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Pindari Glacier Trek
Pindari Glacier Trek
Uttarakhand
Location
Uttarakhand
Duration
6 days
Max Altitude
12300 ft
Trekking
50 km
Grade
Moderate
Get in Touch with Our Trek Expert
Monday–Saturday: 10 AM to 06 PM (GMT +5:30)
Location
Uttarakhand
Duration
6 days
Max Altitude
12300 ft
Trekking km
50 km
Grade
Moderate
Get in Touch with Our Trek Expert
Monday–Saturday: 10 AM to 06 PM (GMT +5:30)
Overview
Special Offer
Why Pindari Glacier Is A Must-Do Trek?
Located in the beautiful Kumaon Himalayas, this glacier attracts both beginners and expert trekkers every year. Pindari Glacier is situated in Nanda Devi Sanctuary and is the source of the Pindar River, which meets Alaknanda at Karanprayag. The route traverses through the southern face of the Nanda Devi Sanctuary amidst its wilderness and along the way, you will catch arresting views of Himalayan peaks like Maiktoli (6,803 m) and Panwali Dwar (6,683 m). To the right of the Pindari Glacier lies the Kafni Glacier. The route to the two glaciers is the same until Dwali, when the road bifurcates, one towards the Pindari Glacier and one towards Kafni Glacier.
The Kumaon Himalayas are blessed with an abundance of natural beauty and this trek offers varied natural splendors all along the trek. Pindari Glacier lies at the edge of Nanda Devi Peak and the zero point takes you to an astounding altitude of 3,660 meters. This is one of the most easily accessible glaciers in our country and is suitable for anyone who wishes to do the trek. Throughout the trek, you will pass through Rhododendron forests, lush meadows, green valleys, and cascading rivers to the Pindari Glacier summit, where you are welcomed with spellbinding views of Nanda Devi peak. This is one of the most beautiful treks that will leave you speechless after with its incredible scenery.
About The Trek
Your trek to this beautiful Himalayan glacier starts at Kharkia, a small village approximately 100 km from Bageshwar, and after crossing a series of remote Himalayan parts like Dwali and Phurkia, you will touch the zero point of the glacier at an altitude of 12,300 ft.
From Kharkiya its a short trek to Khati, where you will get to witness beautiful Rhododendron blooms and views of Himalayan peaks like Nandabaner, Nandakot, and Lapsadhura. BSNL network is available in some parts of the trek. Day 3 is a longer trek to Dwali. Whether here can be unpredictable, so be prepared accordingly. You will pass through a landslide zone and also get glimpses of Kafni Valley on your left.
The next day is another short trek to Phurkia and you will get to see the Pindar River flowing below you, the glacier is not too far from here. On clear days, Mt. Nandakhatt & Nanda Devi is vividly visible. You will pass through a meadow where you may spot Himalayan Ibex and also cross a frozen stream. The following day is your summit day as you reach the pinnacle of the trek at 12300 ft. Mt. Nanda Khat is visible from here and you will get to see other mountain peaks like Mt. Bauljuri and Mt. Changuch as well. After spending some time at the glacier you will return to Phurkia.
The next days descent begins as you trek down to Khati via Dwali through the same path that you came in and the next day you will descend from Khati to Kharkia and drive back to Kathgodam ending your incredible Himalayan journey.
What Can You Expect At The Trek
The trek to Pindari Glacier is long but it is easier to complete as compared to other glacier treks in the country. The trek has a medium gradient and from Khati to Phurkia, you will have to cross some caved-in sections and land-slide zones. The glacier itself is 3.2 km in length and 1.5 km in breadth. Mid-April to November is a great time to do the trek, however, it is best to avoid the monsoon season due to landslides and roadblocks.
During April and May, the temperature ranges from 15°C to 20°C during the day and drops between 7°C to 2°C at night. From September to November, the daytime temperature ranges between 15°C to 10°C, and at night it ranges between 5°C to -5°C
The trail has well-defined paths with only one minor pass-crossing. It starts with flat hikes through Rhododendron covers followed by mountain ridges, spider walls, and stream crossings. You also get to learn about local culture and tradition from the local villages that you will pass on your way.
Our mountaineering-certified trek leaders are there to assist you along with the rough patches and all along the way. Our guides are locals who know the mountains like the back of their hands and thus give you a very intimate and comprehensive experience of the Himalayan terrains. Safety is one of our top priorities and our Trek Leaders are also Wilderness First Aid Responders, so you can be assured that you will be safe at all times during the trek.
We offer comfortable transfers from Kathgodam to Khati and back, and a cook accompanies us on our trek, who can serve up delicious local cuisine. At night you will stay in comfortable camps. We provide 3-person tents on twin sharing basis to make your stay in the mountains as comfortable as possible.
Since it is a high-altitude trek, the weather may get unpredictable at times, so you should dress appropriately in layers so that you are prepared to tackle all kinds of weather.
Drive From Kathgodam To Khati Village | Enjoy The Scenic Beauty Of Kumaon
- Altitude: 2200 m/ 7300 ft.
- Distance: 214 km approx. | Duration: 9 to 10 hrs.
- Pick up: 6 am | Pick up spot: Kathgodam Railway Station.
- Route: Kathgodam - Bheemtal - Almora - Bageshwar - Kapkot - Loharkhet - Kharkiya - Khati.
- BSNL network is available.
- Last ATM point: Kapkot.
- Stay in tents (twin sharing).
Trek From Khati To Dwali | Walk By The Beautiful Pindar River
- Altitude: 2,600 m/ 8,600 ft.
- Trek Distance: 13 km Duration: 7-8 hr.
- Altitude Gain: 400 m/ 1,300 ft.
- Water Source: Multiple water sources on the trek.
- Cross 6 landslide zones.
- Stay in camps (twin-sharing).
Trek From Dwali To Phurkia | Cross Spiderwalls And Frozen Streams
- Altitude: 3,200 m/ 10,500 ft | Distance: 5 km | Duration: 3 hr.
- Altitude Gain: 600 m/ 1,900 ft.
- Flora: Rhododendron, Oak.
- Fauna: Himalayan Ibex.
- Cross two frozen streams.
- Peak Views: Nanda Khat (6545 m), Nanda Devi East (7, 434 m).
- Stay in tents (twin-sharing).
Trek From Phurkia To Zero Point And Back To Phurkia | Summit Day
- Altitude: 3,700 m/ 12,100 ft.
- Distance: 16 km | Duration: 6 to 7 hrs.
- Trek through the inner realms of Pindar Valley.
- Peak views: Nanda Khat (6545 m), Nanda Kot (6,861 m), Mt. Bauljuri (5,922 m), and Changuch Peak (6,322 m).
- Stay in tents (twin-sharing).
Trek From Phurkia To Khati Via Dwali | Begin Descending
- Altitude: 2,200 m/ 7,300 ft.
- Trek Distance: 18 km | Duration: 7 to 8 hr.
- Altitude Loss: 1,000 m/ 3,200 ft.
- Stay in tents (twin-sharing).
Drive From Khati To Kathgodam | Say Goodbye To The Mountains
- Altitude: 2,050 m/ 6,750 ft.
- Trek Distance: 4 km | Duration: 1 hr.
- Drive Distance: 210 km | Duration: 9 to 10 hrs.
- Pulse rate at rest must be in between (60 to 100 beats per minute).
- Blood Pressure Reading must be in between (DIASTOLIC 75 – 85, SYSTOLIC 100 - 130 mm Hg).
- Respiratory rate at rest must be in between (12 to 20 breaths per minute).
- Should not have Liver and kidney issues.
- Should not have Diabetes Mellitus, Bronchial Asthma, Heart problems, Hypertension, etc.
- No pacemaker implant.
- People with Sinus issues, Epilepsy please contact to trek coordinator before booking the trek.
- If your BMI is not normal, Please contact our Trek coordinator before Trek booking.
Medical & Disclaimer Form (Mandatory Documents) Click here to download Medical & Disclaimer Form
How to reach — Maps
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Pick-Up Information
- It is essential for everyone to arrive at Kathgodam Railway station (06:00 am).
- Once you have reached Kathgodam railway station, TTH will manage the rest of your travel arrangements, if you have opted for TTH's pick-up service, you can select this option during the booking process by adding it as an add-on.
Options to Reach Kathgodam Railway Station (Haldwani)
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Take an overnight train to Kathgodam railway station (290 km 6-7 hours) which is well connected to Delhi, Kolkata, Dehradun and Lucknow.
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Take an overnight bus to Haldwani Bus Stand, Delhi Anand Vihar ISBT provides bus services to Haldwani (don't go to Delhi Kashmere Gate ISBT) and then take a cab to the pickup point, which is 6 km away and takes 15 minutes.
( We always recommend going for the govt. Buses over the private ones outside the bus station as based on the experience we have found that there are very high chances of delay involved with private buses. Also, govt. Buses are always more reliable. Whichever bus you choose, just make sure to reach Kathgodam at least by 05:30 am. )
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Take flight to Pantnagar airport, about 27 km, is the nearest airport with direct flights to Delhi, if coming by flight then come one day early.
( If you prefer to travel from Kathgodam to our base camp independently, you can either take a government bus or book a private cab. Your trek coordinator will provide guidance on how to arrange for the bus or cab booking. )
Arrive in Kathgodam by 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm.
The designated drop-off point is Kathgodam railway station).
Please consider planning your subsequent travel arrangements after 8:00 pm.
Kathgodam to Haldwani is 6km, it will take 20 minutes.
TTH offers comfortable transportation through Tempo Traveler, Bolero, or equivalent vehicles. If you wish to upgrade your mode of transportation, please contact your trek coordinator for further assistance.
1. Accommodation (as per the itinerary):
- Guest house, Home Stay.
- Camping while the trek (Twin sharing basis).
2. Meals (Veg + Egg):
- Meals while on trek(Veg + Egg).
3. Support:
- 1 Versatile base camp manager: handles communication and deploys extra manpower in emergencies.
- 1 Mountaineering & First aid qualified professional trek Leader.
- 1 Experienced high altitude chef.
- Local experienced guides (Number of guides depending on the group size).
- Enough support staff.
4. Trek equipment:
- Sleeping bag, Sleeping liners (if required), Mattress, Utensils.
- 3 men all season trekker tent (twin sharing), Kitchen & Dining tent, Toilet tent.
- Camping stool, Walkie talkie.
- Ropes, Helmet, Ice axe, Harness, Gaiters & Crampon (if required).
5. First aid:
- Medical kit,Stretcher,Oxygen cylinder,Blood pressure monitor,Oximeter,Stethoscope.
6. Transportation (as per the itinerary):
- Transport from Kathgodam to Kathgodam.
7. Mules/porters to carry the central luggage.
8. Cloakroom facility available at the base camp for additional luggage.
9. All necessary permits and entry fees, Upto the amount charged for Indian.
10. Trek Completion Certificate.
Trek Essentials
Cancellation Terms
To request a cancellation, please email us at info@trekthehimalayas.com using your registered email ID.
Cancellations prior to 25 days from the start of the Trip
Refund Options
- 5% deduction of trek fee
- 100% trek fee cash voucher for any trip till one year
- Transfer your trek (any trek, any date) to your friend
Cancellation between 24 days and 15 days to the start of the Trip
Refund Options
- 30% deduction of trek fee
- 100% trek fee cash voucher for same trip till one year
- 85% trek fee cash voucher for any trip till one year
- Transfer your trek (same trek, any date) to your friend
Cancellation between 14 days and 10 days to the start of the Trip
Refund Options
- 50% deduction of trek fee
- 80% trek fee cash voucher for same trip till one year
- 70% trek fee cash voucher for any trip till one year
- Book the same trek, in the same season, with any other batch
- Transfer your trek (same trek, any date) to your friend
Cancellation less than 9 days to the start of the trek.
Refund Options
- No cash refund
- 20% trek fee cash voucher for the same trip till one year
- 10% trek fee cash voucher for any trip till one year
- Transfer your trek (same trek, same date) to your friend
- To reschedule a trek (same trek only), a 30 % rescheduling fee of the trek cost will apply.
Cancellation Policy (Emergency Cases):
In case of a death in the immediate family (parents, siblings, spouse, children) or if the trekker is hospitalized (min. 48 hours) or suffers a fracture (leg/arm) within a week before the trek, even if canceled a day before:
90% trek fee refund in cash & 10% as a voucher (valid for 1 year, for any India trek).
Valid documents required. We’re here to support you during tough times.
Note:
- Change of trek batch is dependent on the availability of seats in the batch
- In case of transferring a trek to a friend, he/she should satisfy all the mandatory requirements put forward by TTH
- TTH holds the right to change/cancel the policies, without prior notice
Booking and Payments
- The Participant is responsible for verifying the accuracy of all details, including Trip dates and personal documentation, at the time of booking.
- Payments must be made in accordance with the timelines and instructions provided by TTH. Late payments may result in cancellation of booking without refund.
- In the event of a cash refund, only the portion of the payment made in cash shall be eligible for refund in cash. Any booking made using voucher, discounts, promotional codes, or through any non-cash mode of payment shall not be eligible for a cash refund under any circumstances.
- Refunds, if applicable, shall be processed within 15–30 working days of confirmation.
- All add-on bookings are subject to the respective add-on cancellation policy, and refunds will be processed accordingly.
- Voucher Terms
- This is a non-transferable voucher
- The voucher cannot be merged with any other offer of Trek The Himalayas
- The voucher is valid for Trek booked directly with Trek The Himalayas in India
- To avail the voucher please use your register phone number or e-mail id
- All the other Terms of booking a trek with Trek The Himalayas are applicable to the voucher
Itinerary and Modifications
- TTH reserves the right to modify, shorten, or cancel any part of the Trip due to transportation delays, weather, health emergencies, or other unforeseen circumstances including Force Majeure.
Cancellations and Refunds
- No refunds or vouchers, partial or otherwise, shall be provided for voluntary withdrawal, non-utilisation of services, or removal from the Trip.
- If TTH cancels the Trip before arrival at the designated pick-up point due to unforeseen circumstances or Force Majeure, the Participant may choose from:
- An alternate Trip/date.
- A credit voucher valid for one (1) year.
- Transfer to another Trip, with cost differences payable by the Participant.
- If the Trip is abandoned post-arrival at the designated pick-up point, no cash refund or voucher shall be issued. The Trek Again Policy may apply at TTH’s discretion.
- TTH shall not be liable for any associated travel costs such as flights, accommodation, or visa fees.
Force Majeure
- Events beyond its control including but not limited to earthquakes, landslides, strikes, curfews, war, pandemic, government restrictions, heavy rainfall or snowfall, windstorms, road blockages, trail disruption, or withdrawal of permits, TTH shall not be held liable for any cancellation, delay, or service modification caused by Force Majeure.
Government employees can avail the benefit of Special Casual Leave (SCL) when they join us for a trekking expedition. As per Pay Commission guidelines, up to 30 days of Special Casual Leave can be availed in a calendar year for trekking or mountaineering expeditions conducted through a registered organisation.
Trek The Himalayas is a registered adventure tour operator with the Indian Mountaineering Foundation (IMF) and the Ministry of Tourism (MoT), making your trek eligible for SCL benefits.
To apply, email us at info@trekthehimalayas at least 20 days before the trek departure date, with the following details:
- Trek name and trek date
- Booking details
- Full name
- Designation
- Department and department address
This benefit is exclusive to Indian Government employees and is applicable only for treks within India.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
The Pindari Glacier Trek is a popular trekking route located in the Kumaon region of Uttarakhand, India. This trek is famous for its spectacular views of the Pindari Glacier, which is one of the most accessible glaciers in the Indian Himalayas. The trek takes you through some of the most picturesque landscapes of the region, including dense forests, rolling meadows, and gushing streams. The highlight of the trek is reaching the Pindari Glacier, which stands at an altitude of 3,820 meters and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding peaks of the Nanda Devi Range. The trek also offers a unique cultural experience as it passes through several remote villages of the region, where you can interact with the locals and learn about their traditions and way of life. The trek is suitable for both experienced and novice trekkers and is a must-do for anyone who wants to witness the stunning natural beauty of the Indian Himalayas.
Pindari Glacier Trek is a 50 km long trek.
Pindari Glacier Trek is a 6-days long trek.
The maximum altitude of the Pindari Glacier Trek is 12,300 ft.
The best time to do Pindari Glacier Trek is Summer (mid- Apr to Jun) and Autumn (Sep to mid-Nov).
While it is not mandatory to have a professional expert for the Pindari Glacier Trek, it is highly recommended, especially if you are not familiar with the area or have limited trekking experience. A guide can provide valuable assistance in navigating the trail and can help you avoid getting lost or injured. They can also provide valuable insights into the local flora and fauna, as well as the cultural aspects of the region.
Moreover, having a guide can ensure that you are taking the safest and most efficient route, and they can also provide emergency assistance in case of any unforeseen circumstances. Additionally, guides can help arrange for food and accommodation at various points along the trek, making your journey much smoother and hassle-free.
The Pindari Glacier Trek is a moderate-grade trek.
The maximum altitude of the Pindari Glacier Trek is 12,300 ft.
During the Pindari Glacier Trek, you will stay in a guest house in the base camp, and on the slopes, you will be staying in tents (twin-sharing).
Some other popular treks near the Pindari Glacier Trek are Kafni Glacier Trek, Sunderdhunga Treks, and Milam Glacier Trek.
While prior trekking experience is always helpful, it is not necessary to have prior experience to do the Pindari Glacier Trek. The trek is suitable for beginners as well as experienced trekkers.
The Pindari Glacier Trek is a moderate-level trek and can be completed by anyone who is physically fit and able to walk for several hours a day. The trail is well-defined, and there are many rest points along the way. However, it is important to prepare yourself for the trek by doing some basic physical exercises, such as walking or jogging, to build stamina and endurance.
The permits required for Pindari Glacier Trek are Inner Line Permit, Trekking Permit, and National Park Permit. When you trek with TTH, we obtain all the permits for you.
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Pindari Glacier Trek Video Testimonials
Hear Trekkers Share Their Pindari Glacier Trek
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