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Intelligence
Season & Weather Guide
Best Time for Milam Glacier – Ralam Traverse Expedition — Month-by-Month Guide
June and September are the only logical windows for the full loop.
Pass Window
When is it climbable?
May-June and September-October. Avoid monsoon due to landslide-prone roads to Munsiyari.
Season at a Glance
Editor's Notes
May to June offers blooming alpine meadows, while September to October provides crisp, clear visibility of the Nanda Devi massif.
Month by Month
What each month looks like
January
Pass ClosedConditions
Deep winter. The high pass is completely buried and impassable.
Crowds
none
Impassable winter snowpack.
Closed. Extreme winter conditions.
February
Pass ClosedConditions
Deep winter. The high pass is completely buried and impassable.
Crowds
none
Impassable winter snowpack.
Closed. Extreme winter conditions.
March
Pass ClosedConditions
Deep winter. The high pass is completely buried and impassable.
Crowds
none
Impassable winter snowpack.
Early season. Deep snow accumulations.
April
Pass ClosedConditions
Shoulder season. Highly unstable snow conditions and narrow weather windows.
Crowds
low
Unstable snow conditions.
Early season. Deep snow accumulations.
May
Pass OpenConditions
Crowds
low
Prime pre-monsoon window. Good snow stability.
June
Pass OpenConditions
Best visibility of Nanda Devi. Meadows are lush.
Crowds
low
Prime pre-monsoon window. Good snow stability.
July
Conditions
Monsoon season. Extreme objective hazards including rockfall, avalanches, and swollen rivers.
Crowds
low
Severe monsoon hazards.
Monsoon danger. Landslides and severe rains.
August
Conditions
Monsoon season. Extreme objective hazards including rockfall, avalanches, and swollen rivers.
Crowds
none
Severe monsoon hazards.
Monsoon danger. Landslides and severe rains.
September
Pass OpenConditions
Best air clarity. Snow-free pass crossing.
Crowds
low
Crystal clear skies. Best visibility of the year.
October
Pass OpenConditions
Crowds
low
Crystal clear skies. Best visibility of the year.
November
Pass ClosedConditions
Shoulder season. Highly unstable snow conditions and narrow weather windows.
Crowds
none
Unstable snow conditions.
Winter setting in. Sub-zero temperatures rapid.
December
Pass ClosedConditions
Deep winter. The high pass is completely buried and impassable.
Crowds
none
Impassable winter snowpack.
Closed. Extreme winter conditions.
Photography & Light Conditions
Sunrise Spot
Martoli Ridge
Recommended Lenses
Astrophotography
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