Kafni Glacier Trek, PITHORAGARH | Weather, Best Time

Kafni Glacier Trek, Pithoragarh Overview

The scenic beauty and the tranquility prevailing in this region has an unbeatable charm. The Kaphini (Kafni) Glacier lies left of the Pindar Valley below the famous peak of Nandakot.

As compared to Pindar the valley is much broader and the rhododendron (burans) that blooms here is spectacularly beautiful. The main Himalayan summits visible from the glacier are Nandakot (6860 m) and Nandabhnar (6236 m).

Read More on Kafni Glacier Trek

Food Availability

Dhaba food is available up along the way. You can pack essential food for the rest of the climb.

Water Availability

Water is available in the guest houses along the way. It is advisable to stock up in reasonable quantities whenever a refilling option is available.

Camping/Shelter

Guest houses are available at all destinations. Camping can also be adopted by trekkers on the trek because of the natural beauty that it boasts of. There are no rest houses beyond Dwali and one has to spend nights in tents or caves.

General tips and tricks

1. Make sure you carry warm clothes along with you no matter during whichever season you are travelling in.
2. Be always prepared with your trekking gear and equipment.
3. Carrying your medication and a good pair of shoes is a must.
4. Make sure you obtain all the permits well in advance required for trekking in the region.
5. Also, carry raingear along as weather at higher altitude changes at every moment.
6. Choose a well-qualified and professional guide and fix the rates to avoid any misunderstanding.
7. Carry spare batteries and film roll for the camera as there may be no electricity supply.

Best Time To Visit Kafni Glacier Trek

January - Lot of snow, trek not recommended
February - Lot of snow, trek not recommended
March - Lot of snow, trek not recommended
April - Late April onwards
June - Great time for trekking for nature lovers
July - Monsoon (Not Advised)
August - Monsoon (Not Advised)
September - Amazing time for trekking for adventure enthusiasts
October - Amazing time for trekking for adventure enthusiasts
November - Amazing time for trekking for adventure enthusiasts
December - Lot of snow, trek not recommended

How to reach Kafni Glacier Trek

Rail: Take a train to Lucknow from Delhi. SHC Garib Rath from New Delhi station is the best option. The train leaves New Delhi at 10:55 am and reaches Lucknow at 6:40 pm. Board Nainital Express from Lucknow to Tanakpur. The train leaves Lucknow at 8:35 pm and reaches tanakpur at 9:25 am. Tanakpur to Saung is 151 Km and takes about 4 hours to reach.
Road: Delhi to Saung is 500 km by road via Kathgodam.

More about Kafni Glacier Trek

Approx trekking distance (Both sides): 90 Km

Base Camp: Saung

Difficulty: Moderate

Highest point of trek: 13,120 ft

Nearest Airport: Pantnagar Airport

Nearest Railhead: 151 km

Region: Pithoragarh District, Uttarakhand

Snow: Mid April to end of November is the best time for this trek.

Starting point of trek: Saung

Itinerary for Kafni Glacier Trek

Day 1: Saung to Loharkhet

Distance: 3 Km, Duration: 4- 5 Hrs

After breakfast at Saung, trek to Loharkhet, a small hamlet on the banks of river Saryu. On arrival set out camp for overnight stay.

Day 2: Loharkhet to Khati

Distance: 17 Km,

The trek is quite steep and goes through the dense forest. After following the trail for few more kilometres from Dhakuri Khal you reach Dhakuri. View of snow-capped peaks of southern wall of the Nanda Devi Sanctuary is visible from Dhakuri Khal. Dhakuri is situated at an elevation of 2,680mts amidst dense forest. Ã”KhatiÃ• is the biggest village that you will come across on the trek to Pindari Glacier. The trail passes through thick forest of Rhododendrons. It is the last village en route Pindari and Kafni glacier, situated at an elevation of 2,210mts above sea level. Khati village lies at the confluence of Pindari and Sundardhunga Rivers. Overnight in tents.

Day 3: Khati to Phurkiya

Distance: 9 Km, Duration: 4-5 Hrs

Follow the lush forested path as it surges uphill. Enroute after 5 Km trek, take a break at Malladhaur tea shack to cool your heels. The 5km trek from Dwali to Phurkia is steep and graded at moderate level. Cross the frozen stream and see the dwindling of forest as you climb. Resume your trek and early afternoon reach scenic Dwali, to witness the confluence of Pindari ad Kafni Ganga.Check into resthouse or pitch tents if you are interested.

Day 4: Phurkiya to Zero Point to Dwali

Distance: 18 Km, Duration: 6-7 Hrs

In the morning we will trek up to Zero point. From Zero point, we can see the view of Pindari Glacier. After exploring zero point trek to Dwali. Dinner and overnight stay in tents.

Day 5: Dwali to Kafini Glacier

Distance: 24 Km, Duration: 6-7 Hrs

After early breakfast trek to Kafni glacier left of the Pinder valley and the Nandakot. From Kafni glacier we can see the main Himalayan ranges. The region of Kafni Glacier has its own charm and allures with the solitude terrain it presents. After exploring the beauty and surrounding area of Kafni Glacier, trek back to Dwali. Have dinner and spend overnight.