Bhanoti Peak Summit Expedition

Your journey begins in Kathgodam with a drive through Uttarakhand's valleys and picturesque hill towns. As you go higher, the fresh mountain air lets you know you are nearing the Greater Himalayas. By evening, you arrive in Dau, a quiet village located at 2,000 meters. Here, your hosts will welcome you into a homestay that offers a taste of local hospitality. Once settled in, meet with your trek leader for an orientation session and discussion of the route, safety measures, and preparation tips. Overnight stay in the homestay at Dau Village

From Dau, the day's journey starts with a gentle 2 km descent toward the Pindar River. After crossing it, get ready for a 5 km climb through thick oak and rhododendron forests. By the afternoon, you'll reach Jaitoli, the last inhabited village on the route, where warm hospitality meets stunning mountain views. Tonight, you will rest in a homestay or tent.

The trail ahead takes you deeper into the 3,250 m and covers 12 km of stunning Himalayan scenery. It starts with a forested path where you will follow the river's curves. Lush meadows appear along the way before the land opens to expansive alpine views. As the sun sets, you will arrive at Kathaliya, which sits at 3,250 meters. This will be your campsite for the night.

Leaving Kathaliya, you will start a steady 4 km climb to Baluni Top. You can see the stunning views of Panwali Dwar and Maiktoli Peaks from here. This spot provides excellent photo opportunities during the trek. After enjoying the scenery, the trail continues for another 4 km through open alpine terrain until you reach Base Camp at 4,200 meters. Surrounded by towering ridges, it prepares you for the next phase of your Kumaon trekking tour.

The route for the day climbs higher into the rugged Himalayan landscape. You will travel 5 km over moraines and rocky areas that require careful footing. The weather can change quickly, which makes the climb even more exciting. As you approach Advance Base Camp at 4,800 meters, the scenery becomes more striking and fascinating. You will see hidden glacial valleys and vast mountain walls. At the Advance Base Camp, you will rest and acclimatize before making the final push for the summit.

Today's journey is short but essential for getting used to the altitude. You will gradually climb 3 km to Camp 1 at 5,200 meters. This camp is set up for the upcoming summit push. The team will set up tents while you rest and get ready. The expedition leader will give a detailed briefing, discussing the route strategy, safety measures, and the final checklist for the climb.

The final climb starts early in the morning. Headlamps illuminate the steep snow slopes and tricky sections of terrain. Step by step, you get closer to the 5,645-meter summit of Bhanoti Peak. At the top, the views are incredible. You can see Nanda Devi, Panwali Dwar, Maiktoli, and a breathtaking panorama of other towering Himalayan peaks. After capturing the moment and celebrating this feat, begin your descent to Advance Base Camp. A warm meal and a well-deserved rest await.

Leaving the high-altitude terrain behind, you will descend 10 km toward Kathaliya, making a pit stop at Devi Kund, a sacred glacial lake shining in the heart of the mountains. The trail needs careful navigation across moraines and loose scree, but the views and sense of calm make the effort worth it. By late afternoon, you will arrive at Kathaliya to set up camp.

The return trek from Kathaliya to Jaitoli covers about 12 km, retracing the same trail. As you descend to lower altitudes, the landscape gradually transforms: dense greenery thickens, and the sight of distant villages signals the nearness of civilization. Spend the night in Jaitoli, where you can unwind and immerse yourself in the warmth of local life and culture.

Your final trek starts with a gradual 5 km descent to the Pindar River. Its waters shine in the morning light. After you cross, you will climb 2 km back to Dau, where your journey first began. Overnight stay in Dau.

This extra day is a backup in case of unpredictable mountain weather or to provide additional time for acclimatization if necessary. If all goes well, it offers a chance to relax, explore nearby trails, or enjoy the peaceful high-altitude surroundings.

Begin your return journey from Dau to Kathgodam. As the winding mountain roads gradually descend into the valleys, reflect on the moments that defined your adventure. Think about the landscapes, the climbs, and the victory. This is a fitting farewell to what many consider one of the best mountain expeditions in Uttarakhand. It leaves you with memories that will last a lifetime.