to Puniya Bugyal (7 kms trek)
Trek begins after breakfast.
No ascent today. On the you will see large, mesmerising bugyals.
Dinner in tents.
Rest.
Day 8
Puniya Bugyal To Khaliya Top (Trekking 7 Km)
As always, early breakfast. And begin walking.
No ascent again.
Reach Khalia Top by lunch.
Enjoy the Panchachuli Glacier views from here.
Grab a mat and just rellax under the sun.
Day 9
Khaliya Top to Munsiyari ( 6 kms trek)
Breakfast at Khaliya Top, lunch at the famed Munsiyari.
In between enjoy the breathtaking trails and views.
Dinneer and overnight stay at a Munsyari Hotel .
Munsiyari is a tourist's paradise. Pristine, relatively untouched.
Guests can hire a cab and plan a trip to the famed Birthi Waterfall after lunch .
Day 10
Munsiyari to Kathgodam (280 kms drive)
Early breakfast.
And say goodbye to the mountains and the lovely, local folks.
Savour the memories of a lifetime.