Ralam Dhura Pass Trek
8 Days · 5591m Pass · Ralam Glacier · Nepal Border · Munsiyari Kumaon
📅 8 Days
• 5591m Pass
🥾 Glacier Trek
🥾 Very Difficult
8 Days · 5591m Pass · Ralam Glacier · Nepal Border · Munsiyari Kumaon
Ralam Dhura is a high mountain pass at 5591m in the Pithoragarh district of Kumaon, close to the Nepal border. The pass is crossed via the Ralam glacier in the upper Ralam valley — a tributary of the Gori Ganga river. The trek offers a true high-altitude wilderness experience in a region that sees very few trekkers. The surrounding peaks include Nanda Devi, Rajrambha, and Hardeol, all visible from the upper valley.
The route starts from Munsiyari and goes up the Ralam valley — a separate valley from the Milam Glacier route. Villages in the lower Ralam valley include Ralam (the last inhabited settlement) and Burphu. The Ralam glacier extends for several kilometres above the village and the pass is at the head of the glacier. The trail is challenging due to the rough terrain, crevassed glacier sections on approach to the pass, and the sheer remoteness of the area.
Inner Line Permit is required for this route as it is in a border zone. A local Kumaon mountaineer or high-altitude guide with specific knowledge of the Ralam valley is essential. Dev Yatra organises Ralam Dhura Pass trek packages from Haridwar for experienced trekking groups with all ILP handling, transport, camping, meals, and porter support.
Nanda Devi (7816m), Rajrambha, and Hardeol peaks clearly visible from upper valley and pass.
Multi-day glacier travel on the Ralam glacier. Crevasse-laced terrain. Technical glacier section to the pass.
Ralam valley is one of the least-visited trek valleys in Kumaon. True wilderness with very few other trekkers.
Pass sits near the Nepal border. Wide views into Nepal Himalaya from the top.
BEST SEASON
Best glacier access. Manageable snow on pass. Good weather windows. Most recommended.
EARLY AUTUMN
Post-monsoon clear skies. September only — October becomes too cold at this altitude.
NOT POSSIBLE
Pass and glacier completely snowbound. Inaccessible.
All our treks start from Haridwar . Reach Haridwar first:
Jolly Grant Airport Dehradun (35 km from Haridwar). Flights from Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru.
Haridwar Railway Station — overnight trains from Delhi take 5-6 hours.
Delhi ISBT to Haridwar by Volvo (6 hrs). State buses connect to all base towns.
Delhi to Haridwar 210 km (4-5 hrs via NH-58). Pickup from Delhi/Dehradun on request.
Ralam Dhura is an old trans-Himalayan trade crossing used until 1962 when the China war closed the Tibet border. The Ralam village on the Johar side still has Bhotia community members who remember the old trade traditions. The crossing itself at 5400m is serious mountaineering territory. What makes this route special beyond the crossing is the entire Johar Valley approach — remote, beautiful, rarely visited by outside trekkers. If the main crossing is beyond your current level, just trekking to Ralam village and back is a rewarding multi-day route.