Season & Weather Guide
Best Time for Nanda Devi East Base Camp Trek — Month-by-Month Guide
Seasonal Overview
The Johar Valley is brutal. The trekking window is strictly limited to pre-monsoon (Mid-May to June) and post-monsoon (September to Mid-October). Attempting this in the monsoon or winter is physically impossible.
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Peak Season
september, october, may
Off Season
july, august, january, february, march, april, november, december
Clarity over Warmth
Key point
September is significantly colder than May, but the visual payback of seeing Nanda Devi East without absolutely any monsoon haze is worth the freezing nights.
Season at a Glance
Month-by-Month Trail Guide
January
Conditions
Deadly winter. Valley is completely abandoned. Closed.
Crowds
none
Closed. Extreme winter conditions.
February
Conditions
Closed.
Crowds
none
Closed. Extreme winter conditions.
March
Conditions
Closed. Snow is beginning to melt but paths are destroyed.
Crowds
none
Early season. Deep snow accumulations.
April
Conditions
Route building begins by locals/ITBP. Still closed for tourism.
Crowds
none
Early season. Deep snow accumulations.
May
RecommendedConditions
Route officially opens round mid-May. Incredible alpine flowers in the lower valleys.
Crowds
medium
Prime pre-monsoon window. Good snow stability.
June
RecommendedConditions
Prime summer trekking. Warm in the gorge, but clouds can build in the afternoon.
Crowds
medium
Prime pre-monsoon window. Good snow stability.
July
Conditions
Monsoon renders the Gori Ganga gorge absolutely deadly with violent landslides. Avoid.
Crowds
none
Monsoon danger. Landslides and severe rains.
August
Conditions
Heavy monsoons. The river floods the lower tracks. Avoid.
Crowds
none
Monsoon danger. Landslides and severe rains.
September
RecommendedConditions
The absolute peak season. Flawless clarity, cold nights, washed trails.
Crowds
high
Crystal clear skies. Best visibility of the year.
October
RecommendedConditions
Crisp, incredibly sharp views of Nanda Devi. Extremely cold at base camp.
Crowds
medium
Crystal clear skies. Best visibility of the year.
November
Conditions
Locals abandon the valley. Deep freezing sets in. Route closed.
Crowds
none
Winter setting in. Sub-zero temperatures rapid.
December
Conditions
Closed.
Crowds
none
Closed. Extreme winter conditions.
Important Tips
The trail is frequently destroyed by landslides during the monsoon. Always confirm with the SDM office in Munsiyari if the trail to Bugdiyar has been repaired before departing.
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