Pindari Glacier Trek, Uttarakhand

The Pindari Glacier can be found in the Bageshwar district in the beautiful state of Uttarakhand. It is located in Kumaon Himalaya in a beautiful village called Loharkhet. The glacier is frequented by millions of tourists yearly because of its natural scenery and sits at the height of more than 3,000 meters above the sea level.

Visitors are awestruck by the beauty and charm they get to see at every turn during their trekking adventures. The glacier is also the source of water for the Pindari river that flows in the region.

Reaching the Pindari Glacier requires you to trek for five days straight. The Pindari Glacier Trek initially begins from Kathgodam, from where you have to take a drive towards Loharkhet. The real trekking begins from Loharkhet, from where you begin an 11 KM long trek to Dhakuri.

From Dhakuri, an 8 KM long trek is followed towards Khati. Another 11 KM long trek is done on the third day from Khati to Dwali. The fourth day of trekking is spent covering a 5 KM long trail to Phurkia. The fifth day is the one when most of the trekking is done and you are required to cover 17 KM to finally reach the Pindari Glacier in the Pindari Valley. 

The difficulty of Pindari Glacier Trek has been moderately difficult due to its altitude and distance. The trail requires you to trek for a total of 48 KM over a span of five days.

Everyday, a small amount of trekking is done, however the last day when you trek towards the glacier, you are required to cover 17 KM in one go.

Apart from this, the difficulty of this trek also depends on who is trekking. If you are a novice trekker with minimum knowledge of trekking, then it might turn out to be a bit difficult for you. Considering an experienced trekker, they will find covering it comparatively easy.  

Pindari Glacier falls into the moderate category of treks, including a handful of landslide prone sections which force you to take a detour through other trails strewn with moraines. There are also a few steep inclines to traverse.

The trek demands above average fitness levels. Begin with jogging 5 km everyday to increase your cardiovascular endurance and stamina. Ideally, if you can jog 5 km within 25 to 30 minutes, you’re fit enough for the trek. Besides jogging, do at least 3 sets of squats with 15 reps regularly to improve knee and muscle strength.

Regular calf stretches are also advisable to avoid muscle cramps on the trek. Also try some yoga asanas and stretches for flexibility and avoiding injury.

The Pindari Glacier trek distance is 48 km. It starts in the Song village, and the end of the village means completion of your exciting trek. To be precise, your starting point is Loharkhet in the Bageshwar district.

You trek across various quaint villages during your trail like Dwali, Phurkia, and Dhakuri. During your Pindari Glacier trekking, you also travel through the Nanda Devi Sanctuary.

The Pindari Glacier trek height is 3000 meters above sea level. The trek begins at an altitude of more than 1,700 meters above sea level. Since it is located in a mountainous region, you can expect the area to be cold throughout the year.

The Pindari Glacier trek is one of those that leaves you completely rejuvenated and relaxed. Travelling to remote villages tucked away along high peaks gives you an experience that you will cherish for a lifetime! Stunning and calm lakes with crystal clear waters, snow clad mountain peaks, charming wooden bridges, everything just add for a mystic and exhilarating experience when you are on Pindari Glacier trek!

Villages that comes during Pindari Glacier trek are small and comprise of people who take hospitality to new heights. Get familiar with the lifestyle and culture of regions in the vicinity. Trek to Pindari Glacier has diverse landscapes and is a one stop shop for people who want to witness the most stunning lands and waters the planet has to offer.

Kathgodam is also known as Haldwani, though locals prefer calling it Kathgodam. Once you reach Bamsera, you have to come down to Song village by road. Make sure to hire cabs that can run safely on treacherous road conditions found here.

It can be jeeps like Bolero, sumo, thar, and the like. You also have a bus service that can take around 8-10 hours from Delhi. Also, you can reach the village depending on the weather conditions of this area.

During adverse weather conditions, traffic is not allowed in these regions. However, during the summer, it takes around 8-10 hours by road.

Knowing the weather conditions in the Pindari glacier area is crucial for your trekking experience. Depending on the climatic conditions, you have to carry the right clothing for your trek. In the months of July to August, the town witnesses heavy rainfall.

You may want to avoid coming down during this season, as trekking could be dangerous, or usually get cancel. From December to March, the temperature remains cold at 10 degrees Celsius. Visitors are advised to have plenty of warm clothing like thermals, jackets, woolen caps, sweaters, scarfs, mittens, and socks.

You can also bring raincoats for your Pindari Glacier trekking as it rains throughout the year and wear jeans for additional warmth.

Here is the list of best Uttarakhand treks that you can book from Thrillophilia:

1. Brahmatal Trek
2. Nag Tibba Trek
3. Kedarnath Trek
4. Dayara Bugyal Trek
5. Panch Kedar Trek
6. Yamunotri Trek
7. Phulara Ridge Trek