Trekking In Pindari Glacier

7 DAYS 6 NIGHTS
  • pindari trekking

Region

: Uttarakhand Himalayas

Duration

: 7 days  

Level

: easy

Trekking distance

: 41 Kms

Max Altitude

: 3250Meters

Pickup Point

: Kathgodam

Best Season

: June, September-October

This world famous glacier is a trekker’s paradise, as it is easier to visit than most other glaciers. This glacier is situated between snowcapped NANDA DEVI and Nandakot mountains. The river Pindar originates from this glacier. The glacier is The entire trekking tour route is beautiful and very scenic. The Pindari Glacier Trek commences from Loharkhet at 1,760 meters and heads to Dhakuri at 2,680 meters, which is approximately 10 kilometers of trek and it takes round about 5-6 hours. It cuts through several untamed streams and the boulder ridden track moves through a thick forest that is strewed with varied species of Himalayan plants and trees. The track from Dhakuri then leads off at Khati at 2,210 meters passing through a vast forest of rhododendron and from there it paces along the River Pindar to Dwali at 2,575 meters. The route from Dwali splits to Phurkia and winds up at Pindari Glacier, which is the Zero Point. There is a beautiful waterfall just before Phurkia where you can rest for a while. Phurkia is a picturesque place blessed with natural beauteousness. The trek downhill from the Zero Point to Loharkhet follows the same trekking route passing through villages and colourful meadows.

  • The impressive view of the Himalayas as you can see the Himalayan range from east to west.
  • There are a number of trekking routes to explore.
  • A perfect place to capture the breathtaking view of the stretching sky with the field covered with white snow.
  • This trek is just opposite to the famous Roopkund trek, which is one of the most attractive factors.
  • The best place to trek and explore during the winters, is the month of December or January.

The appealing treat comes as the Pindari Glacier at Zero Point, whose unearthly magnificence at 12,300 feet will top you off with unfathomable happiness. Its best piece? This trek is flawlessly suited for families, including kids.


What makes this Trek different?

Pindari Glacier is a delightful trek– yet the prizes, we see, are too little in traverse of 6 days. On the off chance that you are not very beyond any doubt of completing a trek without anyone else, we have options you can attempt.

1

Day 1 : Drive from Kathgodam to Loharket

Trek Distance – 180 km

Time taken – 7/8 hours

Altitude – 5,500 feet

Reach Kathgodam Railway Station on your own, vehicle will be arranged from there to reach Loharkhet. Have breakfast en route. The drive is through some beautiful places i.e. Bheem Tal, Almora, Bageshwar and Kapot.

Reach Loharkhet and the arrangements will be made in a guest house there.

2

Day 2 : Drive from Loharkhet to Kahrkia and trek to Khati

Total distance – 4 km (Trek)

Time taken – 3 hours (Drive) 2 hours (Trek)

Altitude – 7,400 feet (Loharkhet) 7,300 feet (Khati)

Have breakfast at Loharkhet and leave for Kahrkia, it is the last village on road and starting point of Pindari Glacier trek. From Kahrkia the trek starts to Khati which can be reached in an hour or two.

Go through beautiful trail full of Rhododendrons and Oaks on both the sides. Get pleasure to walk under the shade of trees, this dense forest is different from others because of its tranquil charm and vibrant colors. Reach Khati which is a great campsite because of the ravishing mountain views from there.

The high peaks visible from Khati are – Nandakot, Laspadhura and Nandabaner. Explore the area in leisure time. Have sumptuous food and settle for the day.

3

Day 3 : Trek from Khati to Dwali

Trek Distance – 13 km

Time taken – 6/7 hours

Altitude – 8,600 feet

Today is a long trekking day, so make sure you have enough breakfast to remain energized. Start trekking and after few steps come across the very first water point; a stream. The trail is a mixture of ascents and descents, be careful because some areas are slippery.

Look back and relish the beguiling sight of entire Khati village. Descent and see Dwali on opposite side of the river, from there the Pindari valley is visible towards the left and Kafni valley towards the right.

The Dwali village is meeting point of both the rivers; Pindari and Kafni. Setup your camps at the ground of Dwali and settle for the day.

4

Day 4 : Trek from Dwali to Phurkia

Total distance – 5 km

Time taken – 3 hours

Altitude – 10,500 feet

From Dwali to Pukhria the terrain snakes its way through the forest of Rhododendrons and Pindari River can be seen flowing below. On a clear weather day, lofty Nanda Devi and Mt. Nanda Khat are clearly visible.

Come across a wide meadow where the Himalayan Ibex are common to find. Ahead are some beautiful forests clearings which are beautiful enough to leave you awe struck!

Today, enjoy crossing glacial streams. Here the hard snow is also found in the months of April and May. Reach the campsite; Phurkia. Pitch your tents and retire for the night.

5

Day 5 : Trek from Phurkia to Zero Point Pindari Glacier and back to Phurkia

Total distance – 16 km

Time taken – 7/8 hours

Altitude – 12,300 feet

The trek to Pindari Glacier is a thrilling and adventurous one. Start the day young because you have to return and it will again take 3 to 4 hours. The trail offers scenic sights with just mind blowing clear views of Mt. Nandakhat on a clear weather day. Ahead snow patches appear, be careful because they remain slippery.

Have a look at snow covered peak of Mt. Bauljuri. The path is tricky towards the valley, so cross this section carefully and start climbing the ridge. From here, the Pindari Glacier on the left comes into sight with Changuch looming in the background.

With Pindari Glacier the whole snow clad Himalayan peaks shine in the glory. Now, plan you return soon. Retrace your steps and get back to Phurkia campsite. Descending takes less time. Reach the campsite and wait for the delicious food to be served then retire for the night.

6

Day 6 : Trek from Phurkia to Khati via Dwali

Total distance – 18 km

Time taken – 7/8 hours

Altitude – 7,300 feet
Today is the longest trekking day and may also be the tiring one. Phurkia is 18 km away from Khati.

Get down to Dwali and after a 4 to 5 hours hike from there reach Khati. Setup your camps there, relax! Wait for the sumptuous food and retire for the night.

7

Day 7 : Trek from Khati to Kharkia and Drive to Kathgodam

Total distance – 4 km (Trek) 180 km (Drive)

Time taken – 2 hours (Trek) 7/8 hours (Drive)

Khati to Kharkia, the distance is 4 km but the descent is easy so it can be covered in an hour or two.

Vehicles will be arranged from Kharkia to reach Kathgodam. The Pindari Glacier trek ends here.

INCLUDED

What is Included In This Trek?

Transport Facility

Forest Permit and entrance fee

Accommodation in tents on twin share basis

All meals: breakfast, packed lunch, tea, coffee, snacks, soup and dinner

(All camping gears)

High quality tents

Sleeping bags

Mattress

Liner

Pillow

Separate Toilet tents – Ladies and Gents

Dining Tent

Dining Table

Porters

Helper

Mules

Kitchen team

Radio Walkie Talkie for Communication

Good Experience Trek Leader guide and Technical guide

Medical Kit

Oxygen Cylinders

Crampons and Gaiters

NOT INCLUDED

What is Not Included In This Trek?

Personal Insurance

Medical Certificate

Personal toiletry Items and Personal Medicine kit

On first day En Route to base camp the Breakfast and Lunch are Not Included

Last Day En Route Lunch and Dinner are Not Included

Mandatory Documents

Please carry the documents given below

Original and photocopy of government photo identity card- (Aadhar Card, Driving License, Voters ID, etc,
Passport and Visa important to foreigners
Medical Certificate (First part should be filled by the Doctor and Second part by the Trekker)
Declaration Certificates

Note: – Many trekkers commit the same mistake of carrying unnecessary items on a trek which only makes the backpack heavy. It is important to know the right items to carry.
It differs from season to season if you are trekking in summers then carry less layers of warm clothing and if you are trekking in winters carry enough layers to protect yourself against chilly cold.

Necessary Items for trekkers

Backpack (50 to 60 liters)
A strongly built backpack with good support is compulsory for a trek. (Rain cover is important)

Sturdy Trekking Shoes
The shoes should be strong enough with good support. The people ask if sports shoes would be comfortable but it is good to bring the right trekking shoes.

The Clothes You Should Bring On a Trek
Avoid keeping extra clothes because it only makes you backpack heavy.

Trek Pants – The jeans are never suitable for a trek so you need at least 2-3 trek pants for treks carry more for longer treks.

Jacket – Jackets are very important to carry on a trek it protects you against the chilly weather. So carry 2 jackets on a week long trek.

Layers of warm Clothing
Carry warm woolen layers or fleece. Carry more layers during winter season (at least 2 to 3) and less during summer.

Thermals – The Temperature decreases at night so you might be need thermals for Night.

T- Shirts – Bring those t shirts which dry fast.

Poncho –They are needed if you are trekking on a Rainy day to keep you dry.

Hiking Pole

Water Bottle 2

Cap or Balaclava

Sunglasses

Slippers

Woolen and Waterproof Gloves

Socks (Woolen and Regular)

Sunscreen

Torch head light

Personal Toiletry Items – (toothpaste, toothbrush, toilet paper, sanitizer etc.)