Pindari Glacier Trek Guide: Route, Tips & Best Time

Pindari Glacier Trek Guide: Route, Tips & Best Time

Published on July 01, 2025

If you’re dreaming of a raw Himalayan adventure that doesn’t require expert-level mountaineering, the Pindari Glacier Trek in Uttarakhand is your golden ticket. Tucked in the Kumaon region, this breathtaking glacier offers everything — scenic trails, local culture, and a final view that feels like a reward from nature itself.

Where Is Pindari Glacier Located?

Pindari Glacier is nestled in the Bageshwar district of Uttarakhand, at an altitude of around 3,660 meters (12,008 ft). It lies between the snow-capped Nanda Devi and Nanda Kot peaks, forming part of the larger Kumaon Himalayas.

Best Time to Visit Pindari Glacier

The ideal seasons are:

  • Summer (April–June): Best for clear skies, melting glaciers, and blooming trails.

  • Post-Monsoon (September–October): Crisp air, golden meadows, and fewer trekkers.

Avoid the monsoon (July–August) due to landslides and heavy rainfall.

Pindari Glacier Trek Image Tourmyholiday

Complete Destination Overview: Pindari Glacier Trek

Kathgodam (Gateway to Kumaon)

  • Altitude: ~554 m

  • Why It Matters: This is your starting point by train. Well connected from Delhi and major North Indian cities.

  • What to Expect: Basic lodging, small cafes, taxis for onward journey.

  • Tip: Arrive early morning and take a cab or bus to Bageshwar.

kathgodam image tourmyholiday

Bageshwar (Spiritual Town in Kumaon)

  • Altitude: ~1,000 m

  • Known For: Bagnath Temple, confluence of Saryu & Gomti Rivers.

  • Why Important: This is where trekkers register with the forest department.

  • Stay: Budget hotels and guesthouses available.

  • Tip: Withdraw cash here — last major town with ATMs.

bageshwar image tourmyholiday

Song Village / Loharkhet (Trek Begins Here)

  • Distance from Bageshwar: ~40–45 km

  • Loharkhet Altitude: ~1,760 m

  • Facilities: Basic rest houses, forest check post.

  • Why It Matters: Trailhead of the Pindari Glacier trek. Most people drive till Song and trek 3 km to Loharkhet.

song village image tourmyholiday

Dhakuri (Heavenly Forest Camp)

  • Trek Distance: ~9 km from Loharkhet

  • Altitude: ~2,680 m

  • Highlights: Surreal oak & rhododendron forests, panoramic mountain views.

  • Accommodation: KMVN rest house, tent pitching spots.

  • Must-See: Sunset over Maiktoli Peak is magical.

  • Vibe: Cold, misty, serene. Ideal for photographers and skywatchers.

dhakuri village tourmyholiday

Khati Village (Last Inhabited Village)

  • Trek Distance: ~8 km from Dhakuri

  • Altitude: ~2,210 m

  • Why It's Special: This is the last village on the trail — warm people, rich Kumaoni culture.

  • Stay Options: Homestays and a forest hut.

  • Tip: Stock up basic supplies here.

  • Local Touch: Taste local millet chapati and salt tea if offered.

khati village tourmyholiday

Dwali (Where Rivers Meet)

  • Trek Distance: ~11 km from Khati

  • Altitude: ~2,570 m

  • Highlight: Confluence of Pindar and Kaphni rivers.

  • Stay: Forest huts or camp by the riverbank.

  • Experience: Wild, remote, peaceful — nature dominates here.

  • Photography Tip: Early morning fog creates a magical landscape.

dwali village image tourmyholiday

Phurkia (Alpine Camp Base)

  • Trek Distance: ~5 km from Dwali

  • Altitude: ~3,250 m

  • Scenery: Jagged rocks, frozen waterfalls, barren high-altitude beauty.

  • Accommodation: Forest rest house or tents.

  • Caution: Cold winds — carry thermals and windproof gear.

  • Trail Tip: Keep walking slowly; altitude gain starts to hit here.

phukria image tourmyholiday

Zero Point / Pindari Glacier Viewpoint (The Finale)

  • Trek Distance: ~7 km round trip from Phurkia

  • Altitude: ~3,660 m

  • The Moment: Stand before the massive glacier — it's like staring into frozen time.

  • View Includes: Maiktoli, Nanda Kot, Panwali Dwar peaks.

  • Spend Time: Click photos, absorb the silence, reflect.

  • Warning: No staying overnight here due to glacier zone hazards — always return to Phurkia.

zero point pindari image tourmyholiday

Optional Add-on: Kaphni Glacier Trek

  • From Dwali, take the Kaphni route instead of Phurkia.

  • Less crowded, equally scenic, and full of alpine wildlife.

6 Nights / 7 Days Pindari Glacier Trek Itinerary

Starting Point: Botanical Garden Metro Station, Delhi
Ending Point: Same (Delhi return)

Day 1: Delhi to Kathgodam → Bageshwar (Travel Day)

  • 05:30 AM: Gather at Botanical Garden Metro Station

  • 06:00 AM: Depart by Volvo/Tempo Traveller or overnight train to Kathgodam (~7 hrs)

  • 01:00 PM: Reach Kathgodam → Drive to Bageshwar (~7 hrs / 160 km)

  • 08:30 PM: Check-in at hotel in Bageshwar

  • Meals: Dinner

  • Stay: Hotel in Bageshwar

  • Highlights: Scenic Kumaon drive, riverside town vibes

Day 2: Bageshwar → Song → Loharkhet → Trek to Dhakuri

  • 07:00 AM: Drive to Song Village, then further to Loharkhet (Start of trek)

  • 10:00 AM: Begin trek from Loharkhet to Dhakuri (9 km / 6–7 hrs)

  • 04:30 PM: Arrive at forest rest house / tent in Dhakuri

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch (Packed), Dinner

  • Stay: Guesthouse/Tent at Dhakuri

  • Highlights: Dense forest, pine-lined trails, sunset over peaks

Day 3: Dhakuri → Khati (8 km / 5 hrs)

  • 07:30 AM: Trek to Khati, the last inhabited village

  • 01:00 PM: Explore village, interact with locals

  • 04:00 PM: Relax in cozy homestays

  • Meals: All meals included

  • Stay: Homestay at Khati

  • Highlights: Traditional Kumaoni culture, beautiful terrace fields

Day 4: Khati → Dwali (11 km / 6 hrs)

  • 08:00 AM: Trek along the Pindar River to Dwali

  • 02:00 PM: Reach Dwali; rest and enjoy riverside serenity

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  • Stay: Trekker hut / Camp at Dwali

  • Highlights: Waterfalls, confluence of Kaphni & Pindar rivers

Day 5: Dwali → Phurkia → Pindari Glacier Zero Point → Return to Phurkia (14 km round trip)

  • 06:00 AM: Early start to Phurkia (~5 km), quick rest

  • 10:00 AM: Trek to Zero Point (Pindari Glacier view)

  • 11:30 AM: Reach glacier — enjoy breathtaking view, photos, silence

  • 01:00 PM: Return to Phurkia

  • Meals: All meals included

  • Stay: Tent / Forest hut at Phurkia

  • Highlights: Majestic view of Pindari Glacier, 360° Himalayan views

Day 6: Phurkia → Dwali → Khati (16 km / 7–8 hrs)

  • 07:00 AM: Descend back to Dwali, then Khati

  • 03:30 PM: Arrive at Khati, enjoy your last night in the mountains

  • Meals: All meals included

  • Stay: Homestay in Khati

  • Highlights: Descending trail, lush forests, nostalgic farewell to locals

Day 7: Khati → Dhakuri → Loharkhet → Bageshwar → Delhi

  • 06:00 AM: Trek back to Dhakuri → Loharkhet (~6 hrs)

  • 01:00 PM: Drive back to Bageshwar → Kathgodam

  • 08:00 PM: Board return bus/train to Delhi

  • Overnight Travel

???? You’ll reach Delhi early next morning (Day 8) around 5:00–6:00 AM at Botanical Garden.

What Makes Pindari Glacier Special?

  • ✅ Beginner-friendly Himalayan trek

  • ✅ Pristine views of peaks like Nanda Devi & Panwali Dwar

  • ✅ Remote villages with warm local hospitality

  • ✅ No network = pure digital detox

  • ✅ Chance to witness changing biodiversity across altitudes

Essential Tips Before You Go

  • Permit: You’ll need to register at Bageshwar’s forest office. Carry ID proof.

  • Fitness: Moderate fitness is enough, but prep with long walks and stair climbing.

  • Packing: Carry layers, trekking shoes, rain protection, and high-energy snacks.

  • Guides: Local guides are helpful and offer deep insights into the region.

  • No ATMs beyond Bageshwar: Withdraw cash early.

Accommodation and Food

You’ll mostly find basic guesthouses or forest huts along the route. Many trekkers also prefer camping for a more immersive experience. Local food like dal-rice, parathas, and tea is available in most villages.

How to Reach the Base

  • By Train: Nearest railway station is Kathgodam, well connected from Delhi.

  • By Road: From Kathgodam, hire a taxi or take a bus to Bageshwar → Song.

  • By Air: Nearest airport is Pantnagar, ~250 km from the trailhead.

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