Overview :-
Adorning the Lord Curzon circuit, one of Garhwal Himalaya’s most fabled trails, Pangarchulla- the chimney peak soars to vision. Perched at 14, 700 ft, the peak offers a perfect test of non-technical climbing skills for mountaineering enthusiasts. Though this Uttarakhand trek is accessible throughout the year, it is the winter snow that makes it truly unsurpassable. If thrill is directly proportionate to the gauge of challenge, Pangarchulla Peak Trek in the winters would be a journey brave hearts just cannot afford to miss!
Spanning over 7 days, the trek will take you along the pilgrim vein of Uttarakhand, from Rishikesh to Pipalkoti, where we have our base camp. A little further away, from Tugashi village, starts our walking trajectory up the rocky tracks. With ascent, the horizons open up to cliffside villages characterized by terraced farmland and slant roofed houses, moving on to green meadows surrounded by the signature peaks of Garhwal Himalayas. Notable are—Nanda Devi, Chaukhamba, Hati-Ghori, and Barmal among others. Part of the Nanda Devi Sanctuary, the trail to Pangarchulla never loses sight of these celebrated peaks and culminates finally at the summit with a gala of glittering snow views.
Itinerary :-
Day 1 : Drive From Rishikesh To Pipalkoti | Beginning Of The Journey
- Altitude: 1,900 m/ 6,200 ft
- Drive Distance: 252 km | Duration: 10 hrs approx.
- Trekkers will be picked from Rishikesh at 6:00 am in a Tata Sumo or a similar vehicle (cost is included)
- Arrive at Pipalkoti approx. by 5 pm – (tea, briefing of the trek & dinner)
- Breakfast and lunch on the way (exclusive of charges)
- Accommodation at the guest house
- Telephone network available
Day 2 : Pipalkoti To Tugashi village And Trek To Gulling Top | Grand Mountain Views
- Altitude: 2,750 m/9,000 ft
- Drive from Pipalkoti to Tugashi Village is 15 km; Tugashi village to Gulling To is a 3 km trek (2 hrs)
- The trail is a mix of steep and gradual ascents, mostly through villages
- Hot lunch at campsite
- Water points available at villages in passing
- Accommodation in tent
- Peaks spotted: Dronagiri, Hathi Parvat, Ghodi Parvat
Day 3 : Trek From Gulling Top To Camp I | Walk Through Forested Trails
- Altitude: 3,350 m/ 11,000 ft
- Trek Distance: 6 km | Duration: 5 hrs
- Altitude Gain: 600 m/ 2000 ft
- A steep ascent through Oak, Rhododendron (mostly pink and white), and walnut forest
- Lunch at campsite
- Accommodation in tent
- Peaks spotted: Nanda Devi, Kalanka, Changbang, Dronagiri, Hathi Parvat, Ghodi Parvat.
Day 4 : Trek From Camp I To Kuari Pass Via Khullara And Back To Camp I | Acclimatization Walk To Kuari Pass
- Altitude: 3,800 m/ 12,500 ft
- Approx. 7-8 km trek, 5-6 hrs (3-4 km away)
- The first half is a steep ascent and the second half is a gradual ascent
- Wide meadows with golden to bright green grass cover to cross in the summer that turns into rolling snowfields in the winter.
- Khullara top to a broken ridge with frozen stream (traverse walk) (3,700 m/ 12,200 ft)
- Broken bridge to Kuari Pass (strenuous climb) (3,800 m/ 12,500 ft)
- Carry enough water (no water source on the way)
- Early morning breakfast and start trek to Kuari Pass
- Special care for protection from the harsh sun is required in these open meadows.
- Peaks spotted: Kedrantah Peak, Kedardome, Chaukhambha, Balakun, Neelkantha, Mukut Parvat, Kamet, Abhi Gamin, Mana I, Ghodi Parvat, Hathi Parvat, Dronagiri, Kalanka, Changbang, Nanda Devi and Nanda Ghunti.
Day 5 : Trek From Camp I To Pangarchulla Summit Via Khullara And Back To Camp I | Summit Day
- Altitude: 4,600 m/ 15,100 ft
- Trek Distance: 14 km | Duration: 10 – 11 hrs
- Challenging and steep climb
- Start trekking at 3:00 am as turnaround time is 8:00 am
- Peaks spotted: Nanda Ghunti, Trishul, Nanda Devi, Kalanka, Changbang, Dronagiri, Hathi Parvat, Ghodi Parvat, Mana, Kamet, Abl Gamin, Neelkanth, Chaukhamba Massif, and many more.
Day 6 : Trek From Camp I To Tugashi Village And Drive To Pipalkoti | Last Day Of Trekking
- Altitude: 1,900 m/ 6,200 ft
- Trek Distance: 5 km | Duration: 5 hrs
- Drive Distance: 30 km to Pipalkoti
- Breakfast at Camp I
- Trek to Tugasi village
- Drive from Tugasi village to Pipalkoti
- Packed lunch on the way
- Reach Pipalkoti by late evening
- Pipalkoti (tea, debriefing, dinner)
- Clean drinking water for filling your bottles will be available at Tugasi village
- Accommodation: guesthouse
Day 7 : Drive From Pipalkoti To Rishikesh | Bidding Farewell To The Mountains
- Drive DIstance: 252 km
- The ride will commence at 6 am, reaching the destination at around 6 pm
- Breakfast and lunch will be on the way at a roadside inn, exclusive of charges