Dharchula, Pithoragarh district
Darma Valley
Stone villages, the Dhauliganga river and the east face of Panchachuli — a village-stay journey into one of Kumaon's border valleys.
6 – 7 days ex Dharchula Explore
Offbeat Experiences · Munsiyari, Pithoragarh district
Johar Valley
The old salt road to Tibet
- Duration
- 7 – 9 days ex Munsiyari
- Level
- Moderate
- Starts from
- Munsiyari
01 · Overview
About this experience
For centuries the Johar valley was a highway. Johari traders walked their goats and yaks up the Gori Ganga gorge from Munsiyari to the high villages of Martoli and Milam, and over the passes into Tibet to trade salt, wool and grain.
That trade ended in 1962, and many of the high villages now stand empty for most of the year. This journey follows the old route with local guides whose families come from the valley: gorges and waterfalls, deserted stone villages full of stories, and the Milam glacier at the top.
02 · Highlights
Highlights
- 01The old Indo-Tibetan trade route along the Gori Ganga
- 02The stone villages of Martoli and Milam
- 03The Milam glacier at the head of the valley
- 04Guides from Johari families, with the stories to match
- 05The Munsiyari tribal heritage museum before you set off
Included
What is included
- Local guide from the valley
- Camps and homestays along the route
- All meals in the valley
- Inner Line Permit assistance
- Porter or mule support for luggage
Before you go
Good to know
- 01
Johar is an inner-line area. We need ID documents in advance for permits.
- 02
Road construction is changing how far you can drive each season — we plan with the latest conditions.
- 03
Expect long walking days and simple camps in the upper valley.
- 04
A detailed day-by-day plan is shared once we know your dates and fitness.
Photographs from Johar Valley
Enquire
Ask us about Johar Valley.
Tell us your dates and who is travelling. We will confirm availability and send the details and an indicative cost — usually within a working day, and always before you pay anything.
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