Nanda Devi - Dharansi Pass Trek

Discover the Mystical Charm of Trekking Through the Enchanting Dharansi Pass and the Biodiverse Outer Sanctuary of Nanda Devi National Park

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Duration
7 days 6 nights
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Altitude:
4261m
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Grade:
Moderate
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Best Time:
Jun, July, Aug, Sep, Oct
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Temperatures:
-10 to 8 degrees in the winters. 5 - 18 degrees in the summers
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Starts From:
Joshimath
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Airport:
Jolly Grant Airport, Dehraoon, Uttrakhand
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Railway:
Rishikesh, Uttrakhand

Key Geographical Highlights

10 Popular Peaks:

Changabang ( 6864m ), Dunagiri ( 7066m ), Gauri Parbat ( 6708m ), Hathi Parbat ( 6727m ), Nanda Devi ( 7816m ), Nanda Ghunti ( 6309m ), Bethattoli Himal ( 6352m ), Devistan ( 6678m ), Devistan 2 ( 6529m ), Bethattoli South ( 6318m )

1 High Passes:

Dhanransi Pass ( 4261m )

3 Villages:

Lata, Tolma, Suroi Thotta

1 National Parks Or Forest Reserve:

Nanda Devi Outer Sanctuary

Reach Joshimath find other treks

Daywise Itinerary For Nandadevi Dharansi Pass Trek

(click to read detailed route briefing, elevation graph, altitude time info and photos from the day)

▼ Day 1Arrival DayJoshimath 1850m
Arrive In Joshimath
Overnight In: Joshimath (1850m )
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Evening Tea Snacks, Soup, Dinner, Dessert, Hot Drinks
Cost Of Transport Included: NO
Where and How To Reach Joshimath
We will pick you up either from the airport or your hotel and start the marvellous journey towards the mountains with little tiring, but scenic drive through the mountainous road up to Joshimath, which is one of the very old and important settlement in Ancient India
Day 1
300 - Rishikesh
Day 1
1850 - Joshimath
250Km, 10hrs.
▼ Day 2Trekking DayLata Village 2350m
From Joshimath (1850m ) To Lata Village (2350m ), Via - Lata Roadhead (2000m ) - 4 Hrs. 14 Kms
Overnight In: Lata Village (2350m )
Accommodation: Homestay
Meals Included: Morning Tea, Breakfast, Lunch, Evening Tea Snacks, Soup, Dinner, Dessert, Hot Drinks
After a delicious breakfast, we will embark on a scenic drive to the Lata Roadhead, which serves as the starting point for the breathtaking Dharansi Pass Trek. From there, we will begin the trek to the charming Lata village, nestled amidst the verdant hills and surrounded by the majestic Himalayan peaks. The trek offers a fascinating glimpse into the local way of life and culture, as we pass through terraced fields and traditional houses, with the sound of the gurgling streams and the chirping of the birds providing a soothing background. As we approach the village, the panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and the warm hospitality of the locals will leave us spellbound, making it a memorable start to our trekking adventure.
Day 2
1850 - Joshimath
Day 2
2000 - Lata Roadhead
Day 2
2350 - Lata Village
14Km, 4hrs.
▼ Day 3Trekking DayLata Kharak 3800m
From Lata (2350m ) To Lata Kharak (3800m ), Via - Bhelta (2800m ) - 5 Hrs. 10 Kms
Overnight In: Lata Kharak (3800m )
Accommodation: Camping
Meals Included: Morning Tea, Breakfast, Lunch, Evening Tea Snacks, Soup, Dinner, Dessert, Hot Drinks
At 3800mts Lata Kharak offers a unique landscape with Rhododendron and birch trees in its vicinity and sheer drop to Dhauliganga River on the other side. From Bhelta the route climbs up via pine forest over stone route and after a few zig zag steep incline the route takes us over loose rocks. The peaks visible from Lata Kharak are Bethartoli Himal, Nanda Ghunti, Ronti, and Hathi Parvat. There is a small cave with a small flat ground surrounding it, good enough to pitch 2 tents. Bhelta is located at 2850mts above sea level. In terms of views, this is not a promising campsite but its proximity to water source makes it an emergency campsite one can rely on. The trail from Lata Village goes through Bhelta which marks 4kms into the uphill climb via pine and cedar trees. You’ll also rejoice to identify the route of Kuari Pass to Dhak from this point.
Day 3
2350 - Lata
Day 3
2800 - Bhelta
Day 3
3800 - Lata Kharak
10Km, 5hrs.
▼ Day 4Trekking DayDharansi Pass 4000m
From Lata Kharak (3800m ) To Dharansi Pass (4000m ), Via - Jhandi Dhar (4100m ), Dharansi Pass Top (4300m ) - 5 Hrs. 11 Kms
Overnight In: Dharansi Pass (4000m )
Accommodation: Camping
Meals Included: Morning Tea, Breakfast, Lunch, Evening Tea Snacks, Soup, Dinner, Dessert, Hot Drinks
Begin your day at Lata Village with the mesmerizing views of Bethartoli, Nanda Ghunti, Ronti, Saf Minal, Rishi Pahad, and Dunagiri, and a distant view of Kwari Pass and Auli. After breakfast, start your trek with a steep climb. As you walk for a couple of hours, you'll reach a bifurcation on the trail. The trail on the left leads to Jhandi Dhar, and further up to Bagupayana pass.
The trail passes through a narrow gorge of Satkula with steep ascents and descents before reaching the meadows of Dharansi Pass, where you can camp near the water point. Starting your uphill climb early is advisable as the weather can be unpredictable in the afternoon, and the peaks may get covered in clouds.
Soon you cross the treeline and reach Jhandi Dhar. The views change drastically as soon as you reach Jhandi Dhar, with an interesting angle view of Dunagiri, Chaukhamba, Hath Ghori, and other surrounding Peaks. The route to the left at Jhandi Dhar leads to Tolma village, while the route to the connecting ridge from here leads to Dharansi Pass top.
A little more hike over Scree and Moraine takes us to the top of Dharansi Pass. It is crucial to focus on every step while navigating this stretch as a small mistake can lead to ankle twisting. The Dharansi Pass Camp is a windy campsite.
Day 4
3800 - Lata Kharak
Day 4
4100 - Jhandi Dhar
Day 4
4300 - Dharansi Pass Top
Day 4
4000 - Dharansi Pass
11Km, 5hrs.
▼ Day 5Trekking DayDibrugheta 4200m
From Dharansi Pass (4000m ) To Dibrugheta (4200m ), Via - Dharansi Pass (4000m ) - 6 Hrs. 14 Kms
Overnight In: Dibrugheta (4200m )
Accommodation: Camping
Meals Included: Morning Tea, Breakfast, Lunch, Evening Tea Snacks, Soup, Dinner, Dessert, Hot Drinks
Begin the day with a light daypack as you return to the same campsite today. Wake up early and start the trek towards Debrugheta. The Malthuni-Bethartoli ridge separates the Inner and Outer boundaries of the Nanda Devi Sanctuary and Debrugheta is the last point allowed for visitors. As it is located at a lower altitude, you will need to descend considerably to reach it.
Later in the day, start the uphill climb back to the campsite, ensuring you begin the return journey early in the morning as it can be quite tiring. Take in the beautiful scenery and breathe in the fresh mountain air as you make your way back.
Day 5
4000 - Dharansi Pass
Day 5
4000 - Dharansi Pass
Day 5
4200 - Dibrugheta
14Km, 6hrs.
▼ Day 6Trekking DayHitoli 3300m
From Dharansi Pass (4000m ) To Hitoli (3300m ) - 5 Hrs. 12 Kms
Overnight In: Hitoli (3300m )
Accommodation: Camping
Meals Included: Morning Tea, Breakfast, Lunch, Evening Tea Snacks, Soup, Dinner, Dessert, Hot Drinks
Descend down to Hitoli
Day 6
4000 - Dharansi Pass
Day 6
3300 - Hitoli
12Km, 5hrs.
▼ Day 7Trekking DayJoshimath 1850m
From Hitoli (3300m ) To Joshimath (1850m ), Via - Tolma (2800m ), 2400 - 9 Hrs. 4 Kms
Overnight In: Joshimath (1850m )
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Morning Tea, Breakfast, Lunch, Evening Tea Snacks, Soup, Dinner, Dessert, Hot Drinks
After spending some peaceful moments in the serene surroundings of Hitoli campsite, it's time to trek down to Tolma Village. The trail winds through the dense forests of deodar trees, providing a refreshing shade from the bright sun. After a trek of 5kms, you'll reach Tolma Village, a small and quaint village nestled in the lap of nature.
From here, it's a further 3kms walk down to Surai Thotha roadhead, where a cab will be waiting for you. As you drive away from the mountains, you'll cherish the memories of your Chhota Vanvaas and the breathtaking views of Nanda Devi Sanctuary that surrounded you throughout the trek.
The journey from Surai Thotha to Joshimath is a scenic one, with the gushing waters of Alaknanda River accompanying you throughout the way. So sit back, relax, and soak in the beauty of the mountains one last time before bidding adieu to this enchanting land.
Day 7
3300 - Hitoli
Day 7
2800 - Tolma
Day 7
1850 - Joshimath
4Km, 9hrs.
▼ Day 8Trekking DayRishikesh 300m
From Joshimath (1850m ) To Rishikesh (300m ) - 250 Hrs. 10 Kms
Overnight In: Rishikesh (300m )
Accommodation: None
Meals Included: Morning tea, Breakfast
As you end the trek and prepare to leave the beautiful mountains behind, a sense of bittersweet emotions start to fill you up. On one hand, you feel a great sense of satisfaction and accomplishment at having completed the trek, having pushed yourself to your limits and beyond, and having witnessed some of the most breathtaking views you have ever seen in your life.
On the other hand, you also feel a tinge of sadness and nostalgia, knowing that you will soon be leaving the peaceful serenity of the mountains behind and returning to the hustle and bustle of city life. As you make your way back to Joshimath, your mind is filled with a plethora of memories and experiences from the trek, and you can't help but feel grateful for the opportunity to have undertaken this life-changing journey.
As you drive back to Rishikesh, you take one last look at the majestic mountains in the distance, and you can't help but feel a sense of longing to stay just a little longer. But as the old saying goes, all good things must come to an end, and you know that it's time to bid adieu to the mountains and return to the world beyond. But the memories and experiences from the trek will stay with you forever, a constant reminder of the beauty and wonder of the natural world, and the limitless potential of the human spirit.
Day 8
1850 - Joshimath
Day 8
300 - Rishikesh
10Km, 250hrs.

Nandadevi Dharansi Pass Trek introduction

Nandadevi Dharansi Pass Trek - An Elaborate Description

Nanda Devi, the highest self-owned peak in India, is not merely a mountain peak. As its name suggests, it is also considered a goddess. This signature peak is situated in the center of over 25 stunning peaks in the Himalayas, forming a dreamy landscape. A satellite view of the area reveals the glory of the place, which is why it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Additionally, the area is one of the most protected regions in the Indian Himalayas, with entry closely monitored.

The Nanda Devi - Dharansi Pass Trek is one of the very few treks that allow you to get up close to the Goddess Mountain and experience the best of the Himalayas. This trek offers a full Himalayan experience in a relatively short time span. During the trek, trekkers get to witness the beauty of the Nanda Devi National Park, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The park is home to several rare and endangered species such as the Himalayan black bear, snow leopard, musk deer, and Himalayan tahr.

Overall, the Dharansi Pass trek is a must-do for nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts who wish to experience the beauty of the Himalayas and challenge themselves with a high-altitude trekking experience.

As you trek through the villages of Lata, Tolma, and Suroi Thotta, you will have a chance to experience the rich and unique culture, tradition, and way of life of the Rongpa people. The forests of the Nanda Devi Outer Sanctuary offer an excellent opportunity to walk through and view rare Himalayan flora and fauna. The trail leading to Dharansi pass offers a good challenge for thrill-seekers, with the reward of stunning views of the Nanda Devi and its surrounding peaks.

Embark on a once-in-a-lifetime adventure with the Nanda Devi - Dharansi Pass Trek with Himalayan High. This trek offers a unique opportunity to get up close to the Nanda Devi peak, considered a goddess in Hindu mythology, and witness over 25 stunning peaks in the Himalayas. Experience the rich culture and traditions of the Rongpa people in Lata, Tolma, and Suroi Thotta villages, while also discovering rare Himalayan flora and fauna in the Nanda Devi Outer Sanctuary. This moderate to challenging trek offers a good challenge and thrill for adventure enthusiasts, with an ultra-low human footprint due to limited permits and close monitoring by the forest department. Enjoy the breathtaking views of snow-capped mountains, alpine meadows, and gushing rivers, making this a truly unforgettable experience.

Nandadevi Dharansi Pass Trek - Why Its A Must-Do

The Nanda Devi - Dharansi Pass Trek is an unforgettable experience that offers some of the best Himalayan trekking experiences in a relatively short period. Here are some reasons why this trek should be on your bucket list:

Close proximity to the Goddess Mountain: The trek offers trekkers the unique opportunity to get up close to the Nanda Devi peak, which is considered a goddess in Hindu mythology. The peak is situated in the center of over 25 stunning peaks in the Himalayas, forming a dreamy landscape that is breathtaking to behold.
Rich culture and tradition: As you trek through the villages of Lata, Tolma, and Suroi Thotta, you will have a chance to experience the rich and unique culture, tradition, and way of life of the Rongpa people. You can witness their daily life, interact with locals, and learn about their customs and beliefs.
Rare Himalayan flora and fauna: The forest of the Nanda Devi Outer Sanctuary offers a great experience of walking through it and a chance to view the rare Himalayan flora and fauna. The sanctuary is home to several endangered species such as snow leopards, Himalayan tahr, musk deer, and black bears.
A good challenge and thrill: The trail leading to Dharansi pass offers a good challenge to lift the bar and thrill for adventure enthusiasts. The trek is a moderate to challenging one, and trekkers need to be in good physical shape to complete it.
Ultra-low human footprint: The Nanda Devi - Dharansi Pass Trek has a limited number of permits available per year, and the forest department closely monitors entry into the area. This ensures that the trekking experience is exclusive and reduces the impact of human activities on the environment.
Rewarding views: The trek offers stunning views of the Nanda Devi peak and its surrounding peaks. The snow-capped mountains, alpine meadows, and gushing rivers are a feast for the eyes and soul, and the experience is unforgettable.

Permit Restrictions For the Dharansi Pass Trek

To maintain the ecological balance and protect the delicate Himalayan ecosystem, the Dharansi Pass Trek and Nanda Devi Outer Sanctuary have strict permit restrictions. The following are the entry rules for visitors:

Visitors must move in groups of no more than 5 people.
Only 2 groups are permitted to enter the park in a single day.
A total of only 4 groups are allowed per week.
All groups must be accompanied by a local guide to ensure safety and respect for the environment.
The minimum age for visitors is 14 years old.

These measures help preserve the pristine beauty of the region and provide an exclusive and responsible trekking experience. We extremely support these administrative steps by the Forest Department

How We Grade Our Treks and Expeditions

Easy

Usual daily walks of 4 - 5 hours in altitude below 4000 meters. The sleeping altitude on these treks are below 4000 meter and the trails are gradual involving no steep ascent or descent. Sometimes, the trail may be longer, but on level trails. The duration of trek may be a week or lesser than it. The trek is not too remote and evacuation might be possible from almost any point of the trek

Moderate

The trek duration each day may span from 4 - 5 hours, but on some days, it may push up to 8 - 9 days. The trail might involve steep ascents or descents on occasions This kind of treks demand good fitness, and trekkers must involve themselves in cardio exercises regularly to do these treks comfortably. Sleeping altitude are below 4000 meters or little above it, but the trail might go as high as 4500 - 5000 meters. The trek is bit remote and evacuation might be possible from almost all, but not all campsites

Moderate+

This type of treks are bit more demanding than the moderate ones. It might involve few days of very long walks at higher altitude, or serious gradients, exposures, more remote or involves sleeping at higher altitudes for more days.

Strenuous

The trek duration each day may span from 5 - 8 hours, and may go up to to 8 - 9 on few days. The trail involves steep ascents and descents. Good fitness are demand of these treks, and trekkers must involve themselves in cardio exercises regularly to do these treks comfortably. Sleeping altitude may go above 4000 meters or little above it on couple of days, but not more than that. The trail might go as high as 4500 - 5200 meters. These trek are remote and evacuation might not be possible from all the campsites

Challenging

The trek duration each day may span from 5 - 8 hours, and may go up to to 8 - 9 or even more than that on few days. The trail involves steep ascents and descents. Crossing a glacier or a scree zone might be a feature of these treks. You might on some occasions, require technical equipment like rope, ice axe and snow stacks etc to complete these treks. Good fitness are demand of any treks, but these treks demands strong character. Sleeping altitude may goes well above 5000 meters on some days. The trail might go as high as 5000 - 6000 meters. These trek are high or remote or both. The trek usually might be a week long.

Sometimes irrespective of altitude and distance, a trek may ge graded Challenging if the route is treacherous, which might demand some footing skills or assistance of ropes and other equipment

Challenging+

The trek duration each day may span from 5 - 8 hours, and may go up to to 8 - 9 or even more than that on few days. The trail involves steep ascents and descents. Negotiating glacial moraines, scree zones, crossing them, camping on them etc are features of these treks. You might also require technical equipment like rope, ice axe and snow stacks etc to complete these treks. Good fitness are demand of any treks, but these treks demands strong character. Sleeping altitude may goes well above 5000 meters on some days. The trail might go as high as 5000 - 6000 meters. These trek are high and remote. A good technical support team and knowledgeable local guide is a must. Only experienced trekkers are advised to do these treks. The trek goes over 2 week and may be longer than that.

Sometimes irrespective of altitude and distance, a trek may ge graded Challenging if the route is treacherous, which might demand some footing skills or assistance of ropes and other equipment

Page Cost Inclusions and Exclusions For The Nandadevi Dharansi Pass Trek

WHAT'S INCLUDED IN THE PRICE

Duration: 8 Days / 7 nights of the trek cost from Rishikesh to Rishikesh
Accommodation In Base Village (Joshimath): 2 nights in a hotel or homestay in Joshimath with emphasis on local organic food and cultural exposure.
Accommodation On Trek: Spacious, sturdy and High-Quality Dome Tents will be provided on twin sharing basis. We will use homestay wherever available top reduce our ecological footprint
Sleeping In Tents: Thick Waterproof Mattress complemented with Sub Zero Sleeping bags supported with Warm Fleece Sleeping Bag Inners For Extra Hygiene and Warmth will be provided by us
Dining On Trek: We will provide Dining and Kitchen Tents with camping stools and table for extra hygiene and comfort.
Toilet On Treks: Dry eco-toilet will be set up with a toilet tent and toilet seat.
Meals: All meals starting Evening Tea in Joshimath on Day 1 till Breakfast in Joshimath on Day 7 morning. 3 meals (B,L,D) suited for high altitude with evening snacks, soup, hot drinks and extra energizers/juice for summit days
Trail Safety: Gaiters, Anti Slip Crampons and Ice Axe depending upon snow conditions.
Communication: For efficient management of the trek, the team will be communicating with each other and trek base with the help of long-range wireless sets.
Medical Safety: Oxygen cylinder, Pulse Oximeter, Thermal temperature scanner and Emergency Medical Kit accompanied with a trek leader knowledgeable on high altitude medicine and physiology
Trek Leader and Guide: Experienced and Well Equipped English/ Hindi Speaking Trek Leader maintaining guide to trekker ratio of 1:6. That is 1 guide for every 6 trekkers.
Local Support Staffs: Expert and Knowledgeable local guide with cooks, helpers, porters, mules, etc
Permits: All required forest entry permits and camping fees as per the rules of Nanda Devi National Park
Transfers: All transfers ex Rishikesh. Transfers from Joshimath to Lata roadhead and back from Suroithota to Joshimath, in 4X4 offroader for the trekking team and support crew.

Add-Ons: Make A Comfortable Trek

Single Tent Supplement: Enquire
Personal Baggage Porterage: Enquire

Add Ons: Personal Equipment On Rent

High Ankle Waterproof Trekking Shoes (Quechua): Rs 1000
-20 degrees Down Jackets: Rs. 1200
Windproof/Waterproof Jackets: Rs. 500
Windproof/Waterproof pants: Rs. 500
Headlamps: 200
Poncho: 200
Trek Pole: 200
Rucksack: 200
Waterproof Gloves: 200

WHAT'S NOT INCLUDED

BAGGAGE OFFLOAD: ( optional at extra cost at Rs. 3000 per bag weighing not more than 11 Kgs)
Personal Travel Insurance
Personal Purchases
Bottled Water and Food Purchased Outside Our Menu
Personal Gears
Anything not mentioned in the inclusion list

Cost Terms For The Nandadevi Dharansi Pass Trek

Cost Terms

The above-mentioned cost is in the range of minimum to maximum per-person cost for this trek as per 1 - 12 people team.PackageInclusions as per this cost can be read below.
5% GST (goods and service tax) is applicable for all our purchases.
We follow dynamic pricing as per the actual team size on the trek. Going by our standardized service, appropriate safety measures, quality equipment, and ecologically sustainable - small group commitment, a higher team size will lower the cost whereas a lower team size will significantly increase the cost.
Group segmented pricing if not provided here, please write to us using the contact page or text us on Whatsapp number +918017216725.
You may choose to keep the trek open or make it private depending upon your requirements or choice. The actual per-person cost of the trek is subject to the actual team size joining the trek. If you make any customizations that drastically change the itinerary and cost as mentioned here, then it will mandatorily have to be a private group only.
If we have dates listed on our website on Our Upcoming Treks and it is not marked as private, it means other people have booked this trek for that date and have opened it up for other members to join to lower the cost. If your dates and choices match, you may join these treks
You may join an existing open group listed on our website or create your own group as per your convenient dates and choose to either keep it private or open it up to lower the cost if other members join the trek.
At any point, the team size cannot be more than 12 members ( 10 for challenging treks) unless there is a unique exception requested or agreed upon by all the team members.

International Guests

Trek cost for foreigners is slightly higher than the cost for our Indian guests, mainly due to the higher permit fee applicable for admission to National Parks or protected forest areas. Sometimes, it may be higher due to higher local crew wages and other specific arrangements we make to ensure a safe, comfortable and enriching travel experience in India. However, we absolutely DO NOT 'hyper-charge' our International Guests ever and at the same time, ensure that we meet all the standards for highly qualified trek leaders and guides, safety, medical preparation, evacuation strategy, rescue arrangements, eco-sensitive travel, high-value knowledge sharing about the area and customs of the locals.

Extra Cost For International Trekkers Rs. 4000 per person.

Booking Process

Booking can only be done after multiple communication via email / Whatsapp / Calls. After connecting with us and discussing your needs, we finalize the trek and its requirements. After finalization, partial booking fees can be paid online or through direct bank transfers after which we trigger our preparations and arrangements for your trek. International Trekkers can pay the partial booking fees using PayPal, Wise, Western Union or Direct Wire Transfer.

Customized Private Group For Nandadevi Dharansi Pass Trek

Trekking is a very personal activity and is perhaps one of the very few activities that give you enough time to indulge with yourself or your beloved people, a group of special friends, or close family members. It helps you transform personal bonds to the next level as it brings out everyone's best and truest self. Trekking is most enjoyed when it is done in a small private group, personalized to serve your specific needs. The Himalayas are best experienced when there is silence and solitude around and when you are surrounded only by your best people. Your trek is most enjoyable when all the pain of arranging a smooth trek is taken care of by us, and you focus just on your trek and yourself. Most importantly, a small private trekking group is very flexible, personalized, and more enjoyable, is the safest, and follows the principles of Sustainable and Responsible Tourism. Most trekkers book us for arranging personalized private treks catering to their specific and unique requirements - Customize This Trek

from Rs. 45000 to Rs. 85000/-
+5% GST PER PERSON

Batch Size:
25-40 <10