Nag Tibba Trek

From Kahwa to Pashmina shawls, Kashmir has a lot to offer to its tourists. With views as pristine and divine as heaven, Kashmir has perfectly been given the title of 'Paradise on earth.'

The trekking routes of Uttarakhand are some of the most picturesque ones in India. With the infrastructural developments headed by the tourism department and industries here, these treks have become even more accessible to adventurers. The trekking routes have opened up to all sorts of visitors - trekkers, pilgrims, and amateur trekking enthusiasts.

The Nag Tibba trek is one of these alluring treks of Uttarakhand. In fact, it is the highest peak in the Lower Himalayas region of Uttarakhand, so scaling the peak is quite an achievement. It is complete with mountainous streams, rhododendron and oak forests, snow-capped mountain peaks, and large meadows to soothe the eyes and enrich the soul of the beholders.

A summit trek:

The trek to Nag Tibba is a summit trek. The trekkers reach 3022 meters, the highest altitude of the peak. It is best done in winter if the trekker is interested in trekking along the snow-carpeted slopes. The trail is slightly offbeat, so it is ideal for trekkers looking for short treks on peaceful routes.

Beautiful sunrises and sunsets:

One can watch the spectacular sunset behind the mountain ranges as they trek up to the base camp on the trek's first day. If trekkers start early the following day from the basecamp, they will be able to reach the summit and catch a glimpse of breathtaking sunrise against the various Himalayan ranges.

View of the numerous mountain ranges:

The summit presents the trekkers with a panoramic view of the mountain ranges surrounding the region. The ecstatic views of Swargarohini and Gangotri ranges and the Bandarpoonch, Kala Nag, Kedarnath, and Srikanta peaks are the trek's highlights. They look like somber statues with snow-capped peaks in winter, but their snow tops sparkle in the sunlight in summer, making for some of the best photographs ever.

Impressive forests and meadows:

The trekking trail weaves in and out of the mountain forest with rich biodiversity. Rhododendrons and oaks commonly populate these forests with a few wildflowers in the monsoons. In winter, all the treetops are thick and heavy with snow.

One comes across large clearings while traversing through the Nag Tibba trail. In summer and monsoon, they appear lush green - a beautiful sanctuary of greenery cradled in the lap of the mountains. Come winter, they get covered by thick powdery snow, appearing to be a scene straight out of a winter wonderland.

The temple of reverence:

The Nag Tibba temple is dedicated to the serpent god. It is located at the base camp. After a long day of trekking, the trekkers pay their respects here before retiring to their camps for the night.

Overview of the Nag Tibba Trek:

Location and basic information:

The Nag Tibba trek distance is around 15 km, and it lies in the Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand in India. The trek takes only one weekend to complete. It takes one to the highest point of 3022 meters, from which they get to see the many majestic peaks all around. All trekking enthusiasts can scale this peak.

Budget:

The Nag Tibba trek cost is around USD 19 to 23 (INR 1400 to 1700). These estimates may not include the hiring charges of an experienced local guide. The price depends upon the trekking package one chooses with their trekking agent.

Cell Phone Connectivity:

Cell phone connectivity and internet network will not work on this trek. Proper connectivity is found at Dehradun, and a weak signal may be found near the starting point of the trek.

How difficult is the Nag Tibba Trek?

The Nag Tibba trek package has been classified as an easy to moderate level trek. According to expert trekkers and mountaineers, the summit trek can be covered by anyone - including beginners and children. The trail has a steep gradient in some places, but the ascent is quite gentle for the most part.

There always remains a chance of getting altitude sickness and AMS in the mountains. It can be avoided if the trekker stays hydrated throughout the day.

Best time to visit the Nag Tibba Trek:

The best time for Nag Tibba trek is during summer and winter. The clear sparkling surroundings in summer are in stark contrast to the white beauty of winter. But the way each of these seasons holds something attractive for the visitors stays constant throughout the year.

In Summer:

Summer in the mountains is the most pleasant season for trekkers who originate from the plains. To accompany the clear sky with the heat of the sun, a cool breeze always blows to make the experience quite comfortable. The season lasts from April to June. If one is visiting around early April, it is recommended to carry light woolens for a possibly colder night.

In Monsoon:

The monsoon showers bring a lush green shade to this region. There is nothing like gazing at the soaring peaks with the pitter-patter of raindrops all around. Although the scenic beauty is excellent, the mountains are prone to accidental landslides in the rainy season. These cause unnecessary trouble for the trekkers as roadblocks resulting from landslides are common in this region.

In Winter:

The cold months of October, November, and December are the best time for Nag Tibba trek. The trekking trails are much less crowded now than in other seasons. Trekkers cherish the solitude of the peaceful melancholy of the winters. Snowfall occurs on the trail during the winters, and the scenery soon gets covered in white wherever one turns to see. It reaches sub-zero temperatures in winters here, so it is necessary to carry warm woolens.

Gear guide and checklist for the Nag Tibba Trek:

Any trekking packaging guide will emphasize packing light with all essentials. With that pivotal point in mind, let's find what one's trekking kit should positively contain.

Apparels, footwear, accessories:

Polyester shirts are light and quick to dry. 2-3 full-sleeved polyester t-shirts can be layered as required during the day treks. For bottom wear, a similar layering technique needs to be followed - 2-3 pairs of sweatpants, track pants, or joggers should be carried. To maintain an optimal body temperature, a thermal innerwear set will be required. This may not be worn during the day treks in summer, but the extra warmth can provide comfort at night since cold winds are prevalent.

Cardigans or fleece sweaters can be layered with padded, down jackets with a hood. It will be ideal for trekking in autumn and winter. The trekker runs the risk of losing heat from the head, especially in the colder Nag Tibba weather. To prevent this, they must carry a woolen cap or balaclava to wear under the hood of the padded jacket. Woolen gloves, woolen socks, and quick-dry synthetic sports socks can be layered as and when needed to keep the body warm.

If the trekker is traveling in the rainy season, they should carry an umbrella, a light poncho, and a raincoat. Other necessary accessories one should bring to a trek include:

• Caps.
• UV-protection sunglasses.
• Sunscreen lotion.
• Battery-powered torches.
• Phone and camera battery charger.
• A pair of sturdy trekking poles.

In winter and monsoon, the wet, snow, or moss-covered trekking trail is very slippery to trek along. Trekking boots with proper ankle support and microspikes will help with the feet' grip. While buying a new pair, a trekker must ensure that they are waterproof, sturdy, and broken in a few weeks before the commencement of the trek.

Gaiters are beneficial footwear accessories. They will help the footwear gather as minimum dust as possible. Gaiters will also prevent random debris from getting collected inside the shoe and hurting the trekker's foot.

The campsite at such a high elevation can become chilling cold. A thick, good-quality sleeping bag will help the trekker keep warm at night on this trek.

Backpacks and waterproof covers:

A backpack of 45 liters capacity should be enough for a weekend trek to Nag Tibba. While this will contain all the supplies and clothes, essentials like electronics should be placed in a smaller fanny pack for easy access. Trekkers carrying a camera, various batteries, and mobile phones can benefit from this.

Trekkers can offload the extra luggage in Pantwari.

Any mountain trek packing should have sufficient waterproofing measures. Waterproof covers for the backpack and water-resistant bags will help the trekkers protect their electronics, camera, other equipment, wallets, and essential documents from any damage.

Toiletries and hygiene products:

Carrying a personal toiletry set to maintain hygiene on mountain treks is essential. It should contain a toothbrush, toothpaste, biodegradable soap, moisturizer, lip balm, hand sanitizer, and deodorant for personal use. If the trekkers want to clean up quickly, toilet paper, rolls of tissue paper, and wet wipes will help.

For female trekkers, menstrual hygiene is always a matter of concern. They should carry enough sanitary napkins, tampons, or menstrual cups for maximum comfort.

Medical kit with first-aid:

Some of the most common ailments one might experience on a trip are fever, common cold, allergy, and stomach upsets. A trekker should keep paracetamols, anti-nausea medicines, antihistamines, antacids, and painkillers at hand to treat these quickly. This will prevent the condition from worsening any further.

Carrying a simple first-aid kit should be enough for treating any minor injuries or sprains. It should contain a pain-relieving spray, bandaids, gauze swabs, antiseptic liquid, ointment, crepe bandages, and insect repellent cream. The drinking water is often sourced from streams and natural reservoirs on treks. To ensure the safety of this water, one should also carry water-purifying tablets.

Important documents:

One should carry their identity proof and at least two photocopies of it for all the registration purposes at any check posts. The identity proof should also contain the address of the trekker. Two passport-sized photographs should also be carried in case of any urgent needs. Visas and passports should be kept safe by foreigners.

Nag Tibba Trek itinerary:

The Nag Tibba trek itinerary can be covered in a weekend. The starting point of the trek can be reached from the many different arrival spots for tourists and trekkers. The Jolly Grant airport of Dehradun is well-connected to the major Indian cities through the Delhi airport.

The Dehradun railway station also has regular trains once again from Delhi. Dehradun can also be reached from Delhi by overnight Volvo buses.

• Day 1: The starting point of the trek is at Pantwari. On the first day, the trekkers arrive at Dehradun and take a cab via Mussoorie and Nainbagh. During this 85 km drive that takes around 4 hours, the cab stops at the Kempty Falls for refreshments and the scenic beauty of the waterfall. One also crosses the famous Yamuna Bridge on their way. The Pantwari village is located at the height of 1415 meters. From here starts the trek towards the base camp. This 6 km trek takes around 6-7 hours to complete. This part of the trail has a gradual ascent. On the way, the trekkers will come across the Nag Devta temple, a shrine dedicated to the serpent god. This is where the shepherds sought blessings. Since ancient times, the shepherds have used the rugged trail to find meadows where their cattle could graze. The trekking trail passes a motorable road here now and then. After these crossings, the trekkers can refill their water supplies from the mountainous stream, water from which is collected into a reservoir. The trekkers are soon led inside the forested areas by the trail, yet it can be fully recognized from the clear markings. There is barely any chance of getting lost here unless the trail markings have been swept under the snow because of the cold Nag Tibba weather in peak winter. The base camp lies at an altitude of 2600 meters amidst a large clearing. The Nag Tibba temple is one of the major landmarks here. The sunset against the lofty peaks of the Garhwal Himalayas is a delight to watch as the trekkers reach their camping destination for the night. This is undoubtedly a photograph-worthy spot.

• Day 2: One should wake up early to get that perfect shot of the sunrise at the Nag Tibba summit. It takes an hour or so to get to the summit from the base camp, so starting early is essential. The trail once again leads the trekkers into the forest. The shady forested region is frigid. Beyond the forest cover lies a steeply ascending trail leading to the trek's highest point at 3022 meters. This is the Nag Tibba summit or the 'Jhandi,' and a flag marks it. From here, one can see the various peaks of the Himalayan ranges in the distance. The 360-degree panoramic view is exceptionally breathtaking as the trekkers are surrounded by clouds passing through at such a height. The Swargarohini, Bandarpoonch, Gangotri, Kala Nag, Kedarnath, and Srikanta ranges and peaks stand at the left side of the summit point. The trekkers explore the region here, capture the beautiful surroundings and soon begin to descend to the Khatian village camp for lunch. Around late afternoon they reach the village starting point. Cabs are readily available here to take the trekkers back to Dehradun from where they can leave for their hometowns or embark on their next adventure.

Getting fit for the Nag Tibba Trek:

The trek to Nag Tibba is an easy to moderate level trek. So, it does not require any special training on the part of the trekker's preparation. Yet, one needs to be physically fit and active to cover this 15 km trek.

Building core strength and stamina are essential for getting ready for a mountain trek. Running, jogging, brisk walking, squatting, swimming, and skipping ropes can be useful for this. Meditative practices, yoga exercises, and pranayama can also help build one's mental fortitude and determination. This is a fundamental trait required for adventurers to overcome the encountered obstacles or challenges.

The trek to Nag Tibba is a top-rated winter summit trek among beginner and amateur trekkers. The splendid views, along with the thrilling experience of a trekking adventure in just two days, are unmatched. Following the guide's instructions and taking all necessary precautions will surely make the trek a very memorable one for the trekkers.