Pangarchulla Peak Trek
Overview
Duration : 7 Day
Start Point : Haridwar
End Point : Haridwar
Highest Altitude: 15,010 Ft.
Approx Trekking : 44 Kms
Grade : Moderate
Description
The Pangarchulla peak is a beautiful introductory peak. The trek poses just the right amount of challenge and is ideal for hikers who want to get a taste of climbing. Pangarchulla peak is at 14700 ft height above the sea level and can have a lot of snow till as late as May. The trail to Pangarchulla Peak has a variety of terrains. From Lush green farms to dense jungle and then a pristine white snow-covered landscape. The views of peaks like Mana, Mandir, Ghodi, Hathi, Barmal, Lampak Massif, Dronagiri, Nanda-Devi, and Bertholi can leave you feeling modest. Pangarchulla peak may require the use of technical climbing gears such as ropes, crampons, ice ax, harnesses etc. An orientation and skill training on the use of the technical gear would be provided during the trek itself as and when required. With a 12+ hours of summit push and steep terrain, prior trekking experience and good fitness is an absolute must. The Pangarchulla Peak Trek is perfect for anyone looking to train for tougher peak expeditions. With the right amount of challenge and abundant beauty, the Pangarchulla Peak Trek is adventure packed perfectly suited for avid trekkers looking to take it up a notch. Stay on this page for more details like - Pangarchulla peak trek itinerary, temperature chart, photos, videos, and reviews. Scroll to the end for Pangarchulla peak trek blogs.
Itinerary
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Highlights
- Stay at Wooden House – Meraki Triangle, Sankri
- One of the most beautiful lake and valley in Uttarakhand
- Stunning views of Swargarohini Group of Peaks & Black Peak
- High altitude expedition
- Wide variety of flora and fauna –Govind Ballabh Pant National Park
Amenities
- Food as per menu on the trek ,Accommodation. (Guest house, Home stay, Camping)
- Forest Camping charges
- Safety Equipment,Trek equipments: Sleeping bag, mattress, tent (twin sharing), kitchen & dinning tent, toilet tent, utensils and crampon (if required)
- All necessary permits and entry fees
- Trek guide, cook, helpers, and mules for carrying common luggage
- Transportation if Specified in Itinerary,
- Mountaineering qualified & professional trek Leader, guide, cook and Support staff
- Meals during road Journeyss
- Any kind of Insurance
- Any expense of personal Nature
- Any expense not specified in the inclusion list
- Carriage of personal laggage during the trek
How to reach
Take a flight to Jolly Grant Airport Dehradun, Hire a cab to reach Dehradun City as the airport is 29 km away.
The Dehradun railway station is located in the centre of the city which is well connected to all the major cities of the country.
Dehradun is easily accessible from major cities of the country as it has an excellent road connectivity with other major cities and towns of North India. There are state-run and private buses that offer a regular service.
Things To Carry
Back pack & rain cover | (50 - 60 ltr) with comfortable shoulder straps |
Day pack + rain cover | 20 - 30 ltr (If hire a mule or porter) |
Walking stick | Advisable (At least one) |
Head torch | 1 Nos. |
Water bottle/Hydration pack | 2 bottles of one litre each People who use hydration pack- 1 hydration pack and 1 bottle of one liter Carry at least one thermos flask |
Snacks | Energy bars, dry fruits, electral/ors |
Personal Medical Kit | Consult your doctor |
T-shirts | 2 Full sleeves (Non-cotton) |
Fleece T-shirts | 1 Nos. |
Fleece jacket | 1 Nos. (Alternative: a woollen sweater) |
Down feather / Hollofil jacket | 1 Nos. |
Wind & waterproof (jacket & pant) | 1 Pair |
Thermal inners (upper and lower) | 1 Pair |
Trek pants | 2 Synthetic (avoid shorts, fitting denims, capris) |
Poncho | 1 Nos. |
Sunscreen cream | Hand sanitizer |
Moisturiser | Antibacterial powder |
Toilet Paper & wipes | Toothbrush and toothpaste |
Lip balm | Quick dry towel |
Sun cap | 1 Nos. (One that covers the neck as well) |
Woolen cap | 1 Nos. |
Balaclava | 1 Nos. |
Neck-gaiters | 1 Nos. |
Sunglasses | Dark with side cover, it should be U/V protected. People who wear spectacles- (A)- Use contact lenses. (Not for Chadar trek) (B)- Photo chromatic glasses. |
Trekking shoes | 1 Pair (Waterproof, high ankle with good grip) |
Floaters/flip-flops | 1 Pair (Optional) |
Cotton socks | 5 pairs |
Woollen socks | 3 pairs |
Gaiters | 1 Pair (Our team will notify you if required) |
Waterproof gloves | 1 Pair |
Fleece/woollen gloves | 1 Pair |