8days 7Nights
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The Milam Glacier Trek, nestled in the high Himalayas of the Johar Valley in Uttarakhand’s Pithoragarh district, promises a scenic journey through ancient Bhotiya villages, rich in culture and history. Sitting at an altitude of 4,250 meters, Milam Glacier is the source of the Gori Ganga River and holds historical importance as a silent witness to the Indo-China War of 1962.
The trek traditionally begins from Munsiyari (2,200 meters), although improved road access now allows trekkers to drive up to Rilkot (3,130 meters), making the trail quieter and more remote. From Rilkot, the route climbs towards Martoli village (3,380 meters), famed for its centuries-old stone houses and breathtaking views of the Nanda Devi peaks. The journey continues onward to Milam village (3,450 meters), the final inhabited settlement before reaching the majestic glacier.
The best seasons for the trek are summer (May–June) and autumn (September–October), when the weather is clear and the landscapes are at their finest. With a moderate level of difficulty, the Milam Glacier Trek is beginner-friendly, offering a perfect blend of natural beauty, rich history, and vibrant local culture.
Packing smart is the secret to a comfortable and safe trekking adventure. Here’s your essential checklist to stay warm, dry, and well-prepared:
Base Layer: Thermal top and bottom to keep you warm.
Mid Layer: Fleece or lightweight down jacket for insulation.
Outer Layer: Windproof and waterproof jacket and pants.
Trekking Pants: Quick-dry, lightweight (skip the jeans!).
T-Shirts: 3–4 quick-dry full-sleeve shirts.
Warm Jacket: Heavy down jacket (essential for high altitudes).
Gloves: Insulated and waterproof.
Woolen Cap & Neck Gaiter: For cold winds and chilly nights.
Socks: 4–5 pairs (mix of woolen and synthetic).
Trekking Shoes: High-ankle, waterproof, with a strong grip.
Sandals/Slippers: For relaxing at the homestays.
Rucksack (40-50L): Comfortable and durable.
Daypack (10-20L): For carrying essentials on short walks.
Rain Cover: For your backpack, because mountain weather is unpredictable.
Trekking Pole: Helps reduce knee stress.
Headlamp/Torch: Plus extra batteries.
Sunglasses: UV-protected (a must for snowy sections).
Sunscreen (SPF 50+): High-altitude sun can be brutal.
Lip Balm & Moisturizer: Keep your skin and lips protected.
First Aid Kit: Include personal medicines, band-aids, antiseptics, and painkillers.
Water Bottles (2L total): Or a hydration bladder.
Water Purification Tablets: In case you refill from streams.
Wet Wipes & Tissues: Stay clean even without water.
Toiletries: Toothbrush, toothpaste, biodegradable soap, menstrual hygiene products.
Trek Snacks: Energy bars, nuts, dry fruits, glucose, ORS.
Government ID: (Original & photocopies) — Aadhaar/Passport/Voter ID.
Permits: If not already arranged by your trek organizer.
Cash: No ATMs after Munsiyari, so carry what you’ll need.
Sleeping Bag Liner: For extra warmth.
Power Bank: Charging points are rare.
Notebook & Pen: Capture memories on paper.
Camera: Because those views deserve more than just memories! 📸
✅ Pro Tip: Pack light but smart — every gram matters on the trail!
🚙 Private Bolero (Kathgodam to Munsiyari & Back)
🎒 Bag Offloading (Porter/Mule Service)
Required for 4 days, so the total comes to ₹1,800 per bag for the full trek.
Though the Milam Glacier Trek is of moderate difficulty, being in good shape makes the journey way more fun. Start prepping 4–6 weeks before your trek:
Brisk walking (5–7 km) or jogging for 30–40 minutes daily.
Cycling, swimming, or skipping as great cross-training options.
Stair climbing with a small backpack for building trek-specific strength.
Squats: 15–20 reps × 3 sets.
Lunges: 15 reps per leg × 3 sets.
Planks: Hold for 30–60 seconds.
Step-Ups: 15 reps per leg × 3 sets (use a sturdy bench or platform).
Daily stretching for hamstrings, calves, back, and shoulders.
Yoga helps improve flexibility, balance, and recovery.
Hike with a loaded 5–7 kg backpack once a week.
Walk for 1–2 hours on uneven ground, stairs, or local trails.
Drink 3–4 liters of water daily leading up to your trek.
Eat a clean diet — cut down on junk food and alcohol to enhance performance and recovery.
Even 30-45 mins of training daily will make a big difference on the trek. The stronger you are, the more fun you’ll have on the trail! 🚶♂️🏔️💪
The adventure kicks off with an early morning pickup from Kathgodam, leading to a beautiful drive toward Munsiyari. Along the way, you’ll pass charming towns like Almora, Bageshwar, and the scenic Birthi Falls, all set against breathtaking Himalayan backdrops. By evening, you’ll arrive in Munsiyari and check into your hotel. Later, the trek leader will conduct a detailed briefing, covering important trek information and preparations. Overnight stay at Munsiyari.
After a relaxed morning, embark on a drive to Rilkot, a key stop on the Johar Valley route. Enjoy a freshly prepared lunch upon arrival. Post-lunch, a short yet scenic 3 km trek leads to Martoli village (3,380m), one of the ancient settlements with breathtaking views of Nanda Devi and surrounding peaks. Explore the remnants of old Bhotiya houses and immerse yourself in the cultural heritage of the region. Night stay in Martoli.
Start the trek early in the morning with a packed lunch in hand. The trail winds along the Gori Ganga River, weaving through sprawling meadows and over quaint wooden bridges. Along the way, soak in spectacular views of the towering Hardeol (7,151m) and Trishuli (7,074m) peaks. By early evening, reach Milam village (3,450m), the final inhabited settlement on the route. Settle into a cozy homestay or campsite and enjoy the rustic charm of this remote Himalayan village for the night.
Begin the day with an early morning trek toward Milam Glacier (4,250m), the birthplace of the Gori Ganga River. The trail unveils sweeping views of neighboring glaciers and lush high-altitude meadows (bugyals). After spending time exploring the glacier and soaking in the tranquility of the landscape, retrace your steps back to Milam village by early evening for an overnight stay.
After an early breakfast, begin the return journey, retracing the path towards Rilkot. The long trek descends gradually, providing ample opportunities to soak in the natural beauty of the valley. Arrive in Rilkot (3,130m) by evening and settle in for an overnight stay.
Kick off the day with a scenic drive back to Munsiyari (2,200m). After days on the trail, settle into the comfort of a hotel stay. Spend the evening at your leisure — explore the local sights or simply relax and unwind.
This additional day acts as a buffer for any unforeseen delays during the trek. If everything goes as planned, you can opt for an excursion to Khaliya Top (3,500m), a stunning viewpoint near Munsiyari, famous for its expansive meadows and sweeping Himalayan vistas. Return to Munsiyari for an overnight stay.
A shared Bolero will take you from Munsiyari back to Kathgodam, bringing your unforgettable Milam Glacier Trek to a close. You’ll arrive in Kathgodam by evening, ready for your onward journey.
This trek beautifully combines dramatic Himalayan scenery, glacier exploration, rich cultural experiences in the Johar Valley, and thrilling high-altitude trails—making it a truly unmissable adventure for trekking enthusiasts.
We’ve made booking your trip simple and stress-free so you can focus on the adventure ahead! ✅ Step 1: Secure Your Spot with a 25% Advance Payment To confirm your booking, just pay 25% of the trek fee in advance. The remaining amount can be settled when you arrive at the Munsiyari. ✅ Step 2: Instant Confirmation As soon as we receive your advance payment, your spot is locked in—no waiting, no uncertainty! ✅ Step 3: Join the Trekker Community We’ll add you to a WhatsApp group with other participants in your batch. This way, you can connect, plan together, and get important updates before the trip.
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