A wild expedition-style trek into the fringe of the Nanda Devi sanctuary, to the base of the Changabang wall.
Uttarakhand offers everything from gentle weekend hikes to serious high-altitude crossings. Its capital, Dehradun, is the main launch base — most treks begin with a road transfer from Dehradun, Rishikesh or Sankri rather than from the city itself.
Over 9 days, the trail reaches a high point of 4,511 m at a Mod–Hard grade, run from Pipalkoti. The best window is May–Jun · Sep–Oct.
Enquire about this trek →A typical day-by-day for this trek. Exact stages, altitudes and stays can vary with the operator, season and conditions — confirmed, with departure dates, when you enquire.
200 km drive (~10 hrs) up the Alaknanda valley to Pipalkoti (~1,500 m).
Drive 90 km to Jumma (2–3 hrs), then trek 3 km to Ruing village (~2,800 m).
Trek 8 km (8–9 hrs) to Dronagiri village (~3,450 m).
Trek 6 km (7–8 hrs) to Longatulli (~3,900 m).
Trek 5 km (6–7 hrs) to Bagini Base Camp (~4,600 m).
Trek 3+3 km (~5 hrs) to the glacier (~4,900 m) below Changabang and Kalanka, and back.
Descend 11 km (8–9 hrs) to Dronagiri.
Trek 11 km to Jumma, then drive to Pipalkoti.
Return drive, arriving Rishikesh by evening.
The best months for this trek are May–Jun · Sep–Oct.
The July–August monsoon is best avoided here — trails turn slippery and the landslide risk rises. Aim for the windows highlighted above for the clearest skies and safest conditions.
Graded moderately hard. Long days, real altitude and some steep ground reward prior trekking experience and solid fitness.
It tops out at 4,511 m, so sensible acclimatisation and a steady pace matter more than raw speed. Three to four weeks of light cardio — jogging, cycling, stair climbs and a couple of practice hikes — makes a real difference.
Most Uttarakhand treks set off from Dehradun / Rishikesh / Sankri — for this trek, the base is Pipalkoti. Your road transfer from the gateway is normally part of a guided departure.
Most Indian Himalayan treks need forest, wildlife-sanctuary or trekking permits, usually arranged for you by the operator. Some high or restricted routes also require a registered guide.
Pack light but ready for mountain weather — warm by day, cold by night. Rent bulky gear if you’d rather not buy; own anything that touches your skin. The essentials:
This trek reaches 4,511 m, so altitude — not gradient — is usually the real challenge. Ascend steadily, drink three to four litres of water a day, eat well even when your appetite dips, and tell your trek leader early about any persistent headache. Descending even a little resolves almost all mild altitude symptoms.
Mountain weather can turn quickly, so a good team builds in buffer time and will happily adjust or turn a group around when conditions demand it. Carry a small personal kit — any regular medication, lip balm, blister plasters and a reusable bottle — on top of the group first-aid, and treat the mountains with the respect they deserve.
It is graded Mod–Hard, so it is better suited to trekkers with some hill experience, good fitness and ideally prior time at altitude — not a first-ever trek.
The best window is May–Jun · Sep–Oct. Avoid the July–August monsoon unless the trek is specifically a monsoon route.
It is strongly discouraged. The route involves real altitude and serious terrain, and permits plus local knowledge make a guided trip far safer.
The best months are May–Jun · Sep–Oct, when days are pleasant. It still gets cold at night near 4,511 m, so pack warm layers regardless of season.
Plan for 9 days on the trail, plus travel to and from the trailhead. In winter or for remote routes, keep a buffer day for delays.
Costs vary with group size, season and inclusions — send a quick enquiry and we will share a current, all-in price for Bagini Glacier & Changabang Base Camp.
Share your dates, fitness and the peaks you’re chasing — and get a tailored itinerary and honest budget in return.
Plan your trek