Pindari and Kafni Glacier Treks prove to be a complete journey for those who crave adventure. Pindari glacier trek along with Kafni glacier trek are the two most popular treks in the Kumaon region. These treks include tall peaks and glaciers that will leave you spellbound. In this trek, you hike with the beautiful views all around and the final destinations are the glaciers. So, you get enough time to traverse through the glaciers.
This trek includes interacting with the locals of the Khati Village. This trek will also take you through the dense forest of Rhododendron and Oak. Also, you shall be crossing the wooden bridges and streams that can also be frozen at times.
The Pindari Glacier Trek route takes you through the Pindari icefall and over Traill’s Pass (17,700 feet). The explorations of Schlagintweits (1850), Ruttledge (1926), the Japanese Mt. Nanda Kot Expedition team (1936), Osmaston and the surveyors (1938), Arnold Heim (1937), and S.S Khera followed (1941).
The Pindari Glacier Trek itinerary is best suited for a group of friends or family members. You can bring your children to this trek as it does not involve any steep treks or difficult climbs.
Best time for Pindari & Kafni Glacier Treks
Explore the Pindari Glacier Trek best time in mid-March to mid-June. The weather remains pleasant in the summer. This trek can also be enjoyed from September to late October, as it is the spring season.
Trekkers should avoid the months of June to September because of severe rain, road closures, and, in the worst-case scenario, landslides. Also, as the treks get dangerous during the rainy season, they will be closed by the local governing authorities. The Kafni Glacier Trek best time to visit also remains the same.
What’s the Temperature at Pindari & Kafni Glacier Trek?
During the months of April and May, the temperature at your campsites will range from 15°C to 20°C during the day and 7° to 2°C at night.
During the months from September to November, the temperature of Pindari Glacier Trek ranges around 15°C to 10°C during the day and 5°C to -5°C at night.
Pindari & Kafni Glacier Trek Difficulty Level
These glacier treks in India are considered among the easiest and best treks in Uttarakhand. The journey has well-defined paths with only one minor pass and has everything an avid hiker expects in a trek. For starters, there are flat hikes through tranquil rhododendron forests where you can also spot several rare bird species. Then there are the many mountain ridges, spider walls, and stream crossings to contend with.
Besides, the Kumaon Himalayas is home to a landscape that has inspired numerous artists, and is undoubtedly a pleasure for all trekkers and mountaineers. The Pindari Glacier Trek route is one of those hikes that will leave you speechless as you take in the scenery. You can also go on a tour of the local villages to learn more about their culture and traditions. Stunning water bodies and attractive wooden bridges add to the allure of the walk, making it even more enjoyable.
Pindari Glacier Trek itinerary
Pindari Kafni Glacier Trek – 9D / 8N
Study the Pindari Glacier trek map carefully before setting out on the trek. It is recommended that a Pindari Glacier trek guide from the local regions accompanies you on the trek.
Day 1: Kathgodam to Loharkhet:
Drive: 180 km (6-7 hours)
Altitude: 5,777 ft
Stay Type: Stay in a guest house on a sharing basis.
- Take a shared cab from Kathgodam to Loharkhet, it will take around 6-7 hours to complete this journey. This would be the Pindari Glacier Trek starting point for you.
- During the drive, you will pass through the Almora and the Bhageshwar town. You can also stop for a quick visit to the Bhagnath Temple.
- Post reaching Loharkhet, head to the allocated guest house, and rest for the day.
Day 2: Loharkhet to Dhakuri
Trek: 10 km (4-5 hours)
Altitude: 8,792 ft
Stay Type: Stay in tents on a sharing basis
- Wake up to the fresh morning, have your breakfast, and get ready for a trek to Dhakuri.
- The trail to Dhakuri is quite steep through the dense forest. It is an easy hike.
- Pay heed to the trek guide and reach the Dhakuri Khal from there a few km to Dhakuri campsite.
- The view of the snowcapped peaks of the southern wall of the Nanda Devi Sanctuary is visible from the campsite.
- Have your meals at the campsite and retire for the day. Day 2 of your Pindari Glacier Trek package ends here.
Day 3: Dhakuri to Khati
Trek: 9 km (4-5 hours)
Altitude: 7,250 ft
Stay Type: Stay in tents on a sharing basis
- Wake up to a southern wall of Nanda Devi Peak, have your breakfast, and get ready for the Pindari Glacier trek.
- The trail will pass through the thick forest of Rhodederon, towards the last big village on the route to Kafni and Pindari glacier.
- You can charge your power banks here after an extra amount to run the generators.
- The Khati is situated on the banks of the Pindar river, situated at an elevation of 7,2500 ft.
- Post reaching the campsite, enjoy your hot meals, and retire for the day.
Day 4: Phurkia → Pindari Glacier (Zero Point) → return to Phurkia
As an early start is required, reach Zero Point Pindari Glacier by 9 am sharp.
- Total distance approx 16 km
- Time 6–7 hours
- Altitude rises to 3,700m (12,100ft)
The Pindari Glacier Trek route also passes through dry snow-fields, ice-fields, moraine ridge and Pindari Baba’s hut.
From here Pindari Glacier and snowy peaks around are visible. It takes about 2 hours to return to Phurkia.
Day 5: Phurkia → Dwali → Khati (return)
From Phurkia down to Dwali can be reached in 1–2 hours; then from Dwali to Khati 4–5 hours.
- Total Trek Distance: 18 km
- Time Required:
- 7–8 hours
- Altitude drops to 2,200m (7,300ft).
Day 6: Khati → Kathgodam (Pindari Glacier Trek ends)
The Pindari glacier trek from Kathgodam ends here. Reach Khati to Kharkiya which is about 4 km on foot. Then travel to Kathgodam which is approx 210 km requiring 9–10 hours drive on road. This would mark the end of the Pindari Glacier Trek itinerary.
If you plan to do Kafni trek further, use this day to rest and prepare for the next trek.
Kafni Glacier Trek Itinerary (Requires Extra 5 days)
Wondering how to reach Kafni Glacier Trek in Uttarakhand? The Kafni Glacier trek route is similar to the Pindari trek, which takes off from Dwali. Below is the detailed Kafni Glacier Trek itinerary:
Day 7: Khati → Dwali
Same route and duration as Pindari Day 2.
Day 8: Dwali → Khatti/Bayali
- Distance: Approx. 5km
- Time approx 5 hours
- Altitude and distance both less but there is hill ascent en route.
Day 9: Khatti → Kafni Glacier Zero Point → back to Dwali
- Distance total: Approx 15 km
- Time: 8 hours
Includes snow, moraines, and finally the Zero Point of Kafni Glacier. Nandakot and other peaks are visible from here.
Reach back to Dwali by evening and camp.
Day 10: Dwali → Khati
Around 11 km, time 6–7 hours return trek.
Day 11: Khati → Kathgodam
Same return journey by road.
Essentials To Carry For Pindari and Kafni Glacier Treks
These are the essentials to carry for adventure trekking in Uttarakhand:
- Woolen clothes, jackets and raincoats
- Trekking shoes and torch
- First aid kit and essential medicines
- Sufficient snacks and water bottle
- Camera and power bank
These were some things to note while executing your Pindari glacier camping and trekking plans. Pindari and Kafni are among the best glacier treks in India. However, you need to be careful while trekking and venture out only with a local guide.
