The Milam Glacier in Uttarakhand, India, is renowned for its stunning natural beauty, including towering ice cliffs and lush alpine landscapes. It’s a popular trekking destination, attracting adventurers from around the world. The trek starts from the village of Munsiyari and offers breathtaking views of the glacier and surrounding peaks.
Milam Glacier
Trek Details
Duration
7 Days / 6 Nights
Max Altitude
4200 m
Trek Length
30 KM
Difficulty
ModerateBest Season
May to October
Start Point
Munsiyari
End Point
Munsiyari
Nearest Railway
Tanakpur
Nearest Airport
Pantnagar
Overview
Your Adventure at a Glance
About the Trek
Mythology, Best Time & More More
Significance
Mythology and Cultural
The mythology and cultural significance of the Milam Glacier are intertwined. In Hindu mythology, the glacier is believed to be the abode of Nanda Devi, a goddess highly revered by the locals. The glacier holds immense spiritual importance and is considered a sacred site for pilgrimages and religious ceremonies. 0
Month
Best Time
The best time to trek to Milam Glacier is during the summer months, from May to October. During this period, the weather is relatively stable, with clear skies and milder temperatures, making trekking more comfortable.
Day-by-Day Plan
Trek Itinerary
Day 1
Dehradun to Munsiyari
Journey to Munsiyari: Begin your expedition with a long drive from Dehradun to Munsiyari, passing through picturesque landscapes and quaint hill towns. Munsiyari, nestled in the Pithoragarh district, serves as a base for several treks in the Kumaon Himalayas.
Preparation and Rest: Use the remainder of the day to rest and prepare for the trek ahead. Explore Munsiyari, known for its panoramic views of the Panchachuli Peaks.
- ravel distance:
- From Delhi: ~600 km
- From Dehradun: ~450 km
- Travel time:
- Delhi: 15–18 hrs
- Dehradun: 12–14 hrs
Route
Delhi → Haldwani → Almora → Bageshwar → Birthi Falls → Munsiyari
Day 2
Munsiyari to lilam to laspa village
Offroad drive Begins: Start your trip from Munsiyari to Lilam. to laspa The initial stretch is a moderate descent followed by a gradual ascent through forests and along the Gori Ganga river.
- Distance: ~50 km
- Drive time: 4–5 hrs depending on road conditions
Route
Munsiyari → Darkot → Lilam side valley → Laspa
Notes
- High-clearance 4x4 recommended
- Road condition varies seasonally
- Last proper vehicle-accessible point
Stay
- Camp / homestay at Laspa
Highlights
- Gori Ganga valley
- Remote Himalayan villages
- Narrow mountain roads
Day 3
Laspa → Ganghar Village
- Road distance: ~20 km
- Trek time: 2 hrs
Trail
Laspa → Rilkot region → Martoli side valley → Ganghar
Terrain
- Gradual altitude gain
- Glacier-fed streams
- Open alpine valley
Stay
- Camping near Ganghar village
Highlights
- Johar Valley landscapes
- Hardeol & Trishuli views
- Ancient stone settlements
Day 4
Explore Nanda Devi East Base Camp Region → Return via Ganghar → Milam Village
Explore nanda devi base and local village
- Total trek: ~12 km
- Trek time: 6–7 hrs
Plan
Morning:
- Explore Nanda Devi East Base Camp approach valley
Afternoon:
- Return toward Ganghar
- Continue to Milam Village
Stay
- Homestay / camp at Milam Village
Highlights
- Massive glacial valley
- Nanda Devi East flank views
- Historic Indo-Tibetan trade route atmosphere
Day 5
Milam Village → Milam Glacier → Return
Journey to Milam
Early Start
- Tea around 5:30 AM
- Start trek by 6:00–6:30 AM
Trek Distance
- Approx. 14 km round trip
Trek Duration
- 5–6 hrs
Terrain
- Loose moraine
- Rocky glacier path
- Snow patches (seasonal)
- Glacier melt streams
Glacier Landscape
As you approach:
- Massive ice walls appear
- Black moraine ridges visible
- Glacier snout becomes visible
Milam Glacier
One of Kumaon’s largest glaciers.
Approx altitude:
- 3,800–4,000 m
Major Peaks Visible
Possible sightings:
- Hardeol
- Trishuli peaks
- Nanda Kot
- Rishi Pahar
Safety Notes
Avoid:
- Walking on unstable ice
- Going near crevasses
- Standing below loose rock slopes
Return Trek
- Lunch on return route
- Relaxed descent to village
Evening at Milam
- Final village exploration
- Bonfire possible (weather permitting)
Day 6
Milam Village to Munsiyari
Morning
- Breakfast early
- Load gear into vehicles
- Check weather and road conditions
Drive Duration
- Approx. 4–5 hrs
- Longer if roads damaged
Route Conditions
Expect:
- Water crossings
- Boulder roads
- Cliff sections
- Narrow mountain tracks
Scenic Stops
Possible photo halts:
- Gori Ganga viewpoints
- Waterfalls
- Valley overlooks
Arrival at Munsiyari
Expected:
- Afternoon or evening
Recovery Evening
Recommended:
- Hot shower
- Good meal
- Rest and backup day if weather delays occur
Day 7
Munsiyari → Delhi / Dehradun
Early Departure
- Leave around 4:00–5:00 AM
Route
Munsiyari → Bageshwar → Almora → Haldwani → Delhi/Dehradun
Recommended Stops
Breakfast
- Bageshwar
Lunch
- Almora or Haldwani
Road Conditions
- Long mountain drive
- Fatiguing curves after Almora
- Better highways after Haldwani
Arrival
Delhi
Late night arrival
Dehradun
Evening/night arrival
Expedition Route Summary
Delhi/Dehradun→Munsiyari→Laspa→Ganghar→Nanda Devi East BC→Milam Village→Milam Glacier→Munsiyaritext{Delhi/Dehradun} rightarrow text{Munsiyari} rightarrow text{Laspa} rightarrow text{Ganghar} rightarrow text{Nanda Devi East BC} rightarrow text{Milam Village} rightarrow text{Milam Glacier} rightarrow text{Munsiyari}
What's Covered
Inclusions & Exclusions
INCLUSION
- Accommodation: Stay in tents/guesthouses on twin/triple sharing; base in guesthouse.
- Meals: Simple, nutritious vegetarian meals provided.
- Day-wise Meals: Meal plan varies by day.
- Day 1: Dinner + breakfast next morning.
- Trek Days: Breakfast, packed lunch, and dinner included.
- Final Day: Dinner + breakfast before departure.
- Non-veg meals are not served.
- Trek Equipment: Sleeping bags, tents, kitchen setup, mattresses, crampons (if needed).
- Transportation: Included if opted during booking.
- First Aid: Basic medical kits available.
- Permits: Forest entry fees and permits included.
- Guides: Led by trained and experienced trek leaders.
EXCLUSION
- All kinds of personal expenditures are excluded.
- Anything that we have not mentioned above.
- The trek cost is not inclusive of meals bought during the journey on 1st day and last day.
- Mules or porter charges to carry private baggage.
- Any kind of emergency evacuation charges.
Getting There
How To Reach
Location
Trek Route Map
Booking Policy
Cancellation Policy
| Policy | Upto 30 days | 29–21 days | 21–15 days | 14–0 days |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Batch Shifting | ✓ | ✕ | ✕ | ✕ |
| Refund | 100% | 50% | 0% | 0% |
Travel insurance is strongly recommended. No-shows and last-minute cancellations are non-refundable. In case of bad weather or force majeure, the company reserves the right to modify or cancel the itinerary.
Preparation
What To Pack
Clothing & Footwear
- High-ankle waterproof trekking boots (broken in)
- Thermal base layer — top & bottom (2 sets)
- Down jacket (600+ fill power)
- Windproof & waterproof shell jacket
- Trekking pants (quick-dry, 2–3 pairs)
- Woolen gloves + waterproof outer gloves
- Warm balaclava & beanie hat
- Woolen socks (4+ pairs)
- Gaiters for snow and scree
Gear & Essentials
- 35–45L daypack with rain cover
- Trekking poles (collapsible, 2 poles)
- Headlamp with extra batteries
- Sunscreen SPF 50+ & lip balm with SPF
- UV-protection polarised sunglasses
- Personal first aid & altitude medication (Diamox)
- Water bottles (2L) or hydration bladder
- Water purification tablets
- Valid government photo ID (mandatory for permits)
Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Milam Glacier trek difficult ?
The trek to Milam Glacier is considered Moderate due to its remote location, rugged terrain, high altitude, and challenging weather conditions.
How many days in Milam Glacier Trek ?
It is a 11 Days and 10 Nights Trek starting from Munsiyari to Munsiyari .
How long is Kedartal Trek ?
The trek to Milam Glacier is typically around 60 kilometers in length, depending on the specific route taken and any deviations from the main trail.
Why is Milam Glacier famous ?
The Milam Glacier trek is famous for its stunning Himalayan scenery, remote wilderness, glacial landscape, cultural immersion, and adventurous challenges.
What if we want to leave extra luggage at the base village?
You can keep extra luggage in the base village for any particular trek. There are no cloak roo charges applicable. Its free of cost.
Is there mobile signals available on treks?
If you are going on a trek don’t expect mobile signals. There are few spots on the trails of few treks where you might find a single tower or something but it always depends if that is enough to make a call or not.
How do you manage toilets?
We use portable toilet tents for sanitation needs, as permanent structures may not available. These are dry toilets, so please bring wet wipes or tissue paper for personal hygiene.
Do I need to carry trek equipment?
For this trek you just need a day bag to carry during the trek, extra luggage can be left behind at the camp site. Proper bedded swiss tents are available on this trek.
Can we consume Alcohol during the trek?
It’s a strict no. If you fall sick during the trek due to alcohol consumption H2H has the right to cancel your trek and send you back to base village. No expenses shall be refunded in that case and you will have to pay additional for stay at base village.
How do I prepare for the trek?
Start running/walking at least 3-4 Kms everyday.
What kind of shoes will I need? Does a sport shoe work?
If it’s a snow trek a good trekking shoe is mandatory. If you buy a new shoe do walk for few days so that it fits you well and doesn’t leave you with blisters while you trek. If it is a summer trek or post monsoon trek a shoe with good grip and ankle support will do.