Starting From
34,500
30,000.00
Starting From
34,500
30,000.00
Panchachuli Base Camp Trek (331+ Reviews)
Trek starts and ends in Dharchula
Kathgodam Railway Station
Jolly grant Airport - Dehradoon
Dharchula
May, June, September, October
Dharchula to Dharchula
Veg
Homestay / Camping
Utarakhand
9 Days
Moderate
13975 Ft
60 Km
Overview
Snuggled in the lap of snow-peaked mountains, the Panchachuli Base Camp trek originates in the Darma valley of Pithoragarh district between the borders of Nepal and Tibet. Bestowed with nature’s splendour, the route to the Panchachuli glacier, lying in the lap of Kumaon Himalayas, is adorned with enchanting landscapes, snow-capped mountains, cascading waters, Alpine meadows and a rich variety of flora and fauna. Situated in Eastern Kumaon Himalaya, the trekking route forms the watershed between the Gori Ganga and Darma Valleys. The entire trek to the glacier is a walk along the river Dhauliganga.
The last road head Dar is 42km from Dharchula, and from Dar to Panchachuli Glacier will give us a pleasant walk. The trails unwinding through the tribal villages of Bongling, Sela, Nagling, Baaling and Duktu along the river Dhauliganga and thick forests of deodar and Bhojpatra and conifer are the best ones to enjoy the natural sights. The five peaks of Panchachuli form majestic visuals and enhance the Him Khand, Yuli River skirted by the forests of Devdaar, Bhoj Patra and conifer trees.
This amazing Panchachuli Base Camp trek is truly a feast to the eyes and the scenery throughout the journey is one that can only be experienced, not explained.
If you are someone who would love to roam around the mountains then Panchachuli Base Camp trek is one of the best options and the journey would come up with a lot of astounding moments. The five different peaks of Panchachuli sector numbers 1 to 5 are located at an elevation of 6904 meters, 6437 meters, 6355 meters, 6334 meters and 6312 meters. And almost all of them were conquered by many trekkers in the 1970s itself.
Itinerary
Arrive at Kathgodam in the morning to start off with a long drive to Dharchula. It will take the whole day to reach the point. But the scenic drive will not let you get bored because the complete route is filled with the picturesque views.
You will cross Pitholagarh and witness the continuous change in serenity while you pass through the towns of Bhimtal, Almora, Dhaulchina, Sera- gat, Chaukhori, Thal and Ashkot.
Watch the lofty Himalayan ranges and the gorges below, native villages and the sheer beauty of the forests till you reach Dharchula.
Dharchula is between India and Nepal with Kali River as one important river and it is a picturesque isolated remote valley village amidst the snow capped peaks.
It served as an ancient trading route between India and Nepal.
Stay overnight in a homestay in Dharchula village.
Trek from Dharchula - Dar - Urthing
Dar is the last road head in Darma Valley for this trek.
Start from Dharchula which will take a 3 hour drive to Dar along a windy road through the small tribal settlements Tawaghat and New Sobla.
From Dar it is a 3-4 hour walk to reach the campsite of Urthing and on the way, you need to pass through the beautiful Bongling forest.
The trek to Urthing is along a narrow cliff edge with the Dhauliganga river gushing below on your right.
It unwinds through a rock cut stretch to reach the village of Bongling.
Then comes level walks with short climbs in between to the reach the campsite.
Stay overnight in the camps.
Today it will be an easy walk with short descents and climbs.
You will find a mule track that goes from Urthing to Naagling letting you pass through the hill sides of green pastoral land, with Dhauli Ganga flowing below cutting through the gorges.
The trail opens up to the vast green meadows of the inner Himalayan ranges and a suspension bridge across the river to cross over to Sela campsite.
The campsite is on the outskirts of Naagling on the green carpet alongside the river.
Stay overnight in the camps.
The trail to Naagling goes along hill sides and is a rocky terrain for the first 3 kilometeres.
After that, you will enter the coniferous forests of high oak and birch trees and further along, you can watch the table top meadow of Nagling.
Post this, you will watch the sights of mighty Himalayas, the views of the distant glaciers etc which are quite exciting.
From the meadow, Baaling is another 3 kilometre walk through the vegetation lands of the tribals.
Son is a picturesque mostly uninhabited settlement of the Darma Valley.
Stay overnight in the camps.
In the morning, get a walk to the Base camp along a narrow trail, goes through the vast expanse of the Dantu Bugyals.
With the forest cover to reach the glacier on one side and the beautiful Meola river bed on the other, you may find the steep ascents to the base camp.
The bugyals stretching far and wide and the forests of birch and conifer create a picturesque ambience throughout the route.
Enjoy the fragrance spread by the wild flowers and get the glimpses of wild strawberries on the narrow path which has steep climbs and descends till PCBC.
Then it will be a continuous line of visuals including that of towering hills above and endless stretches of glaciers.
The complete trail will show you endless meadows and the tall oak and birch trees with the Panch Chulli (6904 mts./22652 ft.) towering in the background.
Get back to Nagling by retracing the path to camp overnight there.
In the morning, trek down to Nagling. The trek is easy downwards. Dinner and overnight stay in tents.
In the morning, you will trek down to Urthing from Nagling.
Stay overnight in Urthing.
On the last day of the trek, walk from Urthing to Sobla first and then get a drive to Dharchula.
Stay overnight in Dharchula.
Get a drive down to Kathgodam and reach by evening to take the overnight train/bus to New Delhi.
Panchachuli Base Camp Trek Map
Inclusions
Exclusions
1. Meals while on trek (Veg.).
2. All necessary entry fees and permits.
3. Accommodation:- Guest house / Camping during Trek.
4. Mountaineering qualified & professional trek Leader, guide, cook, and Support staff.
5. First aid medical kits, stretcher, and oxygen cylinder.
6. Trek equipment: Sleeping bag, mattress, tent, kitchen & dining tent, toilet tent, utensils, and crampon (if required)
7. Staff Insurance.
8. Porters/mules to carry central equipment.
1. Any kind of personal expenses.
2. Food during transit.
3. Mules or porters to carry personal luggage.
4. Insurance.
5. Transport (Non Ac)
6. Any kind of emergency evacuation charges
7. 5% GST
8.Any expense incurred or loss cost by reasons beyond our control such as bad weather, natural calamities (landslides, floods), flight delays/rescheduling/ cancellations, any accidents/medical evacuations, riots/strikes/war/pandemics etc.
9. Anything not specifically mentioned under the head.
1. Meals while on trek (Veg.).
2. All necessary entry fees and permits.
3. Accommodation:- Guest house / Camping during Trek.
4. Mountaineering qualified & professional trek Leader, guide, cook, and Support staff.
5. First aid medical kits, stretcher, and oxygen cylinder.
6. Trek equipment: Sleeping bag, mattress, tent, kitchen & dining tent, toilet tent, utensils, and crampon (if required)
7. Staff Insurance.
8. Porters/mules to carry central equipment.
1. Any kind of personal expenses.
2. Food during transit.
3. Mules or porters to carry personal luggage.
4. Insurance.
5. Transport (Non Ac)
6. Any kind of emergency evacuation charges
7. 5% GST
8.Any expense incurred or loss cost by reasons beyond our control such as bad weather, natural calamities (landslides, floods), flight delays/rescheduling/ cancellations, any accidents/medical evacuations, riots/strikes/war/pandemics etc.
9. Anything not specifically mentioned under the head.
What to carry
- Trekking shoes: A good pair of trekking shoes is essential for a comfortable and safe trek. Look for shoes that are sturdy, provide good ankle support, and have a good grip on different types of terrain.
- Backpack with rain cover (50-60 ltr): A backpack is necessary to carry all your gear. Make sure it's the right size for your trek, and comes with a rain cover to keep your belongings dry in case of rain.
- Thermals (upper and lower): Thermals are lightweight and comfortable base layers that help regulate your body temperature in cold weather. Bring both upper and lower thermals to keep warm.
- 3 T-shirts (advisable quick dry): Choose quick-drying T-shirts made from breathable and moisture-wicking materials. This will help keep you cool and dry during your trek.
- 2 trek pants: Choose lightweight and comfortable trek pants that are easy to move in and can dry quickly if wet.
- Jacket (-10 degrees): A warm jacket is essential for cold weather. Choose a jacket that is waterproof and windproof, and provides good insulation.
- Fleece or hood (2): Fleece jackets or hoodies are great mid-layer options to keep warm. Bring at least two, as they can also be used as an extra layer at night.
- Sunglasses (UV protected): Protect your eyes from the sun's harmful UV rays with sunglasses that are designed for outdoor activities.
- Sun cap: A sun cap or hat with a brim will protect your face and neck from the sun.
- Hand gloves: Bring a pair of lightweight gloves to keep your hands warm and protected from wind and sunburn.
- Woolen cap: A woolen cap will keep your head and ears warm at night or in cold weather.
- Socks (3 pairs min): Bring at least three pairs of good quality socks that are moisture-wicking and provide good cushioning and support for your feet.
- Headlamp: A headlamp will come in handy if you're hiking in low-light conditions or need to find your way in the dark.
- Trekking pole (if needed): Trekking poles can help reduce strain on your legs and provide additional support on steep terrain.
- Rain cover\poncho: A rain cover or poncho will keep you and your gear dry during unexpected rain showers.
- Day pack (if you plan to offload your bag): If you plan to offload your backpack during the trek, bring a smaller day pack to carry essentials like water, snacks, and a first aid kit.
- A toiletry kit: Bring a small kit with personal hygiene items, such as a toothbrush and toothpaste, wet wipes, hand sanitizer, and toilet paper.
- Lunchbox, cup, spoon: If you plan to bring your own food, bring a lunchbox, cup, and spoon to carry and eat your meals.
- 2 one-liter bottles: Staying hydrated is crucial, so bring at least two one-liter bottles to carry water.
- 2-3 plastic covers to keep your wet or used clothes: Plastic bags are useful for keeping wet or dirty clothes separate from the rest of your belongings. They can also be used to pack out any trash or waste you generate during the trek.
How to reach
Kathgodam station is among the major stations within the district, existed for a long time. It is connected to a variety of places, which are Lucknow, Delhi, and Howrah. Train tickets from Delhi to Kathgodam via train will cost you around the price of Rs. 150 for a sleeper second class ticket, and the price is Rs. 400 for the third sleeper ticket. It is crucial to reserve the tickets at minimum one month ahead because this type of ticket is always highly sought-after.
By Train :-
From Delhi go to The Ranikhet Express (5014) Dep. Delhi at 10:40pm and arrive Kathgodam at 5:55am (Overnight journey) and it’s the Uttar sampark kranti (5035) Dep. Delhi at 4:45pm. Arrival Kathgodam at 10:40 pm (6 hrs.40min.Journey)
From Dehardun Take from Dehardun the Doon Express (4120) Dep. Dehardun by 10:30 pm, arriving Kathgodam at 7:10 midnight (8hrs.journey)
By Bus :-
Regular buses operate departing from ISBT Delhi Anand Vihar station to Kathgodam. Buses heading to Nainital stop in Haldwani, which happens to be a twin city of Kathgodham (8 hours. Journey).
The majority of buses drop you off at Haldwani bus stop. From there, you must travel close to Kathgodham Railway Station which is only 4 km away.
Its Tata Sumo or similar vehicles will take you to Kathgodham Railway Station at 6:00am.
We suggest that you use only government buses to ISBT Anand Vihar. Private buses depart from outside ISBT , and they’re not trustworthy.
Fitness and preparation guide for Panchachuli Base Camp Trek
We recommend jogging as the best routine to get fit for a trek. It works on the same muscles that you use while trekking — your calves, glutes and hamstrings. It helps increase your stamina day by day. It is also an easy routine that does not require any equipment or tools.
Fitness target:
To do this trek comfortably, you must be able to cover 5 km in under 35 minutes. This is the minimum fitness required for this trek.
How to achieve this fitness?
- Start jogging at least 4 days a week
- If you cannot run 5 km immediately, start with 2 km and increase to 5 km over 2-3 weeks.
- Once you’re able to run 5 km, increase your pace day by day.
- Gradually increase your pace and bring it down to 5 km in less than 35 mins.
- You must be able to run 5 km in 35 mins consistently for at least 2 weeks before the trek.
This trek requires at least 6-8 weeks of preparation. The longer, the better. So plan your trek soon and start preparing.
Cancellation policy
Life is unpredictable and we understand sometimes you have to cancel or change your trip dates and it is our endeavour to make it as easy possible for you. However, please understand we plan everything including guide fees, permits, accommodation and ration in advance. Therefore any cancellation means inconvenience and certain losses to the people involved in various stages of programme. Keeping that in mind, our cancellation charges are as below-
Cancellation prior to 30 days from start of the event: Get monetary refund with 15% of cancellation charges on trek fee.
Cancellation between 30 days and 15 days to the start of event: 50% on trek fee is non refundable and the remaining 50 % will be given as cash voucher which is valid for 1 year.
Cancellation less than 15 days to the start of event: No refund.
Please note cancellation will be only accepted by email.
Booking amount is non refundable
Note: The Himalayan Daredevils reserves the right to cancel a programme before departure in the event of logistical problems arriving due to natural calamities, strikes, wars on any other circumstances that makes the event inadvisable. In this case, 50% on trek fee is non refundable and the remaining 50 % will be given as cash voucher which is valid for 1 year.
Itinerary changes & trip delays:
We plan itineraries based on the information at the time of planning and in rare circumstances, there are subject to change. In the event that the itinerary is changes or delayed due to unforeseen circumstances such as bad weather conditions, transportation delays, government intervention, landslides etc. We will always aim to give you the best experience possible. However The Himalayan Daredevils are not be held responsible for the cost of delay or changes.
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