5 th Sept 07 : We started the trek at 0900 h after doing the packing. The stone paved route slowly climbs to ridge via stone thatched village huts. Villagers were very friendly and offered tea. From the ridge, the track descends to a small river bridge through forested area full of flowers and long trees. From the bridge, the roue climbs steeply to Ghairoli Pathal. A forest office has been constructed recently (2007) and is in closed condition. The route climbs steeply to Bedni Bugyal at 3354 m. Now we are above the tree line and Bugyals are high altitude meadows. Bedni Bugyal and Ali Bugyal are the main grass meadows in this area.

Night stay in tent near the Forest rest house. Forest rest house can accommodate 5 to 8 people group in two separate rooms. It has a brick wall and a tin sheet roof safe from cold wind.

Forest official at Bedni Bugyal will collect a sum depending on the number of days of camping and number of persons attending the trek including guide, cook and porters. Trial management fee @ Rs 60 per tourist and @ Rs 20 per porter and or guide. Camping @ Rs 100 per day. Non biodegradable waste recycling fee @ Rs 10 per person.

I paid Rs 200 for my guide and myself for 2 days camping. The night in the tent was sleepless and there was mild rain.

Annual Nanda Devi festival is conducted in the month of September (12 to 16 Sept 2007).

Bedni Bugyal