Panchachuli Base Camp Trek Highlights

  • Get an amazing chance to climb up a height of about 13975 feet which could let you feel at the top of the world and view the entire region covered by thickets and glaciers.

  • The blooming forest trails have a lot to share with you on the way to the summit and the gushing rivers play an important role in making the trails tricky as well as exciting.

  • The famous wildlife of Uttarakhand may come your way if you are lucky and the rare birds found in the forests are the right companions for your trek.

  • Different bugyals, landscapes, and bridges across the rivers together create an astonishing sightseeing option before you.

Panchachuli Base Camp Trek Overview

About the Panchachuli Base Camp:

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.

About the Panchachuli Base Camp Trek:

Here is a 9-day Panchachuli Base Camp trekking package that begins after you reach Kathgodam and the first point of stay is Dharchula. The picturesque ways to Dharchula crossing the towns of Bhimtal, Almora and Dhaulchina will be amazing and you will come across the various little villages and gorges. From Dahrchula, the next destination of yours will be Urthing via Dar. The pathway takes you along small tribal settlements of Tawaghat and New Sobla. Upon arriving at Dar, take a 3-4 hour walk to reach the campsite of Urthing all the way through a narrow cliff edge with the Dhauli Ganga River gushing on your right. Then comes the easy route to Naagling going through the suspension bridge across the river.

Son will be the further destination on the tour after Naagling and on that day you will be passing through rocky, the high oak and birch forests and finally arriving the highland meadow of Naagling. Surrounded by the Himalayas, the sight of the distant glaciers from this viewpoint is spellbinding. As you continue walking through the dense thickets found at Dantu Bugyals and the Meola River gushing on the other side, you will reach Panchachuli Basecamp. This steep descend into the Panchachuli base camp also offers amazing views of wildflowers, strawberries, glaciers and sprawling meadows bordered by trees. The peak of Panchachuli stands tall at 6904m towering as the backdrop.

After exploring the mind-blowing beauty of Panchachuli, trek back to Naagling along the same picture-perfect landscapes and trails. Urthing, Dar, Darchula and Kathgodam will be coming your way once again before you wind up this exciting trekking trip.

Quick Facts About Panchachuli Base Camp Trek:

Temperature: 1 to 8 degrees in nights, days are relatively warmer

Panchachuli Base Camp Trek Trekking Distance: 60km

Maximum Altitude: 13,975 Ft.

Panchachuli Base Camp Trek Difficulty Level: Easy To Moderate 

Railway Station: Kathgodam is the nearest railway station 

Airport: Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun

Panchachuli Base Camp Trek Itinerary

Day 1
Kathgodam – Dharchula (295 km)

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.

Day 2
Dharchula / Dhar / Urthing ( Drive 2hrs + trek 04 hrs)

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.

Day 3
Urthing - Nagling ( trek 10 km, 04 hrs)

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.

Day 4
Nagling - Son (11 km, 5 hrs)

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.

Day 5
Son - Panchachuli Base Camp ( 05 km)

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.

Day 6
Panchachuli base camp - Nagling (16 km)

In the morning, trek down to Nagling. The trek is easy downwards. Dinner and overnight stay in tents.

Day 7
Nagling - Urthing

In the morning, you will trek down to Urthing from Nagling.

Stay overnight in Urthing.

Day 8
Urthing – Dharchula

On the last day of the trek, walk from Urthing to Sobla first and then get a drive to Dharchula.

Stay overnight in Dharchula.

Day 9
Dharchula – Kathgodam

Get a drive down to Kathgodam and reach by evening to take the overnight train/bus to New Delhi.

Select Package Options

The famous wildlife of Uttarakhand may come your way 

Price Includes
  • Stay

    Accommodation in tents or tourist lodge


  • Meals

    All meals included (vegetarian only)


  • Activities
    • Trekking
    • Camping


  • Transfers
  • Guide

More Details about Panchachuli Base Camp Trek

Know Before You Go for Panchachuli Base Camp Trek

  • Climatic conditions in the high altitudes vary from the plains; take adequate time to get acclimatized to high altitudes.
  • The management reserves all the right to modify the trek during any emergencies or natural calamities.
  • Consult a physician before undertaking the trek. Carry basic medications and a first-aid kit during the trek.
  • Pay heed to the trek guides and instructors in order to enjoy a safe and sound trek.
  • The trek takes place through an eco-friendly zone; do not encourage littering the local sites or campsites. Travelers littering may be fined.
  • Water is very precious, so conservation is appreciated.
  • Do not encourage trekking during the night unless it is a part of the itinerary and a guide is with you; this might lead to unforeseen mishaps.
  • Avoid using earphones during the trek; this might hinder your audibility.
  • Avoid using plastic bags and maintain the ecological balance of the destinations.
  • In case, the trek needs to be canceled, the authorities should be informed beforehand.
  • Guidelines issued by the State-Government are to be followed. Social distancing to be maintained. Frequent hand sanitization and use of masks is recommended.
  • Please provide a valid ID at the time of check-in.
  • Professional guide(s) are available to ensure high safety and more information and personal attention which are necessary to appreciate a trek.
  • The exact location will be shared with you post-booking.
  • Neat and clean vehicle for the journey with experienced drivers especially for hilly terrains available.
  • Camping is very basic in nature. One must not expect luxuries. Electricity may be available only at a few locations.
  • Mobile & laptop charging points may/may not be available on campsites at a common point.
  • Any personal expenses, items of personal nature, meals not mentioned, etc. will not be in part of the package.
  • Carry dry snacks/food from home (you will save a lot of money). Carry water bottles with you, so that you can refill.
  • Keep your luggage minimum; the more you carry, the more you hassle.
  • It is recommended to carry enough warm clothes and the right kind of shoes for the Panchachuli Base Camp trek.
  • Children below the age of 7 years are not recommended for the Panchachuli Base Camp trek

Things To Carry for Panchachuli Base Camp Trek

  • Hiking shoes
  • Water bottle
  • Fleece jackets and thermals
  • Back pack (50-60l)

Tour Difficulty for Panchachuli Base Camp Trek

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Panchachuli Base Camp Trek Map

Starting Point
Uttarakhand
Uttarakhand, India