Pindari Glacier Trekking Tour
Region: Kumaon Hills (Uttaranchal)
Stretch: 3 Kms Long
One Way Trek: 41 kms.
Easy to access and hard to overleap the enrapturing environment that is enveloped with lurching moraines, hulking high snow clad peaks aligning the silver horizon under the blue sky and soothing climate, the Pindari Glacier Trek is one of the most beautiful treks in the Kumaon Himalayan region that pursuits each traveller mind. The Pindari glacier owes its existence primarily to the vast quantities of snow that precipitates from the Nanda Devi and other surrounding summits of the Greater Himalayan range. The locals proudly refer to it as the Soul of Kumaon. It is located at an altitude of approximately 3,660 meters in the lap of the Pindar Valley. It is the source of River Pindar that meets the River Alaknanda, which is a major tributary of River Ganga. The trekking route to the Pindari glacier maneuvers into the rage of the Nanda Devi Sanctuary offering breathtaking views of peaks like Panwali Dwar at 6,683 meters and Maiktoli at 6,803 meters. Trek to Pindari Glacier is a softcore trekking experience, within the capacity of amateur trekkers in love with nature and its pristine glory.
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.
One of the major highlight on this trek is the spectacular sight of the Nanda Devi and Nanda Kot peaks. The Kafni Glacier trek that splits from Dwali is another attraction to several trekkers. The Pindari Glacier trek can be easily accessed during the summer and autumn seasons and one can capture the incredible spectrum of nature.
Day 01: Arrive Delhi
Arrive Delhi, On arrival met at the airport and transfer to the hotel.O/N stay at hotel.
Day 02: Delhi - Almora (315 kms/8 hrs approx by car)
Early in the morning drive to Almora via Kathgodam. Arrival at Almora by evening. Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.
Day 03: Almora - Loharkhet (130 kms/2-3 hrs) - Dhakuri (2680 mts / 8844 ft)
Mornings after breakfast drive to Loharkhet and from here we will start our trek up to Dhakuri. Its a 11 km trek today that takes you down into the depths of the valley and then a fair climb to Dhakuri. Dinner and overnight stay in tents/rest house.
Day 04: Dhakuri - Khati (2210 mts/7293 ft)
This is a 8 km trek; Khati is the largest village on this route and is situated on the banks of the Pinder Ganga.The people here are extremely hospitable and legend has it that they are the descendents of the race who provided shelter to the Pandavas during their exile. Dinner and overnight stay in Tents/Village huts.
Day 05: Khati - Dwali (2575 mts/8498 ft)
The trekking distance today is 11 km (5-6 hrs) with the roar of the Pinder Ganga not too far off. Along the way there are many a waterfalls and long bridges to be crossed. Dinner and overnight stay in tents/rest house.
Day 06: Dwali - Phurkia (3206 mts/14300 ft)
A short 5 km trek takes you to Phurkia. The barren icy peaks seem to be your only companions for the day. Dinner and overnight stay in tent/rest house.
Day 07: Phurkia - Pindari Glacier (3900 mts/12870 ft)
Today is an early start as it is a 7 km trek each way. Touch zero point from where the Pindari glacier can be viewed in all its magnificence. The Pinder valley is also prominent with its patches of lush greenery over the stark white landscape. Return to Phurkia. Dinner and overnight stay in tents.
Day 08: Phurkia - Dwali
Its time to go back and the 5 km trek will take about 3 hrs. Dinner and overnight stay in tents/rest house.
Day 09: Dwali - Khati
Today's 11 km trek will take 4-5 hrs. Exploring Khati is a good idea as it has some beautiful sights to offer. Dinner and overnight stay in tents/rest house.
Day 10: Khati - Dhakuri
In the morning after breakfast trek down to Dhakuri. The trek is 8 kms and it will take 3-4 hrs. Dinner and overnight stay in tents/rest house.
Day 11: Dhakuri - Loharkhet - Song - Bageshwar
Trek all the way to song today 13 km, 5-6 hrs and drive back to Bageshwar. Overnight at Resthouse. The trek has come to an end. Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.
Day 12: Bageshwar - Naini Tal - Delhi
In the morning drive to Delhi via Kathgodam. Arrival at Delhi by evening. On arrival check in to hotel for overnight stay.
Day 13: Delhi Departure
After half day sightseeing at Delhi transfer to airport to catch your onwards flight.