A trek in the mountains acts as the perfect enabler for me! Every few months I have an urge to pack my rucksack and simply flee from the chaotic life of Delhi-Gurgaon. Leaves aren’t the luxury that I can avail often, hence I keep scanning the calendar till I find a long weekend. The Good Friday-Easter weekend was well planned and I had booked Nag TIbba trek for 31st March – 1st April with Trek The Himalayas.
I couldn’t plan the trek all by myself because I didn’t have too much of time organizing everything. Therefore I let TTH do all the preparation for me. Nag Tibba Trek in Uttarakhand happens to be one of the remarkable treks in the Shivaliks with the summit perched atop 10000 feet.
Of all the popular reasons that this trail is known for, I’d underline the fact that Nag Tibba Peak stands as the highest & one of the most daunting points in the Lower Himalayan region. Rocky and jagged trails lead to the Nag Tibba top, which is thoroughly entwined amidst nature’s awesomeness.
Lush green meadows, terraced farms, and wobbly terrain constitute this gorgeous trail, which fits the list of perfect weekend getaways from New Delhi. As exhausting as the trail is, the landscapes around are equally refreshing.
How to reach Nag Tibba
Dehradun to Pantwari Village is a 3.5-hour drive (90 km). The Mussoorie highway takes you straight to the quaint village tucked in the foothills in the Tehri Himalayas.
The overview of the trek
Day 0 – Departure from Delhi
I booked a Volvo bus from Majnu Ka Tila which ensured that I reached Dehradun by 5 am.
Day 1 – Beginning of the trek & camping under stars
It felt so good to finally catch up with the dawn’s break. The faint morning light accompanied by chills in the air and the chirpy friends greeted me at Dehradun Railway Station. The traveler minibus from TTH picked me and the fellow trekkers from the railway station and 4 hours later we were standing at the Pantwari Village in the foothills of the Garhwal Himalayas gearing up for the trek.
Upon reaching Pantwari we freshened up, had our lunch, and readied up for the scenic walk across the alpine which was about to begin in an hour. The day was bright and beautiful and looked perfect to commence the trek.
The Nag Tibba Trek from Pantwari to the base camp is 7 km, which mostly flat & full of boulders. (Summer isn’t the best time to see the best of this place) 2 water points during the first 7 km stretch are the life saviors to catch some breath and refill water bottles. The best part about Himalayan treks is that water here is sourced straight from the mountains with unmatched sweetness.
The trail is somewhat tricky because of the fact that there are quite a few trails that break away from the main route and lead to one of the many villages in the mountains. Therefore, it is always better if you are walking in the company of a guide/local/trek leader. It took us a little more than 4 hours to make it to the campsite. Even if you are too gradual it shouldn’t take more than 4.5 hours to reach the base camp.
Unlike the rest of the trial, the last 1 km leg right before the base camp is relatively comforting. The reason being sprawling meadows that scatter along the course leading up to the campsite – nature’s perfect treat to the trekkers. But be prepared for some abrupt climb en route as you are in the proximity of the campsite.
Upon your arrival at the base camp, pitch your tent & prepare to soak yourself in the gripping views around.
Our tents were neatly laid by the wonderful guys at TTH. Moreover, Pakode & Chai awaited us at 9000 feet soon after we reached there. The picture-postcard setting created by a myriad of colorful tents, scenic vistas, herds of adorable sheep grazing the meadows while being cautiously watched by the shepherd dogs, and a dense forest in the backdrop, left us overwhelmed.
It was nature’s magnificence and crisp mountain air - refined and unalloyed, that I was trying to sip on.
Sunset and moonrise views here are so extraordinary that you aren’t going to forget the views for a long time.
Day 2 – Early morning trek to the summit & back
The 4 km trek to the Nag Tibba summit is doable in 3 hours! Upon reaching the top, the imposing views of snow-capped Kalanaag, Bandapuch, Swargarohini, and Gangotri Peaks standing tall, would leave you fascinated for sure. During my 1 hour stay at the summit, I kept marveling at the unbelievable views around like a curious kid. Everything around – the lit outdoors, piercing mountain air, and views of the partially burnt forest looked so otherworldly.
After 1.5 hour stay at the summit, we started the trek back. In 1.5 hours we made it back to the base camp. We ate our lunch, took our bags, and headed straight to the Pantwari. Completed our onwards journey in another 4 hours. Overall, it took us somewhere around 5.5 hours to reach the starting point of the trek.
Remember, the downhill trek is always the trickiest. While climbing upwards, you require stamina, but while going downhill a trekker relies heavily on their skills! Walk crosswords, make the best use of trekking pole, and don’t throw your body.
Things to pack for Nag Tibba Trek
CLOTHES
1. Full sleeves tees with collar
2. Full sleeves thick jacket (during winter)
3. Thermal innerwear
4. Comfortable tee-shirts, tracks or trousers
5. Windproof jacket
6. Woolen head-scarf/muffler & Mittens
7. Light towel
8. Raincoat or Poncho
SHOES & SOCKS
1. Proper trekking shoes
2. Sports socks – at least 2 pairs
SKIN CARE ESSENTIALS
1. Sunglasses with 100% UV protection, preferably curved ones
2. Lip balm, Vaseline
MEDICINES
Crocin, Avil, Combiflam, Disprin, Crepe bandage, Band-aid, Digene, Gauze cloth, Leukoplast, Cotton, ORS, Betadine or any antiseptic cream, Volini or Moov spray
OTHER ACCESSORIES
1. Water bottle
2. Hot water bottle/bag
3. Trekking pole/ walking stick
4. LED Torch/ headlamps are preferable
Don’t forget to carry a lot of chocolates/toffees. But make sure that you DON’T leave anything behind in the mountains!
My suggestions for Nag Tibba Trek
1. The snow-swept views of Nag TIbba can be enjoyed the best during winters. So I would suggest you to save it for December – February which can be termed as the best time to visit Nag Tibba.
2. Nag Tibba is mostly uphill trek to the summit and vice-versa. Remember the uphill walk will test your stamina and strength & downhill walk will test your skills.
3. The sooner during the day you start for the base camp, the better it is for you.
4. Keep your head covered when the sun is out.
5. Negotiate the rocky trail well. Also, be mindful of the ponies carrying the luggage. Always step towards the mountain side and not the valley side while giving them the way.
6. If you haven’t booked with a trek company, make sure that you carry sufficient food for the duration of stay in camp. There is absolutely no shop to buy anything towards the top. Unlike many other trails.
7. Please don’t make a campfire or litter any leftover in the mountains. Don’t make the nature suffer because of our mistakes. Do your bit in keeping the outdoors clean!
8. Always pack light.
Special thanks to the team Trek the Himalayas for conducting such a wonderful trip. Looking forward to taking more such trips with them in near future!
P.S – Unlike other Himalayan treks, this trek isn’t popular yet. Plan the Nag Tibba Trek before it becomes yet another mainstream place!
Also, do share your experiences/suggestions in the comment if you had a chance to take this trek! Thanks for reading!
The blog was originally published by me on my blog Whistling Hound