Max Altitude
10,800 FT
Grade
Moderate
Duration
5 Days
Trekking KM.
40 KM
Suitable for: | 8+ years |
Experience: | First timer can apply, previous trekking experience is more appreciated. |
Fitness: | Cover 4 km of distance in 30 minutes, without a stress. |
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Trek Info
Why Panwali Kantha Is A Must-Do Trek?
Panwali Kantha, perched at an altitude of 3,300 m is a wonderful trekking destination in the Garhwal Himalayas, offering a stunning view of the Char Dham mountain ranges. On a clear day, you can see the Gangotri, Yamunotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath Ranges. Other prominent peaks like Chaukhamba, Neelkanth, Kedar Dome, Kirti Stambh, and Thalaysagar are also visible as well. This high-altitude meadow is increasingly becoming popular due to its sunrise and sunset views and you will also get to see many varieties of Himalayan flowers and herbs. It is also home to many *Himalayan wildlife. If you are lucky, you may be able to spot high-altitude animals like Ghoral, Bharal weasels, Himalayan bears, and the rare musk deer. During Spring, the trail is blazing with crimson and red Rhododendron blooms. The best way to approach this trek is from Guttu ending at Trijuginarayan temple. At the end of the trek, you can visit the Trijuginarayan Temple, which has great religious significance. According to the legends, it is believed that Lord Shiva and Parvati married at Trijuginarayan, in the presence of Lord Vishnu.
Panwali Kantha presents a different kind of beauty in different seasons. During monsoon, the trek is alive with verdant green and blooming wildflowers while in autumn the sky is clear and the meadows are green and striking. During winter, it’s a panorama of white beauty and in spring you get a flowery welcome with the Rhododendrons in full bloom. It is a wonderful trek that offers unique visual treats and owing to its easy to moderate grade, it is suitable for beginners as well as experienced trekkers.
About The Trek
Replete with beauty, Panwali Kantha unfolds an awe-striking view of the Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath Ranges. The burials that you cross through on the trek are beautiful as well. The journey commences from Rishikesh, where you will be picked up by Trek The Himalayas representatives and you will be driven to Guttu. Guttu is a charming Himalayan hamlet set by the banks of the Bhilganga River. Staying the night at night, we will begin trekking towards Pobhagi the next day, it’s an 11 km trek that will take about 5 to 6 hrs.
The next day, you will trek from Pobhagi to Panwali Kantha via Dyuili Top. enjoy the stunning Char Dhma peak views and later rest in your tents after walking for long hours. The next day, we will begin the descent from Panwali Kantha towards Maggu Chatti. From Maggu Chatti, you will visit the Trijuginarayan Temple, a temple of big religious significance. Trijuginarayn is the penultimate stop, where you pay your respects to God and then drive towards Rishikesh after ending the wonderful trip and taking back lots of mountain memories.
What Can You Expect At The Trek
Panwali Kantha is a meadow trek in the Garhwal Himalayas rich in flora and fauna and comes with impressive mountain views. It is an easy-to-moderate trek that offers many different surprises. Not only do you get grand mountain views but you will also get to see the exotic flora and fauna of the region and catch glimpses of the everyday lifestyle in the remote Himalayan villages.
In summer, the weather in Panwali Kantha is quite pleasant, ranging between 10 °C to 15 °C, while in winter, it is between 0°C to -5°C. We recommend dressing appropriately in layers to adjust to all weather conditions. TTH also offers comfortable pick up and drop off from and to Rishikesh. Our trek leaders are all mountaineering certified and wilderness first aid responders and as such provide professional guidance and advice so that you can make the best out of your treks.
Health Awareness
Government Employees {SCL}
Government Employees can avail the benefit of Special Casual Leave (SCL) when you join us for a trekking expedition. As per the rules of the Pay Commission, Special Casual Leave can be availed for up to 30 days in a calendar year for trekking/mountaineering expeditions through a registered organization. Trek The Himalayas is a registered adventure tour operator by Indian Mountaineering Foundation (IMF) and Ministry Of Tourism (MOT)
Trekkers have to apply for leave at least 20 days before trek departure date.
Note
From Rishikesh, we start early in the morning and drive towards Guttu, which is at a distance of 200 km from Rishikesh and takes about 5 hrs to reach. Guttu is the basecamp for your Panwali Kantha Trek and it is a charming village in the kernels of the Gharwal Himalayas. The drive from Rishikesh to Guttu is a scenic one and en route, you will cross the Tehri Dam, which is the tallest dam in our country and the second-highest in Asia. The picturesque village sits by the Bhilganga River and is characterized by lush green mountains. Ghuttu has often been used as a basecamp for the Panwali Kantha trek as well as treks like Masar Tal and Khalting Glacier. You can expect to reach Guttu by 12 in the afternoon, just in time for lunch. Reaching Ghuttu, check-in the guesthouse and freshen yourself up. In the evening, you can roam around the village area, interact with the locals and get a glimpse into their rustic lives. You can also buy handicrafts items from the village market as souvenirs or as gift items for your dear ones. Rest well today as you will begin your trekking tomorrow in the morning.
Wake up early and energize yourself with a delicious breakfast and some gentle warm sessions. Today is our first day of trekking and we will head towards the Pobhagi campsite from Guttu. The trek from Guttu to Pobhagi is 11 km and it takes about 5 to 6 hrs to reach the Pobhagi campsite. The trail is easy and is characterized by simple and gradual ascents. En route, you will cross the summer villages of Panwali Kantha and you may spot some Chaniya huts as well. On a clear day, you may be able to see the Bhilganga Valley on your right-hand side. Pobhagi is a beautiful campsite from where you can see the Buransh Forest spread in a blazing burst of red. The onset of spring brings a wonderful cheer to the forests as the Rhododendrons are in full bloom during this time of the year. Sunset over this red forest is a pretty amazing sight to behold. During winters, the routes are covered in snow blankets, which increases the difficulty of the trek. Crampons and gaiters are a must if you want to do the trek in winter. Once you reach Pobhagi, find a nice spot to pitch your tent. At night you will retire to your camps post-dinner.
Today is the most exciting day as you will trek to the highest point on the trek. Wake up, have a hearty breakfast, stretch a bit and then let’s head towards Panwali Kantha. The distance between Pobhagi and Panwali Kantha is 8 km and it takes about 5 hrs to reach the top. In winters, the Panwali Kantha campsite sees an abundance of snow, and the view, too is awe-inspiring. If you are doing this trek in the summer months then you will be greeted with an abundance of greenery. The trek can become moderate to difficult if there is snow on the trail. We will reach the Panwali Kantha campsite crossing Dyuili Top and from here the path meanders towards Panwali. The Panwali Kantha top greets you with views of major Himalayan peaks like Nanda Devi (7,816 m), Gangotri (6,856 m), Trishul (7,120 m), Kamet (7,756 m), Chaukhamba (7,138 m), Kedarnath (6,940 m) and Kedar Dome (6,940 m). We will reach the Panwali Kantha campsite by afternoon and enjoy a delectable lunch at the campsite. The evening is at your leisure, you can roam around the campsite, absorb the serenity of the environment and watch a breathtaking sunset over the towering Himalayan peaks. We will stay the night at Panwali Top, watching the spectacular starlit sky at night, and head down in the morning.
Today we will begin our descent from Panwali Kantha to Maggu Chatti. From Panwali Kantha to Maggu Chatti, the trail is full of ascents and descents, mostly being descent. The trek today is 13 km long and since we are going downhill it takes about 6 hrs to reach Maggu Chatti. Along your way, you will spot shepherd huts and cattle grazing in the grasslands with the beautiful mountain ranges in the backdrop. From Maggu Chatti to Trijuginarayan, you will also pass through alpine forests where you can spot many varieties of Himalayan flora and fauna as well as a couple of waterfalls, where you can fill your water bottles and relinquish your thirst. As you descend from Panwali Kantha towards Maggu Chatti, the mountain views slowly start receding. 2 km into the trek and you will come across some Gujjar shelters, and further on you can spot the Bhilganga valley in the north-east direction. Trudge along the meadows along the knife-edge of the ridge and after a couple of switchbacks, you will arrive at the Maggu Chatti campsite. This is the last night of your camping in the mountains, so enjoy the experience before you head down to Trijuginarayan tomorrow.
Maggu Chatti to Trijuginarayan is a downhill climb. It takes about 4 hrs and the trek distance is 7 km approximately. It is a forested trail with clearings in between from Maggu Chatti all the way to Trijuginarayan. There are also some water sources along the way from where you can fill your water bottles. A little into the trek and you will come across a water source, keep walking and you will come across a bridge about 2 km into the trek, you can get a beautiful bird’s eye view of the valley below. Further, into the trail, you will come across a big waterfall, this is yet another water source to replenish your water bottles. Soon you will walk into a forested path and if it is spring or summer, the forested patch will be blazing with the crimson Rhododendron blooms. It is a gradual downwards climb through thick woods and soon you will come across a clearing in the forests, allowing you to enjoy the view of Trijuginarayan Village. There’s another stream running here in the clearing, your third water source for the day. Continue steadily on and you will come across a water tank, followed by a walled playground, you are now in Trijuginarayan village, continue on the trail and you will enter the temple premises. Located in the Rudraprayag district, Trijuginarayan is an ancient temple. Legends say that this is the temple where Lord Shiva and Parvati got married. Spend some time in the temple, pay your regards and we will head back to Rishikesh along a scenic route. You can expect to reach the Rishikesh by evening.
At first you have to reach Rishikesh, after that TTH will take care of your further travel plan.
Our Pick-up place
Trek The Himalayas Head office, Tapovan Laxmanjhula, Landmark -Nainital Bank opposite Shiv Vilas Hotel
Options to reach Rishikesh
1. Take overnight train/bus to Rishikesh.
2. Take overnight train/bus to Haridwar and drive to Rishikesh (35 min drive with normal traffic).
We always recommend to go 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 Rishikesh at least by 05:30 am positively.
3. Take the flight to Dehradun airport (Jolly Grant Airport) and drive to Rishikesh (20 km, 30 min), if coming by flight then come one day early.
1. Accommodation :
2. Transportation :- Tata Sumo or equivalent :
3. All meals while on trek (veg + Egg) :
4. Support :
5. Safety Equipment :
6. Trekking Equipment :
7. All necessary permits and entry fees
8. Mules to carry central equipment
9. Trek Completion Certificate
1. Any kind of personal expenses.
2. Food during the transit.
3. Insurance.
4. Mules or porter to carry personal luggage.
5. Anything not specifically mentioned under the head "Price Includes".
Things can be provided on demand and availability (participant has to pay extra for these things)
1- Satellite phone/setphone - is a type of mobile phone that connects via radio links via satellites orbiting the Earth instead of terrestrial cell sites like cellphones. Therefore, they can operate in most geographic locations on the Earth's surface.
2- Gamow/PAC HAPO Bag (Portable Hyperbaric Bag) - is a unique, portable hyperbaric chamber for the treatment of acute mountain sickness (AMS), also known as altitude sickness.
3- AEDs (Automated External Defibrillators) - are portable life-saving devices designed to treat people experiencing sudden cardiac arrest, a medical condition in which the heart stops beating suddenly and unexpectedly
Normally TTH expect to carry your personal luggage on your own, if you wish to offload your backpack, you can give it to Mule.
Charges of offloading backpack:-
INR 1200/- if you make an online payment, 10 days in advance
INR 1500/- if you inform us after reaching Joshimath
The backpack cannot weigh more than 11 kgs. Backpack should have waterproof cover. Suitcases/strolleys/ bags will not be allowed.
To book a Trek/ adventure program please use our online booking form or, alternatively, you can call us on the given for confirmation of tour you have to wire a deposit and initial deposit.
Special Offers
Make a single payment and trek the number of times you want.
If you book a trek with Trek The Himalayas and are unable to complete the same or you have successfully completed that trek and want to do it again, you can repeat it multiple times without paying the cost of the trek.
Terms and conditions
The fee can be paid by online transfer/Check deposit/Cash deposit/Demand draft. Instruction for
payment will be forwarded along with your confirmation email. When your transfer is done, please
e-mail us a confirmation mail with your transfer details, so that we can follow up your reservation efficiently.
Cancellation terms:
For the cancellation of services due to any avoidable/unavoidable reasons, Trek The Himalayas must be notified of the same in writing at [email protected] At the time we receive your written cancellation, refunds based on the total fare are as follows.
Cancellations prior to 25 days from the start of the Trip
Refund options
Cancellation between 24 days and 15 days to the start of the Trip
Refund options
Cancellation between 14 days and 10 days to the start of the Trip
Refund options
Cancellation less than 9 days to the start of the trek
Refund options
In the unlikely event that TTH cancels a trek prior to the scheduled departure date:
While it is extremely rare for TTH to cancel a trek, we understand that unforeseen circumstances or natural disasters may occasionally require us to do so before the scheduled departure. These circumstances could include continuous rain or snow, thunderstorms, snowstorms, landslides, floods, earthquakes, or any other natural calamity that poses a risk to the safety of our trekkers. Additionally, unforeseeable events such as local riots, curfews, pandemics, lockdowns, government orders, or any similar situations that compromise the safety of the trekking experience may also necessitate a cancellation.
In the event of such a cancellation, TTH will provide you with a voucher equivalent to the amount you paid for the trek. This voucher can be redeemed for any of our treks within the next year, allowing you to still enjoy an adventure with us at a later date.
Note
In the rare event that TTH shifts a trek:
We would like to emphasize that weather conditions in high-altitude areas are highly unpredictable and can undergo sudden changes at any time, irrespective of the day. Additionally, circumstances beyond our control, such as natural disasters, political unrest, pandemics, and lockdowns, may impact the feasibility of conducting a trek. In cases where we are unable to proceed with an event due to such circumstances that are beyond our direct control, we will make every effort to provide you with an alternative trek that is safer and more suitable.
In such situations, we will issue a voucher to offset the cost difference between the originally scheduled trek and the alternative trek. This voucher can be redeemed at any time within one year from the date of issue. Please note that a refund fee or reimbursement of the cost difference is not applicable in these cases.
Note:
Cash Voucher Terms:
Itineraries are based on information available at the time of planning and are subject to change. "Trek The Himalayas" reserves the right to change expedition dates, people or itineraries as conditions warrant. If a trip must be delayed or the itinerary changed due to bad weather, road conditions, transportation delays, government intervention, airline schedules, sickness, or other contingency for which TTH or its agents cannot make provision, the cost of delays and/or other changes are the responsibility of the participant. TTH reserves the right to decline, or accept, any individual as a trip member for any reason whatsoever.
Back pack & rain cover | (50 - 60 ltr) with comfortable shoulder straps |
Day pack + rain cover | 20 - 30 ltr (If hire a mule or porter) |
Walking stick | Advisable (At least one) |
Water bottle/Hydration pack | 2 bottles of one liter each, People who use hydration pack 1 hydration pack and 1 bottle of one liter, Carry at least one thermos flask. |
Personal Medical Kit | Consult your doctor |
Snacks | Energy bars, dry fruits, electral/ors |
T-shirts | 4 Full sleeves (Non-cotton) |
Fleece T-shirts | 1 Nos. |
Fleece jacket | 1 Nos. (Alternative: a woollen sweater) |
Down feather / Hollofil jacket | 1 Nos. |
Wind & waterproof (jacket & pant) | 1 Pair |
Thermal inners (upper and lower) | 1 Pair |
Trek pants | 3 Synthetic (avoid shorts, fitting denims, capris) |
Waterproof gloves | 1 Pair |
Fleece/woolen gloves | 1 Pair |
Poncho | 1 Nos. |
Sunscreen cream | Moisturiser |
Hand sanitizer | Antibacterial powder |
Toothbrush and toothpaste | Lip balm / Chapstick |
Toilet Paper & wipes | Quick dry towel |
Head torch | 1 Nos. (Avoid Hand torch) |
Sun cap | 1 Nos. (One that covers the neck as well) |
Woolen cap | 1 Nos. |
Balaclava | 1 Nos. (Optional) |
Neck-gaiters | 2 Nos. |
Sunglasses | Dark with side cover, it should be U/V protected, People who wear spectacles- (A)- Use contact lenses. (B)- Photo chromatic glasses. |
Trekking shoes | 1 Pair (Waterproof, high ankle with good grip) |
Floaters/flip-flops | 1 Pair |
Cotton socks | 6 pairs |
Woollen socks | 1 pairs |
Gaiters | 1 Pair (TTH will Provide) |
Fitness regime for:
Moderate |
Calculate Your BMI :
Congratulations, your body is in good conditions!
BMI Range | Category |
---|---|
Less than 16.5 | Serverely Underweight |
16.5 - 18.5 | Underweight |
18.5 - 25 | Normal |
25 - 30 | Overweight |
Customise Trek
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Located within the kernels of the Garhwal Himalayas, Panwali Kantha is situated at an altitude of 11,500 ft between the Gangotri and Kedarnath Ranges. The trek is located along the old Chardham pilgrimage route from Gangotri to Kedarnath and en route, you will come across numerous remote villages, giving you a glimpse into the lives in the nooks of Garhwal Himalayas. The trek starts from Ghuttu and ends at Triyuginarayan, a temple of great religious significance. The moderate altitude of the trek makes it the perfect option in all seasons.
Panwali Kantha Trek is a 40 km long trek.
Panwali Kantha Trek is a moderate-grade trek.
The best time to do Panwali Kantha Trek is during Spring (mid-Feb to mid-Apr) and Autumn (Sep to mid-Nov).
The maximum altitude reached during the Panwali Kantha Trek is 10,800 ft.
During the Panwali Kantha Trek, you will stay in a guest house in the base camp, and on the slopes, you will be staying in tents (twin-sharing).
Here's a list of essential items to pack for the Panwali Kantha Trek:
1. Trekking shoes: A good pair of trekking shoes with a sturdy sole and ankle support is essential for the trek.
2. Backpack: A backpack with a capacity of 40-50 liters is suitable for carrying your essentials, including clothing, food, and water.
3. Warm clothing: The temperature at high altitudes can drop significantly, so it's important to carry warm clothing, including thermal layers, fleece jackets, and a down jacket.
4. Rain gear: The weather in the mountains can be unpredictable, so it's important to carry a rain jacket and pants to stay dry.
5. Trekking pants: Lightweight, quick-drying pants that are comfortable to walk in are ideal for the trek.
6. Headlamp or flashlight: A headlamp or flashlight with extra batteries is necessary for navigating through dark trails and campsites.
7. Water bottle: A reusable water bottle with a capacity of at least 1 liter is necessary to stay hydrated during the trek.
8. Sunglasses and sunscreen: The sun's UV rays can be strong at high altitudes, so it's important to carry sunglasses and sunscreen with a high SPF.
9. Basic first aid kit: A basic first aid kit with essential items like band-aids, antiseptic cream, and pain relievers can come in handy in case of injuries.
10. Personal hygiene kit: Toiletries like wet wipes, hand sanitizer, and tissues can help you maintain personal hygiene during the trek.
At TTH, we provide wholesome and nutritious meals during the Panwali Kantha Trek. The food is vegetarian and includes a variety of dishes such as rice, dal, vegetables, chapati, paratha, pasta, noodles, and soup. We also offer snacks such as biscuits, and salty, and dry fruits during the trek. Special dietary requirements such as vegan, gluten-free, or Jain food can also be arranged if informed in advance.
The trek to Panwali Kantha starts from Ghuttu village. Trek The Himalayas, will drive you from Rishikesh to Ghuttu, the base village for the trek.