PANCHACHULI GLACIER TREK
Duration & Total Trekking :
13 days, 110 Kms.
Highest Elevation :
4260 m
Difficulty Level :
Moderate
Trekking Highlights :
Bamboo forest, Glacier walk, Waterfalls
Best time to travel :
mid April to mid October
Approximate Cost per person :
Depends on number of people and time of the year
If you want an extraordinary trekking destination, we recommend the Panchachuli Glacier trek. This trek will take you through virgin forests, beautiful meadows, gurgling brooks and waterfalls, breathtaking unconventional campsites, glaciers, meandering rivers, alpine landscapes and stupendous views of the Panchachuli peaks.
Day
Region Covered
Trek Time
Highlights
Overnight Stay
Day 01
and 02
Nainital
9 hrs drive
Arrive at Nainital, a hill station set around Naini Lake, named after the eyes – Naina of Parvati, Lord Shiva’s wife. It is believed that the emerald lake is one of her green eyes. In the morning the group will do an excursion to Naina Peak which is at an elevation of 2610 M, from where you can get a glimpse of the Himalayan peaks including Nanda Devi.
Guest House or Hotel
Day 03
Nainital to Madkote
9 hrs drive
Next day, we will drive nine hours to our base at Madkote via Pithoragarh.
Hotel
Day 04
Madkote to Chulkote
9 hrs / 3.5 Kms
On day four, we start trekking late morning to Chulkote which is three and a half kilometers from Madkote. Chulkote is a small village where we will stay in local homes for the night.
Local homes
Day 05
Chulkote to Bhoguna
6.5 hrs
After breakfast we will leave at 8 am from Chulkote. The first 45 minutes is climbing upwards and then a downwards trek through the forest. It will take six and a half hours to reach ‘Bhoguna where we will install our tents to make camp here in the forest.
Tents
Day 06
Bhoguna to Fungagair
7 hrs
On day six, we will cross, river Mandagini. This river comes from the Kathab Glacier. We will have our campsite near the river.
Tents
Day 07
Fungagair to Selapani
5 hrs
This day will include a steep climb of three hours and then a gradual walk of two hours up to the next camp location.
Tents
Day 08
Selapani to Kathab Camp
1 hr+
From Selapani we have a one hour climb and then down to reach near the Kathab glacier. This day, we will have very peaceful campsite with beautiful views of the Panchachuli peak.
Tents
Day 09
Kathab Camp
Leisurely Walk
On day nine, we will explore the valley and take a long walk near the Panchachuli peaks and you will have an extremely majestic and sweeping view the same.
Tents
Day 10
Kathab Camp to Bhujani
5 hrs
From Kathab, we will do a fairly easy trek to Bhujani along the river Mandagini.
Tents
Day 11
Bhujani to Toli
6 hrs
This day, we will have to climb upwards for nearly four hours then descend two hours to Toli. We have to cross a beautiful forest full of bamboo plants.
Tents
Day 12
Toli to Gaila
Gaila to Munsiyari
4 hrs
2 hrs drive
This will be the last day of our trekking. We have a four hours trek to the village Gaila and then a two hours drive to reach Munsiyari.
Tents
Day 13
Munsiyari to Ranikhet
8 hrs drive
On the last day, we will drive eight hours to Ranikhet, also known as ‘Hill of Queen’ and visit the local market and a view point from where we can have a picturesque view of the Himalayas.
Hotel
- Cost for the trek will be shared through email and will be from the start to the end point of the trek. It will also depend on the number of people in the group. (If you want the costing from your point of origin, please inform at the time of booking).
- Cost includes transport, accompanying English speaking trekking escort, entrance and camping fees, mess tent, client tent, kitchen tent and camping crew cook and kitchen helpers.
- Meal Plan will be only Vegetarian and full board DURING TREKKING ONLY
- GST as applicable and levied by the Government will be added to the cost and is subject to change if revised by the Government.
- Necessary items to carry during the trip would be informed once final payment has been made
- Itinerary has to be confirmed 45 days in advance and no changes will be entertained after that
NOT INCLUDED – international flights, soft/alcoholic drinks, airport tax, insurance, telecom expenses, meals not specified, camera fee, emergency evacuation / transport expenses and expenses of personal nature like tips, laundry, etc.
For an exhaustive list of Terms & Conditions please click here
Why should I trek with eTara Trips?
– eTara strives be a socially responsible company to serve the global community by providing an experiential travel portal and customised trips to them. We believe that we will enrich your holiday experience while you customised options to choose from. Further to this, we will use a part of your spend register self-help groups in local populations and increase economic prosperity and health for the area we operate in.
What does trekking entail?
– Our treks are mainly concentrated in the Kumaon Himalayas. You will be expected to walk for up to 130 km round trip over trekking trails through forests, villages and mountains to reach the glacier or meadow that is advertised.
Do I need some preparation for the Trek? Level of fitness expected from participants?
– Yes, you do need a little preparation, depending on the difficulty level of the trek. We do suggest that you walk 3 to 5 km everyday for 20 days before the trek. A brisk walk will also help.
Should I be extremely fit in order to trek?
-You need to be medically fit to manage altitude and the uphill walk of a few kilometers with a backpack. Consult your doctor before undertaking any trek.
When do we book the trek?
– You should book the Trek 45 days in advance so that there is ample preparation time.
Who will carry my backpack?
– A pony/porter can carry your backpack while trekking, on extra payment. You will need to carry a knapsack with your daily needs.
What should be the weight of the backpack?
– Total weight of the backpack should not exceed 12 kg. You will be expected to carry all the things that will be listed in the itinerary given by eTara Trips at the time of confirming your package.
Where will you meet us?
– The starting point of the trek (as per Trek Details that will be shared on email) will be the meeting point for all the trekkers. Our guide will be there to provide a pre trek orientation on Day One.
Who will run the trek?
– From the beginning to the end, the trek will be led by experienced guides, who are also trained mountaineers.
What will be an optimum batch size?
– 4-12 people is a good batch size and includes all genders
What is the minimum age requirement for a trek?
Moderate trek: 8 years and above
High Intensity trek: 18 years and above
(Note: Medical certificate for being allowed to trek will be needed in some treks)
What will be the minimum temperature during the trek?
– The temperatures may drop to 10° C during the night hours at certain altitudes. In December to March, the temperature goes to below freezing ie 0° C . It is rainy season in July and August.
What will happen if we have to extend the stay during a landslide or other ‘Force Majeure’ reasons?
– If, for any reasons beyond our control, we have to extend the trek, then additional charges may apply for stay and food.
Can I take Diamox for mountain sickness?
– We do not make such recommendations and deem it advisable to consult your doctor for any medicines required by you.
How safe are these treks for a woman traveling solo?
– Safety is a very important factor for us. Our treks are managed by our own guides and personally known and trusted vendors. Thus, we assure that the trek is absolutely safe even for solo female trekkers.
What kind of shoes will be required?
Different shoes are suitable for different types of treks. These are dependent on the weather, trail condition as well as duration of the trek.
Low ankle hiking shoes: For warm and dry terrains
Trek boots:For rugged and cold condition
Trek boots with crampon ready features: For trekking on the glaciers and extensive snow
What kind of food is served during the trek?
– During the trek, nutritious vegetarian food rich in protein and carbohydrates is served. If possible, we may surprise our trekkers with treats from the local villages like pakoras etc.
Is it safe to drink water from the streams we might cross?
– It is completely safe to drink and even for cook with stream water, but, to be on the safer side we always carry filters and chlorine tablets
Is alcohol allowed during the trek?
– No, alcohol is not allowed during the trek
What vehicles do you use for transportation during trek, if any?
– Vehicles like Mahindra Bolero, Tata Sumo, Scorpio, Max, and Tempo Traveller are used by us for a ride on Himalayan roads
Are your Fixed Departure Dates flexible?
– We will go on the trek as long as we get the minimum four people (the cost for less than that is not economical on the person booking). And fixed dates do not change.
How do you deal with emergency situations?
– Trekking is a rewarding experience. But, it is important that safety is kept in mind during a trek. We make all arrangements to ensure that accidents are not a possibilty. But rarely, emergencies like illness, AMS, storms, mis-steps, landslides and even avalanches can occur anytime during the trek, so we need to be prepared. To deal with any minor emergency, your guides, who are trained mountaineers will help you. Your tour guide will always carry a first aid kit to deal with any medical emergencies. In the case of a rescue operation required, extra charges will be borne by the Trekker.
How do I book for a Trek?
– Please register online or contact us for further information.
What do I need to carry for the Trek?
– A list of items and essential documents to carry will be provided via email once you have finalised the Trek you want to go on.
What type of accommodation will be provided on the trek?
– The accommodation will be in the form of guesthouses, village homestays or tents. This depends on the trek route and itinerary.
Can I charge my digital camera, mobile or other batteries on my trip?
– We will be trekking in the interiors of forests and the wilderness. There are little or no chances of electricity in these areas. We suggest you take battery powered, power banks and extra batteries if you want to charge your appliances.
Do I need to tip my guide and porters? What is the customary tip?
– There is no compulsion to tip the guide or porters. But you can do so to show your gratitude and the amount is totally dependent on your discretion.