Article Published On - 04-07-2024
The Namik Glacier takes its name from its nearby village of Namik, which translates into “place with a saline water spring”. Situated within the Kumaon Himalayas in Pithoragarh District in Uttarakhand, this glacier remains an idyllic destination for those in search of peace amidst these magnificent Himalayas. Namik Glacier offers visitors stunning mountain peaks such as Nanda Devi, Trishuli, and Nanda Kot as sentinels over its glacier, providing numerous waterfalls and sulphur springs for nature enthusiasts to enjoy. Rich with Indo-Tibetan culture, it once served as an important trade route between these nations, and offers breathtaking pristine villages that will leave visitors speechless. This trek leads to Namik Glacier at an elevation of 3,600 meters in the Pithoragarh district, on an important historic trade route between India and Tibet. Trekkers can also experience a rich cultural heritage as they pass by picturesque pine forests, ancient temples, and natural sulphur springs along their journey.
Day 1: Drive from Kathgodam to Bageshwar, 155 km
Arrive at Kathgodam Railway station by 8 AM, where someone will meet and take you directly to Bageshwar village – approximately five to six hours of travel time away. Bageshwar sits peacefully near where Sarju and Gomati rivers meet, encased by Bhileshwar, Nileshwar, Suraj Kund and Agni Kund mountains that surround it – ideal for relaxing and spending the night!
Day 2: Drive from Bageshwar to Gogina, 76 km
After breakfast, we begin the drive towards Gogina via Kapkot village. Gogina lies at the heart of Ramganga Valley near Nanda Kot Mountain; accommodations will include camps or homestays for our stay here.
Day 3: Trek from Gogina to Thaltop.
Beginning our day right with an amazing sunrise and a delicious breakfast, we will embark on our journey towards Thaltop with lunch in hand. It is likely that during today’s trek you may come across few individuals aside from shepherds – the beautiful sights of Panchachuli range will serve as constant company throughout your journey today and nightly accommodations will consist of tents.
Day 4: Trek from Thaltop to Nandkund.
With an enjoyable sunrise and nutritious breakfast under our belts, we set off for Thaltop with our packed lunch. Today’s trek should not encounter many other individuals aside from shepherds; you are likely to see only beautiful Panchachuli range scenery throughout. Accommodation will be provided in camps for the night.
Day 5: Trek from Nandkund to Namik Glacier to Nandkund
Following an enjoyable breakfast, we set off for Nandkund, nestled in the gorgeous Ramganga River Valley. Here you will witness breathtaking rock formations and take in breathtaking vistas of Nanda Devi and Nanda Kot peaks, giving an incomparable feeling of exhilaration. Here, we will spend our night.
Day 6: Trek from Nandkund to Thaltop
Start the day right by hiking approximately five kilometres to Namik Glacier, which spans 3 kilometres and offers stunning views. Nanda Kot peak seems almost within arm’s reach as we take in its breathtaking surroundings before returning to Nandkund for lunch and camping overnight there. After breakfast, we will return to Thaltop and spend the night camping out.
Day 7: Trek from Thaltop to Gogina.
At Thaltop, our journey begins after breakfast and will lead us directly to Gogina with a stop at Namik village along the way. From Bhotia village we trek relatively smoothly for about 3-4 km until reaching Namik village where we spend another 3-4 km before continuing onto Kimu village before reaching Gogina which nestles at the base of Nanda Kot Mountain where we will spend our nights either camping or staying in homestays.
Day 8: Drive from Gogina to Kathgodam. 225 km
Today we will travel back from Gogina to Kathgodam by road; this journey should take approximately 9 hours. Once back at Kathgodam railway station in late afternoon, marking our trip’s conclusion; please proceed with booking the next part of your trip.
May through June is ideal weather with blooming rhododendrons and breathtaking mountain views, while September to mid-October sees post monsoon conditions with lush landscapes and unobstructed views.
By Rail: Kathgodam Railway Station offers direct services from Delhi and other northern Indian cities to Kathgodam.
By Road: From Kathgodam, take the road directly to Munsiyari (229 kilometres away), through Bageshwar and Thal.
By Air: Pantnagar Airport (about 250 km away from Munsiyari) provides convenient air transportation and taxi rental service directly to Munsiyari base camp trek. From here, taxis can be hired directly for transporting trekkers.
Director & Founder
With over 12 years of experience in the Himalayas, Preetam has summited multiple 6000 - 7000 meter peaks and led more than 200 expeditions across iconic routes like Bali Pass, Buran Ghati, Rupin Pass, Pin Bhabha, Stok Kangri, and Black Peak. His deep mountain experience and leadership make him a trusted name in Himalayan trekking. Write to him at: preetam@trekupindia.com
