Trek Overview
Imagine a scenic paradise which has breathtaking views of snow-clad peaks playing hide-and-seek with each passing clouds. Then there are gushing streams, waterfalls and lush green meadows that make you fall for its beauty instantly. The trail to the glacier is a mesmerizing walk in itself as you go past the rhododendron forests. Beautiful mountain ranges that look artistic from a distance and small streams and river crossing that make the trek a little more adventurous.
A landscape that has been an inspiration for many artists which is situated in the Kumaon Himalayas surely is a treat for all trekkers and mountaineers. The Pindari Glacier trek is one of those treks that leaves you in complete awe of the surroundings. You can also pay a visit to the local villages and get to know about their culture and traditions in detail. Stunning water bodies, charming wooden bridges have their own charm and will make your trek even more satisfying.
Pindari Glacier Trek is an easy trek in the Kumaon region of Uttarakhand. This trek offers well-defined trails with only one minor pass crossing en route to the Pindari Glacier Dhakuri Pass. The views from the pass the Dhakri Khal (2830m) – are particularly impressive and include the many snow-capped peaks that form the southern rim of the Nanda Devi Sanctuary.
Trek Highlights
- The Pindari Glacier is a glacier found in the upper reaches of the Kumaon Himalayas, to the southeast of Nanda Devi and Nanda Kot.
- The glacier is about 9 kilometers long and gives rise to the Pindar River which meets the Alakananda at Karnaprayag in the Garhwal district.
Quick Itinerary
Day 1: Kathgodam to Loharkhet
- Drive Distance: 210 km (approx. 8-9 hrs)
- Route: Scenic drive via Almora, Bageshwar
- Stay: Guesthouse in Loharkhet
Day 2: Drive Loharkhet to Kharkia & Trek to Khati
- Drive Distance: 40 km (approx. 2 hrs)
- Trek Distance: 5 km (approx. 3-4 hrs)
- Highlights: Beautiful trails through rhododendron forests
- Stay: Guesthouse in Khati
Day 3: Trek Khati to Dwali
- Trek Distance: 11 km (approx. 5-6 hrs)
- Highlights: Trek along the Pindar river, stunning valley views
- Stay: Guesthouse in Dwali
Day 4: Trek Dwali to Phurkia
- Trek Distance: 5 km (approx. 4 hrs)
- Highlights: Breathtaking landscapes, snow-clad peaks
- Stay: Guesthouse in Phurkia
Day 5: Trek to Pindari Glacier (Zero Point) & Return to Phurkia
- Trek Distance: 8 km (approx. 6-7 hrs)
- Highlights: Majestic views of Pindari Glacier
- Stay: Guesthouse in Phurkia
Day 6: Trek Phurkia to Khati via Dwali
- Trek Distance: 16 km (approx. 6-7 hrs)
- Highlights: Descending trails, lush green forests
- Stay: Guesthouse in Khati
Day 7: Trek to Kharkia & Drive to Kathgodam
- Trek Distance: 5 km (approx. 3-4 hrs)
- Drive Distance: 250 km (approx. 8-9 hrs)
- Arrival: Kathgodam by evening
Detailed Itinerary
Day 01: Drive Kathgodam to Loharkhet
Pick-up will be arranged from Kathgodam station as we begin our journey to Loharkhet. This scenic 180 km drive takes approximately 7-8 hours, passing through Bheem Tal, Almora, Bageshwar, and Kapkot.
Breakfast and lunch will be available en route. Kapkot is the last location with an ATM, as there are no ATM facilities in Loharkhet.
Upon arrival, accommodation will be in a guest house where dinner will be served.
Highlights: Scenic drive, lush green surroundings, charming hill towns.
Day 02: Drive Loharkhet to Kharkia & Trek to Khati
After breakfast, we drive for 3 hours to Kharkia, the last motorable point. From here, a 1-hour trek takes us to Khati.
The trail is surrounded by rhododendron and oak forests. Along the way, we pass small dhabas where we can try local food.
Accommodation will be in tents at the campsite. Later in the evening, you can explore the surroundings.
Highlights: Forest trail, glimpses of Nandabaner, Nandakot, and Laspadhura peaks.
Day 03: Trek Khati to Dwali
We start early for this 13 km trek, which takes about 6-7 hours. The trail consists of ascents and descents, crossing a stream at the first water point.
The final section before Dwali is a landslide-prone zone, requiring careful navigation. Dwali is located at the confluence of the Pindari and Kafni rivers.
Accommodation will be in a campsite.
Highlights: Scenic river views, challenging sections, picturesque landscapes.
Day 04: Trek Dwali to Phurkia
A shorter 5 km trek taking approximately 3 hours. The trail passes through rhododendron forests with views of Pindari River and snow-clad peaks.
On clear days, you can see Mt. Nanda Khat and Nanda Devi. Himalayan Ibex can sometimes be spotted grazing nearby.
Accommodation will be in a campsite at Phurkia.
Highlights: Alpine meadows, wildlife spotting, snow formations.
Day 05: Trek to Pindari Glacier (Zero Point) & Return to Phurkia
We start early for this 8 km round trip. The trek follows a narrow path, with stunning views of Mt. Nandakhat and Bauljuri.
Upon reaching Zero Point, we witness the 5 km-long Pindari Glacier and towering Himalayan peaks. The return to Phurkia takes about 3-4 hours.
Accommodation will be in a campsite.
Highlights: Majestic glacier views, high-altitude trekking, rugged terrain.
Day 06: Trek Phurkia to Khati via Dwali
One of the longest trekking days, covering 18 km in about 7-8 hours. We first descend to Dwali, then continue towards Khati.
The changing landscapes from snowfields to green meadows make this a visually rewarding journey.
Accommodation will be in tents at the Khati campsite.
Highlights: Long descent, scenic river crossings, diverse landscapes.
Day 07: Trek to Kharkia & Drive to Kathgodam
A short 1-hour trek takes us to Kharkia, from where a vehicle will take us back to Kathgodam.
The drive covers 180 km in about 7-8 hours, reaching Kathgodam by evening.
Highlights: Farewell trek, scenic drive back.
Inclusion / Exclusion
Inclusions:
- Accommodation (Guest house, Home stay, Camping).
- Meals while on trek (Veg. + Egg).
- Trek equipment (Sleeping bag, mattress, kitchen & dining tent, crampon, utensils, tent).
- All necessary permits and entry fees.
- First aid medical kits, stretcher, and oxygen cylinder.
- Mountaineering qualified & professional trek leader, guide, and support staff.
Exclusions:
- Any kind of personal expenses.
- Food during the transit.
- Insurance.
- Mules or porter to carry personal luggage.
- Anything not specifically mentioned under the inclusions.
Cancellation & Refund Policy
Change/Cancellation of Booking by the Participant
Process
The cancellation process is completely automated. Please log in to your Mountain Hike account and follow the instructions on your dashboard. You can choose between Instant Refund or Cash Refund as per the policy below.
Replacement of Participants
Participants can be replaced through the Mountain Hike dashboard if the booking status is “Paid” and at least 5 days remain before departure. If you face issues, email themountainhike@gmail.com with a screenshot of the error. The new participant must submit a signed undertaking form.
Note: Any Volvo/Train transport booked for the original participant will be automatically canceled and is non-transferable.
Cash Refund Policy
Cash refunds apply only for bookings made without promotional codes or vouchers. Refund amounts will be deducted as follows:
- 30+ days before departure: 5% deduction
- 15-30 days before departure: 50% deduction
- Less than 15 days before departure: No Refund
Refunds will be processed to the original payment method and are based on the Base Price of the trek, excluding transport, insurance, and portage fees.
Voucher Refund Policy
Voucher refunds are available for all types of bookings, including promotional offers. Refund amounts will be:
- 5+ days before departure: No deduction
- Less than 5 days: No Refund
Vouchers are valid for 10 months from the date of issue. The refunded voucher amount does not include service tax paid during the original booking.
Cancellation or Change Initiated by Mountain Hike
We reserve the right to modify or cancel an event due to unforeseen circumstances such as weather conditions, natural disasters, low participation, or any force majeure events. If this occurs, you will be given the choice of:
- A replacement event of equivalent value
- A full refund (processed as a voucher valid for 6 months)
If cancellation is due to low participation, participants can choose between a cash refund or a voucher.
Changes/Cancellation After Departure
Due to Force Majeure
No refund will be provided for cancellations due to force majeure after departure.
Other Reasons
If cancellations occur for reasons other than force majeure, we will attempt to arrange alternative services or provide a refund in the form of a 6-month voucher (or cash, if preferred).
Participant Dropout During the Event
No refund will be provided if a participant voluntarily drops out of the trek. Any additional costs incurred for return arrangements will be borne by the participant.
Early Return from an Event
If a participant returns early due to force majeure or an event ending sooner than planned, additional expenses (extra nights, transport) must be covered by the participant.
Emergency Evacuation
In case of a medical emergency, we will arrange evacuation to the nearest hospital. Any costs for porters, vehicles, ambulance services, or hospitalization must be covered by the participant.