Milam Glacier Trek
8 Days · 3450m Glacier · Kumaon Himalaya · Nanda Devi Views · Inner Line Area
📅 8 Days
🥾 Glacier Trek
🛕 Nanda Devi Views
🥾 Moderate-Difficult
8 Days · 3450m Glacier · Kumaon Himalaya · Nanda Devi Views · Inner Line Area
Milam glacier trek follows the Johar Valley deep into Pithoragarh district, reaching the snout of one of Kumaon's largest glaciers at 3450m. The 16 km long glacier feeds the Gori Ganga river, and the entire valley sits near the Nepal-Tibet border in a restricted Inner Line permit zone. The abandoned stone village of Milam — once a thriving Shauka trade post on the Tibet route — was left behind after the 1962 Indo-China war and today marks the trek endpoint.
The route begins at Munsiyari (2200m), roughly 370 km from Haridwar, and follows the Gori Ganga upstream through old Kumaoni settlements — Lilam, Bogdiyar, Rilkot, Martoli — before reaching Milam village. The total trekking distance is approximately 52 km one way through dense oak and rhododendron forests in the lower valley, opening into wide glacial moraines above. Nanda Devi (7816m), Nanda Kot, Hardeol, Trishul, and the Panchchuli massif are visible from multiple points along the way.
An Inner Line Permit (ILP) is mandatory for Indian nationals on this route — foreign nationals are not permitted. The ILP is issued at the DM office in Munsiyari or Pithoragarh. At Moderate-Difficult grade over 8 days, this is a serious trail: best undertaken in May–June or September–October when the route is open. Dev Yatra manages all permit paperwork and handles the complete package — Haridwar pickup, Munsiyari drive, camping, meals, Kumaon guide, and porter support.
16 km long glacier. The snout at 3450m is accessible. Ice formations, moraines, and glacial pools.
Nanda Devi (7816m), Hardeol, Nanda Kot, and Panchchuli range visible from the upper valley.
Milam, Martoli, Bogdiyar — old villages that were active Tibet trade posts. Cultural and historical interest.
This restricted-permit area preserves the Gori Ganga valley in a largely undisturbed state. Fewer trekkers, more wildlife.
SUMMER
Good trail access. Gori Ganga manageable. Best time for high views and glacier access. Wildflowers in lower valley.
AUTUMN
Best clarity for Nanda Devi and Panchchuli views. Forest turning colour. Good overall conditions.
WINTER
Munsiyari area snowbound. Gori Ganga valley trail inaccessible. Trek not possible.
All our treks start from Haridwar . Reach Haridwar first:
Jolly Grant Airport Dehradun (35 km from Haridwar). Flights from Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru available.
Haridwar Railway Station — well connected pan-India. Overnight trains from Delhi take 5-6 hours.
Delhi ISBT to Haridwar by Volvo (6 hrs). State buses connect Haridwar to all base towns.
Delhi to Haridwar 210 km (4-5 hrs via NH-58). Pickup from Delhi/Chandigarh/Dehradun available.
Milam is a long trek — 56 km one way — and that distance means you need at minimum 8 days. The villages en route (Rilkot, Bugdiyar, Ganghar, Milam) are gradually being repopulated after being abandoned when the 1962 India-China war closed the Tibet trade route. Inner Line Permit takes 2–3 working days to process at the DM office in Munsiyari or Pithoragarh. June and October are the most reliable months. The Milam glacier snout (Day 5) is active and calving — keep a safe distance from the ice face.
The milam glacier trek covers approximately 52 km one way from Munsiyari through the Johar Valley. The route follows the Gori Ganga river through Lilam (2438m), Bogdiyar (2440m), Rilkot (2850m), Martoli (3300m), and finally Milam village at the glacier snout (3450m). The lower valley is forested; the upper section opens into wide moraines and glacial terrain. The elevation gain is gradual but cumulative — suitable for trekkers with moderate fitness and some prior hill-walking experience.
The trail opens in May and closes by late October when snowfall blocks the high sections. June and September–October offer the clearest skies and best mountain views — July and August bring monsoon rain and slippery paths. An Inner Line Permit is mandatory for all Indian nationals as the Milam valley falls in a restricted border zone; foreign nationals cannot trek this route. Dev Yatra arranges the ILP from the DM office in Munsiyari before departure.
Rated Moderate-Difficult, the trek demands good stamina over 8 days at altitude. Maximum elevation is 3450m at Milam village — the trail does not involve technical climbing, but the long daily stages (10–14 km) require solid aerobic fitness. Start cardio training 3–4 weeks before departure. Altitude-related fatigue is possible above Martoli; the itinerary includes acclimatisation rest. Porter and mule support is available for gear, making the daily carry manageable for most trekkers.
The Johar Valley was a major Tibetan trade corridor for centuries, and Milam village once had several hundred Shauka residents. After the 1962 Indo-China war ended trans-border trade, the village was largely abandoned — old stone houses and a small temple still stand. The Inner Line restriction has inadvertently protected the valley's wildlife: snow leopard, Himalayan brown bear, musk deer, Himalayan tahr, and snow partridge are all recorded in the Gori Ganga valley. Wildlife sightings are most likely in early morning on the Rilkot–Martoli and Martoli–Milam sections.