Location:
Uttarakhand
Duration:
7
Days
Difficulty:
Moderate
Highest Altitude:
14700
ft.
Distance:
44
kms.
Adorning the Lord Curzon circuit- one of Garhwal Himalaya’s most fabled trails, Pangarchulla- the chimney peak soars to vision. Perched at 14, 700 ft., for mountaineering enthusiasts, the peak offers a perfect test of non-technical climbing skills. Though this Uttarakhand trek is accessible all though the year, it is the winter snow that makes it truly unsurpassable. If thrill is directly proportionate to the gauge of challenge, Pangarchulla Peak Trek in the winters would be a journey brave hearts just cannot afford to miss!
Spanning over 7 days, the trek will take you along the pilgrim vein of Uttarakhand, from Haridwar to Joshimath, where we have our base camp. A little further away, from Dhak village, starts our walking trajectory up the rocky tracks. With ascent, the horizons open up to cliff side villages characterized by terraced farmland and slant roofed houses, moving on to green meadows surrounded by the signature peaks of Garhwal Himalayas. Notable are—Nanda Devi, Chaukhamba, Hati-Ghori, and Barmal among others. Part of the Nanda Devi Sanctuary, the trail to Pangarchulla never loses sight of these celebrated peaks and culminates finally at the summit with a gala of glittering snow views.
The Trek to Pangarchulla - the chimney peak is full of the riches of Himalayan grandeur; here is what to look forward to—
• A Variety of Flora and Fauna- Until the snowline starts; the track will be strewn with blood-red rhododendrons. Plenty of Oaks, silver birch, blue pine, and bhojpatra- the bark of which is known to source papyrus, will be lining the way. Commonly found wildlife here consists of—musk deer, black bear, and Himalayan tahr.
• A Ridge Climb on Summit Day- A steep ridge taking you on an ascent to the peak on summit day is a painstaking but highly gratifying feature of this trek. The climb becomes arduous and sated with adrenalin rush. The overwhelming snow on the trail will add to this incomparable feeling of exploring the unsurpassable.
• Unbound Snow on Risk-Free Slopes- The one dominant characteristic of your winter adventure to the Pangarchulla Peak will be the treat of snow. In most parts on the last lap of the climb, the slopes covered in powdery snow will offer you an ascent without the risk of a deathly fall, by providing a cushioning. These gently curving inclines have the typical quality of skiing slopes. It is ideal for you to enjoy the delights of a snow saturated wintry Himalaya sans the risk of tumbling over fatally. It is also ideal for your enjoyment if you happen to have experience in skiing.
Day 01: Drive Haridwar to Joshimath
Haridwar is celebrated famous pilgrim site and you should reach Haridwar railway station (which is just by the corner of the main bus depot). Here we will meet you at 6:30 am and our journey shall commence. EnrouteJoshimath, we will take the course of river Ganga and cross the famous river-bank pilgrim towns of Rishikesh and the 5 Prayags or confluences. Rishikesh, besides its ambiance of peace is also known for white-water river rafting. Those interested could book a stay here for a few days prior to the trek and we can pick you up on the way to Joshimath. At Devaprayag, You will get a stunning view of the Bhagirathi river descending into river Alakananda and fusing to form a vivid play of different green hues in the water. The slopes of the mountains along the fiery river look picturesque from the confluence of Devaprayag. Breakfast and lunch could be found at roadside inns along the Badrinath Road and this will be exclusive of charges you pay for the trek. By 5 pm, at the hour of sundown, we will pull in on the driveway of the Joshimath guest house, in time for refreshing hit tea followed by an opening dinner and briefing from your Trek Leader.
Day 02: Drive Joshimath to Dhak and Trek to Gulling top
Next day, by 7 am we will set off for Dhak village after having breakfast at the guest-house. From Dhak the trek will begin. The drive from Joshimath to Dhak of around 40 minutes will introduce you to the mountain kingdom surrounding the town. Enjoy the first sights of Nanda Devi peak during your ride. Collect your refreshments and start the trek from Dhak road-head marking the uphill bent towards the destination. Trek for 1 hour to the first village. The gradually ascending trail keeps the village on the right and takes a dusty, rocky hike of gradual ascents. Without any major difficulties, we reach Karachi village from where the trail inclines by gushing streams. Feast your senses in the greenery of the farming steps cut across hills and the high mountains towering over from all around.The gradual gaining of altitude here must be supported by thorough hydration, therefore, you must keep filling your bottle at village water points. Next, you will be reaching Tugasi village, and with that, we cover about 3 km of the whole trek. Tugasi is a picture of a typical high-altitude Garhwali Himalayan village with their wooden houses, storage places, and ranch. You will come across shepherd clans, farmers, and other agrarian people in this village set in the backdrop of mountains. After immersing in the different flavor of life for some time here, we move towards our next stop- the hamlet of Gulling. During the trek, you can get wonderful sights ofDronagiriParvat towards left. With the turn from Tugasi towards Gulling at 8990 ft, the scenario changes from stark and dusty to green. A thickly forested area kicks in after Gulling and traces of civilization start to blur away. The trek continues through forest cover to the Gulling Top campsite at 9600 ft. across 0.5 km from Gulling village. Along with this stretch, finally, the great mesmerizing snow peaks of Garhwal Himalayas pop their heads changing the whole vista to a heavenly one. Prominent in this dazzling panorama are Dronagiri, HathiParvat, and GhoriParvat. You can see widespread Golden Oak, Birch trees on your sides. After lunch at the campsite, the sun takes a dip and the snow peaks take a golden sheen casting a spell of pure magic—the perfect time to catch a few exquisite shots!
Day 03: Trek Gulling Top to Camp-I
The next day’s trip is a straight ascent of approx 5 km spanning 4 hours approximately. The destination Camp I is a campsite in the clearing amid coniferous forests of blue pine, oaks, and rhododendron. We set out today after breakfast prepared mentally for a moderate hike. There will be numerous water points. The entire trail will be a muddy route. Since the trail is under dense forest cover there is no scope for big mountain sights. Greeted with sharp curves with deep ravines gaping at one side, we move along never feeling cheated out of the beautiful vista promised. The forests seem to smile up suddenly here and there where rhododendrons have bloomed in thickets of pink and red. From a little inside the forested trail, snow becomes part of the scene. Rich growth of Silver Birch and Spruce hovers over the snow-covered forest floor making Pangarchulla an in-depth snow trek. Late into the day, Camp-I is reached. Lunch tastes extra delicious today after this testing trek. The afternoon and evening can be reserved for acclimatization relaxed walks around the clearing. The acclimatization walk is till Khullarameadows, that takes around 40 minutes to reach there. This will be one of the best walks, with fewer efforts you will be standing in front of an ocean of Kamet, ManaParvat, Devban, HatiParvat, Garud, Trishul, Dronagiri peaks.
Day 04: Trek Camp-I to Kuari pass via Khullara and back to Camp-I
Starting after breakfast with packed lunch from Camp I, we make our way skirting the forest lands towards the Peak and some 40 minutes into the trail, the scenery changes from tree covered shadowy trails to open meadows. When you reach Khullara top in another 1 hour, you follow Lord Curzon trail towards Kuari Pass. From Khullara top you can see 3 trails heading out, the right going to Tali downwards, left uphill trail goes to Pangarchulla, left downhill to Kuari Pass. We will take the route to Kuari Pass. Keep trudging on the Lord Curzon trail for 20 min and open Gelgad meadows will come into sight. This is another spot to capture the mighty Himalayan peaks like Chaukhamba, Neelkantha etc. Keep walking for another 20 minutes into the trail and you will encounter the famous broken bridge. Here you can find one water point if luckily it is not frozen. Take a few deep breaths and get ready for steep ascent until Kuari Pass. Watch out for the Pangarchulla on the left as you arrive closer to it. Some of the prominent peaks visible are Chaukhamba, Mt. Kamet, and Neelkantha, Mana, Devban, HatiParvat, Garud, Trishul, Dronagiri. Have your lunch on the wonderful pass and return back to Camp I.
Day 05: Trek Camp-I to Pangarchulla Peak Summit via Khullara and Back to Camp-I
On this big day, we start early in the morning at the crack of dawn and set off on fresh snow for the summit hike. It is necessary to be equipped with at least 2 liters of water as there are no water sources from here. Multiple steep climbing points on the way make this stretch laborious. The trail will be same till Lord Curzon trail and you will reach here in 1 and half hour, same as the previous day. The first 30 minutes of the ascent is a thorough ridge climb which you will know has ended when a vision Pangarchulla Main and auxiliary peaks rise right up ahead. While the climb may be strenuous the fluorescent sunrise on the left will boost your confidence. After the ridge walk, level snow grounds spread ahead giving you a scope to catch your breath. For this region and further up, your group may require cutting through the thick carpet of snow manually—an exhaustive task assigned to the one who leads. In May, June the snow usually melts leaving behind a carpet of boulders. Again if there a few traces of snow, watch out while stepping on the snow. Your foot may go deep sometimes pertaining to the rocks below. Before reaching the base of Pangarchulla Main, enjoy this level snow patch from where you will get a terrific detailed view of the Chaukhamba massif, flanked by Mana, Kamet, Hati-Ghodiand other snow caps. We request trekkers to not to ask for sliding as it is dangerous on these slopes. Your trek leader will get you all set for rope up. You will be given a choice to continue or stop here. From the base of Pangarchulla Main Peak, once again comes a steep ridge climb. At about a distance of 100 meters, the knife ridge begins. The knife-edge cut in the middle of the ridge should be avoided as you step. Expect high squalling wind with currents. We expect to reach the summit by 10 am, at the most. Any more delays are not allowed because the snow begins to melt, making the reverse trail slippery. On loose snow, the micro spikes do not work efficiently. At the summit point, you will come face to face with the Garhwal snow peaks in all their glory, especially Nanda Ghunti on left, chaukhamba on right, which will come to fore for the first time with all the detailed ridge lines revealed. The top is marked by a small temple. From the summit, one gets a 360-degree view of the Garhwal Himalayas, with Nanda Ghunti, Trishuli, Chang Bang, Dronagiri, GarudParvat, Lampak 1,2, Hathi, Gauri, Mana, Kamet on the right and Neelkanth, Chaukhamba, Kedardome etc. on the left side. After enjoying your victory for 15 minutes we descend and have lunch at the base.
Day 06: Trek Camp-I to Dhak village and drive to Joshimath
On the way down from Camp-I, one by one the snow peaks will pop out of view and the same old village trails will remind you of the end of the journey. From Dhak, a car ride into the dusk will take you back to life at the Joshimath guest-house.
Day 07: Drive Joshimath to Haridwar
After sleeping over the unforgettable experience of scaling Pangarchulla, today we go back city-wards. Your car will be waiting at 6 in the morning. Bidding adieu to the gaze of the hills, you will descend down to civilization reaching Haridwar by 6 in the evening in time for your overnight journey back.
How to reach?
By Air :-
Jolly Grant Airport is the airport serving Dehradun, located about 48 km from the Haridwar. There is a daily flight from Delhi for Dehradun, reach Haridwar one day early if coming by flight.
By Train:-
An excellent rail network connects Haridwar to other important cities like Delhi, Mussoorie, Mumbai, Varanasi, Lucknow, and Kolkata.
From Delhi -DDN NZM AC EXPRESS (2205)
From Kolkata- Doon Express (13009)
From Mumbai- Dehradun Express (19019)
From Chennai- Dehradun express (12687)
By Bus:-
There is regular bus service from Delhi to Haridwar, from Delhi ISBT Kashmere Gate.
We would suggest you to take only government buses from ISBT Kashmere Gate. Private buses ply from outside ISBT and they are not trust worthiness.
Usually buses drop you at Haridwar bus station. From there you have to come to Haridwar Railway Station
TTH’s Tata Sumo or similar vehicles will pick-up you from Haridwar Railway Station at 6:00am.
Pick-up is included in the cost of the trek
You will reach Joshimath by 5:00 pm
Food from dehradun to Joshimath is not included in the trek cost
What is included?
1. Accommodation. (Guest house, Home stay, Camping)
2. Meals while on trek (Veg.+ Egg)
3. Trek equipments: Sleeping bag, mattress, tent (twin sharing), kitchen & dinning tent, toilet tent, utensils and crampon (if required)
4. All necessary permits and entry fees.
5. First aid medical kits, stretcher and oxygen cylinder.
6. Mountaineering qualified & professional trek Leader, guide and Support staff.
7. Transpor from Haridwar to Haridwar.
8. Mules to carry the central luggage.
What is excluded?
1. Any kind of personal expenses.
2. Food during the transit.
3. Insurance.
4. Any kind of emergency evacuation charges
5. Mules or porter to carry personal luggage.
6. Anything not specifically mentioned under the head.
Note : Normally TTH expect to carry your personal luggage on your own, if you wish to offload your backpack, you can give it to Mule.
Charges of offloading backpack:-
INR 1500/- if you make an online payment, 10 days in advance
INR 1800/- if you inform us after reaching Joshimath
The backpack cannot weigh more than 11 kgs. Backpack should have waterproof cover. Suitcases/strolleys/ bags will not be allowed.
Booking and cancellation policy
Paying the Trek/ Adventure activity fee:
The fee can be paid by online transfer/check deposit/ demand draft. Instruction for payment will be forwarded along with your confirmation email. When your transfer is done, please e-mail us a confirmation mail with your transfer details, so that we can follow up your reservation efficiently.
When to book:
It is wise to make your booking at least two months in advance. However, if you want a good deal on your domestic/international flight, we recommend organising your trip at least five months in advance. (Please contact us if you require a late booking)
In the event of cancellation of trek/adventure activity services due to any avoidable / unavoidable reasons we must be notified of the same in writing. Cancellation charges will be effective from the date we receive advice in writing, and cancellation charges would be as follows: -
Cancellations prior to 24 days from the start of the trek
Book any other trek till one year or get 95% refund
(Note: If the trek charges are more, the balance needs to be paid by the trekker)
Cancellation between 24 days and 14 days to the start of the trek
Choose to go for the same trek, with any other batch, till year or get 70% refund
Cancellation between 14 days and 10 days to the start of the trek
Choose to go on the same trek, in the same season, with any other batch or get 50% refund.
Cancellation less than 10 days to the start of the trek
Transfer your trek (same trek, same batch) to your friend. No cash refund.
Note:-
1)- Change of trek batch is dependent on the availability of seats in the batch.
2)- In case of transferring a trek to a friend, he/she should satisfy all the mandatory requirements put forward by TTH.
3)- TTH holds the right to change/cancel the policies, without prior notice.
Essentials for the trek
Fitness requirements
Fitness regime recommendation
Maps
FAQs
