Pindari Glacier Trek, Kausani - Timings, Accessibility, Best Time to Visit

At a distance of 120 km from Kausani and 80 km from Bageshwar, Pindari Glacier is a glacier found in the upper reaches of the Kumaon Himalayas, to the southeast of Nanda Devi, Nanda Kot. It is one of the most easily accessible of all the Himalayan glaciers and also one of the top places of trekking in Uttarakhand.

The glacier flows to the south for a short distance of about 3 km, 0.25 km in breadth and gives rise to the Pindari River which meets the Alakananda at Karnaprayag in Garhwal district. The Pindari trek offers serenity and tranquility along with the spectacular mountain scenery. It lies between the Nanda Devi and Nanda Kot peaks and terminates at an altitude of 3627 m.

Trek to Pindari Glacier is a soft core trekking experience, within the capacity of amateur trekkers in love with nature and its pristine glory. The trail to reach the Pindari Glacier crosses the villages of Song, Loharkhet, crosses over the Dhakuri Pass, continues onto Khati village (the last inhabited village on the trail), Dwali, Phurkia and finally Zero Point, Pindar, the end of the trail. Though most of the trail is along the banks of the Pindari River, the river is mostly hidden until after Khati. The Pindari Glacier trail provides for a 80 km (56 mi) round-trip trek that most people find comfortable to complete in 7 days. The Pindari Glacier is also famous for other adventure sports like ice climbing and mountain biking.

Day 1 - Loharkhet to Dhakuri (10 km / 5 hours)

Start from Loharkhet and gently hike to Dhakuri -first day of camp. The trek is a gentle climb of about 10 km. From Loharkhet (1760 m) the trail winds through an evergreen forest of oak and horse chestnut. Camp in tents at Dhakuri.

Day 2 - Dhakuri to Khati (9 km/ 4 hours)

The trek is easy and a rewarding, peep into village life at Khati Village. Khati is the largest and last village on the Pindari Glacier trek and Kafni Glacier trek. Overnight stay in tents at Khati village.

Day 4: Trek from Khati to Phurkia (16 km, 9 hours)

The trek from Khati Village to Phurkia via Dwali is picturesque and full of natural beauty. Camping in tents at Phurkia.

Day 5: Trek from Phurkia to Zero Point to Phurkia (10 km, 8 hours)

Visit Zero Point (3353 m) and trek back from Zero point to Phurkia. The views on the trek from Phurkia to Zero point are superb. Overnight stay in tents at Phurkia.

Day 6: Trek from Phurkia to Khati (16 KM, 6 Hours)

Trek back to Khati village from Phurkia to enjoy one more day stay with hospitable villagers of Khati.

Day 7: Trek from Khati to Loharkhet (19 KM, 5 Hours)

Trek back from Khati to Dhakuri (9 km) and then to Loharkhet (10 km). The trek ends at Loharkhet.