Pindari Glacier Trek

Although KMVN guest houses are available at few stops, but trekkers likes to camp along the way especially amid the natural beauty of the place where there is no such facility.

Water availability at the guest house is adequate. You will also have an option of clean water from the streams along the way. However, it is suggested to well stock up water whenever the refilling option is available.

1. Make sure you carry warm clothes irrespective of the fact that what season you are travelling in. 2. Carry your own trekking gear and equipments and be always prepared. 3. Carry a medical aid kit and your usual medicines for the way. 4. A good pair of trekking shoes is a must. 5. Carry raingear no matter if you are travelling during monsoon season. 6. Make sure you obtain all the permits well in advance required for trekking in the region. 7. Make sure you carry spare batteries and film roll for camera as there will be no electricity supply. 8. A well informed and trained guide is very important and do make sure to sought out all trivial things well in advance to avoid misunderstanding.

Pindari glacier lies in Chamoli district of Dev Bhoomi , Uttarakhand at an elevation of 3,627 meters above sea level. Pindari glacier is 5Km long and it flows upto 3Km long with 300-400 meters width from the snout and crest . Pindari river flows to meet Alakananda river at Karnaprayag in Pauri Garhwal district.

Temperature: Max 20°C, Min 1°C. Its normally blue sky and soothing weather at Pindari glacier.

Trek to Pindari Galcier starts from Bageshwar where trekkers reach and get assembled . Trekkers depart by road to Saung .
Trekking tour is completed via Saung, Loharkhet , Dhakuri Pass and Pindari Glacier . Trek crosses Khati Village which is last inhabitate village in that region . Trek goes through Dwali , Phurkia and finally reaches Zero point at Pindar which is end point of trail. Most part of Pindari Glacier trek runs near Pindari river . Most part of Pindari river is hidden and visible after Khati.

Maharana Pratap Museum-Haldighati is located at a distance of 40 KM from Udaipur . It is famous for the battle that took place here on 18th June, 1576 between Maharana Pratap Singh of Mewar and Mughal army of Akbar of Delhi. There is a museum which has many weapons and paintings of the famous battle. Light and sound gives you a glimpse of the events inside the museum. Entry ticket is Rs 30 and camera ticket is Rs 10 to carry inside.
Raktatalai -While passing through Haldighati , Mughal army faced many casualties as Bhil tribes of Rajput army attacked from top of the hills. After a retreat the Mughal army reassembled and the main battle took place at a place known as Raktatalai or Khon-ki-talai . They are at the other side of river Banas where a furious fight between the victorious Rajputs and reassembled Mughal army. The Rana Pratap riding the famous horse Chetak was leading the Rajputs. Man Singh was the commander for the Mughal army. The fight was so deadly that the place was full with dead bodies.

Be careful while trekking. Listen to the instructions carefully given by the organizers and be in the group .

Bamsera is 25.8Km from Bageshwar and accessed through Almora-Bageshwar-Munsiyari road. From Bamsera, tourists reach Song village and begins the 45Km trek.

• Rail: Kathgodam is the nearest railway station to the base camp of Lohajung. You can take direct train from Delhi to reach the station. Ranikhet Express is one of the trains that leaves from Old Delhi station at 10:40 pm and reaches Kathgodam at 6:30 am. From here on, you have a road trip of 8-10 hours to reach Lohajung. So plan your trip accordingly so as to reach the base camp on time.

• Road: The road journey from Delhi to Kathgodam or Haldwani is about 8 hours long. There are frequent bus services that you can book from Delhi. You can further hire a cab or take a bus to Lohajung, which will take approximately 8-10 hours on road.

Approx trekking distance (Both sides): 104 kms

Base Camp: Loharkhet

Difficulty: Medium Gradient

Highest point of trek: approximately 12,000 ft/4200 m

Nearest Railhead: 210 km

Region: Bageshwar District, Kumaon

Snow: The place is covered under a thick layer of snow between October and March. You will also find traces of snow at the last trail of trek on the way towards Pindari Glacier. Also make sure you begin your trek at the higher altitudes when the snow is hard enough for trek.

Starting point of trek: Loharkhet

Day 1: Arrive at Kathgodam, Kathgodam to Loharkhet

Distance: 210 kms, Duration: 6-7 hours

Arrive at Kathgodam, take good rest for the day and drive next morning after breakfast to Bageshwar through Almora. Make sure you visit the old Bagnath Temple there lying at the confluence of Saryu and Gomti River. You may buy any necessary items from the market of the town. Have lunch and head for Loharkhet where you will reach by evening. You can stay at the KMVN rest house there and if possible arrange for the guide and porter the same day. Also make sure to make a pre-booking at the KMVN Rest House in order to avoid any hassle. Rest here for the night.

Day 2: Loharkhet to Dhakuri

Distance: 10 kms, Duration: 5 hours

Perched at an elevation of the 1,760 m above the sea level, Loharkhet serves as the first step towards the Pindari Glacier where you actually get on foot. The initial phase of the trail is easy but steep, passing through dense forest. Once you have covered a few kilometers from Dhakuri Khal, you will arrive at Dhakuri. A splendid sight of snow capped peaks of Nanda Devi Sanctuary awaits you Dhakuri Khal. Dhakuri perched at an elevation of 2,680 m flanked by dense forest on all sides is your campsite of the way.

Day 3: Dhakuri to Khati

Distance: 9 kms, Duration: 5 hours

Khati is the next destination of the trek, which is the biggest village while on the way to Pindari Glacier. It is also the last village on the trail being situated at 2,210 m above the sea level. The trail is beautiful passing through a dense cover of rhododendrons. At the village, you will have the facility to charge the batteries by paying for to run the generator. About 500 m ahead of the village is situated a KMVN Rest House. The village also lies on the banks of River Pindari offering a wonderful and peaceful surrounding. As per the legend, it is believed that the hospitable inhabitants of this village are descendants of the race who offered shelter to the Pandavas of Epic Mahabharata. Stay here for the night and enjoy the beauty of the nature.

Day 4: Khati to Dwali

Distance: 11 kms, Duration: 6 hours

Today you will be heading to Dwali which is about 11kms from Khati and lays 6 hours trek from here. The trail for Dwali goes along the Pindari River with two wooden bridges across it. While on the way you will encounter a small dhaba by the name of Himalayan Hotel where you can have tea and maggi. Situated at an altitude of 2,575 m above the sea level, Dwali is a picturesque hamlet flanked by beautiful nature. Rest here for the night.

Day 5: Dwali to Phurkia

Distance: 5 kms, Duration: 3 hours

Dwali to Phurkia is a 5 kms steep trek marked as a moderate gradient. You will be traversing the frozen stream and pass through a forest as you trudge forward. Phurkiya is the last place you will encounter while on your way to Pindari Glacier where you will find a KMVN Hut for accommodation. A beautiful sight of cascading waterfall treats your eyes just before you arrive at the village. Rest at Phurkiya for a while and cherish the bounty of natureÕs beauty that surrounds this village. Perched at an altitude of 3,250 m above the sea level, this is your campsite for the day.

Day 6: Phurkia to Zero point (Pindari Glacier) to Phurkia and back to Dwali

Distance: 15 kms, Duration: 7 hours

Finally, itÕs time to depart for the most awaited destination of the trek, the Zero Pont or Pindari Glacier. The trail to the Zero point of the glacier is spellbinding steeped with mesmerizing views of majestic Himalayan Range. To achieve the target of the day, make sure to begin early. The Zero Point is actually the mouth of the glacier, situated at an amazing altitude of 3,660 m above the sea level. As you approach the Zero Point, you will come across a small house of BabajiÕs a kilometer before, where you are served with food, if you make it up till there. To trek further from Zero Point till Pindari Glacier requires special equipments and experience. Once you have explored the enticing beauty of the trek, itÕs time to head back to Dwali for a good nightÕs rest.

Day 7: Dwali to Khati to Dhakuri

Distance: 20 kms, Duration: 7-8 hours

Eighth day of the trek begins with a trek downwards towards Khati Village and then to Dhakuri in the same day. You will be taking the same way through which you ascended towards Pindari Glacier. Make sure to enjoy every moment of the trek and carry back all the beautiful memories and experiences back home. Pitch your tents at Dhakuri for the night.

Day 8: Dhakuri to Loharkhet to Kathgodam

Distance: 10 hours trekking, 210 kms driving, Duration: 4 hours trekking, 7 hours drive

Finally it is the last day of the trek when you will climb down the trail all the way towards Loharkhet. Drive to Kathgodam via Almora marking an end to this beguiling trek.