Independent Trekking and Travel

While this trek does not really go up into the high mountains it follows a ridge just opposite the Nanda Devi Sanctuary which offers amazing views of the mountains, including some of the best views of Nada Devi.  Unfortunately the powers that be in Joshimath no doubt lobbied by the travel agents have made it this classic and beautiful trek difficult to "legally" do on your own.  A permit is required that will only be issued through travel agents and not to individual trekkers without guides.  I paid a travel agent to put me on a permit with a group that was going then after the check point at the ropeway above Auli I went off on my own.  Another possibility would be to hike around the check point through the forest on either side then rejoin the trail.  No one will check your permit any where else along the trail.  There are few options for this trek, you can go out and back from Joshimath (2-3 days), you can return back down to Tapovan (2-3 days), or continue over the pass to and exit via Ghat or Wan (5-10 days)