Pindari Glacier Trek, Uttarakhand

The Pindari Glacier Trek is a moderate-level trek that covers a distance of approximately 90 km over 7-8 days. The trek starts at a small town called Saung, located in the Bageshwar district of Uttarakhand. From Saung, you will trek to the base camp at Loharkhet, which is situated at an altitude of 1,760 meters. The trek then takes you through beautiful villages like Dhakuri, Khati, Dwali, and Phurkia, before finally reaching the Pindari Glacier at an altitude of 3,820 meters.

The Pindari Glacier Trek

Located in the Kumaon region of Uttarakhand, the Pindari Glacier is a popular trekking destination known for its breathtaking views of snow-capped peaks and pristine beauty. The glacier is located at an altitude of 3,820 meters above sea level and is spread over a distance of 3.2 km. The trek to Pindari Glacier is an ideal option for adventure enthusiasts looking for a challenging trek that offers stunning views of the Himalayas.

The trek starts from the town of Bageshwar and takes about two days to reach the Pindari Glacier base camp at Dhakuri. The trail is well-marked and passes through dense forests of oak, rhododendron, and deodar. The trek from Dhakuri to Khati, a small village on the banks of the Pindar River, is a relatively easy walk that takes about four hours. The trail passes through picturesque villages and offers stunning views of the Himalayan range.

From Khati, the trek gets more challenging as the trail becomes steeper and rocky. The next stop is Dwali, a small village located at an altitude of 2,500 meters. The trail passes through dense forests and offers panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. Dwali is the last village on the trail, and from here, the trail becomes more rugged and challenging.

From Dwali, the trek to Phurkiya is a steep climb that takes about six hours. Phurkiya is a scenic campsite located at an altitude of 3,100 meters and offers stunning views of the Pindari Glacier. The final stretch of the trek from Phurkiya to the Pindari Glacier is a challenging climb that takes about three hours. The trail passes through a rocky and barren landscape and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding peaks.

The Pindari Glacier is a popular destination for adventure enthusiasts and nature lovers. The glacier is surrounded by stunning peaks, including Nanda Devi, Nanda Kot, and Maiktoli. The trek to the Pindari Glacier offers a unique opportunity to witness the beauty of the Himalayas up close. The glacier itself is a sight to behold, with its shimmering blue ice and serene surroundings.

The Pindari Glacier trek in Uttarakhand is a challenging and rewarding adventure that offers stunning views of the Himalayas. The trek takes you through dense forests, picturesque villages, and rocky terrain, offering a unique opportunity to witness the beauty of the Himalayas up close. The Pindari Glacier is a must-visit destination for adventure enthusiasts and nature lovers looking for a unique and memorable experience.

Best Time to do Pindari Glacier Trek

The best time to undertake the Pindari Glacier Trek is between May and June and between September and November. During these months, the weather is mild and pleasant, and the skies are clear, offering stunning views of the mountains. However, it is important to note that the weather in the Himalayas can be unpredictable, and it is always advisable to check the weather forecast before embarking on the trek.

Activities on Pindari Glacier Trek

The Pindari Glacier Trek offers breathtaking views of snow-capped peaks, lush green valleys, and picturesque landscapes. Here are some activities you can enjoy during your trek:

Trekking: The Pindari Glacier Trek is a moderate level trek that takes you through some of the most beautiful scenery in the Himalayas. You will trek through dense forests, cross rivers, climb steep hills, and walk on glaciers. The trek is about 40 km long and takes about 6-7 days to complete.

Camping: Camping is an essential part of the Pindari Glacier Trek. You will camp at different locations along the trail, and each campsite offers spectacular views of the surrounding mountains. The campsites are equipped with tents, sleeping bags, and other camping gear.

Birdwatching: The Pindari Glacier Trek is a paradise for birdwatchers. You will see a variety of birds, including Himalayan monal, snow pigeon, golden eagle, and many more. Make sure to carry a pair of binoculars and a bird guidebook to make the most of your birdwatching experience.

Photography: The Pindari Glacier Trek offers some of the most photogenic landscapes in the Himalayas. You will have ample opportunities to capture breathtaking views of snow-capped peaks, waterfalls, and lush green valleys. Make sure to carry a good camera and spare batteries to capture the beauty of the Himalayas.

Local Culture: During your trek, you will come across several villages and interact with the local people. You will get a chance to learn about their customs, traditions, and way of life. Make sure to carry some small gifts such as candies or pens to distribute to the local children.

Star Gazing: The clear night sky at the Pindari Glacier Trek offers a perfect opportunity for star gazing. The stars seem much closer and brighter due to the high altitude and low pollution levels. Make sure to carry a star map and a flashlight to make the most of your stargazing experience.

River Crossing: The Pindari Glacier Trek involves crossing several streams and rivers. These crossings can be challenging and require some skills. However, they offer an adrenaline rush and an opportunity to experience the thrill of adventure.

Accommodation and Food Option on Pindari Glacier Trek

The Pindari Glacier Trek offers several accommodation options, including guesthouses and camping sites. The guesthouses are basic but comfortable, and most of them offer hot water and electricity. The camping sites offer a more rustic experience, where you can pitch your own tent and spend the night under the stars.

When it comes to food, most of the guesthouses and camping sites offer basic but delicious meals, including local dishes like dal, rice, and roti. It is also advisable to carry some energy bars, nuts, and dry fruits, as these can come in handy during the long trekking hours.

How to Reach Pindari Glacier

Here are the steps to reach Pindari Glacier Trek:

By Air: The nearest airport is Pantnagar Airport , which is located approximately 320 km from Pindari Glacier Trek. From the airport, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach Bageshwar, which is the starting point of the trek.

By Train: The nearest railway station is Kathgodam Railway Station, which is located approximately 190 km from Pindari Glacier Trek. From the railway station, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach Bageshwar.

By Bus: Bageshwar is well connected to other cities in Uttarakhand by road. You can take a bus from Delhi or other major cities to reach Bageshwar. From Bageshwar, you can hire a taxi or take a local bus to reach the trek starting point, which is Loharkhet.

Trek: The trek to Pindari Glacier starts from Loharkhet, which is approximately 20 km from Bageshwar. The trek is around 40 km long and takes 5-6 days to complete. You will need to obtain a permit from the forest department before starting the trek.

Precautions to Take

While the Pindari Glacier Trek is a moderate-level trek, it is important to take some precautions to ensure a safe and enjoyable trekking experience. Some of the precautions to take include:
1. Carry enough warm clothing, as the temperatures can drop significantly at higher altitudes.
2. Carry enough water and stay hydrated throughout the trek.
3. Carry a first-aid kit and any necessary medications.
4. Follow the instructions of the trek leader and do not stray from the designated route.
5. Do not litter and dispose of waste responsibly.