Where is Pindari Glacier Located? Uttarakhand Trek Guide

Where is Pindari Glacier Located? Uttarakhand Trek Guide

Published on July 01, 2025

The Pindari Glacier, one of the most picturesque and accessible glaciers in the Indian Himalayas, is located in the Bageshwar district of Uttarakhand, within the Kumaon region of northern India. Nestled between the mighty Nanda Devi and Nanda Kot peaks, this glacier sits at an altitude of approximately 3,660 meters (12,008 feet) above sea level and stretches over 3.2 kilometers in length.

But beyond the stats lies an untouched landscape of awe-inspiring beauty, making it a dream destination for trekkers, nature lovers, and photographers.

Geographical Location of Pindari Glacier

  • Region: Kumaon Himalayas

  • District: Bageshwar

  • State: Uttarakhand, India

  • Altitude: ~3,660 m (12,008 ft)

  • Coordinates (Approx.): 30.335°N, 80.017°E

  • Glacier Zone: Southern slope of the Nanda Devi sanctuary

Pindari Glacier originates from the southern slopes of the Nanda Devi and Nanda Kot ranges and forms the source of the Pindar River, which later merges with the Alaknanda River near Karnaprayag, forming part of the Ganges river system.

pindari glacier image tourmyholiday

The Surrounding Landscape

The glacier lies at the head of the Pindar Valley, a secluded and narrow valley carved over millennia by the movement of ice and rock. The region around the glacier is defined by:

  • Towering Himalayan peaks (Maiktoli, Nanda Kot, Baljuri)

  • Alpine meadows and rhododendron forests

  • Pristine rivers and waterfalls

  • Remote mountain villages (like Khati, the last inhabited one)

The entire area falls under the Kumaon Himalayas' high-altitude terrain, rich in biodiversity and rarely crowded, making it perfect for eco-tourism and trekking.

How to Reach Pindari Glacier?

Reaching the glacier is not a simple drive — it’s a trek-only destination, accessible by foot from the trailhead village Loharkhet, which itself is reached by road from Bageshwar. The nearest railhead is Kathgodam.

Step-by-step route from Delhi:

  1. Delhi → Kathgodam (Train or bus; ~6–7 hrs)

  2. Kathgodam → Bageshwar (Cab/bus; ~7 hrs)

  3. Bageshwar → Song → Loharkhet (Local vehicle; ~2–3 hrs)

  4. Loharkhet → Trek begins (to Dhakuri → Khati → Dwali → Phurkia → Pindari Glacier)

This multi-stage journey is part of the magic. It’s not just a trek — it’s a pilgrimage into the heart of the Himalayas.

pindari glacier image tourmyholiday

What Makes Its Location Special?

Pindari Glacier is often called the “trekker’s glacier” because it’s one of the few in India that is:

  • Relatively easy to access via trekking

  • Not extremely high-altitude (so better for beginners)

  • Surrounded by non-commercialized, pristine Himalayan villages

  • Rich in flora, fauna, and natural diversity across varying elevations

Its location between two iconic peaks — Nanda Devi (India’s second-highest mountain) and Nanda Kot (6,861 m) — makes the final view incredibly dramatic and photogenic.

What’s Around Pindari Glacier?

 

Khati Village – The Last Inhabited Village on the Route

  • Altitude: ~2,210 m

  • Distance from Pindari Glacier: ~20 km (via Phurkia & Dwali)

  • Highlights:

    • Traditional Kumaoni lifestyle

    • Scenic wooden houses & terraced fields

    • Friendly locals, basic homestays

  • Why Visit: It’s the last human settlement on the trail and the cultural heart of the Pindari route.

  • Tip: Try their homemade meals and speak with elders for local folklore.

khati image tourmyholiday

Dwali – The River Confluence Camp

  • Altitude: ~2,570 m

  • Distance from Pindari Glacier: ~12 km

  • Highlights:

    • Located at the meeting point of Pindar and Kaphni rivers

    • Dense forest surroundings and vibrant birdlife

    • Camping & forest huts available

  • Why Visit: Dwali acts as the central fork to both Pindari Glacier (right) and Kaphni Glacier (left).

dwali image tourmyholiday

Kaphni Glacier – The Hidden Sister Glacier

  • Altitude: ~3,800 m

  • Distance from Dwali: ~12 km one way

  • Highlights:

    • Less commercial, more raw and quiet than Pindari

    • Surreal alpine environment, chances of spotting snow leopards or blue sheep

    • Fewer trekkers = serene experience

  • Why Visit: Perfect for explorers who want an offbeat glacier experience.

kaphni glacier image tourmyholiday

Sunderdhunga Valley – The Valley of Beautiful Stones

  • Altitude: Varies (max 4,100 m at Maiktoli Base)

  • Access Point: From Khati via Jatoli

Bageshwar – Spiritual Base Town of Kumaon Treks

  • Altitude: ~1,000 m

  • Distance from Glacier Base (Loharkhet): ~45 km

  • Highlights:

    • Bagnath Temple on the confluence of Saryu & Gomti rivers

    • Traditional Kumaoni market

    • Last major town before the trek begins

  • Why Visit: It's where most treks in this region start; get permits, cash, and local insights here.

glacier village image tourmyholiday

Loharkhet – The Actual Trailhead

  • Altitude: ~1,760 m

  • Distance from Bageshwar: ~45 km

  • Highlights:

    • Start point of Pindari, Kaphni & Sunderdhunga treks

    • Forest guest house available

  • Why Visit: The journey officially begins here with a gentle trail to Dhakuri.

pindari glacier image tourmyholiday

Maiktoli Peak (6,803 m) – The Glacier Guardian

  • Visible From: Dhakuri, Phurkia, Zero Point

  • Highlights:

    • Snow-covered peak often seen in Pindari Glacier photos

    • Acts as the natural barrier forming the glacier

  • Why Visit: While you don’t climb it, Maiktoli’s majestic view is your constant companion from Dhakuri onward.

Kathgodam – Railway Gateway to Kumaon

Altitude: ~554 m

  • Distance from Bageshwar: ~160 km

  • Highlights:

    • Nearest railway station

    • Starting point for most travelers from Delhi/NCR

  • Why Visit: It’s your first foot into the hills. Convenient for planning transport, shopping, and meals before heading upward.

  • Highlights:

    • Remote alpine valley filled with boulders & hanging glaciers

    • Leads to Maiktoli, Tharkot & Sukhram glaciers

    • Known for epic night skies and glacier views

  • Why Visit: It’s one of the most scenic and wild valleys in the region — untouched and mystical.

kathgodam image tourmyholiday

When Should You Visit This Location?

  • Best time to trek:

    • April to June (Spring–early summer): Clear weather, snow-capped peaks

    • September to October (Post-monsoon): Golden landscapes, fewer crowds

  • Avoid: Monsoon (July–August) due to slippery trails and landslides

  • Winter (Nov–Feb): Too much snow, trails may close

Local Insights

The glacier is not just a frozen river — it’s part of local legend, lifestyle, and worship. Shepherds and villagers believe the glacier is sacred, and many trekkers leave prayer flags or stones at Zero Point to mark their journey.

In Summary

Pindari Glacier is located in the heart of Uttarakhand’s Kumaon Himalayas, in Bageshwar district, and is only accessible through a scenic multi-day trek. Framed by iconic Himalayan peaks and blessed with raw beauty, it’s one of the most rewarding trekking destinations for those seeking solitude, nature, and a personal connection to the mountains.

Whether you're a first-time trekker or a nature lover with a camera, the Pindari Glacier’s location offers not just a trail — but a transformational experience.

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