Bagini Glacier Trek Guide 2024: History, Highlights, Best Time & Itinerary

The Bagini Glacier is located north of the external face of Nanda Devi Peak. This Uttarakhand destination is also known as “Land of the Gods” it captivates with spectacular terrain of enchanting lakes, breathtaking rivers, Himalayan mountains, and peaks.

This is a moderate trek, the trail passing through Garhwali villages, flower meadows, and lush forests. The view of several Himalayan peaks such as Hathi Parvat, Ghodi Parvat, Rishi Peak, Satminal, Hardeul, Kalanka, Trishuli, and Dunagiri East also makes this trekking expedition in Uttarakhand pretty exciting. 

History of Bagini Glacier Trek

Nanda Devi National Park is a national park located around Nanda Devi Peak. The park includes the Nanda Devi Shrine, a glacial basin enclosed by a group of peaks between 6,000 meters (19,700 feet) and 7,500 meters (24,600 feet), and diverted by the Rishi Ganga, through the Rishi Gorge Ganga, a steep and almost impenetrable crevasse.

The whole park is located at an altitude of over 3,500 m (11,500 feet) above sea level. Some of the peaks in this shrine are Dunagiri, Kalanka, Changabang, Rishi pahar, Nanda khat, Nanda Ghunti, Panwali Dwar, Trishul etc.

After many failed expeditions and daring explorations in 1934, British explorers Eric Shipton and Tillman discovered their way inside the shrine through Rishi Gorge. Nanda Devi main (7786 m) is enclosed by a thick wall of peaks, there is an interior wall and an exterior wall. The Bagini Glacier is located north of this outer wall. 

Highlights of Bagini Glacier Trek

Location of Bagini Glacier Trek

Located in Nanda Devi National Park at an altitude of 14,816 feet above sea level, Bagini is a magnificent glacier, endowed with the appearance of flora and fauna. From the glacier, you can have stunning views of peaks such as Dunagiri Peak (7,066m), Changa Banga Peak (6,864m), and Kalanka Peak 

Best Time to Visit Bagini Glacier Trek

The best time to go to Bagini Glacier Trek is in summer (May – June) and after the monsoon (September – mid-October)). 

Summers: The climate of the Bagini Glacier Trek lives healthy and pleasant during the summers. The Himalayas are visible and the cold wind adds grace to the vacation. 

Post Monsoon: Peace and seclusion are at their best during the post-monsoon period at Bagini Glacier Trek. The area is granted snowfall during winters, and accommodation possibilities remain scarce. But you can see the best of the Bagini Glacier Trek after the monsoon because it feels like heaven on earth. 

How to Reach Bagini Glacier Trek

By Air –

Jolly Grant Airport is the airport serving Dehradun, established approximately 48 km from Haridwar. There is a regular flight from Delhi to Dehradun 

By Train –

The rail system joins Haridwar with other major towns such as Delhi, Mussoorie,  Mumbai, Varanasi, Lucknow, and Kolkata. 

By Road –

Haridwar is well linked to main destinations The NH72 connects Haridwar to Nahan (125 km) in the northwest, then to Panchkula, Chandigarh, and Shimla. Haridwar is located at a distance of 235 km from Delhi. There is a regular bus service from Delhi to Haridwar 

Itinerary of Bagini Glacier Trek

Day 01 

Delhi – Haridwar Rishikesh 

Arrive at Haridwar, transfer to Rishikesh, check-in at the hotel. Later visit Laxman Jhoola, RamJhoola, Parmarth Niketan, Swarga Ashram, and in the evening visit Ganga Ghat for the famous Aarti ceremony on the Ganges.Overnight in Rishikesh. 

Day 02 

Rishikesh, Joshimath 

visit Joshimath via Devprayag, Rudraprayag, Karnprayag and Chamoli. Arrive in Joshimath in the evening, stay here Overnight. 

Day 03 

Joshimath Jumma – Ruing Village 

Drive to Jumma by jeep and from there start your trek to Ruing Village (approximately 3 km). Night in the village of Ruing. 

Day 04 

Village of Ruing Village of Dronagiri 11840 ft / 3610 meters 

Start the trek from the village of Ruing and walk towards the village of Dronagiri (8 km from the village of Ruing). Night in the village of Dronagiri. 

Day 05 

Dronagiri Village Bagini Base Camp, 14700 ft / 4484 meters 

Attempt to trek towards Bagini Base Camp. This is a 10 km trek  Overnight at Bagini base camp. 

Day 06 

Bagini BC – Changabang BC via Bagini Glacier / ABC and return to Bagini BC 

Depart for Changbang base camp from Bagini base camp. It is a 12 to 14 km hike.  try to climb to advance base camp. overnight at Bagini base camp. 

Day 07 

Bagini BC Ruing Village, 18 km 

Following the same route, return to Ruing Village. It will be an 18 km trek. 

Day 08 

Ruing Jumma, 3 km Joshimath trek 

From Jumma, a 3km trek takes you back to Jumma, and from here drive to Joshimath. Overnight in Joshimath. 

Day 09 

Joshimath – Haridwar – Delhi

Return to Haridwar from Joshimath. From Haridwar, take the AC Shatabdi express train to Delhi at 6:05 PM. Arrival in Delhi at 10:45 p.m. 

Read more: Bali Pass Trek

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s) for Bagini Glacier Trek