Max Altitude
14,800 FT
Grade
Moderate
Duration
9 Days
Trekking KM.
43 KM
Suitable for: | 10+ years. |
Experience: | First timer can apply, previous trekking experience is more appreciated. |
Fitness: | Sufficient stamina to cover 5 km of distance in 30 minutes |
Trek Info
Why Bagini Glacier Is A Must-Do Trek?
Located in the Nanda Devi National Park, Uttarakhand, the Bagini Glacier Trek offers some unsurpassed views of the mountains and a thrilling trekking experience. Located at the base of the Changabang and Trishuli peaks, Bagini Glacier stands at an altitude of 14,816 ft, taking you up close to the Garhwal Himalayas.
This circular trek circuit gives you the chance to explore the beautiful Nanda Devi National Park and along the route, you will come across rocky paths, icy rivers, crystal clear streams, quaint mountain hamlets, and gorgeous views of snow-clad peaks like Changabang, Kalanka, Dunagiri and more.
The trek route takes you to the Bagini Glacier Base Camp, with some of the most high-ranking peaks like Changbang and Kalanka towering in front of you, giving you the vibes of an Everest Base Camp, only with less crowd and commercialization, adding to the charm of the trek. Dressed in the beauty of nature and providing many challenges on the way, this trek is ideal for an adrenaline-pumping adventure.
About The Trek
The Bagini Glacier Trek is located in the Nanda Devi National Park in the Chamoli District of Uttarakhand. The trek route presents numerous wonderful sights to treat your eyes but also comes with a few challenges that make it a moderate to difficult grade trek. Trekking through changing terrains of grasslands, rocky trails, gushing streams, and mountain villages you can absorb the serenity and solitude of the atmosphere. The trek is bestowed with an abundance of natural beauty and you can behold the sights of many Himalayan peaks like the Hathi Parvat, Ghodi Parvat Rishi Parvat, and high-ranking Himalayan peaks like Changbang, Kalanka, and Dunagiri.
The 9-day long trek is filled with so much excitement and thrill with many hidden gems waiting to be discovered on the route. Starting from the Jumma Village, this round trail goes through villages, forested areas, meadows, and glaciers. The trail is pretty steep in most parts and can be slippery as well, which means you need to take the necessary precautions and it will test your skills as well. Having previous experiences with Himalayan treks can be beneficial.
From Ruing Village, the trail follows a meandering path uphill and through a forest cover, and en route, you will behold magnificent views of Hathi and Ghori Parvat as you enter the Dronagiri village, where you can explore the ruins of the village.
From Dronagiri the next stop is the Bagini Glacier Bagini Base Camp, which unfolds the sight of many beautiful peaks, scenic vistas, and lush meadows. The most prominent peak you can witness from the Bagini Base Camp is Rishi Peak. Longatulli is another stop on your way, which offers stunning views of Rishi Peak along with Satminal and Hardeul Peaks.
What Can You Expect At The Trek
Bagini Glacier Trek is located in the dreamy region of Uttarakhand and offers some spellbinding views of the Garhwal Himalayas. This trek brings you in close connection with the raw and untouched beauty of the mountains with many doses of adventure along the way. Get an opportunity to witness high-ranging Himalayan peaks and the beautiful Bagini glacier flowing north from its origin, Trishuli, and Changabang.
You will also witness the Bagini River flowing westwards where it joins the waters of the Dunagiri Glacier and flows down through the Purbi-Dunagiri ridge. Flowing further west, it connects with the Lampak stream and eventually joins the Dhauli Ganga to the north of Jumma Village.
The entire circular trail is 43 km and is pretty steep. In summer the temperature stays between 15 to 20 degrees C during the daytime and at night it can drop to as low as -2 degrees C. In winter the temperature is between 10 to 15 degrees C during the day and 5 to – 5 degrees C during the night.
Health Awareness
Government Employees {SCL}
Government Employees can avail the benefit of Special Casual Leave (SCL) when you join us for a trekking expedition. As per the rules of the Pay Commission, Special Casual Leave can be availed for up to 30 days in a calendar year for trekking/mountaineering expeditions through a registered organization. Trek The Himalayas is a registered adventure tour operator by Indian Mountaineering Foundation (IMF) and Ministry Of Tourism (MOT)
Trekkers have to apply for leave at least 20 days before trek departure date.
Note
Today we will begin our journey for the Bagini Glacier Trek. The journey commences at Rishikesh and from here we will drive straight to Pipalkoti, which is at a distance of about 200 km. It will take 9 to 10 hrs to reach Pipalkoti. We will have our breakfast and lunch on the way.
The drive from Rishikesh to Pipalkoti takes you through a scenic route where you will come across 3 holy confluences including Devprayag (confluence of Alakananda and Bhagirathi), Rudraprayag ( confluence of Alakananda and Mandakini), and Karanprayaga (confluence of Alakananda and Pindar River).
Driving through meandering mountain roads, surrounded by beautiful valleys and pristine rivers, the journey to Pipalkoti is quite scenic in itself. The mountain views along the route are quite stunning so always keep your camera ready to click some nice stills. On arrival at Pipalkoti, we will check into a local guest house and stay the night.
The Bagini Glacier trek starts from Jumma Village in the Chamoli District of Uttarakhand and it is about a 2 to 3 hour ride from Pipalkoti. The ride is smooth in some parts and a little bumpy in others and on the way to Jumma, you will cross other remote villages like Reni, Phagti, Tapovan, Lata, and Suraithota.
After breakfast at Pipalkoti, we will start from Jumma, and from here, we will begin trekking towards the Ruing Village. In between Suraithota and Jumma Village, the Dhauliganga Rivers appears and it is on a level with the road. Also, if you want to stock up on kerosene then Suraihota is a good place. Dress appropriately as Jumma Village is situated near the Tibetan border s you will be constantly showered with a cool breeze in the afternoons.
The trek from Jumma starts by crossing an iron suspension bridge over the Dhauliganga River following which you will climb uphill to Ruing village. The trail becomes slightly steep as you enter a forest cover. It takes about 2-3 km of an uphill trek to reach Ruing.
Ruing is a beautiful mountain settlement, situated amidst coniferous forest covers of Oaks, Firs, and Deodars. Staying the night at Ruing is a little tricky. We can either lodge at the panchayat ghar at night or set up tents if the village people allow. If not, then you need to trek 2-3 km further, up to a meadow right before the ascent to Dronagiri and next to a stream. After setting up the tents, we will stay the night at Ruing.
On our third day, we will trek from Ruing to Dronagiri, another hamlet in the mountains. The trail will pass through the forest following many ascents and descents. You will walk one a single path and there are no diversions. Also, this is a landslide zone, so you need to be extra careful. The trail soon changes from forests to a rocky and dusty path and you come across some streams along the way.
The trek to Dronagiri is about 8 km and it will take approximately 5-6 hrs to reach the village. The landslide zone begins approximately 4 km from the campsite after you cross the forest cover. After you cross the forest cover, there are two paths, one follows up and is the remnant of a path that is destroyed by glacial activity. We will take the narrower path that moves downwards, the path is a sharply inclined one. The entire valley is also covered with exotic mountain blooms, enhancing the natural beauty.
Once near Dronagiri, a cemented road will lead you to the village and you will catch exquisite glimpses of the majestic Hathi Parvat along with other snow-clad beauties of the Himalayas. The Dronagiri village lies on an alpine meadow and from here you can catch sight of many prominent peaks of the Garhwal Himalayas. The Dronagiri Village also has some legend related to it, which dates back to the times of the Ramayana. It is believed that Lord Hanuman lifted the hillock on which the Dronagiri village lies, to collect ‘Sanjeevani Booti’ in order to resurrect Laxman. We will set our camps at Dronagiri for the night.
Day 4 starts with a meandering trail, crossing a concrete bridge over Bagini Nala and following a rock and boulder-covered path and into a green patch beside a stream and soon into our next camping ground, Longatulli.
Longatulli camping ground is at an elevation of 14,711 ft and about a 3 hrs hike away from the Bagini Glacier campsite. The trek from Dronagiri to Longatulli is not very long, it is 3 km and takes about 3 hr. Today’s section of the trek lacks greenery until you reach the green patch before Longatulli. You can easily refill your water bottles from the Bagini Glacier.
After exiting from Dronagiri, we will follow the trail that takes us to a high ridge from where you will catch captivating sights of the Rishi peak and the first glimpse of the Bagini Nala. After thirty minutes of hiking, you will arrive at the crossing of Bagini Nala. You will cross the bridge over the Bagini Nala where the trail ascends. There’s another route that goes left from the bridge, do not take that, it will lead you to Kanari Khal and Garpak Village. Follow the uphill path from the bridge.
The path here is filled with rocks and boulders and you will spot no greenery or vegetation here, only brown barren lands. After another one and a half-hour of the trek, you will arrive at a green patch of land on the banks of a sparkling stream. This is a good spot for camping. A further trek of one hour will take you to Longatulli, where you will camp at night. Camping at Longatulli will also help you acclimatize.
Starting our day early today, after breakfast we will set out for the Bagini Glacier Base Camp. It is a 3-hour trek from Longatulli to Bagini Glacier through rocky terrain. The campsite is located on plain grounds on a plateau. From the Bagini campsite, you can observe spectacular views of Rishi Pahar, a peak in the Pithoragarh region of Uttarakhand along with Hardeul and Satminal. The base camp offers some great views and is also an ideal location for camping.
You can also opt for camping in the Advanced base camp, which is further up the mountain and will require about 45 minutes more of trekking. This is a better site for camping. Also, the path to the advanced base camp is not properly marked, so you need to carefully observe and locate the trail. Some stone makeshift signs are arranged here and there by fellow trekkers for the convenience of others and to help them navigate the trail. Pack some snacks to energize yourself on the way, there are no shops on the way. Enjoy the views of the peak in the golden hour and retire early in the camps at night.
Today we start early, as we have to trek about 10 km and also you need to start early if you wish to catch the sunrise from the Changabang base, which is about 3 to 4 km from the Bagini Advanced base camp. You can leave your rucksack in the camp and take only what you need. The trail today gets progressively difficult as you ascend towards the glacier.
Leaving at dawn, we will arrive at the Changabang base camp by sunrise. Get ready to behold one of the most spectacular sights as the first sun rays hit the peaks of Hathi, Ghodi, Changabang, Dunagiri, Kalanka, Trishuli, and Rishi. The blue snow-clad mountains appear to be of molten gold as the sun rays strike the peak. Observe the peaks changing color in the sun, a soul-stirring sight that will forever be imprinted in your memory.
The route to the glacier is full of glacial deposits and many crevasses so you need to be mindful. Once you make it to the top, you will be left mesmerized by the breathtaking views of the mountain all around. After enjoying the thrill and serenity of the mountains for a while, we will trek back to the Bagini basecamp, following the same route, and retire for the night.
Today, we will begin our descent from the Bagini Base Camp down to Dronagiri Village. We will retrace our path back to the Dronagiri Village, passing Longatulli on the way once again. We will camp at Dronagiri for the night
It is a 9 km trek back to Dronagiri Village and it is a downhill trek. We will camp at our old campsite in Dronagiri and stay the night here. Rest well for the next day, the last leg of your trek.
After breakfast in Dronagiri, we will make our descent towards Ruing Village and then to Jumma, and drive back to Pipalkoti. The trek to Jumma road head is about 11 kms followed by a 2-3 km drive to Pipalkoti. We will stay overnight in the guest house at Pipalkoti.
This is a lighter day of trekking as it is a descending trek. Even though it is a descending trek, it may still take some time to make it down to the road head. We have vehicles arranged at Jumma to take you back to Pipalkoti. We will drive through the same path and check-in at a guest house in Pipalkoti. It is time to relax after your long trekking adventure. Rest well in your beds.
Note:-
On the final day of our journey, we will drive back to Rishikesh today ending our 9-day long adventure, and return home with loads of memories. The distance between Pipalkoti and Rishikesh is 200 km and takes about 8 to 9 hours. On reaching Rishikesh, you can book for your further journey.
At first you have to reach Rishikesh, after that TTH will take care of your further travel plan.
Our Pick-up place
Trek The Himalayas Head office, Tapovan Laxmanjhula, Landmark -Nainital Bank opposite Shiv Vilas Hotel
Options to reach Rishikesh
1. Take overnight train/bus to Rishikesh.
2. Take overnight train/bus to Haridwar and drive to Rishikesh (35 min drive with normal traffic).
We always recommend to go for the govt. Buses over the private ones outside the bus station as based on the experience we have found that there are very high chances of delay involved with private buses. Also, govt. Buses are always more reliable. Whichever bus you choose, just make sure to reach Rishikesh at least by 05:30 am positively.
3. Take the flight to Dehradun airport (Jolly Grant Airport) and drive to Rishikesh (20 km, 30 min), if coming by flight then come one day early.
Pick-up is not included in the cost of the trek.
1.Transport
Pipalkoti to Jumma Village & return
2. Accommodation:
i) Two night stay at Pipalkoti guest house
ii) Camping while on trek.
3. Meals while on trek (Veg. + Egg)
4. Forest entry permits
5. Qualified & mountaineering certified trek Leader, Guide, Cook, and Support staff.
6. First aid medical kits, stretcher and oxygen cylinder.
7. Trek equipments (Sleeping Bag, Tents, Mattress, Kitchen & Dinning tent, Toilet tent and Utensils)
8. Mules and porters to carry central equipment.
1. Any kind of personal expenses.
2. Transport - Rishikes to Pipalkoti and return
3. Food during the transit
4. Mules or porter to carry personal luggage.
5. Insurance.
6. Anything not specifically mentioned under the head.
Things can be provided on demand and availability (participant has to pay extra for these things)
1- Satellite phone/setphone - is a type of mobile phone that connects via radio links via satellites orbiting the Earth instead of terrestrial cell sites like cellphones. Therefore, they can operate in most geographic locations on the Earth's surface.
2- Gamow/PAC HAPO Bag (Portable Hyperbaric Bag) - is a unique, portable hyperbaric chamber for the treatment of acute mountain sickness (AMS), also known as altitude sickness.
3- AEDs (Automated External Defibrillators) - are portable life-saving devices designed to treat people experiencing sudden cardiac arrest, a medical condition in which the heart stops beating suddenly and unexpectedly
Normally TTH expect to carry your personal luggage on your own, if you wish to offload your backpack, you can give it to Mule.
Charges of offloading backpack:-
INR 2100/- if you make an online payment, 10 days in advance
INR 2500/- if you inform us after reaching Joshimath
The backpack cannot weigh more than 11 kgs. Backpack should have waterproof cover. Suitcases/strolleys/ bags will not be allowed.
Special Offers
Make a single payment and trek the number of times you want.
If you book a trek with Trek The Himalayas and are unable to complete the same or you have successfully completed that trek and want to do it again, you can repeat it multiple times without paying the cost of the trek.
Terms and conditions
The fee can be paid by online transfer/Check deposit/Cash deposit/Demand draft. Instruction for
payment will be forwarded along with your confirmation email. When your transfer is done, please
e-mail us a confirmation mail with your transfer details, so that we can follow up your reservation efficiently.
Cancellation terms:
For the cancellation of services due to any avoidable/unavoidable reasons, Trek The Himalayas must be notified of the same in writing at [email protected] At the time we receive your written cancellation, refunds based on the total fare are as follows.
Cancellations prior to 25 days from the start of the Trip
Refund options
Cancellation between 24 days and 15 days to the start of the Trip
Refund options
Cancellation between 14 days and 10 days to the start of the Trip
Refund options
Cancellation less than 9 days to the start of the trek
Refund options
If by a rare consequence TTH calls off/cancels a trek:
At TTH, we almost never call off or cancel our treks. But in the rare event that we do call off or cancel a trek due to any unforeseen circumstances or natural catastrophes like continuous rain or snow, thunderstorms, snowstorms, landslides, floods, earthquakes, or any other natural calamity that prevents us from carrying out a trek in a safe manner, unforeseeable circumstances like local riots, curfews, pandemics, lockdowns, government orders, or any such situations that prevents a safe trekking experience, TTH will issue a voucher summing up to the same amount as your trek fee. The voucher can be redeemed on any of the treks over a period of the next year.
Note
In the rare event that TTH shifts a trek:
As we mention always, weather conditions at high altitudes are extremely unpredictable and can change at any time of any day. Also, situations like natural calamities or political unrest, pandemics and lockdowns, etc are out of our control and if an event cannot run under any such circumstances that we do not directly have control over then we will try to give you an alternative trek, which means your trek will be shifted from one trek to another, which will be safer and more favourable.
In these cases, a voucher is issued to mitigate the difference in cost between the two treks. You can redeem the voucher at any time over a period of one year from the date of issue. A refund fee or refund of the difference is not applicable.
Note:
Cash Voucher Terms:
Itineraries are based on information available at the time of planning and are subject to change. "Trek The Himalayas" reserves the right to change expedition dates, people or itineraries as conditions warrant. If a trip must be delayed or the itinerary changed due to bad weather, road conditions, transportation delays, government intervention, airline schedules, sickness, or other contingency for which TTH or its agents cannot make provision, the cost of delays and/or other changes are the responsibility of the participant. TTH reserves the right to decline, or accept, any individual as a trip member for any reason whatsoever.
Back pack & rain cover | (50 - 60 ltr) with comfortable shoulder straps |
Day pack + rain cover | 20 - 30 ltr (If hire a mule or porter) |
Walking stick | Advisable (At least one) |
Water bottle/Hydration pack | 2 bottles of one liter each, People who use hydration pack 1 hydration pack and 1 bottle of one liter, Carry at least one thermos flask. |
Personal Medical Kit | Consult your doctor |
Snacks | Energy bars, dry fruits, electral/ors |
T-shirts | 4 Full sleeves (Non-cotton) |
Fleece T-shirts | 1 Nos. |
Fleece jacket | 1 Nos. (Alternative: a woollen sweater) |
Down feather / Hollofil jacket | 1 Nos. |
Wind & waterproof (jacket & pant) | 1 Pair |
Thermal inners (upper and lower) | 1 Pair |
Trek pants | 3 Synthetic (avoid shorts, fitting denims, capris) |
Waterproof gloves | 1 Pair |
Fleece/woolen gloves | 1 Pair |
Poncho | 1 Nos. |
Sunscreen cream | Moisturiser |
Hand sanitizer | Antibacterial powder |
Toothbrush and toothpaste | Lip balm / Chapstick |
Toilet Paper & wipes | Quick dry towel |
Head torch | 1 Nos. (Avoid Hand torch) |
Sun cap | 1 Nos. (One that covers the neck as well) |
Woolen cap | 1 Nos. |
Balaclava | 1 Nos. (Optional) |
Neck-gaiters | 2 Nos. |
Sunglasses | Dark with side cover, it should be U/V protected, People who wear spectacles- (A)- Use contact lenses. (B)- Photo chromatic glasses. |
Trekking shoes | 1 Pair (Waterproof, high ankle with good grip) |
Floaters/flip-flops | 1 Pair |
Cotton socks | 6 pairs |
Woollen socks | 1 pairs |
Gaiters | 1 Pair (TTH will Provide) |
Fitness regime for:
Moderate |
Calculate Your BMI :
Congratulations, your body is in good conditions!
BMI Range | Category |
---|---|
Less than 16.5 | Serverely Underweight |
16.5 - 18.5 | Underweight |
18.5 - 25 | Normal |
25 - 30 | Overweight |
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The Bagini Glacier Trek is a moderate-level trek that takes you through beautiful meadows, dense forests of oak and rhododendron, and rocky terrain. The highlight of the trek is the stunning Bagini Glacier, surrounded by snow-capped peaks offering breathtaking views of the Himalayas. The trek also takes you to the base camp of Changbang, one of the most challenging peaks in the region. The best time to do the trek is between May and October, and it can be completed in 7-8 days. Overall, the Bagini Glacier Trek is a must-do for nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts, offering a unique blend of natural beauty and challenging terrain.
The Bagini Glacier Trek is approximately 43 km.
The Changbang Base Camp Trek is a challenging trek that takes you to the base of Changabang, one of the highest peaks in the Garhwal Himalayas. Starting from the village of Lata, the trek passes through dense forests, beautiful meadows, and rocky terrain, offering breathtaking views of snow-capped peaks, glaciers, and rivers. The highlight of the trek is the base camp of Changabang, which offers stunning views of the peak and the surrounding Himalayan range. The best time to do the trek is between May and October, and it requires good physical fitness and previous trekking experience. Overall, the Changbang Base Camp Trek is a must-do for experienced trekkers looking for a challenging and rewarding adventure.
The Changbang Base Camp Trek along with Bagini Glacier is approximately 53 km.
The best time to do the Bagini Glacier and Changbang Base Camp Trek is between May and October. During this period, the weather is generally pleasant and the skies are clear, offering excellent visibility of the stunning views along the trek. The temperature during the day is usually comfortable, ranging from 15 to 20 degrees Celsius, while the nights can be chilly, with temperatures dropping to around 5 degrees Celsius. However, it is recommended to avoid the monsoon season from July to August, as the region receives heavy rainfall which can make the trek difficult and dangerous. It is also important to check weather forecasts and local conditions before planning your trek to ensure the best experience.
The Bagini Glacier Trek is a moderate grade trek and Changbang Base Camp Trek is a difficult grade trek.
The altitude of Bagini Glacier is approximately 13,450 ft while the altitude of Changbang Base Camp is approximately 15,250 ft.
During the trek you will be camping in different campsites. We provide twin-sharing tents for optimum comfort.
Yes, a permit is required for the Bagini Glacier and Changbang Base Camp Trek. The trek falls within the Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve, and thus requires a permit from the forest department and the local administration. In addition, trekkers are also required to obtain an Inner Line Permit (ILP) for entry into the border areas of Uttarakhand. All the permits are obtained by the TTH Team.