We Only Organize Lesser Done, Uncrowded, Customizable & Personalized, Small Group Private Trekking Tours In The Himalayas
(click to read detailed route briefing, elevation graph, altitude time info and photos from the day)
Standard 8D/7N
8 Days7 NightsCamp: 5 NightsHotel: 2 NightsPrimary
Trek: 6 Days
ModerateMax 4600 mStart 2600 m
Route
Rishikesh → Auli → Ruing → Dronagiri Village → Lower Baghini BC → Upper Baghini BC → Dronagiri Village → Joshimath/Auli → Rishikesh
Terrain
Alpine MeadowBoulder ZoneCrevasse ZoneGlacierMeadow TrailMoraineRocky TrailScree Zone
Suitable For
Everyone,Above 10 only
▲ Day 1Arrival Day
Arrive In Auli
Overnight In: Auli (2600m )
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Dessert, Dinner, Evening Tea Snacks, Hot Drinks, Soup
Quick Tips For The Day:
- Departure from Haridwar/Rishikesh: Begin your 280 km ascent from the "Gateway to the Gods" into the winding mountain roads of Uttarakhand.
- Witness the Panch Prayag: Observe the scenic confluences where glacial rivers unite at various points along the route to form the mighty Ganga.
- Experience Dev Bhoomi: Immerse yourself in the spiritual atmosphere of "God’s Land" as you pass through vibrant, colorful mountain streets.
- Follow the Lifeline: Trace the path of the Ganges upward toward its Himalayan sources as the landscape becomes more rugged.
- Surpass Joshimath for Auli: Continue 14 km past the busy market town of Joshimath to reach Auli, a serene "Mini Switzerland" offering far superior, 180-degree panoramic views of Nanda Devi and other high Himalayan peaks.
- Rest in the Meadows: Prioritize a full night’s sleep in Auli, where the tranquil atmosphere of high-altitude alpine meadows provides a much more peaceful and scenic escape than the crowded streets of Joshimath.
- Day 1
- 555 - Rishikesh
- Day 1
- 1400 - Chamoli
- Day 1
- 1850 - Joshimath
- Day 1
- 2600 - Auli
270Km, 8 - 9hrs.▲ Day 2Drive & Trekking Day
From Auli (2600m ) To Ruing (2700m ), Via - Jumma (2550m ) - 3 - 4 Hrs. 60 Kms
Overnight In: Ruing (2700m )
Accommodation: Camping
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dessert, Dinner, Evening Tea Snacks, Hot Drinks, Lunch, Morning Tea, Soup
Quick Tips For The Day:
- Start the Day: Begin with breakfast before boarding a cab for a thrilling two-hour drive to Jumma via the Niti-Malari highway
- Trek Begins at Jumma: Get down from the cab and cross the gushing Rishi Ganga river via a hanging bridge to begin the hike.
- Acclimatization Walk: Although a motorable road goes all the way to Ruing, we are trekking this easier 3 km section to acclimatize our bodies to the higher altitude conditions for the days ahead.
- Reach Ruing: Enjoy views of the river and highway on the opposite bank before reaching today's peaceful destination, Ruing.
- Evening Village Visit: In the evening, take time to explore the small mountain settlement of Ruing village and observe local daily life.
- Meet the Ronpa Tribes: The area is home to the Ronpa community, a semi-nomadic Bhotia tribe known for their unique high-altitude culture and vibrant traditional attire.
- Day 2
- 2600 - Auli
- Day 2
- 2550 - Jumma
- Day 2
- 2700 - Ruing
60Km, 3 - 4hrs.▲ Day 3Trekking Day
From Ruing (2700m ) To Dronagiri Village (3700m ) - 4 - 6 Hrs. 9 Kms
Overnight In: Dronagiri Village (3700m )
Accommodation: Camping
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dessert, Dinner, Evening Tea Snacks, Hot Drinks, Lunch, Morning Tea, Soup
Quick Tips For The Day:
- Ascend Through the Forest: The initial trail winds upward through dense alpine forests of oak and bhoj-patra, offering scenic views of the river.
- Navigate the Landslide Zone: A crucial part of the trek involves carefully crossing a barren, rugged landslide-prone zone before the final ascent to the village.
- Reach Dronagiri Village: Arrive at Dronagiri, a remote ancient village at approximately 3,658 meters (12,000 feet), which is the highest inhabited settlement in the Nanda Devi reserve area during peak season.
- Experience Village Charm: While high peaks are hidden from the village itself, Dronagiri’s beauty lies in its traditional stone architecture and perfectly terraced mountain fields.
- Encounter Local Traditions: Spend time observing the unique high-altitude farming practices and the deep-rooted hospitality of the villagers who call this remote outpost home.
- Learn the Hanuman Legend: Discover why local tradition forbids the worship of Lord Hanuman, as villagers believe he damaged their sacred mountain to retrieve the Sanjeevani herb.
- Day 3
- 2700 - Ruing
- Day 3
- 3700 - Dronagiri Village
9Km, 4 - 6hrs.▲ Day 4Trekking Day
From Dronagiri Village (3700m ) To Lower Baghini BC (4200m ), Via - Longartoli (3919m ) - 5 - 7 Hrs. 10 Kms
Overnight In: Lower Baghini BC (4200m )
Accommodation: Camping
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dessert, Dinner, Evening Tea Snacks, Hot Drinks, Lunch, Morning Tea, Soup
Quick Tips For The Day:
- Depart Dronagiri: The morning begins by walking through the narrow concrete paths of Dronagiri village before climbing above the houses to continue the ascent.
- Ascend to Langartolli: Trek for approximately 2.5 hours past the village to reach the open meadow of Langartolli, which sits at an elevation of around 4,000 meters.
- Glacial Views Begin: From Langartolli, witness the first striking views of the rugged glacial moraine, a landscape feature that signifies proximity to the ice field ahead.
- Negotiate the Moraine: The trail requires careful navigation across the challenging, loose rock and debris that forms the lateral moraine of the Baghini Glacier.
- Arrive at the High Meadow Camp: Cross several humps of the high-altitude meadow to reach the day's remote campsite, nestled on an elevated spot right beside the glacier's edge.
- Relax Beside the Ice: Spend the remainder of the day resting, acclimatizing further, and absorbing the raw, austere beauty of the glacial environment.
- Day 4
- 3700 - Dronagiri Village
- Day 4
- 3920 - Longartoli
- Day 4
- 4200 - Lower Baghini BC
10Km, 5 - 7hrs.▲ Day 5Exploration Day - Trek
. Return To Upper Baghini BC - 5 - 6 Hrs. 8 Kms
Overnight In: Upper Baghini BC (4400m )
Accommodation: Camping
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dessert, Dinner, Evening Tea Snacks, Hot Drinks, Lunch, Morning Tea, Soup
Quick Tips For The Day:
- Embark on an Epic Ascent: Today is one of the most thrilling day of the trek as you leave the lush meadows behind to venture deep into the raw, powerful heart of the Baghini Glacier.
- Conquer the Glacial Terrain: Experience the adrenaline of navigating a chaotic landscape of massive lateral moraines, deep glacial cracks, and frozen debris that define this high-altitude wilderness.
- Witness Nature’s Power: Listen for the thunderous roar of distant avalanches echoing off the granite walls and spot shimmering glacial tarns hidden amongst the rugged rocks.
- Behold the Giant Peaks: Reach a point where the horizon explodes with the presence of Rishi Pahar and Saf Minal, standing so close and immense they seem to touch the sky.
- Stand at the Source: Peer down at the formidable snout of the Rishi Ganga, where the river births from the ice, before reaching a base camp that surpasses all previous sites in sheer, desolate beauty.
- Ultimate High-Altitude Reward: Spend the day surrounded by a 360-degree theater of giant peaks and ancient ice, marking this as the definitive highlight of your Himalayan adventure.
- Day 5
- 4200 - Lower Baghini BC
- Day 5
- 4400 - Upper Baghini BC
8Km, 5 - 6hrs.▲ Day 6Exploration Day - Trek
. Return To Dronagiri Village - 4 - 5 Hrs. 10 Kms
Overnight In: Dronagiri Village (3700m )
Accommodation: Camping
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dessert, Dinner, Evening Tea Snacks, Hot Drinks, Lunch, Morning Tea, Soup
Quick Tips For The Day:
- Pre-Dawn Start for Sunrise: Wake up very early at the Upper Baghini Base Camp (4,400m) for a crucial pre-dawn hike towards Changabang Base Camp.
- Witness the Magical Changabang: The goal is to witness the first rays of sunlight striking the elusive and technically challenging Changabang peak, a dramatic sight deep within the Nanda Devi inner sanctuary.
- Explore the Base Camp Area: Spend the morning exploring the rugged, high-altitude terrain near the base camp before beginning the long descent.
- Begin the Long Descent: After soaking in the views, start the challenging reverse trek, primarily downhill, heading all the way back to Dronagiri village.
- Navigate the Glacial Path Again: The return journey requires careful navigation across the moraines and landslide zones encountered on the way up, but now in reverse.
- Return to Dronagiri's Hospitality: Arrive back in the relative warmth and comfort of Dronagiri village in the evening, completing a very long and demanding day of trekking.
- Day 6
- 4400 - Upper Baghini BC
- Day 6
- 4600 - Changbang BC
- Day 6
- 3700 - Dronagiri Village
10Km, 4 - 5hrs.▲ Day 7Drive & Trekking Day
From Dronagiri Village (3700m ) To Joshimath/Auli (1850m ), Via - Ruing (2700m ), Jumma (2550m ) - 4 - 5 Hrs. 11 Kms
Overnight In: Joshimath/Auli (1850m )
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dessert, Dinner, Evening Tea Snacks, Hot Drinks, Lunch, Morning Tea, Soup
Quick Tips For The Day:
- Begin the Final Descent: Retrace your steps from Dronagiri village back down the familiar forest trail toward Ruing.
- Hike to Ruing: Complete the trek at Ruing, where your vehicle will be waiting to take you back to Auli/Joshimath
- Drive to Auli or Joshimath: Board your cab for the return drive, choosing between the views of Auli or the convenience of Joshimath.
- Check Into Comfort: Arrive at your hotel and finally settle into a soft bed after days of mountain camping.
- Enjoy a Hot Shower: Reward your tired muscles with a long-awaited hot shower, a luxury after the high-altitude cold.
- Celebrate the Journey: Spend a relaxing evening reflecting on your successful trek through the Nanda Devi sanctuary.
- Day 7
- 3700 - Dronagiri Village
- Day 7
- 2700 - Ruing
- Day 7
- 2550 - Jumma
- Day 7
- 1850 - Joshimath/Auli
11Km, 4 - 5hrs.▲ Day 8Departure Day
From Joshimath (1850m ) To Rishikesh (552m ) - 8 - 9 Hrs. 250 Kms
Accommodation: None
Meals Included: Breakfast
Cost Of Transport Included: YES
Quick Tips For The Day:
- Final Departure: After breakfast, begin the long scenic drive from Auli/Joshimath, descending the mountain roads towards the plains.
- Journey's End: The trip concludes upon arrival at Rishikesh, Dehradun airport (DED), or your specified onward destination.
- Day 8
- 1850 - Joshimath
- Day 8
- 555 - Rishikesh
250Km, 8 - 9hrs.
Other Customizable Variations of the Bagini Glacier Trek
We are NOT just limited to these options. These are our most commonly requested and well planned customizations.
If you have a different requirement, talk to us.
We only organize lesser done, uncrowded, customizable & personalized, small group private trekking tours in the Himalayas with full safety protocol in place. All customizations will be guided by this principle only.
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Bagini Glacier Trek - A Detailed Overview
Baghini Glacier & Changabang Base Camp: A Premium Private Trek
Embark on an exclusive, high-altitude odyssey into the rugged Garhwal Himalayas with our Premium Customized Private Trek to the Baghini Glacier. This eight-day journey transitions from the spiritual banks of the Ganges to the raw, alpine wilderness of the Nanda Devi National Park area. Unlike crowded commercial trails, this private expedition offers deep solitude and a tailored pace, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the dramatic landscapes surrounding Dronagiri and the high-altitude meadows of Langartolli.
Designed for those seeking an authentic mountain challenge, the trail navigates complex moraines, glacial tarns, and stark scree zones, leading you to the foot of the legendary Changabang. Here, the horizon is dominated by the massive granite walls of Hardeol, Rishi Pahar, and Saf Minal. Beyond the geography, you will experience the unique hospitality of the Ronpa community in the ancient village of Dronagiri—a place where time stands still and ancient legends remain woven into daily life. This is more than a trek; it is a sophisticated exploration of the Himalayas' most elusive sanctuary.
Top Reasons to Choose the Bagini Glacier Trek
- Elite Peak Views: Witness the architectural grandeur of Changabang (6864m), Dunagiri (7066m), and Hardeol (7151m) from exclusive vantage points.
- Baghini Glacier Exploration: Navigate the raw, powerful heart of one of the Garhwal’s most impressive glacial systems.
- Technical Alpine Terrain: Challenge yourself across complex lateral moraines, shimmering glacial tarns, and high-altitude scree zones.
- Ronpa Cultural Immersion: Step back in time in the ancient village of Dronagiri, engaging with the unique traditions of the Ronpa community.
- UNESCO World Heritage Buffer: Trek through the pristine wilderness of the Nanda Devi National Park, a sanctuary of unparalleled biodiversity.
- Source of the Rishi Ganga: Follow the dramatic path of the Rishi Ganga river as it carves through deep Himalayan gorges.
- Customized Private Itinerary: Enjoy a flexible 8-day adventure tailored to your pace, ensuring optimal acclimatization and privacy.
- Optimal Seasonal Windows: Perfectly timed for the lush blooms of May-June or the crystal-clear Himalayan skies of September-October.
- Remote Wilderness Luxury: Experience high-quality camping in a "leave-no-trace" style, providing comfort in the most unspoiled corners of the Himalayas.
- High-Altitude Meadows: Relax in the serene alpine meadows of Langartolli, surrounded by a 360-degree theater of 6,000m+ peaks.
Changabang: "The Shining Mountain" & Mountaineering History
Rising like a literal shard of granite from the Baghini Glacier, Changabang (6,864m) is known globally as the "Shining Mountain" for its near-vertical walls that glisten with crystalline intensity. In the world of extreme alpinism, this peak represents the pinnacle of technical difficulty. As you stand at the Base Camp, you are overlooking the stage of the most daring feat in Himalayan history: the 1976 first ascent of the West Wall by Peter Boardman and Joe Tasker. This "impossible" climb redefined modern mountaineering, moving away from heavy siege-style expeditions to lightweight, high-risk alpine styles.
The mountain’s history is further etched by the 1974 first ascent via the South East Ridge by a legendary team including Chris Bonington and Doug Scott. In 2026, Changabang remains a "climber’s cathedral," a peak so elusive and steep that even today, only a handful of the world’s elite have touched its summit. On our private expedition, you have the rare solitude to witness the peak’s famous "golden hour," when the West Face catches the setting sun, offering a prestigious vista that has inspired the world's greatest mountain literature and remains a sacred sight within the Nanda Devi Sanctuary.
The Ronpa Tribe & the Art of Transhumance
The cultural heartbeat of the Dhauli Ganga valley is the Ronpa community, a resilient Bhotia tribe of Indo-Tibetan descent whose lives are dictated by the rhythmic pulses of the Himalayas. On this private trek, you gain a rare window into Transhumance—the ancient, semi-nomadic practice of seasonal migration. Every summer, the Ronpas ascend from their winter homes in the lower valleys to high-altitude outposts like Dronagiri to cultivate buckwheat and medicinal herbs. This 2026 expedition allows you to witness their "Masma" traditions firsthand, observing a lifestyle that has remained remarkably unchanged despite the encroaching modern world.
The Ronpas are master weavers, and their stone-and-timber homes often house traditional looms used to create intricate Bhotia Dann (hand-knotted carpets) and woolens that are essential for high-altitude survival. Their spiritual landscape is equally fascinating; they serve as the custodians of the Nanda Devi legends, maintaining a unique religious identity that blends Tibetan Buddhism with local shamanic traditions. Engaging with the Ronpa people offers more than just hospitality—it provides a profound lesson in human resilience and a deep-rooted spiritual connection to the "God’s Land" that defines the very essence of your journey.
Technical Mastery: Navigating the Glacial Moraines
Unlike standard Himalayan trails, the path to the Baghini Glacier involves navigating "live" geological features that demand focus and respect. The terrain is dominated by lateral and medial moraines—vast, unstable fields of rock and ice debris pushed aside by the glacier’s historical movement. As you ascend toward 4,500m, you will negotiate scree zones and boulder-strewn ridges where the "trail" is often a series of cairns marking a route through shifting debris. This is a dynamic landscape where the sounds of shifting ice and distant rockfall serve as a constant reminder of the glacier’s raw, transformative power.
Our 2026 premium private service is specifically engineered to handle these technical complexities with a safety-first approach. We provide expert-led pacing to prevent altitude fatigue while navigating the uneven moraine humps, ensuring your stability on loose terrain. Each expedition is equipped with specialized high-altitude gear, including high-traction trekking poles and real-time monitoring of the glacier’s shifting topography. By transforming a rugged, intimidating obstacle into a managed alpine achievement, we allow you to focus on the surreal beauty of the ice world rather than the difficulty of the footing, ensuring a safe passage through one of the most rugged sectors of the Garhwal Himalayas.
Secret Sanctuaries: Rishikund & the Rishi Ganga Snout
Tucked away from the primary trail are the sanctuary’s most profound hidden gems: Rishikund and the formidable birth-point of the Rishi Ganga. Rishikund is a sacred high-altitude tarn, a mirror-like glacial pond nestled amidst the rugged moraine. Local folklore identifies this as a "Siddh Peeth," a meditation site where ancient Vedic sages are believed to have attained enlightenment in the shadow of the peaks. Its still, crystal waters offer a perfect, inverted reflection of Changabang and Dunagiri, providing a serene spiritual contrast to the brutal, rocky terrain surrounding it.
Just a short traverse away, the landscape shifts from silence to a thunderous roar at the Rishi Ganga Snout. This is the precise geographical point where the river is born, erupting with terrifying force from the icy depths of the Baghini Glacier’s snout. To witness the river carving its way through walls of ancient ice is to see the raw, hydraulic power of the Himalayas in its most primal state. In 2026, our private expedition ensures the time and flexibility to explore these "off-map" sites, allowing you to stand at the source of one of India’s most sacred and volatile rivers—a sight few trekkers ever witness, yet one that defines the untamed spirit of the Nanda Devi wilderness.
Altitude and Acclimatization Profile For The Bagini Glacier Trek
Altitude and Acclimatization Profile For The Bagini Glacier Trek
- Day 1
- D1Rishikesh
- Day 1
- Chamoli
- Day 1
- Joshimath
- Day 2
- D2Auli
- Day 2
- Jumma
- Day 3
- D3Ruing
- Day 4
- D4Dronagiri Village
- Day 4
- Longartoli
- Day 5
- D5Lower Baghini BC
- Day 6
- D6Upper Baghini BC
- Day 6
- Changbang BC
- Day 7
- D7Dronagiri Village
- Day 7
- Ruing
- Day 7
- Jumma
- Day 8
- D8Joshimath/Auli
- Day 9
- Rishikesh
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best time to do the Bagini Glacier Trek?
Best months: Mar, Apr, May, Jun, Sep, Oct, Nov
Is mobile network available on the Bagini Glacier Trek?
Quick answer: Yes - Reliable, Partial On Trek
Is internet available on the Bagini Glacier Trek?
Quick answer: Yes - Reliable, Partial On Trek
What type of trek is this?
Return Type Trek
In this type of trek, the entry point and exit point is same. You trek to a particular destination and return back to the same point
What is the accommodation type on this trek?
Camping
Camping treks are those where nights are spent in tents pitched at designated campsites. Camps are chosen for safety and practicality (stable ground, water availability, weather exposure, and minimal ecological impact). This style offers the most raw mountain experience and flexible route planning, but comfort depends on terrain and conditions.
What kind of toilet facilities can I expect on this trek?
Toilet tents are used at campsites (dry-pit / cat-hole system as per terrain and local regulations). Some camps may have basic fixed toilets near village camps, but do not expect permanent facilities.
How is food served during the trek?
Fresh meals are cooked by the trek staff at camp. Food is served hot in a common dining setup (dining tent or open area). Meals are generally simple, nutritious, and high-energy; menu depends on package and logistics.
How is human waste managed on this trek?
Human waste is handled using toilet tents and designated pits/cat-holes at safe distance from water sources. Sites are selected and managed to reduce contamination; toilet paper and hygiene waste are carried out where feasible or disposed as per local guidelines.
How is food waste managed on this trek?
Food waste is minimized through planned portions. Biodegradable waste is disposed responsibly away from water sources or carried down where required. Leftovers are avoided; nothing is dumped into streams.
How is plastic waste handled on this trek?
Plastic waste is segregated and carried back to the roadhead for proper disposal. Trekkers are encouraged to use refillable bottles; single-use plastics are discouraged/controlled.
How do you follow Leave No Trace principles on this trek?
Camps are left cleaner than found. Waste is segregated and carried out, trails are respected, water sources are protected, and noise is kept low. No littering, no washing with soap near streams, and no disturbance to wildlife or local culture.
Is personal porterage / offloading available?
Yes, on horses.
Important notes:
- No duffel bags or suitcases are allowed for offloading.
- Only a trekking rucksack that is easier to carry by porters or on horses.
- Your bag will move from camp to camp and will not stay with you during the day’s trek.
- If you offload your rucksack, you must carry a day pack with essentials (rainwear, warm layer, medicines, food, and water).
- It must be booked at least 10 days before the trek start date so we can arrange porters/horses.
- It is either full offload or none. It cannot be arranged ad-hoc mid-trek or on a per-day basis.
What type of terrain can I expect on the Bagini Glacier Trek?
Alpine Meadow, Boulder Zone, Crevasse Zone, Glacier, Meadow Trail, Moraine, Rocky Trail, Scree Zone, ,
Is cloakroom / luggage storage available for the Bagini Glacier Trek?
Yes. Basic luggage storage is available.
Please note that this is not a secured locker facility.
Do not leave valuables, cash, jewelry, fragile items, or important documents.
Luggage is usually kept on a trust basis at the same hotel, homestay, or with known local contacts where we stay before and after the trek.
What kind of food is served on the Bagini Glacier Trek?
Indian, Nepalese, Garhwali
We serve a mix of continental-style trek meals as well as simple, freshly cooked home-style food.
The exact menu and style of meals may vary depending on the trek itinerary, region, and the package you are booked on.
Meal inclusions typically cover:
- Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner (BLD)
- Two tea breaks daily (morning and evening)
- Soup in the evening
- Fresh salads where feasible
- Dessert on select days
- Hot night beverage / tonic before sleeping
Please note that detailed, day-wise meal information is mentioned in the respective day’s itinerary wherever applicable.
Where does the Bagini Glacier Trek start?
Where does the Bagini Glacier Trek end?
What is the grade / difficulty of the Bagini Glacier 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
What is the duration of the Bagini Glacier Trek?
08 Days, 07 Nights, Rishikesh to Rishikesh
Is the Bagini Glacier Trek inside or near a national park?
Nanda Devi Outer Sanctuary
Monday, January 5, 2026 8:23:41 PM
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