Garhwal
Niti Valley Trek
Bhotiya villages on the old trade route to Tibet
About this trek
Niti is not a trek so much as a journey through a way of life. The valley was the trade road to Tibet until 1962, and its villages — Malari, Bampa, Gamsali, Niti — keep the houses, the wool work and the seasonal migration of that time. We drive the valley slowly, walk between villages, and stay with families we know. Easy walking at altitude; the highest point is Niti village itself.
Day by day
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Day 1
Rishikesh to Joshimath
Rishikesh → Joshimath
Road day to Joshimath; permits collected.
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Day 2
Joshimath to Malari
Joshimath → Tapovan → Malari
Up the Dhauliganga to Malari, the first of the big Bhotiya villages.
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Day 3
Malari to Niti via Bampa and Gamsali
Malari → Bampa → Gamsali → Niti
Village to village, on foot where the trail allows, to Niti — the last village.
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Day 4
Niti and around
Niti → surrounding meadows → Niti
A day in the village: the temple, the wool work, a walk up the valley towards the pass road.
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Day 5
Niti to Joshimath
Niti → Joshimath
Drive back down the valley. Onward to Rishikesh the next morning.
What is and is not included
Included
- Vehicle from Joshimath for the full trip
- Homestay or guesthouse stays
- Local guide from the valley
- All meals
- Inner-line permit arranged
Not included
- Transportation to and from the base camp unless noted
- Personal trekking gear and rentals
- Personal expenses and travel insurance
- Anything not listed under inclusions
Things to carry
- Trekking shoes with ankle support
- Backpack (40–60 L) with a rain cover
- Three warm layers and a padded jacket
- Poncho or rain jacket
- Sun cap, sunglasses and sunscreen
- Personal medication and toiletries
- Two one-litre water bottles
Rent what you are missing
Ask about this trek
Dates, difficulty, what to carry, a private group — send us a note and we will call or message you back. No account needed.
Also in the Garhwal
Other treks to consider
Satopanth Lake Trek
Walk past the last village on the Mana route to a triangular glacial lake ringed by Chaukhamba, Neelkanth and Balakun.
Ali Bedani Bugyal Trek
A rolling grassland trek above Lohajung, with Trishul and Nanda Ghunti standing directly over the campsite.
Brahmatal Trek
Snow underfoot from the first day, oak and rhododendron forest, and an open ridge that holds Trishul in view for hours.
