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Milam Glacier – Ralam Traverse Expedition Itinerary — Day by Day Route & Camps
12-day epic loop from Munsiyari exploring the Johar and Ralam valleys.
Standard RouteThis is the baseline pacing strategy for this expedition. Expedition leaders frequently modify rotation schedules, add reserve weather days, or adjust high camps based on real-time mountain conditions. Consult the operator's expedition dossier for their precise approach.
Duration
12 Days
Total Distance
122 KM
Max Altitude
15,305 FT
Trek Type
circuit
One-Way Traverse Logistics
Day by Day Breakdown
Camp Alt
7,500 ft
Day Gain
+6,500 ft
Drive to Munsiyari
Long 11-hour drive. View of Panchachuli peaks at sunset.
Key Landmarks
Staying At
The motorable road navigates deeper into the mountain river corridor, where the landscape transitions from lower foothills into the steep, dense forested valleys.
Camp Alt
6,050 ft
Day Gain
-1,450 ft
Reach Lilam
Descent into the Gori Ganga gorge. Warm and humid.
Key Landmarks
Staying At
The Munsiyari settlement emerges onto a steep descent toward the Gori Ganga river gorge.
Camp Alt
8,200 ft
Day Gain
+2,150 ft
Reach Bugdiyar
Steep climb through a narrow rock gorge. Vertical trail sections.
Key Landmarks
Staying At
The route navigates the steep, forested walls of the Gori Ganga gorge toward Bugdiyar.
Camp Alt
10,200 ft
Day Gain
+2,000 ft
Reach Rilkot
Entry into the high-altitude alpine desert zone. Windy campsite.
Key Landmarks
Staying At
Vegetation gives way to barren glacial debris as the route enters the expansive moraine basin and ablation zone of the glaciated upper watershed.
Camp Alt
11,200 ft
Day Gain
+1,000 ft
Reach Milam Village
Passing the ghost village of Martoli. Open alpine flats.
Key Landmarks
Staying At
Crossing the high-altitude pass bridges two distinct watershed systems, shifting the expedition over the glaciated divide and down into a new river basin.
Field Notes
KEY ACTIONRiver Crossings
Plan to cross early in the day before snowmelt swells the water levels. Unclip backpack waist belts before crossing.
Camp Alt
11,200 ft
Day Gain
0 ft
Explore Milam Glacier & Nanda Devi East Viewpoint
Reaching the 'Zero Point' of the massive glacier. View of Hardeol peak.
Key Landmarks
Staying At
Crossing the high-altitude pass bridges two distinct watershed systems, shifting the expedition over the glaciated divide and down into a new river basin.
Field Notes
KEY ACTIONHelmet Mandatory
Helmet mandatory. Move quickly and quietly through the rockfall zone without stopping to rest.
Use Trekking Poles
Trekking poles are highly recommended to save your knees on the descent.
INFOSlower Progress
Progress will be significantly slower and more taxing on your ankles than trail distance suggests.
Camp Alt
12,200 ft
Day Gain
+1,000 ft
Reach Tola Village
Starting the traverse leg. Tola is a tiny, remote Shauka settlement.
Key Landmarks
Staying At
Crossing the high-altitude pass bridges two distinct watershed systems, shifting the expedition over the glaciated divide and down into a new river basin.
Camp Alt
14,200 ft
Day Gain
+2,000 ft
Reach Brij Ganga Dhura Base
Steep ascent into the high ridge country. Cold high camp.
Key Landmarks
Staying At
Vegetation gives way to barren glacial debris as the route enters the expansive moraine basin and ablation zone of the glaciated upper watershed.
Field Notes
Use Trekking Poles
Trekking poles are highly recommended to save your knees on the descent.
INFOSlower Progress
Progress will be significantly slower and more taxing on your ankles than trail distance suggests.
Camp Alt
11,950 ft
Day Gain
-2,250 ft
Today's Objective
🏔 Cross Brij Ganga Pass
Crux day. Crossing the 15,300ft pass. Incredible panorama of Johar peaks.
Key Landmarks
Staying At
The route transitions between basins at Brij Ganga Dhura, dropping into the Ralam valley.
Field Notes
Use Trekking Poles
Trekking poles are highly recommended to save your knees on the descent.
INFOSlower Progress
Progress will be significantly slower and more taxing on your ankles than trail distance suggests.
Camp Alt
6,050 ft
Day Gain
-5,900 ft
Descend to Lilam
Long descent through the Ralam valley. Meeting the Gori Ganga again.
Key Landmarks
Staying At
The high alpine Ralam valley descends down a steep gorge toward the Lilam settlement.
Camp Alt
7,500 ft
Day Gain
+1,450 ft
Return to Munsiyari Roadhead
A long and exhausting final descent back to the Munsiyari roadhead. The relentless downhill terrain takes a heavy toll on the knees and requires focus to avoid stumbling on loose gravel sections before returning to civilization.
Key Landmarks
Staying At
The river gorge trail climbs steeply back up to the Munsiyari vehicle network.
Field Notes
Use Trekking Poles
Trekking poles are highly recommended to save your knees on the descent.
INFOSlower Progress
Progress will be significantly slower and more taxing on your ankles than trail distance suggests.
Camp Alt
1,000 ft
Day Gain
-6,500 ft
Drive to Kathgodam
End of 115km expedition.
Staying At
The mountain valley topography transitions back into the lower foothill river plains.
Camp-by-Camp Details
Munsiyari
Start Town
Milam
village
Pass Base
High Camp
Lilam
camp
Bugdiyar
camp
Rilkot
camp
Tola
camp
Ralam Village
camp
Kathgodam
camp
Navigation & Route Data
Key Waypoints
Critical Navigation Notes
The river trail between Lilam and Bugdiyar can be washed out; check status at Munsiyari.
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Step 4: Safety & Framework
You understand the route.
Now understand the hazards, physiology, and Go/No-Go decision framework.
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