-
Trek Grade
Moderate -
Trek Distance
48 Kms -
Trek Duration
6 Days -
Highest Altitude
15,480 ft. -
Basecamp
Khati
Pindari Glacier Trek
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₹ 19,450
₹ 17,450
- + 5% GST
- Transport Included - Kathgodam To Kathgodam
- Twin Sharing Tents
Pindari Glacier Trek
Pindari Glacier Trek lies in the Himalayas of the Kumaon region of Uttarakhand. It falls in the Nanda Devi Sanctuary. Pindari Glacier is where the Pindar River comes from, and this trek is filled with rich flora and fauna. On this trek, the trekker would walk through the serene rhododendron & oak forest, beautiful rivers, dense meadows, and lush green valleys. The trekker would also see magnificent Himalayan peaks like Maiktoli, Panwali Dwar, Nandakhot and Nanda Devi.
Along with the natural landscape, the trekker witnesses local mythological stories, quaint villages, and the local culture. A trekker would have seen Karnaprayag, where two rivers merge, the Pinder River and the Alaknanda River. But never wonder about the Source of Pinder River, which the trekker gets to explore on this trek. On this trek, the trekker would also get to walk on ice, for which the Trekup India team would assist them on how to cross the section. The trail at some places is damaged or changed due to the 2013 disaster, so the trekker needs to be extra careful while travelling this section, and our team will be there to assist them.
Trek Route
Day 1: Kathgodam to Khati Village by Road
Day 2: Khati Village to Dwali by Trek
Day 3: Dwali to Phurkia by Trek
Day 4: Phurkia to Zero Point and Back to Phurkia by Trek
Day 5: Phurkia to Khati Village via Dwali by Trek
Day 6: Khati Village to Kharkia by Trek and Kharkia to Kathgodam by Road
Important Trekking Tips By Experts?
Important Videos
8 Videos
What Mountain Expert Say
Preetam | Founder & C.E.O
Preetam Singh Rawat
The founder of this trekking organisation and have almost 12 years of experience in mountain guiding with 6000-7000 meters peaks scaled by him.
Not only this, but the founder have also guided over 200 Himalayan treks like Bali Pass, Buran Ghati, Rupin Pass, Pin Bhabha, Stok Kangri, Black Peak several times.
Why You Should Do the Pindari Glacier Trek
Pindari Glacier Trek is less explored than the other trek in the region, like Kedartal and Pangarchulla Peak Trek. On this trek, the trekker gets to view Dhakri Khal Pass along with the snowcapped peaks of Nanda Devi Sanctuary. On this trek, the trekker gets to walk on a stone-led path, pass through the local village, and get a taste of how they live.
1. Admire the majestic peaks like Nandabaner, Nandakot, Laspadhura, and other mountains.
The trekker would see other snow-covered peaks: Nandakhat, Maiktoli, Baulhuri, Changuch, Panwali Dwar, and Nanda Devi. The trekker takes an adventurous journey through the Himalayan wilderness, with stunning landscapes and breathtaking views.
2. Mythology connected to Kahti village on this trek.
Locals believe that when the Pandavas came to this region, they Stayed in the Khati village and made it their home. Khati village is also the last village inhabited by people, which the trekker would see on this trek.
3. The landscape is studded with green meadows, dense forests, and small waterfalls.
Along with green meadows (burials) and dense forests, the trekker might see beautiful flowers in pink, red, purple, and maroon colours.
3. Wildlife found in the region like the Himalayan Ibex.
As the trekkers come near the Phurkia campsite, they see Himalayan Ibex grazing in the vast grasslands near the waterfall. Also, if the trekker loves exploring the wildlife, the best place to spot is Pongu Glacier.
Route Map, Temprature And Rain Fall Charts
Best Time to Do Pindari Glacier Trek
The best time to do the Pindari Glacier Trek is from April to July and September to October. Between April and May is ideal as the temperature during the day is 15 to 20 degrees Celsius and drops to 7 to 2 degrees Celsius at night. In the months between September and November, the temperature in daytime ranges between 15 to 10 degrees Celsius and in nighttime, the temperature is between 5 to -5 degrees Celsius. In the winter, the trekker gets to see snow, while in the summer, the weather remains moderately cold.
Day Wise Detailed Itinerary of Pindari Glacier Trek
Day 1: Kathgodam to Khati Village by Road
- Stay – Overnight Stay at the campsite.
- Meal – Dinner
- Distance – 214 km
- Time Taken – approx. 10 hrs
- Altitude – Kathgodam (1483 ft / 554 mtr), Khati Village (7250 ft / 2210 mtr)
- Altitude Difference – 5767 ft / 1656 mtr
- Trek Grade – By Road
This day marks the first day of the trekker’s journey; the trekker will go by road from Kathgodam to Khati village. The Trekup India representative at Kathgodam Railway Station would meet the trekkers and then go to the ancient and mythological Khati village. They would be driving through the beautiful Kumaon region and passing through places like Bheemtal, Almora, Bageshwar and Kapkot. The route is scenic as there is a lot of greenery around; as the trekker reaches Loharkhet, they would be going on an off-trail motorable road till they get to Khati. As the trekkers close to Khati, they would start seeing Nanda Kot, Nandabaner, and Laspadhura from afar. There is a local myth relating to Khati village: when the Pandavas were in exile, they called this village their home. Once the trekkers reach Khati village, they can spend the night and rest.
Day 2: Khati Village to Dwali by Trek
- Stay – Overnight stay at the campsite.
- Meal – Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
- Distance – 13 km
- Time Taken – approx. 8 hrs
- Altitude – Khati Village (7250 ft / 2210 mtr), Dwali (8550 ft / 2600 mtr)
- Altitude Difference – 1300 ft / 390 mtr
- Trek Grade – Gradual to Moderate
On the first day of their trek, the trekker would wake up early and prepare for the day ahead. The trail would be followed by the gushing sound of the Pindar Ganga River; on the way, they would walk across the river by wooden bridges. Beautiful waterfalls add to today’s trail beauty; trekkers should be careful while crossing some sections as they are affected by the 2013 calamity. The beginning of the trail is steeply uphill; as the trekkers walk ahead, they can get a full view of Khati village. After crossing a wooden bridge, the course would become downhill; they again begin an uphill climb towards the ridge. The forest area would be visible now; now it’s just a few kilometres to the campsite Dwaki, and they would be making their way through the landslide-prone site. When the trekkers reach the Dwali campsite, they will be welcomed by a warm & delicious dinner.
Day 3: Dwali to Phurkia by Trek
- Stay – Overnight stay at the campsite.
- Meal – Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
- Distance – 5 km
- Time Taken – approx. 3 hrs
- Altitude – Dwali (8550 ft / 2600 mtr), Phurkia (10,450 ft / 3180 mtr)
- Altitude Difference – 1900 ft / 580 mtr
- Trek Grade – Gradual to Moderate
This day marks the second day of their trek, and the trekker would begin the morning with a healthy breakfast. As the trek starts, the trail will be through the Rhododendron Forest, and they will get a clear view of the snow-capped peaks of Mount Nanda Devi and Nanda Khat in front of their eyes. If the trekker is lucky on the trail ahead, they might spot Himalayan Ibex grazing in the grasslands. Soon, the trekker will cross two streams with layers of hard snow over them. On this trek, the trekker would also spot some oak trees, waterfalls, and lush green meadows. Trekup India team leader will teach them how to cross the frozen rivers with the help of microspikes and crampons. After the day’s trek, the trekker should get a good night’s sleep for the next day’s trek.
Day 4: Phurkia to Zero Point and Back to Phurkia by Trek
- Stay – Overnight stay at the campsite.
- Meal – Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
- Distance – 16 km
- Time Taken – approx. 7 hrs
- Altitude – Phurkia (10,450 ft / 3180 mtr), Zero Point (12,000 ft / 3660 mtr)
- Altitude Difference – 1550 ft / 480 mtr
- Trek Grade – Moderate to Difficult
Today, the trekkers would climb the summit; to do so, they would wake up early and have breakfast. The trek would begin from Phurkia, and it will be towards Zero Point and then back to Phurkia. The trekkers would ascend the hill until they reached the first river they would be crossing. If the trekkers are visiting in the right season, they might see chunks of hard snow over the stream; after crossing the creek lies the first meadow section of the trek. As they walked ahead, they would see the sky touching Mount Nandakhat and the Pindar River flowing on the side.
Further on the trail, the trekker would be crossing a rockfall section, and as they come close to the Pindar Valley, they would start seeing snow. Trekup India will help the trekker to cross the icy area by Crampons, and soon they will reach Bhujani. Now the trekker is just a few hours away from Zero Point; as the trekker reaches the point, they will be thrilled by the sight of Pindari Glacier. On this trek, as the trekker moves ahead, they would see Mount Bauljuri and Changuch Peak. They would also visit the temple dedicated to Pindari Baba and Dharmanand Ji. As the trekkers reach Zero Point, they will see the picturesque sight of mountains like Nanda Kot and various others. After the trekker had enjoyed the scenic views from up top, they would begin the return journey to Phurkia campsite.
Day 5: Phurkia to Khati Village via Dwali by Trek
- Stay – Overnight stay at the campsite.
- Meal – Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
- Distance – 18 km
- Time Taken – approx. 8 hrs
- Altitude – Phurkia (10,450 ft / 3180 mtr), Dwali (8550 ft / 2600 mtr), Khati Village (7250 ft / 2210 mtr),
- Altitude Difference – Phurkia to Dwali (1900 ft / 580 mtr), Dwali to Khati Village (1300 ft / 390 mtr)
- Trek Grade – Gradual to Moderate
On the last day of the trek, the trekkers would wake up early in the morning with a delicious breakfast. Today’s trek will be downhill to Khati as they begin the trek from Phurkia; within a few hours, they will reach Diwali. The trekkers must be extra careful as they cross trail sections filled with loose rocks and boulders. The trail would be the same from which the trekker who came, and the path would be along the Pindar River. Spend the night last time in camp and among the mountain peaks like Nanda Khat.
Day 6: Khati Village to Kharkia by Trek and Kharkia to Kathgodam by Road
- Stay – No Stay
- Meal – Breakfast
- Distance – Khati Village to Kharkia by Trek (4 km), Kharkia to Kathgodam by Road (210 km)
- Time Taken – Khati Village to Kharkia by Trek (approx. 1 hr), Kharkia to Kathgodam by Road (approx. 10 hrs)
- Altitude – Khati Village (7250 ft / 2210 mtr), Kathgodam (1483 ft / 554 mtr)
- Altitude Difference – 5767 ft / 1656 mtr
- Trek Grade – Gradual
On the last day of the journey, the trekker would wake up early. Today’s trip would begin with a short trek from Khati village to Kharkia, where they would enjoy the mountains for the last time. In between, the trekker would also be crossing Jakoni Village and, from Jakoni village, seeing the Sunderdhunga Valley and Pindar Valley. Then, their journey would be followed by a long drive from Kharkia to Kathgodam; once the trekker is dropped off at Kathgodam, the Trekup India team would bid them farewell. The trekkers could either begin their return journey, or they could explore the nearby places.
Food Provided by Us During Trek
We provide only Indian vegetarian food and mainly your meal is going to contain Indian bread, vegetable, lentils and Rice along with delicious dessert. During your trek, we will serve three meals a day including breakfast, lunch, and dinner. In the evening, you will also be served tea & snacks and lip-smacking soup before dinner. If it will be a long day of trekking, you will be given a packed snack.
After doing a lot of research on the nutritional requirements for the trekkers, we prepare the menu. Before putting all the meals together, we also consider altitude gained and weather.
The meal served by us while trek is perfectly balanced with the right amounts of calories, carbohydrates, vitamins, protein, fiber, and minerals. You need to know that all our cooks have great expertise in cooking and have undergone thorough training. So, get ready to enjoy delectable and lip-smacking dishes during your trek. You will be served with lemon tea in the tent in order to start your day with a refreshed feeling. Before leaving the campsite for trekking, you will be given a hot finger-licking breakfast like upma, Aallu Prantha, Besan Chilla, Poha, Daliya, Corn flakes, Maggie, along with tea or coffee.
In case, your trek will be longer one then we also offer some fresh local fruits such as apples and even healthy drinks like Frootie or Maaza. In the afternoon, you will be served simple & healthy lunch, while at around 04:00 pm, you will be given tea and a light evening breakfast. After you reach your campsite at night, you will be served a hot and delightful dinner. After reading this, you must have got the idea about the food provided by us on trek, you don’t need to worry about food. Many trekkers trek with us again and again because of the food we provide. Thus, we will definitely give you unforgettable experiences.
Safety During Pindari Glacier Trek
Trekking with us for Pindari Glacier Trek is completely safe because we have a team of trek leaders who are qualified in Wilderness first-aid and also have complete information about the high-altitude glitches. During Trek, we carry a complete first-aid kit that contains all the important medicines. Before trekking with us, you need to ensure that you are medically fit for the trek and if you are able to judge yourself then it is better to take advice from a professional. For us, your medical fitness is very important than anything else.
Know About Us:- You need to know that our company Trekup India has been in the field of Adventure Tourism for the last 23 years. Right from our inception, we have been involved in providing treks, voyage & hiking programs as well as high altitude expedition rafting.
We keep on organizing treks in Uttarakhand, Kashmir, Sikkim and Himachal, while being a part of the trekking community, we feature more than 75 Himalayan documented treks. Apart from other outdoor activities, our company also organizes trips for schools, colleges, and family.
We ensure complete technical safety in the mountain
Our company has a vast team of more than 100 guides, as well as trainers in order, serve in the mountain treks. One of the best things about our team is that all the members are trained professionally from Nehru Institute of Mountaineering, Indian mountaineering foundation Delhi as well as Hanifle Center Outdoor Education Mussoorie.
Therefore, we never believe in compromising on the quality as well as services offered to our valuable customers.
For Us, Your Safety Is the Top Priority
At Trekup India, you will find a team with local knowledge and fluency in English as well as Hindi. This helps in ensuring that you have an amazing trek and not only this, we also pay attention to your health as well as safety because this is something we cannot ignore. All the team leaders involved in trekking have already undergone several professional courses in First Aid, Portable Altitude Chamber Training, CPR, Environmental Awareness Training as well as Advanced Wilderness Emergency Medicine.
We also carry a complete first aid medical kit not only on the trek but on each and every trip which is organized by us. Apart from the medical kit, we carry a portable altitude chamber and medical oxygen for all kinds of high-altitude treks . Our company has great expertise in organizing all sorts of group adventure holidays for family groups, school & college groups as well as friend groups. When it comes to travel options, we have a wide range that suits different fitness levels as well as traveling styles.
Therefore, no matter who big the group size, we pay personal attention to each and every member present in the group.
How We Ensure That Your Trek Is Safe with Us
Right from our establishment, we at Trekup India, are continuously involved in introducing new safety practices into Indian trekking in order to ensure the safety of voyagers. For walking on snow, Trekpp India introduced Microspikes and also made emergency bottled oxygen mandatory for all kinds of treks. In order to test pulse as well as oxygen saturation levels, pulse oxymeters are used. As a safety communication device, we at TrekupIndia introduced radio.
Though we have noticed that most of the organizations organizing treks do not follow these systems but with time several competing companies are adopting these practices and organizing great and safe treks.
Explore our New Safety Protocols
In order to ensure a perfect Trek, we have introduced some new safety checks that will assure more safety for our trekkers.
Our On-trek safety checks includes:
- Daily oxygen saturation along with pulse readings
- Stretchers team appointed on every trek
- Radios
- Trained mountain staff and full safety
- Additional oxygen cylinders
- Special medical kit for high altitude treks
- Microspikes on all types of snow treks
- Experienced Trek leaders as well as safety
- Technical team on all snowy slopes
What should you pack for the Pindari Glacier Trek
Pindari Glacier Trek is an high altitude trek. The trekking gear you have to have for this particular trek differs from normal treks. Thus read this whole segment.
There is an important question that the trekker who is doing trek asks, like what all things to carry while trekking. Below we have provided the details on everything you should carry; an easy way to remember is by Head to foot or foot to head. We have prepared from Head to foot.
- Head Lamps – If there are treks which you might do at night and even when camping for the night. Headlamps help a lot.
- Hats or Cap – Beanie Cap will protect you from winds and sometimes freezing temperatures for the night. Hats protect you from the sun during the day and also ensure they have a strap so the hat doesn’t blow from the wind.
- Sunglasses – if you want to carry sunglasses, you will need specific sunglasses for trekking. The glasses should protect from UV rays, fit your face perfectly so it doesn’t fall while you climb, jump, or cross an obstacle, and be according to the weather conditions of the place; the glass should be made to fit different weather conditions.
- Buff / Balaclava – You must carry this to protect your mouth or neck from extreme temperatures and keep it warm.
- T-shirt / Long sleeve shirt – you should carry at least 4 to 5 T–shirts, so if one gets wet or dirty, you can wear another. Long sleeve shirts help to protect from sun UV rays.
- Hiking / Trekking Jacket – down jackets (-5 to-10 C) or three-layer jackets.
- Thermals – at least two pairs of thermals help keep the body warm during cold weather.
- Undergarments – you can carry them according to your habitual and hygiene requirements.
- Gloves – 1 pair of gloves will keep your hand warm and nice.
- Shorts / Legging / Pants – Bring 3 to 4 warm, comfortable shorts. Leggings can be used specifically in the chilling morning and evening to keep your body warm and act as dry. You can carry some nylon blend and light and quick-drying pants. Warm covers ups like fleece-lined tracksuit pants or ski pants.
- Socks – you should at least carry 3 to 4 pairs.
- Footwear – Trekking shoes which are waterproof and have ankle support. Walking / Hiking sandals which can be used off the trek, i.e., in the morning and evening hours, basically to get your feet rest from heavy boots, sometimes used for crossing streams and rivers, it’s more comfortable and safer than crossing barefoot or wetting your boots. Sneakers (Optional) can be worn for normal driving days or used around the camp.
- Rain Wears – you can carry a raincoat, rain jacket, and pants. During long rains, the waterproof jackets start leaking, but the poncho does get work in keeping you dry, so choose accordingly. Rain covers, small waterproof to cover your backpack and a daypack for your gadgets.
- Backpack – Make sure your backpack should be comfortable, neither too big nor too small, and for a week’s trek, 60-70 litres of the backpack should be enough to hold all your belongings. Ensure your backpack has good hip & Shoulder support, and pockets should be accessible quickly.
- Daypack – All trekkers should keep in mind that a daypack is very important; this will be a great help to you while on the trek, also every single day, you won’t be carrying your backpack; therefore, for day excursions, shorter hikers, sightseeing, you can carry your stuff in it.
Personal First Aid Kit
Below are some common medicines generally required/used during your adventure trip; however, please consult your doctors prior.
- Antiseptic towel or water syringe (to clean the wound)
- Butterfly bandage for a small cut
- Cotton and elastic bandages and sterile gauze pad for larger wounds
- Latex gloves are used when the wound bleeds.
- Medicine for Diarrhea (Upset stomach)
- Medicine for cold, flue/fever headache
- Some pain killers
- ORS pouches
- Quick pain relief spray (External use)
- Any personal medicine prescribed by your doctor
- Dimox / Similar for high altitude sickness
- Bug Repellent
- Carry some nutria/energy bars and drinks (non-alcoholic)
- Note: Kindly consult your doctor before purchasing or taking any medicine.
Gadgets and Other Items
- Trekking Poles
- Mobile phone
- Camera
- Spare batteries for phone and camera, power bank
- Light weight flashlight or headlight
- Waterproof bag made up of plastic for the camera.
- Music system / Bluetooth
- Plug/converter for electrical items
- 1-litre water bottle
- A journal with a pen would be a good idea to keep your notes.
- Some book of your interest for the ideal time
- Get into the habit of keeping a Map and guidebook of the region.
Hygiene & Personal toiletry
- Sunscreen with UV protection
- 1 or 2 small quick-drying towels
- Toilet paper/tissues/wet wipes
- Toothbrush/toothpaste/ mouth freshener
- Deodorant / Talcum powder
- Shampoo
- Lip-gloss/salve
- Sanitary pads/tampons (For female travellers)
- Bio gradable Soap
- Nail clipper
- Your other personal items that you use daily.
Compulsory Documents to Carry
These files must be submitted to the Forest Department before your trek. With none of these, you will not be permitted to trek. Original and photocopy of government photo identity card. Carry Ids like Aadhaar, voter id, etc.
Trek Cost Exclusion
- Stay 5 Nights of tented accommodation at respective campsites of Trekup India on a sharing basis.
- Meals: Trekup India provided cooked meals during the trek, starting with Dinner on Day 01 to Breakfast on day 6 (Meals are simple, nutritious, and vegetarian and non-repeated meals)
- Transport: Kathgodam to Khati Village and Kharkia to Kathgodam by sharing a jeep.
Trek Equipment’s:
- Sleeping bags, Sleeping tents, Kitchen tent, Dining tent, and Toilet Tents.
- Amenities: All utensils, sleeping mattresses (Black foam mats), Crampons, and Gaiters for snow.
- Health & Safety: First Aid Box, Oxygen Cylinders, Stretchers, Oxi meters, BP Machines, health.
- Permits: Forest Permits and Camping Permission Fee Trek Crew: High Altitude Chef, Helpers, Trek Leader & Guides, and other support team.
- Potters & Mules: Potters and Mules to carry all trekking equipment, ration, and vegetables.
Trek Cost Exclusion
- GST 5% (it is Mandatory)
- Any insurance (Trekup India recommends each trekker to get insurance)
- Any Meals/accommodation beside the itinerary or not mentioned in the program.
- Any Bus / Airfare to/from trek start/end point
- Personal Medical expenses do carry your medication.
- Any personal services such as Laundry, phone calls, liquors, mineral water, etc.
- Any still / video camera fee
- Any Entrance fee Monuments, Monasteries, Museums, Temples – Pay directly on the spot.
- Mules or porter charges to carry private baggage (Offload Charges for bag 700 per day, per bag. Note: Bag weight should not be more than 10 kg.
- Any emergency evacuation charges
- Any services that are not mentioned in the cost inclusion section.
How To Reach Kathgodam?
By Air:
Pant Nagar Airport is the nearest airport to Kathgodam by flight, located almost 34.4 km from the city. You can find regular flights from Delhi to Pant Nagar. However, if you plan to reach Kathgodam by flight, it is better to come one day in advance.
By Train
If you want to reach Kathgodam from Delhi by train, then there are a number of trains which go at different times, which are also quite convenient. With the train, it is an overnight journey. You Could catch a train from Kathgodam Railway Station to Delhi also.
By Bus
From Delhi, you can find a regular bus service to Kathgodam. ISBT Kashmere Gate is the central bus station in Delhi, from where you will find both AC and non-AC buses for Kathgodam. However, taking government buses from Kashmere Gate ISBT is always better. The bus will drop you at the Kathgodam Bus Stand, and then the Trekup India Team will pick you up from the Bus Stand. You can also catch a bus from Ramnagar towards Delhi.
By Car
From Kathgodam, the Trekup India team will provide vehicles throughout the trek wherever required.
