🏔️ Ranthan Kharak & Namik Glacier Trek – The Mythical Trails of Kumaon

Region: Pithoragarh District, Kumaon (Uttarakhand)
Duration: 6 Nights / 7 Days
Maximum Altitude: ~13,000 ft (Ranthan Top)
Grade: Moderate
Best Season: May to June | September to October
Trip Type: Culture + Glacier + Alpine Forest Trek

🌿 Where Legends, Glaciers & Forests Come Together

Hidden deep in the folds of Kumaon lies one of the most untouched and mythologically rich treks—Ranthan Kharak & Namik Glacier.

This offbeat Himalayan trail offers more than just mountains—it offers stories. You’ll walk through ancient villages where the wind carries whispers of the past, cross glacial streams under mossy pine forests, and reach sacred spots like Nandakund, where Goddess Nanda is said to have bathed before becoming Devi.

A true explorer’s path—this is for those who seek beauty beyond the tourist map.

🗓️ Day-Wise Itinerary

🛻 Day 1: Kathgodam → Shaama (via Bageshwar)

  • Arrive at Kathgodam railway station.

  • Scenic drive (8 hrs) through Almora, Bageshwar, and the valleys of Kumaon.

  • Reach Gyandhura Village (Shaama basecamp). Short 1–2 km village walk.

  • Bonfire + Kumaoni dinner in homestay/camp.

🥾 Day 2: Shaama → Gogina (Drive) → Trek to Namik Village (7 km)

  • Morning drive (1.5 hrs) to Gogina, the starting point of the trek.

  • Cross Ramganga East river, enter Pithoragarh district.

  • Walk along traditional stone-paved paths, passing pine groves and old watermills.

  • Stay in homestay/camp at Namik, one of the oldest glacier villages in India.

  • Sunset views of Panchachuli peaks.

🌲 Day 3: Namik → Thalthauk (9 km)

  • Steep climb through dense Kharsu oak, rhododendron, and maple forests.

  • Reach Thalthauk, a ridge offering panoramic views of the Namik valley.

  • Camp under stars, surrounded by alpine silence.

❄️ Day 4: Thalthauk → Ranthan Top + Nandakund (Devikund) Exploration

  • Hike to Ranthan Kharak, one of the highest points of the trek.

  • Explore Nandakund (4 km)—a sacred pond believed to be where Nanda Devi attained divinity.

  • Return to Ranthan top campsite by evening.

🧘 Day 5: Rest / Exploration Day

  • Optional hike towards Hiramani and views of Namik Glacier.

  • Relax, journal, photograph, or interact with porters about local legends.

  • Slow down and connect with the Himalayas.

🏞️ Day 6: Descend to Namik Village

  • Gentle descent through forest and terraced fields.

  • Explore Kumaoni architecture, ancient water channels, and village life.

  • Cultural exchange session with local families (if staying in homestay).

🚙 Day 7: Namik → Gogina → Shaama Basecamp → Kathgodam (optional)

  • Return journey begins.

  • Option to stay back at Shaama or continue to Kathgodam the same evening.

✅ Inclusions

  • 🚐 Transfers from Kathgodam to Shaama and back (shared/private)

  • 🏕️ Accommodation in tents/homestays on twin sharing

  • 🥗 Vegetarian meals: Breakfast, Packed Lunch, Dinner + tea/snacks

  • 🧭 Trek leader, guide, local porters (support-based)

  • 🧰 Trekking gear: tents, sleeping mats, bags

  • 🆘 First aid, permits, local support

❌ Exclusions

  • Porter for personal baggage

  • Personal shopping/snacks

  • Transport not mentioned in inclusions

  • GST 5% and any other extra services

🎒 What to Carry

  • 50–60L trekking backpack

  • Thermal layers, waterproof jacket

  • Trek pants, woolen socks, gloves

  • Headlamp, refillable water bottle

  • Personal medication, toiletries

  • Hiking stick (optional)

💬 Words from Explorers

“The silence at Devikund, the ancient trails of Namik, and those nights under starlit skies—I didn’t expect to fall in love with a place I hadn’t even heard of before this.”
— Ritika, Delhi

“Thank you for taking me where the WiFi ends and the stories begin. It wasn’t a trek—it was a journey.”
— Tushar, Mumbai

📍 Join the Next Trek

📅 May–June | Sept–Oct
🧍‍♂️ Group Size: 6–10 people
👨‍👩‍👧 Custom family or photographer batches on request