Uttarakhand
Location
Uttarakhand
Duration
6 days
Max Altitude
12300 ft
Trekking
50 km
Grade
Moderate
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
Monday–Saturday: 10 AM to 06 PM (GMT +5:30)
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.
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.
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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Hear Trekkers Share Their Pindari Glacier Trek
Take an overnight train to Kathgodam railway station (290 km 6-7 hours) which is well connected to Delhi, Kolkata, Dehradun and Lucknow.
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. )
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.
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
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
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:
Booking and Payments
Itinerary and Modifications
Cancellations and Refunds
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 30 days before the trek departure date, with the following details:
This benefit is exclusive to Indian Government employees and is applicable only for treks within India.
Enter your weight and height to check if you’re fit for the trek.
Medical & Disclaimer Form (Mandatory Documents) Click here to download Medical & Disclaimer Form