The Pindari trek owes its existence to massive quantities of Snow that the Pindari Glacier, Nanda devi and other summits in the upper regions of the great Himalayan range provide.The trail is made up of numerous streams, dense forests , rhododendron trails, mountain ridges and lush meadows. A moderate trek with steep gradients and a gradual increase in altitude from 2200 mtrs to 3700 mtrs.
Note: We encourage responsible tourism. Practice these guidelines while on a trip!
Covid-19 Advisory
- All staff and residents wear masks at the property
- Usage of Sanitisers
- Rooms are thoroughly sanitised before check in
- Regular temperature checks
Accomdations
Service Level
Transportation
Food
Age
18 to 65 yearsDifficulty
ModerateFitness Guide
- Requires basic fitness like the ability to Jog/ Brisk-walk in continuity for 2/3 kms.
- Since the trek will have long strides on some days , its important you have no breathe related challenges. Do basic breathing exercise to increase your lung intake capacity
- While practicing this don't forget to stretch
Who is this tour for?
Note: This is a group tour. Minimum group size is 12 people
Tour Experience
This version of , The Pindari glacier trek comes with a twist ! Our starting point is the lesser known and explored valley of Sarayu. This virgin, untouched valley presents unparalleled views of the valleys, mountains and forests around.
Max Altitude: 12,300 ft | Trek Distance : 90 KMS approx | Grade: Medium
- A beginners Glacier trek
- Approx. maximum altitude of 12,000 ft
- Most accessible glacier in the himalayan region
- Walk the trail along the Pindari and Saryu rivers
- Trek amidst dense forests alongside massive glaciers
- Breathtaking views of snow clad mountains, rivers forests and streams
- Active himalayan wildlife sightings of Blue Sheep, Mountain Deer, Bears, Exotic Birds
- Experience village life and culture
7N/ 8D
Departure: FixedYou will be doing:
You will be experiencing:
Itinerary
Travel notes of the day
Hello Adventurer!
Did you know that Kausani has the most panoramic views of the Kumaon Himalayas. Yes! An uninterrupted 300 KM of panorama of peaks like the Nanda Devi, Trishul, Panchachuli.
Pro-Tip : Please complete all your last minute purchases in Kausani. For ex: Cash withdrawal, Any last minute shopping, Extra Batteries etc etc..
Welcome to one of the most unexplored trekking trail of Kumaon Himalayas and the first glacier trek which doesn't require a technical preparation!
We are en-route Kausani , the quaint himalayan village and hill-station in the Bageshwar district of Uttarakhand. Once we reach Kausani which should be by early evening , we settle down and take it easy for the remainder of the day. Acclimation has already begun with an elevation gain of 6,000 ft when we reach Kausani.
- Kathgodam
- Kausani
Travel notes of the day
Walking in the Saryu valley and the Pindari trail involve some long , steep gradients however the all round views and the terrain is incredibly rewarding.
The community at SUPI village is a small one with approx 2,000 odd peoples in the village with approximately 350-385 homes. They are also quite adaptable and quick to catch on to ever changing landscape of immersive travel.
Rise and Shine folks! We have a early start to drive to SUPI village and set foot on our trail. Once we reach SUPI we start our accent to the Chilta Mai temple. Before starting our trail, we have lunch at SUPI and commence the climb.
We have a 3 hour climb from SUPI to Chiltha Mai. The trail crosses though dense forest patches laden with rare fern and fauna. Once we reach Chiltha Mai, we get to witness the enchanting views of the glaciers around. We settle down at our camp site for the night.
- Supi Village- 7100 ft
- Chilta Mai- 9845 ft
Travel notes of the day
The elevation of Jaikuni Bugyal is 3100 Mts. After an elevation gain we start descending to Khati Village.
Khati village is at the confluence of Pindari and Sunderdunga rivers
We start the day with a hike upto Jaikuni Bugyal . Its a short hike , approx 2.5 km., mostly ascending . When you get to Jaikuni Bugyal ( Buygyal means meadows in local lingo) witness the magnificent views to Nanda Devi, Nand Kot , Panchachuli.
We take a minute to stand stare at this magnidicnt sight before moving on with our descent to Khati Village. The trail from here is mostly downwards , after passing through a few smaller villages we arrive at Khati village. Khati village also serves as a junction for many treks like the Sunderdunga, Kafni etc.
- Chilta Mai- 9845 ft
- Jaikuni Bugyal- 10,170 ft
- Khati Village- 7400 ft
Travel notes of the day
Dwali is at the confluence of Pindari and Kafni rivers.
Even though the route is longish the climb is moderate.
Today is a longish trail . We follow the Kafni river from Dwali to Khati. The route from Khati to Dwali ( 11 KM) is through dense forests , waterfalls and several river bed crossings. A final steep ascent gets us to Dwali.
Though the distance from Dwali to Phukriya is around 5 km, the altitude gain is quite a bit. As we gain altitude the air starts thinning the vegetation clears out. We move out from the forest canopy into a clearing of open valleys and mountains.
The route from Khati to Dwali is through dense forests , waterfalls and several river bed crossings.
The trek today involves descent and a steep ascent.
- Khati 7400 ft
- Dwali 8448 ft
- Phukriya 10,662 ft
Travel notes of the day
From here mountaineers with equipment can go further up the glacier to the trails pass ahead. ( FYI only , not FYA! )
A lesson well learnt - Always start (very) early on a summit day!
We start our climb early morning ( 4 am ), a 7 km stretch to the Pindari Glacier Zero Point. If it was a moonlit night, we walk the initial; stretch in the moon light. As the first rays of sun begin to shine , we reach the Zero point around 8 am. This gives us the opportunity to view the Pindari Glacier and the surrounding mighty himalayan peaks in their absolute glory.
- Phukriya-10,662 ft
- Pindari Zero Point-12007 ft
Travel notes of the day
One can also explore the village ok Khati. The total population of Khati is approx 315 peoples. Get into some local interaction, understanding the life and practices of these villagers in the higher himalayas should make up for some interesting learning and round tables!
Its time to roll back and slide our way all the way down to Khati.
Fret not, even though its a 16 km trail, its quite a easy descent. We might even dare say its a easy descent. The route is fun and passes through jungles, waterfalls and dotted rivers.
On reaching Khati we stretch our worn out selves and legs and take it easy for the rest of the day!
- Phukriya 10662 ft
- Khati 7400 ft
Travel notes of the day
In Kausani catch up on trek stories, some healthy gossip, go around the town, say your final good bye's to the magnificent Himalayas
This is the final leg of the trek. We head to the village of Kharkiya . a road head about 5 km ahead of Khati. From here we drive to Kausani . We should be reaching Kausani by ealy noon or evening depending on road conditions.
We rest for the night in Kausani before heading out the next day.
- Khati Village-7440 ft
- Kharkiya Village-7227 ft
- Kausani-6200 ft
Depart for Kathgodam. Its a 4-5 drive depending on road conditions to get to the train station in time to board the Shatabdi express bound for Delhi . Alternately one can also travel by Volvo from Haldwani Bus Stand to Delhi!
- Kausani-ft6200ft
- Kathgodam-1900 ft
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Other Details
This is an All Inclusive trip
- Ground transport - Kathgodam - Kausani - Supi - Kharkhiya - Kathgodam
- All Meals- Breakfast, Tea, Dinner from Day 1 to Breakfast on Day 8
- 6 nights camping or stay in a basic guesthouse
- Forest Entry Fees
- Forest permits
- Trekking permits
- Local Guides Charges
- Porterage for personal luggage - one 12 kg bag per person
- Purchase of personal items
- Tips
- Transportation of personal luggage
- Cost Escalation due to natural reason's ( if any )
- Unscheduled stay due to landslides
Please adhere to this advisory for a smooth trip:
- No alcohol on trek
- Respect privacy of other guests
- You will be staying at villages, please respect the locals and their practices
- Don't pluck fruits with out the permission of the locals
- This is a Zero Plastic trip , please carry your water bottles
- All waste produced on the trek will be disposed properly at the villages. No tossing waste on the trail
FAQ's
Q. What kind of toilets are available?
In home stays one can use closed restrooms ( Indian / Western) , In camps there would be use of compost
Q. What are Safety measures in place?
- The equipment we use is UIAA certified
- Our trek leaders are AMC certified with specialisation in rescue procedures.
- Our support staffs are trained in first aid as well.
Q. What is the trek duration?
6 days
Q. What is the trip duration?
8 days
Q. What is the best seasonal time to visit?
April until Mid June
Q. I am a single girl travelling, will i be comfortable?
Ecohunters has hosted solo girl travellers before. Accommodation can be singled out if you prefer so. Other than that our groups are of like minded , nature loving folks , If you have any preferences do let us know.
Q. I am a parent with kids, can i bring them along?
Yes , if your kids are 8 years and above they can accompany you on the trek.
Q. What is the weather like?
The average temperatures during the summer is maximum of 20 deg C to Minimum of 1 deg C
Q. What is the packing list?
We will share the packing list once we receive participation confirmation
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