Region: Kumaon Himalayas
Duration: 12 Nights 13 Days
Destination covered: Delhi - Kathgodam - Loharkhet - Dhaukuri - Khati - Dwalt -- Phurkia - Pindari Glacier - Delhi
Altitude: 3900 m above sea level
Grade: Moderate Trek
Best Time: April to October
The most easily accessible glacier in the Kumaon region, the Pindari Glacier has a beauty of its own. Situated between the snow-capped Nanda Devi and Nanda Kot Mountains, Pindari is a big and steep glacier measuring 3km in length and 0.25km in breadth. River Pindar originates from this Glacier and flows down to confluence into the river Alaknanda. The trekking route to the glacier traverses along the southern wilderness of the Nanda Devi Sanctuary offering some beautiful views of peaks like Panwali Dwar (6683m) and Maiktoli(6803m). A trek to the Pindari Glacier is a "soft adventrue" experience and well within the capacity of any trekker who is amply rewarded by the magnificance and grandeur of the towering Himalayas.The Wayfarer group conducts regular treks to the Pindari region from its own bases at Wayfarer Solitaire in Ranikhet and Wayfarer Retreat in Vijaypur.
Pindari Glacier Trek Itinerary
Day 01: Arrive Delhi
Up on arrival at airport transfer to hotel for overnight stay
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. It is an 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 an 8 km trek; Khati is the largest village on this route and is 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 log 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.The trip ends here.