Stand atop the summit of Mt. Pangarchulla and celebrate the conquest of a mountain peak more than 15,000 feet in the sky. From the top, you'll get magnificent views of Uttarakhand's white-washed landscape, with prominent peaks of Mt. Trishul, Mt. Dunagari and Mt. Nanda Devi rising above you in the distance.
To reach the summit, you'll climb over a challenging trail, encountering pristine white snowfields that may require the use of an ice-axe and a harness. Climbing over difficult inclines, you'll also make your way to the nearby Kuari Pass to prepare for the Pangarchulla summit day. All throughout, you'll take in views of gushing river streams, expansive meadows, wooden houses, and terraced farms of the Garhwali mountains.
Please note that this trek to Pangarchulla peak and Kuari Pass requires you to trek for more than 5-6 hours every day. Accordingly, it is recommended only to travellers with prior experience of at least one Himalayan trek above 9,000 feet.
Destination
Mt. Pangarchulla, an epic Himalayan summit, offers an adrenaline-inducing trail to trekking enthusiasts looking for their next challenge. The trail to approach Pangarchulla is the perfect blend of varied terrains, from plush green meadows and rock-strewn routes to pristine white snowfields and narrow mountain trails. While most trekkers plan their adventure in the months of summer when the thick sheets of snow are navigable, only the brave hearts head to Pangarchulla in the months of winter when temperatures often drop below -10 degrees.
Destination highlights
Climb up more than 15,000 feet to summit Mt. Pangarchulla. | Trek to the Kuari Pass to prepare for the summit day. | Enjoy views of prominent peaks like Nanda Devi, Chaukhamba and Dunagiri. | Climb through fields of thick snow and green meadows. | Sign up for a moderately challenging, summit trek in Uttarakhand.
Day 1 of the Pangarchulla trek: Haridwar to Joshimath
Early in the morning, you will be picked up from the Haridwar railway station in a private vehicle. The 10-hr long drive to Joshimath will take you alongside the Ganga River and past the sacred town of Rishikesh. En route, you'll also see the beautiful confluence of the Alaknanda and Bhagirathi rivers. After arriving at Joshimath, take some time to admire scenic mountain views with time for an briefing session with your trek leader. Overnight in a guesthouse at Joshimath.
Overnight in a guesthouse at Joshimath
Report to the Haridwar railway station and drive from Haridwar to Joshimath. You can also arrive at Rishikesh a few days prior to the departure date and book a rafting adventure at Rishikesh at your own expense. In this case, you'll be picked up from Rishikesh and driven to Joshimath. You'll be accommodated in a guesthouse at Joshimath. Today's meal package includes dinner only.
Day 1 Milestone
Haridwar
Joshimath
06:30 AM
Food
Dinner
Veg | Egg
Day 2 of the Pangarchulla trek: Joshimath to Gulling
The Pangarchulla trek begins today with a short 40-min drive over twisting mountainous roads near Joshimath. You'll begin walking from the village of Dhak, climbing over a rocky trail of gradual inclines. En route, stop to rest at hillside villages and take pictures of gushing river streams, expansive meadows, wooden houses, and terraced farms. Trekking through dense forest cover, with views of snow-clad peaks like Dunagiri and Hathi Parvat, you'll arrive at today's destination of Gulling. Overnight in tents at Gulling.
Overnight in tents at Gulling
Drive from Joshimath to Dhak and trek from Dhak to Gulling. You'll be accommodated in tents at Gulling. You'll be given a comfortable sleeping bag for a restful night's sleep. Today's meal package includes breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Day 2 Milestone
Joshimath
Gulling
07:00 AM
Food
Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner
Veg | Egg
Day 3 of the Pangarchulla trek: Gulling to Camp 1
Climb up to even higher altitudes on today's 5-hr trek to Camp 1. Located amidst coniferous forests of ancient oaks and blooming rhododendrons, Camp 1 will be your base camp to attempt the summit of Pangarchulla. En route, you'll also begin seeing sprawling snowfields layering your trail of difficult inclines and steep climbs. After arriving at Camp 1, the evening can be spent on a short walk to explore the area. Overnight in tents at Camp 1.
Overnight in tents at Camp 1
Trek from Gulling to Camp 1. You'll be accommodated in tents at Camp 1. All camping locations will be equipped with a common dry-pit style washroom tent and a common kitchen/dining tent to serve and prepare meals. Today's meal package includes breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Day 3 Milestone
Gulling
Camp 1
07:00 AM
Food
Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner
Veg | Egg
Day 4 of the Pangarchulla trek: Day trek to Kuari Pass
Today, you'll prepare for the trek to Pangarchulla peak by making your way to the nearby Kuari Pass. Through the forest, you'll climb for an hour until the woods open up to clean and clear grasslands. During winter, the meadows are swamped with a blanket of slow, a visual treat for many. On your way back from Kuari Pass, keep an eye out for prominent peaks in the area such as Chaukhamba, Kamet and of course, Pangarchulla. Overnight in tents at Camp 1.
Overnight in tents at Camp 1
Embark on a day trek to Kuari Pass. You'll be accommodated in tents at Camp 1. Today's meal package includes breakfast, lunch and dinner. All meals served will be vegetarian but may include egg preparations.
Day 4 Milestone
Camp 1
Camp 1
07:00 AM
Food
Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner
Veg | Egg
Day 5 of the Pangarchulla trek: Day trek to Pangarchulla summit
The big day is finally here. Today, you'll head out under the cover of darkness and attempt to climb the summit of Mt. Pangarchulla. After a short but laborious ridge climb, you'll take on the challenging task of navigating the snow blanket in squalling winds. From the base, you'll reach the top with another steep climb, using an ice-axe and harness.
From the top, you'll get detailed views of Chaukhamba massif, Mana, Kamet, and other snow peaks rising above the white-washed terrain. With a sense of fulfilment after conquering the peak, you'll return to Camp 1. Overnight in tents at Camp 1.
Overnight in tents at Camp 1
Embark on a day trek to Pangarchulla peak. Any technical or safety gear required during the trek, such as an ice-axe or fixed ropes, will be provided to you by the trek leader. You'll be accommodated in tents at Camp 1. Today's meal package includes breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Day 5 Milestone
Camp 1
Camp 1
04:00 AM
Food
Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner
Veg | Egg
Day 6 of the Pangarchulla trek: Camp 1 to Joshimath
Begin your return trek along the same route and retrace your steps back from Camp 1 to Dhak village. Scenic views of the green landscape will pop back into view as you leave the snowfields behind. A vehicle will drive you back to Joshimath. Overnight in a guesthouse at Joshimath.
Overnight in a guesthouse at Joshimath
Trek from Camp 1 to Dhak and drive from Dhak to Joshimath. Throughout the trek, you'll be accompanied by an experienced trek leader and a support staff of assistant guide, cooks and porters. You'll be accommodated in a guesthouse at Joshimath. Today's meal package includes breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Day 6 Milestone
Camp 1
Joshimath
07:00 AM
Food
Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner
Veg | Egg
Day 7 of the Pangarchulla trek: Joshimath to Haridwar
Bid goodbye to the mountains and settle in for a 10-hr drive back to Haridwar. You'll reach Haridwar railway station by 18:00 hrs, subject to traffic conditions. Your trip ends here.
Your trip ends by 18:00 hrs
Drive from Joshimath to Haridwar. Depending on road conditions and traffic movement, you'll be back in Haridwar by 18:00 hrs. No meals are included in today's meal package, but you can stop at restaurants and eateries en route to Haridwar to have meals at your own expense.
For cancellations made more than 24 days before departure of the Pangarchulla peak trek: 95% refund.
For cancellations made 14-24 days before departure of the Pangarchulla peak trek: 70% refund.
For cancellations made 10-13 days before departure of the Pangarchulla peak trek: 50% refund.
For cancellations made less than 10 days before departure of the Pangarchulla peak trek: no refund.
In case of no show: no refund.
All refunds are processed after deducting a transaction fee of INR 200 per person. This fee is charged by The Great Next.
Rules on trip
Travellers are required to follow instructions of the trek leader during the trek to Pangarchulla peak.
Travellers are requested to treat the local culture with respect and avoid littering, defacing property and monuments and causing general disturbance.
Consumption of alcohol, drugs or tobacco products like cigarettes is strictly prohibited during the trek to Pangarchulla peak.
Additional instructions, booking policies, terms and conditions
The tour operator reserves the right to alter or cancel the itinerary of the trek to Pangarchulla peak to ensure maximum safety of travellers and staff. Any costs arising due to such a change in the itinerary are borne by the traveller.
The tour operator takes utmost care to ensure safety of the travellers and shall not be held responsible for any mishap, accident or loss of life and property during the trek to Pangarchulla peak.
Travel arrangements between Haridwar and Dhak in a private vehicle
Accommodation for 6 nights in guesthouses and tents on a twin/triple-sharing basis
All equipment required for camping: tents, sleeping bag, mattress
Common kitchen/dining tents and washroom tents
All vegetarian meals from dinner on day 1 to dinner on day 6
Services of an experienced trek leader and support staff
Services of mules/porters to carry common camping equipment
Technical and safety gear required for the trek, if any (including ice-axe, harness, rope etc.)
All government permits and charges
First aid kit (including stretcher and oxygen cylinder)
All applicable taxes
Excludes
Travel arrangements between your home city and Haridwar
Services of mules to carry personal luggage (arranged at additional cost of INR 1,500 per backpack weighing a maximum of 11 kgs, if booked in advance)
Personal expenses such as extra meals, beverages, gratuity tips to staff etc.
Costs due to unforeseen circumstances such as road blocks, bad weather etc.
Adventure travel Insurance
Anything not mentioned in inclusions
What to Wear
What to Wear
Full-sleeved t-shirts/shirts
Fleece jacket
Woollen sweater
Down feather/hollofil jacket
Synthetic trekking pants
Inner thermal wear (upper and lower)
Poncho or raincoat
Monkey cap
Balaclava and neck-gaiters
UV protected sunglasses
Waterproof trekking shoes
Cotton/woollen socks and waterproof gloves
Not to wear - Expensive gadgets or jewellery
Shorts, fitting denims, capris
What not to Wear
Loose clothing that will tangle around you while swimming
Restrictive clothing
Flip-flops
Equipment / Gear
We Provide
Private vehicle for transport between Haridwar and Dhak
All equipment required for camping: tents, sleeping bag, mattress
Common kitchen/dining tents and washroom tents
Technical and safety gear required for the trek, if any (including ice-axe, harness, rope etc.)
First aid kit (including stretcher and oxygen cylinder)
You need to get
Backpack (50+ litres) with rain cover
Day pack (20+ litres) with rain cover
Walking stick/trekking pole (optional)
Torch/headlamp
Water bottle/thermos flask
Personal toiletries
Insect repellent
Dry snacks (electral, protein bars etc.)
Lightweight towels/napkins
Cold cream and lip balm
Medical Kit
Please carry any prescribed medication and a personal first-aid kit.
Directions towards the Pick up Point
Haridwar is accessible via road, rail and air. You can board a flight to the Jolly Grant Airport near Dehradun and hire a private cab or taxi to travel from the airport or you can board a train from Delhi to arrive directly to Haridwar railway station. Google Maps pin: https://goo.gl/maps/c4HKyLPMTSA2
Directions towards the Start Point
The tour operator will arrange your transport to the start point of the trek to Pangarchulla peak.