Overview
Region :- Uttarakhand
Duration :- 7 Days
Grade :- Moderate
Max Altitude :- 12,300 Ft.
Approx Trekking Km :- 50 Kms.

Imagine a scenic paradise which has breathtaking views of snow-clad peaks playing hide-and-seek with each passing clouds. Then there are gushing streams, waterfalls and lush green meadows that make you fall for its beauty instantly. The trail to the glacier is a mesmerizing walk in itself as you go past the rhododendron forests. Beautiful mountain ranges that look artistic from a distance and small streams and river crossing that make the trek a little more adventurous.

A landscape that has been an inspiration for many artists which is situated in the Kumaon Himalayas surely is a treat for all trekkers and mountaineers. The Pindari Glacier trek is one of those treks that leaves you in complete awe of the surroundings. You can also pay a visit to the local villages and get to know about their culture and traditions in detail. Stunning water bodies, charming wooden bridges have their own charm and will make your trek even more satisfying.

Pindari Glacier Trek is an easy trek in the Kumaon region of Uttarakhand. This trek offers well-defined trails with only one minor pass crossing en route to the Pindari Glacier Dhakuri Pass. The views from the pass the Dhakri Khal (2830m) – are particularly impressive and include the many snow-capped peaks that form the southern rim of the Nanda Devi Sanctuary.

Brief Itinerary
Day 01- Kathgodam to Kahrkia

Altitude- 7300 ft.
Distance- 210 Km. 9-10 hrs
Overnight stay in Guest House
Pick up time 06:00 am at the parking of Kathgodham railway station.
Route:- Kathgodam – Bheem Tal – Almora- Bageshwar- Kapkot- Loharkhet
BSNL network available

Day 02- Trek to Khati

Altitude- 7300 ft to 7,400 ft
Trek- 4 km
Reach Khati before lunch
Accommodation in tent

Day 03- Khati to Dwali

Altitude: 7,300 ft to 8,600 ft
Time taken: 6-7 hours
Distance: 13 km

Day 04- Dwali to Phurkia

Altitude: 8,600 ft to 10,500 ft
Distance: 5 km
Time taken: 3 hours

Day 05- Phurkia to Zero Pint Pindari Glacier and return to Phurkia

Altitude: 10,500 ft and 12,300 ft
Time taken: 7 hours
Distance: 16 km

Day 06- Phurkia to Khati via Dwali

Altitude: 10,500 ft to 7,300 ft
Time taken: 7-8 hours
Distance: 18 km

Day 07- Khati to Kharkia and Drive back to Kathgodam

Altitude: 7,300 ft to 7,400 ft
Time taken: 1 hour trek
Distance: 4 km
Drive- 180 km

Detailed Itinerary
Day 01- Kathgodam to Kahrkia

Pick up arrangements will be made from the Kathgodam station as we start our journey to Kahrkia. Approximately it is a 210 km drive which will take around 9-10 hours. You will be having your breakfast and lunch on the way to Kahrkia. On the way, we’ll go past Bheem Tal, Almora, Bageshwar, Kapkot. The drive from Kathgodham to Kahrkia is a scenic one and you’ll be glued to the greenery which surrounds you on this route. You can withdraw cash at Kapkot because there is no ATM facility at Kahrkia. After you reach Kahrkia we spend night in Kahrkia Campsite. Kharkia is the last village on this road which intersects the trail to Khati and Jatoli village. Make yourself comfortable after having your dinner at Campsite.

Day 2- Trek to Khati

Today, after having your breakfast at Campsite we shall leave for Khati. On this trail, you’ll get to see a blend of both rhododendrons and oak trees which add a different charm to the environment. We will be reaching Khati before lunch time and your accommodation will be in a tent. Get a taste of the surroundings by indulging in the hot served lunch. The forest here is a bit dense and offers you a splendid view of the area. Khati is an ideal spot for the trekkers and backpackers. You’ll be able to see some of the stunning peaks such as Nandabaner, Nandakot and Laspadhura form Khati. BSNL network is accessible is some parts of the village. Later in the evening, you can explore the nearby area before having a hot dinner which will be served to you at the campsite.

Day 03- Khati to Dwali:

Today, we have a bit of walking to do so make sure that you have a heavy breakfast so that you won’t feel hungry later. We’ll start the day early as the distance to Dwali is approximately 13 kms which will take around 6-7 hours depending on your pace. The weather here is unpredictable so it is important to start the day early just in case if it starts to rain. On this trail, you will pass across a stream which will be the first water point of the day. Make sure that you get your water bottles filled at this spot. This route offers various ascends and descends so it is important that you watch your step as some of the areas are slippery.

As you walk ahead you’ll see the whole of Khati village in the background. The end of the section of the old Dwali trail is a landslide zone which is broken. While descending you’ll have to be a bit careful as the soil is loose on this trail. Dwali is on the other side of the river from where you’ll be able to see the Pindari Valley on the left and the Kafni Valley on the right. Both the rivers, Pindari and Kafni meet at a point where the village is located. There is a camping ground where you’ll be staying for the night.

Day 4- Dwali to Phurkia:

Today you’ll be walking for a short distance compared to the day earlier as it is a 3-hours walk which is approximately 5kms. After having a hot cup of tea and breakfast we’ll be heading to Phurkia through some of the most beautiful rhododendron forests which a treat to your eyes. You will get to see the Pindari river flowing below. On clear days you’ll be treated with views of Mt. Nanda Khat and Nanda Devi right in front of you.

If you’re a shutterbug then a view like this is quite a treat for you because there is a meadow, a glacial formation and you’ll find a few Himalayan Ibex grazing nearby which makes it a perfect sight. The view looks beautiful as you walk along the grassland. There are some meadows covered with rhododendron forests stretching across which look scenic all the way through.

Today there will be the final two stream crossings which are layers of hard snow. You will find hard snow in the month of April and May when you may require the help of an ice axe, microspikes and crampons. As you reach the Phurkia campsite, your tents will be pitched where you’ll be served hot tea and some snacks. Relax and enjoy your time at the campsite. Later in the evening, hot dinner will be served.

Day 5: Phurkia to Zero Point (Pindari Glacier) and return to Phurkia:

Today we’ll be heading to zero point and then will come back to Phurkia. The weather at the Pindari Glacier fluctuates a lot so it is important that you keep a note of time. It is a beautiful walk toward the Pindari Glacier which will thrill you to the fullest. We will begin our day early and try to make it as early as possible to reach the Pindari Glacier. It takes 3 to 4 hours to reach the glacier and later that amount of time to come back to Phurkia.

You will get to see the view of Mt. Nandakhat clearly. This area is a bit sensitive so you’ll have to be cautious about walking on the trail. You will soon be able to see the patches of snow which can be slippery at times. It is useful if you have your crampons on while walking on this surface as it will help you get some grip.

Across the river, you can see the mighty snow-capped peak, Mt. Bauljuri. You will walk along a tricky passage while proceeding towards the valley. Make sure that you walk cautiously on this trail. Once you climb up the ridge, you’ll be able to get the first view of Pindari Glacier at the left side and also the mighty Changuch in the background.

You will finally see the Pindari Glacier which is 5kms long. Along with the glacier the entire view of the snow-clad mountains. While coming back to Phurkia we’ll take the same route which can be covered in a couple of hours.

Day 06- Phurkia to Khati via Dwali:

Today will be one of the longest trekking days on this trek where you’ll have to walk for almost 18 kms as we’ll be coming from Phurkia to Khati. It is a 7-8 hour trek and we’ll begin by having our morning breakfast. We’ll be descending from Phurkiya to Dwali which will take less than 2 hours and then from Dwali to Khati which is a 4-5 hours stretch.

Day 07- Khati to Kharkia and Drive back to Kathgodam:

Plan your day accordingly so that you reach Kathgodam by evening. Khati to Kharkia will be a one hour trek. From Kharkia pickup facility will be arranged to take you back to Kathgodam.

How to Reach
The Kathgodam station is one of the main stations in the district and it is an old station. It has good connectivity to many places and these include Lucknow, Delhi, and Howrah. Tickets from Delhi to Kathgodam by train cost around Rs. 150 for a second class sleeper ticket and Rs. 400 for a third A/C sleeper ticket. It is essential to book the tickets at least one month in advance as this route is always in demand.

By Train :-
From Delhi take the Ranikhet Express (5014) Dep. Delhi at 10:40pm arrival Kathgodam at 5:30am (Overnight Journey) or the Uttar sampark kranti (5035) Dep. Delhi at 4:00pm arrival Kathgodam at 10:40pm (6 hrs.40min.Journey)

From Dehardun take the Doon Express (4120) Dep. Dehardun at 10:30 pm arrival Kathgodam at 7:10 pm (8hrs.journey)

By Bus :-
Regular buses ply from ISBT Delhi Anand Vihar station to Kathgodam. Buses that go to Nainital stops at Haldwani which is a twin town of Kathgodham (8 hrs. Journey).
Usually buses drop you at Haldwani bus staiton. From there you have to come to Kathgodham Railway Station which is 4km away.
TTH’s Tata Sumo or similar vehicles will pick-up you from Kathgodham Railway Station at 6:00am.
We would suggest you to take only government buses from ISBT Anand Vihar. Private buses ply from outside ISBT and they are not trust worthiness.
Cost Terms
Inclusions :-
1. Accommodation. (Guest house, Home stay, Camping)
2. Meals while on trek (Veg.+ Egg)
3. Mountaineering qualified & professional trek Leader, guide, cook and Support staff.
4. All necessary permits and entry fees.
5. First aid medical kits, stretcher and oxygen cylinder.
6. Trek equipments: Sleeping bag, mattress, tent (twin sharing), kitchen & dinning tent, toilet tent, utensils and crampon (if required).
7. Services from Kathgodam to Kathgodam.
8. TTH Staff insurance.
9. Mules to carry the central luggage.

Exclusions :-
1. Any kind of personal expenses.
2. Food during the transit.
3. Insurance.
4. Mules or porter to carry personal luggage.
5. Any kind of emergency evacuation charges.
6. Anything not specifically mentioned under the head.

Note- Normally TTH expect to carry your personal luggage on your own, if you wish to offload your backpack, you can give it to Mule.

Charges of offloading backpack:-
INR 1800/- if you make an online payment, 10 days in advance
INR 2100/- if you inform us after reaching Joshimath
The backpack cannot weigh more than 11 kgs. Backpack should have waterproof cover. Suitcases/strolleys/ bags will not be allowed.

Cancellations prior to 24 days from the start of the trek
Book any other trek till one year or get 95% refund (Note: If the trek charges are more, the balance needs to be paid by the trekker)

Cancellation between 24 days and 14 days to the start of the trek
Choose to go for the same trek, with any other batch, till year or get 70% refund

Cancellation between 14 days and 10 days to the start of the trek
Choose to go on the same trek, in the same season, with any other batch or get 50% refund.

Cancellation less than 10 days to the start of the trek
Transfer your trek (same trek, same batch) to your friend. No cash refund.

Note:-
1)- Change of trek batch is dependent on the availability of seats in the batch.
2)- In case of transferring a trek to a friend, he/she should satisfy all the mandatory requirements put forward by TTH.
3)- TTH holds the right to change/cancel the policies, without prior notice.