Nanda Devi East Base Camp

Nanda Devi East Base Camp is a high-altitude trekking destination located near the Pachu Glacier in the Johar Valley of Uttarakhand's Kumaon Himalayas. Situated at approximately 4,200-4,300 meters elevation, this remote base camp offers trekkers close-up views of Nanda Devi East (7,434 m), India's second-highest peak. The base camp lies within the outer sanctuary of Nanda Devi National Park and is accessible via a challenging multi-day trek from Munsiyari through abandoned villages including Martoli.

Visitors undertaking the trek can expect a remote high-altitude wilderness experience with panoramic views of snow-capped Himalayan peaks including Nanda Devi, Trishul, Panch Chuli, and Nanda Kot. The route passes through deserted villages, alpine meadows, glacial valleys, and moraine terrain. Trekkers camp in tents along the trail with basic facilities. The base camp itself sits beside the Pachu Glacier offering dramatic mountain vistas. The trek requires good physical fitness and involves crossing glacial streams and navigating rugged terrain.

The area was part of ancient Tibet trade routes. The Nanda Devi Sanctuary was closed to climbing and trekking in 1983 due to environmental concerns following a CIA mission in the 1960s. The outer sanctuary remains accessible for trekking with permits.

Nanda Devi is regarded as the patron goddess of the Garhwal and Kumaon Himalayas. The region holds religious significance for local communities, with temples dedicated to the goddess along the trekking route.