Hidden within the rugged folds of the Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve in Uttarakhand, the Bagini Glacier trek offers a rare blend of stark glacial beauty, mythological intrigue and front-row seats to some of the world’s most formidable peaks. Unlike the more crowded trails of the Garhwal region, the journey to Bagini and the pristine emerald waters of Rishikund remains a pristine sanctuary for trekkers seeking solitude and raw Himalayan grandeur.
Trek commences in the historic town of Joshimath, the gateway to several high-altitude adventures. From here, a scenic 52 km drive through winding mountain roads leads to Ruing village. At an altitude of 2,800 m, Ruing serves as the threshold where the asphalt ends and the ancient stone paths begin.
Trek progresses toward the legendary Dronagiri village, a settlement steeped in the lore of the Ramayana. The 8 km ascent to 3,100 m is physically demanding but rewards travelers with views of a village that seems frozen in time, framed by the towering presence of Dronagiri Parvat.
As the trail winds higher toward Langatuli and eventually the Garur Basecamp (3,850 m), the landscape shifts from dense alpine forests to stark, dramatic moraines. Transition is palpable; the air thins, and the greenery gives way to the grey and white palette of the high Himalayas.
Ultimate crescendo of the trek occurs on Day 6, a challenging push to the Bagini Glacier and Rishikund (4,700 m). This high plateau offers an unparalleled 360-degree panorama of the "Wall of Peaks," including: Changbang, Dunagiri, Kalanka and Rishikund.
This itinerary is meticulously designed for acclimatization and exploration. By staying at intermediate camps like Langatuli, trekkers can safely adapt to the altitude before making the final push to the glacier. For those who seek to go beyond the commercial trails and witness the Himalayas in their most authentic, unforgiving, and beautiful form, the Bagini Glacier and Changbang Base Camp trek is an indispensable addition to the bucket list.