Also known as Kurmanchal in Indian literary history, Kumaon is a neighbour of Garhwal, bordering Nepal on the west. The region is known for its forested rolling hills, whose ridges make for great viewpoints to witness the Himalayan peaks to the east of the great Nanda Devi massif. A region rich in flora and fauna, Kumaon is famous among birding and wildlife enthusiasts as one gets to spot many rare species which are native to the Himalaya. The Kumaon section of the GHT starts from the Nandakini river valley and traverses towards the Darchula border, going over relatively low passes between 3500-4500m, through dense jungles and many vast meadows called Bugyals. The trail goes under the shadow of major peaks of the eastern Garhwal region like Trishul, Mrigthuni, Nanda Devi, Nanda Khat, Panchachuli etc, before finishing at Darchula on the Indo-Nepal border.

Itinerary

What to expect