Trek Name: Panchachuli Trek / Panchachuli Base Camp Trek

Trail Difficulty: Moderate

Season: Mid April – Mid October

Length: Approx. 68 miles (110 km) Total

Altitude: 13,975 ft

Number of Days and Nights: 12 Days (4 days traveling / 8 days trekking)

The Panchachuli trek is relatively the easiest of all treks that takes travelers from the Darma Valley to the Eastern Kumaon.

Location

The region is located near the North of Tibet and the East of Nepal and runs along the Dhauli Ganga River and was once an important trade route between India and Tibet.

The trek is snugly nestled in the lap of the Panchachuli peaks that remain snow covered. These five peaks of Panchachuli are known for creating a wonderful specter of the Him Khand and the Yuli River, skirted by the forests of Bhoj Patra, Devdaar, conifer trees and the vast meadows. Apart from this, the Darma Valley located in the Pithoragarh district is endowed with scenic gradeur and the splendid combination of alpine meadows, gushing streams, snowcapped mountains and other enthralling scenery.

Apart from this, the Panchachuli glacier is an area of outstanding beauty and is situated on the lap of the kumaon Himalayan range in the Darma Valley. The entire journey to the Panchachuli glacier is actually a walk along the Dhauliganga River. It is a pleasant walk. But that’s not all. In fact, the trail takes one through the tribal villages of Sela, Bongling, Baaling, Nagling, and Duktu; settled along the bank of river Dhauliganga and the dense forests of Bhojpatra, Deodar and Conifer.

Best Time to Go

Trekking to the Panchachuli is usually a five day travel and this will differ according to weather conditions (extreme cold). This is especially true during the months of November, when the onset of winter makes the journey very difficult.

Panchachuli Trek Highlights

1. The Panchachuli glacier that lies in the lap of the Kumaon Himalayas and is adorned with snow-capped mountains, enchanting landscapes, alpine meadows, cascading water and varieties of flora and fauna.

2. The watershed situated between the Darma Valleys and the Gori Ganga

3. The tribal villages of Sela, Bongling, Baaling, Nagling and Duktu along the thick forests

4. The scenery around the Panchachuli Base Camp Trek

Panchachuli Trek Itinerary Details

Day 1: Kathgodam – Dharchula Trek

Travelers will begin their journey from Kathgodam to Dharchula, which is a 290 km long distance and will take approximately 9 hours by drive.

The journey to the Panchacholi Base Camp will take one through the picturesque routes of towns namely Almora, Bhimtal, Dhaulchina, Chaukhori, Sera-gat, Ashkot and Thal. Travelers will have to traverse through little villages and splendid gorges inorder to reach Dharchula. This is a hamlet that is situated near India-Nepal International boundary. Travelers arriving at the village will have to spend the night in local homes.

Day 2: Dharchula – Dar – Urthing Trek

On the second day of the journey, travelers will have to travel to Dar. This will take about 3 hour to reach by drive. The journey will take you through the small tribal settlements of New Sobla and Tawaghat. When you arrive at Dar, travelers will have to walk upto the campsite of Urthing. This could be a little bit dangerous since you will have to walk along the edge of a narrow cliff with the Dhauliganga River gushing on the right. Walking upto the Urthing campsire will take approximately 3- 4 hour by walk.

Day 3: Urthing – Naagling Trek

The trek from Urthing to Naagling is an easy one and travelers will be walking across sprawling pastures with the river Dhauligaga gushing through the gorges. To reach the Naagling campsite, trekkers will need to cross over the suspension bridge. Here travelers can settle down and spend the night in the campsite with the river flowing beside.

Day 4: Naagling – Saun Trek

The highland meadows of Naagling offer a spectacular sight with the surrounding Himalayas and distant glaciers. Travellers will need to cross over to the prairies of Baaling by covering a distance of 3 km. They will also have to walk through tribal areas before they could finally reach Saun. Here at Saun, one can set up camps and retire for the night.

Day 5: Saun – Panchachuli Base Camp Trek

The trek from Saun to Panchachuli Base Camp will comprise of long walks across the vast expanse of Dantu Bugyals, with the Meola River flowing on one side and dense forest on another.

Descending into the Panchachuli Base Camp will offer amazing views of strawberries, wild flowers, sprawling meadows and glaciers. The Panchachuli peak stands towering the backdrop at a height of 6904 m. Travelers can camp for the night here after spending a good day in the presence of the picturesque environs.

Day 6: Panchachuli Base Camp – Naagling Trek

The trek from Panchachuli Base Camp back to Naagling will be through picturesque landscapes and trails. Trekkers can camp for the night after they reach Naagling.

Day 7: Naagling – Urthing Trek

The trek from Naagling to Urthing will be a complete descent. After reaching Urthing, trekkers can camp for the night.

Day 8: Urthing – Dar – Dharchula Trek

The trek from Urthing to Dar will be a 5 km descent. After arriving in Dar, trekkers will then drive all the way to Dharchula.

Day 9: Dharchula – Almora – Kathgodam

The journey back from Dharchula to Kathgodam via Almora will cover a distance of approximately 9 kms. This is the final and the end of the enthralling journey.

Panchachuli Trek Cost Comparison, Best Price List

Panchachuli Base Camp Trek Route Map