Bagini Glacier Trek — 8 Days

Travellers arrive in Haridwar, the ancient pilgrimage town at the point where the Ganga River enters the Gangetic Plain. From here, a road transfer of approximately 256 kilometres leads northeast to Joshimath, a journey of roughly 4 to 5 hours in normal traffic conditions. The route passes through three significant tributary confluences: Devprayag, where the Alaknanda and Bhagirathi meet to form the Ganga; Rudraprayag, where the Alaknanda joins the Mandakini; and Karnaprayag, where the Alaknanda meets the Pindar. Joshimath is the last major settlement before the trek begins and serves as a base for overnight accommodation. The town is the seat of an influential 8th-century Hindu monastery established by the philosopher Shankaracharya.

An early morning drive from Joshimath to Jumma covers approximately 46 kilometres in roughly 2 hours, threading through small villages—Tapovana, Reni, Lata, Phagti, and Suraithota—as the road meanders along the Dhauliganga River. This scenic corridor follows the water northward toward the Indo-Tibetan border, where the landscape shifts noticeably. Jumma itself sits exposed to strong winds funnelling down from the plateau; the velocity here offers an early taste of the altitude conditions ahead. Before trekking begins, use time in Jumma to purchase any essential supplies needed for the expedition. Once provisioned, cross the steel bridge over the Dhauliganga River to enter the Bagini Glacier trek proper. The first stage to Ruing village spans approximately 3 kilometres and takes 2 to 3 hours. The path ascends gently through coniferous forest—firs, deodars, and spruces—without technical difficulty. Ruing sits at 2,800 metres on gentle slopes, a traditional settlement in a beautiful high-altitude setting. Overnight accommodation here depends on the village elders' permission to use the local Panchayat Ghar, which is not always available. The alternative—and often preferable—option is to trek a further 2 to 3 kilometres beyond the village to a picturesque meadow. This grassland holds two practical advantages: a stream flows through it, providing water and a scenic setting for camp, and it positions trekkers closer to Dronagiri, the next day's destination. Pitch tents here for the night.

The trek from Ruing to Dronagiri follows a well-defined path deeper into forest, with no major junctions or diverting tracks to confuse navigation. The terrain alternates between ascent and descent across roughly 4 kilometres before reaching a significant landslide zone where two paths diverge. The upper path, damaged by glacial activity years ago, now forms a canyon requiring expert mountaineering to cross safely—this route is avoided. Instead, take the narrow track that descends, where you'll encounter numerous brooks crossing your path. The rocky, dusty section eventually joins a cemented road that leads into Dronagiri village. Situated at approximately 3,610 metres, Dronagiri lies within the alpine grassland ecological zone. The elevation and position offer expansive views across the Garhwal region, with numerous snow-clad peaks visible on the horizon, including Dunagiri. The village itself holds cultural significance, with the temple of Bhumial—dedicated to a local deity—accessible via a short hike from the main settlement. Use your free time here to wander at your own pace, whether visiting the temple or simply acclimatising to the altitude. In the evening, walk to the outskirts of the village where camp will be established for the night.

The morning ascent from Dronagiri begins steeply, gaining a ridge where Rishi Pahar, a mountain in Pithoragarh district to the southeast, becomes visible. About 30 minutes of hiking leads to the Bagini Nallah, crossed by a concrete bridge. A left-branching path before the bridge descends to Garpak via Kanari Khal and is not taken. Beyond the bridge, the trek turns sharply upward into the Himalayan range, following a winding path through rocky and boulder-strewn terrain. By this stage, elevation has moved past the tree line into barren, brown slopes. After an ascent, the path descends for approximately 1 hour 15 minutes to a grassed stream bank, a popular camp location. Continuing for a further hour leads to Longatulli, a campsite where trekkers with limited high-altitude experience often pause for an acclimatization day.

An early departure allows trekkers to observe the dawn light on surrounding peaks and any accessible glacial lakes. The trek covers approximately 6 kilometres to Garud Base Camp at 4,268 metres, typically requiring 7 hours. The route ascends through high alpine terrain toward the massif of Changbang (6,824 metres), the highest peak in the immediate area. Trekkers with remaining energy may venture a few additional kilometres into the gorge for closer views of Changbang before returning to the camp for the night. This location provides direct access to glacial features and serves as the primary high-altitude camp.

An early sunrise departure allows trekkers to photograph the landscape of high peaks and glacial terrain. The route descends to Rishikund at 4,426 metres, then reverses direction back through the alpine zone toward Dronagiri. The full descent covers approximately 14 kilometres and requires 7 to 8 hours of trekking. The descent retraces the prior route in reverse, passing through the barren slopes and crossing the Bagini Nallah bridge again before returning to Dronagiri's meadow and village surroundings for the overnight camp.

The trek descends 11 kilometres from Dronagiri back through Ruing and into the Dhauliganga valley, reaching the Jumma roadhead in approximately 5 hours. A pre-arranged vehicle awaits to drive trekkers back to Joshimath, completing the descent to lower altitude.

After breakfast at the lodging in Joshimath, the return drive to Haridwar covers the 256-kilometre route southwestward, taking approximately 4 to 5 hours. On arrival, trekkers transfer to bus or railway stations for onward travel to New Delhi.