Milam Glacier
Pithoragarh, Uttarakhand, India • 30.28°N, 80.42°E
📖 About Milam Glacier
- ✦At 4,688 metres, third largest glacier in Kumaon spans 16 km length
- ✦Trek passes through Milam village, last inhabited settlement before the glacier snout
- ✦Inner Line Permit mandatory, trek open only May to October, winter closed
- ✦No mobile connectivity after Munsiyari, limited food options beyond Bogudiyar campsite
Spanning 16 km from snout to source, Milam Glacier sits at 4,688 metres (15,381 feet) in the Gori Ganga valley, feeding the river that eventually joins the Kali. The trek begins at Munsiyari at 2,298m and covers roughly 55 km one-way through the Johar Valley, passing Lilam village at 2,743m, Bogudiyar at 3,345m, and finally Milam village at 3,450m before reaching the glacier. July temperatures at the glacier range from -0.9°C to 16.7°C (30.4°F to 62°F), dropping sharply at night even in summer.
The trail follows ancient trade routes once used for Indo-Tibetan commerce, with stone bridges and mule paths still visible. Milam village, abandoned in winter, houses around 200 families who return each May after snowmelt opens the route. The glacier feeds into alpine meadows where bharal (blue sheep) graze, and the valley occasionally sees snow leopard tracks. Beyond Milam, the landscape turns barren with moraine fields and glacial streams that require careful crossing, especially during afternoon snow melt when water levels rise.
Experienced trekkers comfortable with multi-day camping and altitude handle this route best. The trek demands at least 7-8 days return from Munsiyari, with no teahouses or lodges after Bogudiyar, meaning you carry all supplies or hire porters. Altitude sickness risk increases beyond 3,500m, and the final approach to the glacier involves loose scree and boulder fields.
🎯 Things to Do in Milam Glacier
The 55 km trail from Munsiyari passes through Lilam (13 km), Bogudiyar (23 km), and Martoli (35 km) before reaching Milam village at 3,450m. Plan 4 days ascending with overnight camps at designated sites, carrying tents as no permanent lodges exist beyond Bogudiyar. The route crosses suspension bridges over Gori Ganga and involves daily ascents of 600-800 metres, demanding good fitness and acclimatisation stops.
From Milam village, the glacier snout lies 5 km further up the valley across moraine fields and glacial streams. Allow 3-4 hours for the approach over loose rock and ice-polished boulders, starting early to avoid afternoon stream surges from snowmelt. The snout sits at roughly 4,100m with the main glacier mass rising to 4,688m, requiring careful footing on unstable terrain.
Bharal (blue sheep) graze on slopes above 3,500m, especially visible near Martoli and beyond Milam. Himalayan monal pheasants appear in birch forests below 3,800m, and locals report snow leopard tracks near the glacier during early season. Carry binoculars for distant sightings, as animals maintain distance from trekking groups.
Advanced trekkers extend from Milam glacier towards Nanda Devi East Base Camp, another 15 km beyond the glacier involving technical glacier walking. The route requires mountaineering experience, crampons, and ropes for crevasse crossings, making it a separate expedition rather than a trekking extension. Permits specify glacier zone access, so confirm coverage before attempting.
Martoli village at 3,300m and Lilam at 2,743m serve as acclimatisation stops with stone houses and small temples. Local families return each May, offering basic meals (dal-rice, chapati) at homestays for around Rs 300-500 per person (confirm locally — rates vary by season). Both villages provide insight into seasonal migration patterns and traditional Shauka community architecture.
📅 Best Time to Visit
| Month | Low °C | High °C | Rain (mm) | Humid % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 🌤️ | -27.8 | -1.9 | 22 | 70% |
| Feb | 🌤️ | -27.5 | -0.4 | 42 | 75% |
| Mar | 🌤️ | -26.4 | 2.4 | 40 | 79% |
| Apr | 🌤️ | -17.2 | 5.7 | 57 | 73% |
| May | 🌤️ | -9.9 | 9.0 | 71 | 73% |
| Jun | 🌤️ | -5.8 | 15.2 | 42 | 74% |
| Jul | 🌦️ | -0.9 | 16.7 | 87 | 78% |
| Aug | 🌤️ | -0.8 | 16.1 | 65 | 80% |
| Sep | 🌤️ | -5.8 | 14.1 | 45 | 77% |
| Oct | 🌤️ | -13.2 | 9.5 | 28 | 72% |
| Nov | ❄️ | -20.3 | 4.1 | 6 | 64% |
| Dec | ❄️ | -24.6 | 1.4 | 9 | 59% |
📡 Data Source: NASA POWER
Climate figures are 11-year averages from NASA POWER satellite data. Values represent conditions for the broader Pithoragarh region, not exclusively Milam Glacier. Actual conditions at this specific location may vary due to local elevation and terrain. Always check a local forecast before travel.
🚗 How to Reach Milam Glacier
💡 Visitor Tips
Pack for temperatures from -5°C to 16°C (23°F to 61°F) in summer months with a 4-season sleeping bag rated to -10°C, layered clothing including thermals, down jacket, waterproof shell, and trekking boots with ankle support for loose terrain.
Apply for Inner Line Permit at Pithoragarh District Magistrate office or online through Uttarakhand government portal at least 10 days before trek start, carrying photocopies of ID and passport-size photos. Permits cost around Rs 150 per person and require entry/exit dates.
Hire a local guide or join organised groups from Munsiyari as trail markers disappear in sections and river crossing points change with water levels. Expect to pay Rs 1,500-2,000 per day for guides and Rs 800-1,200 for porters (confirm locally — rates vary by season).
No mobile connectivity exists beyond Munsiyari, and BSNL occasionally works at Lilam but not reliably. Carry sufficient cash as no ATMs operate after Munsiyari town, where State Bank and Punjab National Bank ATMs serve as last withdrawal points. UPI and cards do not work in villages.
Most trekkers stay in Munsiyari before and after the trek, with guesthouses near the main bazaar ranging from Rs 600-1,000 for basic rooms to Rs 2,000-3,500 for hotels with hot water and valley views (confirm locally — rates vary by season). Book ahead during May and September peak months.
📍 More Places in Pithoragarh
🗺️ Nearby Places
Tourist destinations within ~50km of Milam Glacier
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
📚 About This Page
This travel guide for Milam Glacier covers key information for visitors including best time to visit, how to reach, things to do, and practical tips. Milam Glacier is located in Pithoragarh district, Uttarakhand, India at an elevation of 4688 metres above sea level. Climate data on this page is sourced from NASA POWER and represents 11-year regional averages.