Trek Grade
Moderate to Difficult
Highest Altitude
15,480 ft
Base Camp
Khati
Best Time
May, June, Sept to mid-oct
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 Cost
- Stay will be on a twin-sharing basis in tents
- + 280 Trek Insurance (Mandatory)
Pickup time 6.30 A.M from Kathgodam Railway Station
Fix Diparture Dates
Pindari Glacier Trek Videos
Videos by experts watch these videos to prepare well for a Successful Trek
Want To Trek Like Pro?
Check out the following videos if you want to trek like a pro trekker and improve your skills. These videos contain helpful tips, tricks, and techniques to help you trek like a pro. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced trekker, these videos can provide valuable insights to enhance your trekking experience. So, watch the videos below by Trekup India experts to take your trekking skills to the next level.
Know Everything About Acute Mountain Sickness
Acute Mountain Sickness is a medical condition that can occur when individuals travel to high altitudes, typically above 8,000 feet. It is caused by the decrease in air pressure and oxygen levels in the air as altitude increases. Symptoms of Acute Mountain Sickness may include headache, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, and difficulty sleeping. To avoid Acute Mountain Sickness, it is important to gradually adjust to high altitudes and seek medical attention if symptoms worsen. To learn more about this condition, check out the videos by Trekup India.
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.
Pindari Glacier Trek Route Map
We’ve prepared a comprehensive Trek Route Map for your upcoming adventure to Pindari Glacier Trek, which outlines the entire journey including all stops and trails. This map provides detailed information on the terrain, distance between points of interest, and estimated travel time to help ensure a safe and enjoyable trek. We’ve carefully curated the map to ensure that you have all the necessary information at your fingertips. Please take a moment to review it thoroughly, and don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or concerns.
Pindari Glacier Trek Altitude Chart
The Trek Altitude Chart is a useful tool for Trekkers to monitor their altitude changes during their rides, allowing them to plan their routes more efficiently and track their progress over time. This Pindari Glacier Trek chart is beneficial for both casual and experienced Trekkers, helping them make the most out of their Trek experience.
Trek Cost Inclusions
- 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 Insurance (Optional): Trekup India recommends that all trekkers consider getting trek insurance. This is optional, but highly recommended. Trek insurance covers unexpected events that may occur during your trek. The cost of the insurance starts from INR 210. Please read more about what is included in the coverage and why it is mandatory on treks.
- Trek Equipment: Sleeping bag, Sleeping tents, Kitchen tent, Dining tent, Toilet Tent.
- 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 teams.
- Potters & Mules: Potters and Mules are to carry all trekking equipment, ration, and vegetables.
Trek Cost Exclusions
- GST 5% (it is Mandatory)
- 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 600 per day). 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.
What should you pack for the Pindari Glacier Trek
Pindari Glacier Trek is a 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 take; an easy way to remember is by Head to foot or foot to head. We have prepared from Head to foot.
Head Gears
When trekking it's important to carry headgear to protect your head and face.
Heading out for a trek? Don’t forget to carry headgear to protect your beautiful face and head from the sun, wind, and dust! It’s an essential accessory that keeps you safe and comfortable throughout your adventurous journey. So, make sure you pack it before you step out into nature!
- Head Lamps – When trekking at night, headlamps are essential to illuminate your path while keeping your hands free. Headlamps come in different sizes and lumens, so it is essential to choose one that suits your needs.
- Hats or Cap – Caps or hats are also necessary when trekking in different weather conditions. Caps protect your head from the wind and freezing temperatures at night, while hats provide shade and protection from the sun during the day. It’s essential to ensure that your hat has a strap to prevent it from being blown away by the wind.
- Sunglasses – Sunglasses are also essential for trekking. Your sunglasses should protect your eyes from harmful UV rays and fit your face perfectly to avoid falling off while climbing, jumping, or crossing obstacles. The glass of your sunglasses should also be designed for different weather conditions to provide optimal visibility.
- Buff / Balaclava – Lastly, a buff or balaclava is a must-have to protect your mouth or neck from extreme temperatures and keep them warm. Buffs and balaclavas come in different materials, thicknesses, and designs, so it’s important to choose one that suits your needs and preferences. Depending on the weather conditions and your activities, you can wear them as neck warmers, face masks, or headbands.
Clothes
When trekking in high altitudes, prepare for cold weather by wearing layers. Layering traps heat, keeps you warm, and allows you to easily adjust your clothing as temperatures fluctuate.
Layering is important for different seasons when trekking. When planning a high-altitude trek, it is important to prepare for the cold weather. Wearing layers is the best approach as it provides both protection and flexibility when the weather changes frequently in the mountains. Layering helps to trap heat and keep your body warm, while at the same time allowing you to easily adjust your clothing as the temperature fluctuates. By wearing layers, you can enjoy your trek comfortably and stay safe in the unpredictable mountain weather
- For spring, summer, and monsoon treks, consider wearing three layers: a woollen sweater, a fleece, and a padded jacket.
- For autumn treks, add one more fleece layer to make it four layers.
- For winter treks, you may need five layers with thermals, a woollen sweater, two fleeces, and a padded jacket.
- T-shirt/sleeve shirt– Bring three T-shirts and two quick-dry trek pants, wearing one and carrying the others. Long sleeve shirts help to protect from sun UV rays. We recommend synthetic T-shirts as they get dry quickly when they get wet.
- Hiking / Trekking Jacket– down jackets (-5 to-10 C) or two-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.
- Trek Pants– Bring 2 to 3 comfortable trekking pants. Trekking pants play a significant role, as they are designed for comfort and mobility, making trekking easier. It should be Synthetic so that it gets dry quickly when wet.
- Rain Wear– you can carry a raincoat or Poncho. During long rains and snowfalls, the waterproof jackets start leaking. Still, the Poncho and raincoats keep you dry, so choose accordingly.
Tip: If you choose a raincoat on your trek, carry a small waterproof cover so things inside your backpack can’t get wet. If you carry a Poncho, you don’t need to worry. It protects both you and your backpack.
Foot Gears
When it comes to planning a trek, one of the most important aspects is to ensure that you have the right kind of foot gear.
- 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 when you reach the campsite, 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 shoes. Sneakers (Optional) can be worn for normal driving days or used around the camp.
- Socks– you should at least carry 3 to 4 pairs.
- Microspikes & Gaitorswill be provided by Trekup India when required. You don’t have to carry them.