Pindari Glacier Trek
The gradient of the Pindari Glacier trek is easily moderated, making it one of the most isolated and family-friendly treks in Uttarakhand. It offers breathtaking views of the snow-capped peaks of the Himalayas and it is a joy to walk through crimson rhododendron forests with vibrant flowers. The area is rich in flora and fauna, making it ideal for nature lovers. The trek passes through the wilderness of the Nanda Devi sanctuary with impressive views of peaks like Panwali Dwar and Maiktoli.
The glacier trail passes through some picturesque villages like Saung and Loharkhet with strong mythological stories, then passes through the Dhakuri Pass and continues to Khati (the last inhabited village on the trail). The trek finally ends at Zero Point, Pindar. Despite the fact that most of the route runs along the banks of the Pindari River, the river is mostly hidden until Khati.
The best thing about the Pindari Glacier Trekking Trail is that it doesn’t test your endurance at all levels, it’s mostly smooth. But don’t consider it a cakewalk as the level of difficulty sometimes increases so much that it forces hikers to put aside their comfort zone. The trail becomes challenging and requires crossing mountain ridges, spider walls and streams. However, the otherworldly beauty of the final point or zero point will make you forget all the hardships.
Your journey to this Himalayan storehouse, the Pindari Glacier, begins from Loharkhet, a small village that is 20 km away from the Bageshwar district. After crossing a number of remote places like Dhakuri, Dwali and Phurkia, you touch the final destination of the trek, the zero point.
Zero Point of Pindari Glacier is located at a breathtaking altitude of 12370 feet above sea level, 5 km before Phurkia. The Pindari Glacier in the Bageshwar district falls in the Kumaon Himalayas. The glacier flows south for a short distance of about 9 km and leads to the Pindari River which meets the Alakananda River at Karnaprayag in Garhwal District.
The views from the Dhakuri Khal Pass are particularly impressive and include the many snow-capped peaks that form the southern edge of the Nanda Devi Sanctuary. Stunning and serene lakes with crystal clear water, snow-capped mountain peaks and charming wooden bridges all add up to a mystical and exciting experience while on this trek!
Buses to Kathgodam are easily available from ISBT Anand Vihar, New Delhi.
The nearest airport to Kathgodam is Pantnagar Airport which is located at a distance of 33 km from Kathgodam. The airport is connected to Delhi by 4 return flights per week. From the airport to kathgodam is easily accessible by taxi
Trains are available from New Delhi to Kathgodam in North India as a means of transport. The journey includes travelling through the states of Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand and more.
Itinerary
What's Included
- Accommodation – On the trek, you will live in tents/guesthouses on a sharing basis.
- Meals – Breakfast, lunch, snack, and dinner. We provide simple, nutritious vegetarian food for all days of the trek
- Camping Fees – All trekking permits and forest camping fees are included in the price.
- Trekking equipment – Quality tents and sleeping bags in all camps. Sleeping bags withstand temperatures down to -10 ºC.
- Safety equipment – First aid kit, oximeter, etc. will be with the trek guide/leader and also at the camp to deal with emergencies
- Expert Trek Leaders – All our trek leaders have at least basic/advanced mountaineering qualifications and a first aid course.
- Expert Trek Support Team – The mountain staff on this trek consists of certified guides, cooks, helpers, and porters.
- Transfers – Transport from Kathgodam to Kharkia on Day 1st to Kharkia to Kathgodam on Day 6th is included.
What's Not Included
- Food is purchased by individuals at local canteens on the trek or while driving.
- Any travel or accommodation costs for early return excluding days as per itinerary.
- Any cost of medical treatment for injuries or accidents before, during or after the trek.
- All cutlery (mugs, spoons, plates, snacks, etc.)