Pangarchulla Peak trek
- Joshimath, Uttarakhand
Peoples's Choice
- People's Choice
- Travel Safe
- Certified Team
- Easy Cancellation
- Well Equipped Campsite
- Experienced Guide
- No Hidden Charges
Starting from
₹10,599/-PP
+5% GST
12% Off
4.5
- 7 Days
- 15,100 Ft.
- 43 Km
- Moderate
- Uttarakhand
Best season : April to June, September to November
Opening Dates
- April
14 Apr - 20 Apr 2024
18 Apr - 24 Apr 2024
19 Apr - 25 Apr 2024
20 Apr - 26 Apr 2024
21 Apr - 27 Apr 2024
27 Apr - 03 Mar 2024
28 Apr - 04 Mar 2024
Overview
Pangarchulla Peak Trek Uttarakhand is a popular trekking destination located in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand, India. The trek to Pangarchulla Peak is considered to be a challenging one, and it is recommended for experienced trekkers.
The trek starts from the Tugasi village near Joshimath and passes through dense forests of oak, rhododendron, and deodar trees. As the trek progresses, the landscape changes, and trekkers are greeted with stunning views of snow-capped mountains, glaciers, and meadows. The trail also crosses several streams and rivers, adding to the overall experience of the trek.
One of the highlights of the trek is the climb to the summit of Pangarchulla Peak. At an altitude of 4,700 meters, the climb to the summit is steep and requires technical skills, making it a challenging but rewarding experience for trekkers. From the summit, trekkers can enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding mountains, including Nanda Devi, Dronagiri, Kamet, and Chaukhamba.
The best time to undertake the Pangarchulla trek is between April to June and between September to November. During the winter months, the region receives heavy snowfall, making it difficult to trek.
The entire trek takes around 7-8 days to complete, and trekkers are required to carry their own gear and supplies. There are several campsites along the trail where trekkers can set up their tents and spend the night. Additionally, there are several trekking companies that offer guided tours and support services to trekkers.
The Pangarchulla trek is a challenging and rewarding experience for trekkers who are looking to test their limits and enjoy stunning views of the Himalayas.
Itinerary
Day 01 Rishikesh - Joshimath
On Day 01 of the Pangarchulla trek, you will travel from Rishikesh to Joshimath. The journey takes around 9-10 hours and covers a distance of approximately 250 kilometres.
You will start early in the morning from Rishikesh and drive towards Joshimath, a small town in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand. The road passes through several towns and villages, including Devprayag, Rudraprayag, and Karnaprayag.
Along the way, you will be able to enjoy stunning views of the Himalayan mountains, rivers, and valleys. You will also pass several important Hindu pilgrimage sites, including Devprayag, Rudraprayag, Karnprayag, and Nandprayag where the Alaknanda and Bhagirathi rivers meet to form the Ganges.
Upon reaching Joshimath, you will check into a hotel or guesthouse, where you will spend the night. This will give you a chance to rest and acclimatize to the high altitude before starting the trek the next day.
Day 02 Joshimath - Gulling Top via Tugasi Village
On Day 02 of the Pangarchulla trek, you will start your journey from Joshimath and make your way towards Gulling Top, via the Tugasi Village.
After an early breakfast, you will leave Joshimath and drive to the Tugasi Village, which is the starting point of the trek. From Tugasi, you will trek for around 3-4 hours to reach the Gulling Top. The trail passes through dense forests of oak and rhododendron trees, and you will also cross several small streams along the way.
The trail from Tugasi Village to Gulling Top is steep and requires a moderate level of fitness. It takes around 3-4 hours to reach Gulling Top, which is located at an altitude of 3,200 meters.
Upon reaching Gulling Top, you will set up your campsite and spend the night there. The campsite offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains, and you will be able to enjoy a peaceful and quiet night under the stars. This will also give you a chance to acclimatize to the high altitude before continuing the trek the next day.
Day 03 Gulling Top – Khulara Campsite
On Day 03 of the Pangarchulla trek, you will leave Gulling Top and make your way toward the Khulara Campsite.
After an early breakfast, you will start the trek towards the Khulara Campsite, located at an altitude of 3,800 meters. The trail from Gulling Top to Khulara Campsite is challenging and requires a good level of fitness. It takes around 5-6 hours to reach the campsite.
Along the way, you will cross several ridges and valleys, and the trail offers stunning views of the Nanda Devi peak and the surrounding Himalayan mountains. You will also come across several small streams and waterfalls, making the trek even more enjoyable.
Day 04 Khulara Campsite – Kuari Pass and back to Khulara Campsite
On Day 04 of the Pangarchulla trek, you will trek from the Khulara Campsite to the Kuari Pass and back to the campsite.
After an early breakfast, you will start the trek towards the Kuari Pass, located at an altitude of 4,264 meters. The trail to the pass is steep and requires a good level of fitness. It takes around 3-4 hours to reach the pass.
Upon reaching the Kuari Pass, you will be rewarded with stunning views of the Himalayan Mountains, including Nanda Devi, Kamet, Dronagiri, and Chaukhamba. You will also be able to see several peaks of the Tibetan Plateau, including the Kedarnath Peak and the Gangotri Group.
After spending some time at the pass and taking in the views, you will trek back to the Khulara Campsite. The descent is steep, and you will need to be careful while walking on the rocky terrain. It takes around 2-3 hours to reach the campsite.
Upon reaching the Khulara Campsite, you will spend the night there and enjoy a peaceful and quiet night under the stars. This will also allow you to rest and recharge before continuing the trek to the Pangarchulla Peak the next day.
Day 05 Khulara Campsite – Pangarchulla summit and back to Khulara
On Day 05 of the Pangarchulla trek, you will trek from the Khulara Campsite to the Pangarchulla summit and back to the campsite.
After an early breakfast, you will start the trek toward the Pangarchulla summit, located at an altitude of 4,700 meters. The trail is steep and requires a good level of fitness. It takes around 5-6 hours to reach the summit.
The trek to the summit offers stunning views of the Himalayan mountains, including Nanda Devi, Kamet, Dronagiri, and Chaukhamba. Upon reaching the summit, you will be rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
After spending some time at the summit and taking in the views, you will trek back to the Khulara Campsite. The descent is steep, and you will need to be careful while walking on the rocky terrain. It takes around 3-4 hours to reach the campsite.
Upon reaching the Khulara Campsite, you will spend the night there and enjoy a peaceful and quiet night under the stars. This will also allow you to rest and recharge before continuing the trek back to Joshimath the next day.
Day 06: Khulara –Tugasi – Joshimath
On Day 06 of the Pangarchulla trek, you will trek from the Khulara Campsite to Tugasi Village and then drive back to Joshimath.
After breakfast, you will start the trek from the Khulara Campsite towards Tugasi Village. The trail is mostly downhill and takes around 3-4 hours to reach the village.
From Tugasi Village, you will board a vehicle for the drive back to Joshimath. The drive takes around 1 hour, and upon reaching Joshimath, you will check into a hotel for the night.
In the evening, you can explore the town of Joshimath and visit the famous Narsingh Temple, which is believed to be more than 1,200 years old. You can also shop for souvenirs and relax in the comfort of your hotel. This will be the last night of your trek, and you can enjoy a comfortable and peaceful night in Joshimath.
Day 07: Joshimath to Rishikesh
On Day 07 of the Pangarchulla trek, you will travel from Joshimath back to Rishikesh, which marks the end of your trek.
After breakfast, you will board a vehicle for the drive from Joshimath to Rishikesh. The drive takes around 8-9 hours, and you will pass through several scenic towns and villages along the way. You can also stop for lunch at one of the many roadside eateries.
Upon reaching Rishikesh, you will check into a hotel and relax for the rest of the day. In the evening, you can explore the town of Rishikesh, which is known as the "Yoga Capital of the World." You can visit the famous Triveni Ghat and watch the Ganga Aarti ceremony, which is a beautiful ritual that involves lighting lamps and offering prayers to the River Ganges.
This will be your last night in Rishikesh, and you can enjoy a comfortable and peaceful night in the town before departing the next day.
Map
Inclusion
- Accommodation: On all days of Trek (On Triple sharing Basis)
- Food: All Veg. Meal from Dinner at base camp on the day first till the last day Breakfast
- Forest Charges: Included all the necessary entry charges for the particular trek.
- Other Charges: Vehicle permit, toll and parking charges.
- Trek Leader and Guide: Qualified and Experienced trek leader and guide.
- Transportation: From Dehradun-Dehradun on a shared basis
Exclusion
- All kinds of personal expenditures
- Anything that we have not mentioned in the Inclusion section.
- The trek cost doesn't include meals bought during the journey on 1st day and last day. (Food starts from dinner at base camp on the day first till the last day lunch).
- Mules or porter charges to carry private baggage.
- Any kind of emergency evacuation charges.
- Fees or permits for non-Indians.
Things to Carry
Essential things to carry if you are planning to go on the Pangarchulla Peak trek:
- Trekking shoes: A good pair of trekking shoes with a sturdy sole and ankle support is essential.
- Backpack: A backpack with a capacity of 40-50 litres to carry all your essentials.
- Warm clothes: Warm clothes like thermals, fleece jackets, and down jackets keep you warm in the cold weather.
- Rain gear: Raincoat or poncho to protect you from unexpected rain.
- Sleeping bag and sleeping mat: A good quality sleeping bag and mat to ensure a comfortable sleep at night.
- Trekking poles: Trekking poles help you maintain balance and reduce the strain on your knees.
- Headlamp or flashlight: A headlamp or flashlight with extra batteries for nighttime use.
- First aid kit: A first aid kit with essential medicines and bandages.
- Water bottles: Two water bottles of one litre each to stay hydrated.
- Snacks: Energy bars, dry fruits, and chocolates to keep you energized during the trek.
- Sunscreen and sunglasses: Sunscreen with high SPF and sunglasses to protect your skin and eyes from the sun.
- Personal toiletries: Personal toiletries like toothbrushes, toothpaste, wet wipes, and hand sanitiser.
It is important to pack light and carry only the essentials, as carrying heavy backpacks can be exhausting during the trek.
How to Reach
Here is how to reach the Pangarchulla Peak trek:
- By air: The nearest airport to Pangarchulla Peak trek is Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun, which is well-connected to major cities in India. From the airport, one can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach Joshimath, which is the base camp for the trek.
- By train: The nearest railway station to Joshimath is Rishikesh, which is well-connected to major cities in India. From Rishikesh, one can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach Joshimath.
- By road: Joshimath is well-connected by road with major cities in Uttarakhand. One can take a bus or hire a taxi from Rishikesh, Haridwar, or Dehradun to reach Joshimath. From Joshimath, one can hire a taxi to reach the trek starting point at Dhak village.
Once you reach Joshimath, you can start the trek from Tugasi village, which is the starting point of the Pangarchulla Peak trek. The trek takes you through scenic villages and lush green forests, offering stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
Safety & Security
Here are some safety tips to keep in mind while trekking on Pangarchulla Peak:
- Acclimatization: It is essential to acclimatize yourself to the high altitude before starting the trek. Take a day or two to rest in Joshimath to allow your body to adjust to the altitude.
- Physical fitness: Pangarchulla Peak trek is a challenging trek that requires a good level of physical fitness. Before starting the trek, it is advisable to engage in regular physical activity and cardio exercises to build your stamina.
- Follow the guide: It is important to follow the guide’s instructions and stay with the group during the trek. The guide is experienced and knows the terrain well and can guide you through the difficult sections of the trek.
- Stay hydrated: It is essential to stay hydrated during the trek. Carry enough water bottles and drink frequently to avoid dehydration.
- Proper clothing: The weather can be unpredictable in the mountains. It is advisable to carry warm clothes, rain gear, and a windcheater to protect yourself from the cold and rain.
- Trekking equipment: Use good quality trekking equipment like trekking shoes, trekking poles, and a backpack to carry your essentials. Check your equipment before starting the trek and make sure they are in good condition.
- First aid kit: Carry a first aid kit with essential medicines and bandages to treat minor injuries and illnesses.
- Respect nature: While trekking, it is important to respect the environment and not litter. Carry your waste and dispose of it properly at the base camp.
- Check weather conditions: The weather in the mountains can change quickly. Check the weather forecast before starting the trek and be prepared for any unforeseen weather conditions.
Cancellation Policy
We understand that planning an outdoor trip brings a lot of excitement and joy. However, we also know that cancellations can be disappointing. While Hello Hikers rarely cancels treks due to our efficient ground operations, cancellations can happen due to unforeseen circumstances such as weather conditions, government regulations, or any other factors beyond our control. In such cases, the following cancellation policy will be applicable.
To ensure a hassle-free experience, we recommend making your booking at least two months in advance. If you do need to cancel your trek, please inform us in writing. Cancellation charges will be effective from the date we receive written advice.
Our cancellation policy is as follows:
We have designed a cancellation policy that is fair, feasible, and convenient for all our customers. The procedure is as follows:
- If you cancel your trek 21 or more days before the start date, we will deduct 10% towards GST and transaction charges and refund 90% as a trek voucher valid for 1 year.
- If you cancel your trek 15-20 days before the start date, we will deduct 30% towards GST, transaction, accommodation at base, ration, etc., and refund 70% as a trek voucher valid for 1 year.
- If you cancel your trek 7-14 days before the start date, we will deduct 50% towards GST, transaction, accommodation at the base, ration, trek leaders, permits, equipment, etc., and refund 50% as a trek voucher that is valid for 1 year.
- If you cancel your trek 1-6 days before the start date, we will deduct 100% as all arrangements have been made, and we are ready to take you on the trek.
We also have some terms and conditions for the trek voucher:
- The voucher will be valid for 12 months from the date of issuance.
- The voucher can be used for any trek with Hello Hikers.
Thank you for choosing Hello Hikers, and we hope to see you on our treks soon!
FAQS
How difficult is Pangarchulla Trek?
The Pangarchulla Trek is considered a moderate to difficult trek in the Indian Himalayas. The trek takes you through steep ascents and descents, rocky terrain, and snowy slopes, making it challenging for beginners.
The trek requires a good level of physical fitness, as you will be hiking for around 6-7 hours per day with steep climbs and descents. Acclimatization is crucial, and you will need to take proper precautions to avoid altitude sickness.
Why Choose Pangarchulla Trek?
The Pangarchulla trek is a great choice for those who love adventure, and nature and want to experience the beauty of the Himalayas uniquely and unforgettably. The trek offers stunning panoramic views of some of the highest peaks in the Himalayas and passes through several wildlife reserves and remote villages, allowing trekkers to experience the local culture and traditions of the Garhwal region. Additionally, the Pangarchulla trek is less crowded compared to other popular treks in the region, making it a peaceful and quiet trekking experience. Overall, the Pangarchulla trek is a challenging and rewarding adventure that offers a mix of natural beauty, cultural experiences, and wildlife sightings.
Can beginners do Pangarchulla Trek?
While the Pangarchulla Trek is challenging, beginners can complete it with proper preparation and guidance. However, it is important to note that the trek requires a good level of physical fitness, as you will be hiking for around 6-7 hours per day with steep climbs and descents.
If you are a beginner, it's recommended that you undergo some basic physical training and prepare yourself mentally before embarking on the trek. It's also important to acclimatize properly to the altitude to avoid altitude sickness.
Going with an experienced guide is highly recommended, as they can provide you with valuable guidance and ensure your safety throughout the journey. They can also help you with packing the right gear and equipment, and provide information on the route, weather conditions, and any potential hazards.
Is Pangarchulla Trek safe?
The Pangarchulla Trek is generally considered safe if proper precautions are taken and safety guidelines are followed. However, like any outdoor activity, there are inherent risks associated with trekking in the mountains, and it's important to be aware of them.
Some potential hazards on the Pangarchulla Trek include steep ascents and descents, slippery and rocky terrain, exposure to harsh weather conditions, and altitude sickness. However, these risks can be mitigated by proper planning, preparation, and following safety guidelines.
What is the best time to go up to Pangarchulla?
The best time to do the Pangarchulla Trek is from April to June and September to November. During these months, the weather is generally clear and dry, making it easier to trek and providing stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
Pangarchulla trek distance
The total distance covered during the Pangarchulla Trek is around 43 kilometres (27 miles) approximately. The trek starts from the village of Tugasi in Joshimath and takes you through beautiful forests, alpine meadows, and snow-capped peaks, before finally reaching the summit of Pangarchulla Peak.
Pangarchulla trek in December
The Pangarchulla Peak Trek is not recommended to be done in December as this month falls in the winter season. During this time, the trekking route is usually covered with heavy snow, making it difficult to hike, and the weather conditions can be extremely harsh, with temperatures dropping as low as -15°C or even lower.
December is also the month of peak winter, and the region receives heavy snowfall, which can lead to blockages on the roads and make it difficult to reach the starting point of the trek. The harsh weather conditions also increase the risk of avalanches and other hazards, making it unsafe for trekking.
Best Time to visit Pangarchulla Trek
The best time to visit the Pangarchulla trek is from April to June and September to November. During these months, the weather is generally clear and dry, offering excellent views of the surrounding mountains.
From April to June, the weather is pleasant, and the trekking routes are surrounded by lush green forests and blooming flowers, making it an ideal time for nature lovers.
From September to November, the weather is cooler, and the skies are clear, making it the perfect time for trekking. The autumn season also offers a chance to witness the changing colours of the leaves, which is a sight to behold.
However, it is important to note that weather conditions can be unpredictable in the Himalayas, so it is essential to check the weather forecast before planning the trek. Additionally, it is advisable to avoid the monsoon season (July to August) as the trails can be slippery and dangerous.
Opening Dates
- April
14 Apr - 20 Apr 2024
18 Apr - 24 Apr 2024
19 Apr - 25 Apr 2024
20 Apr - 26 Apr 2024
21 Apr - 27 Apr 2024
27 Apr - 03 Mar 2024
28 Apr - 04 Mar 2024