PANGARCHULLA PEAK TREK
A summit challenge for adventurers
TREK DIFFICULTY
TREK DURATION
HIGHEST ALTITUDE
If you are looking for a power-packed and thrilling summit climb, the Pangarchulla Peak trek offers just that. The summit point of the Pangarchulla Peak trek is situated at a challenging altitude of 15,069 ft.
To begin with, Pangarchulla is a 5-day trek (7 days when you include the travel days from Rishikesh). The trek starts from Auli near Joshimath in the Garhwal region of Uttarakhand. It is situated in the Nanda Devi National Park.
This trek is known for its summit climb. For anyone who has done this trek, that will be the first thing to recall about their trek. The summit day is for one very long. You climb over lots of boulders covered over snow, feeling your feet every step of the way.
While the summit climb in itself leaves you with a strong adrenaline rush, what adds to this experience is the mountain views you get from the top. All along the trek, you are accompanied by grand views of a big part of the Greater Himalayan Range. And at the summit, you are surrounded by them and they all stand so close to you.
And when you trek in March and April, they are filled with blooming Rhododendrons, providing colours to the already beautiful forest. Being in Khullara will transport you to a different world altogether.
Pangarchulla Peak - Complete Trek Information
We have always wanted trekkers to be well-informed before they go on a Himalayan trek . Knowledge is the difference between a safe trek and a dangerous one. It’s also the difference between a wholesome experience and a superficial experience.
Use this section to learn about the Pangarchulla Peak trek. It has in-depth information about each day of the trek, what to expect, and how you need to prepare for it. Many years of expertise have gone into this content. Trekkers find that extremely useful.
Quick Itinerary
Get your trek plan
A route map of the Pangarchulla Peak trek
Drive from Rishikesh to Dhak/Karchi
Drive Distance: 254 km | Drive Duration: 10-11 hours | Pick up point for Indiahikes trekkers: Live Free Hostel, Rishikesh | Pick up Time: 5.15 am
Transport will be arranged at 5.15 AM. It costs Rs 8,000 per Bolero (5-6 seater), and Rs 12,000 per Tempo Traveller (10-12 seater) for the transport, one way. This amount is shared by trekkers. You will reach the base camp, Dhak/Karchi by 5.00 PM.
Drive from Dhak/Karchi to Auli. Trek from Auli to Tali
Trek Distance: 8.1 km | Trek Duration: 8-9 hours | Altitude Gain: 7,785 ft to 11,053 ft
Trek from Tali to Khullara
Trek Distance: 2.65 km | Trek Duration: 3 hours | Altitude Gain and Loss: 11,053 ft to 11,014 ft
Acclimatization Day at Khullara. Trek to Kuari Top and back to Khullara
Trek Distance: 7 km | Trek Duration: 4-5 hours | Altitude Gain and Loss: 11,010 ft to 12,600 ft, and back to 11,010 ft
Trek from Khullara to Pangarchulla Summit, and back to Khullara
Trek Distance: 12 km | Trek Duration: 10-12 hours | Altitude Gain and Loss: 11,010 ft to 15,069 ft, and back to 11,010 ft
Trek from Khullara to Karchi/ Dhak
Trek Distance: 5.25 km | Trek Duration: 3-4 hours | Altitude Loss: 11,010 ft to 7,785 ft
Drive back from Dhak/ Karchi to Rishikesh
Drive Distance: 260 km | Trek Duration: 10-11 hours | Drop off point for Indiahikes trekkers: Live Free Hostel, Rishikesh
The transport cost has to be borne by trekkers. It costs Rs 8,000 per Bolero (5-6 seater), and Rs 12,000 per Tempo Traveller (10-12 seater) for the transport, one way.
Please note: The distance between campsites may vary by 100 meters depending the weather conditions and the route you take. The altitude may also vary by 100 feet for similar reasons.
IMPORTANT POINTS
- It is mandatory for trekkers to carry a copy of their photo ID for entry at forest check posts on the trek.
- At the base camp, your stay will be arranged in lodges.
- On the trek, you will be staying 2 in a tent.
- We have a cloakroom facility at the base camp for excess luggage. Anything beyond one luggage is chargeable at Rs 500 per luggage. Do not leave behind any valuables in the cloakroom.
How Does Each Day Look
Complete day-wise guide with pictures
Day 1 (Pick-up Day): Drive from Rishikesh to Karchi/Dhak
Driving Duration: 10-11 hours drive | Driving Distance: 254 km
Altitude: 7,785 ft
Highlights: The Panch Prayag that you get to see on the journey is the main highlight. Prayag is the place of a confluence of three rivers, and all the five are seen on this route, namely Dev Prayag, Rudra Prayag, Karna Prayag, Nand Prayag and Vishnu Prayag.
The Pangarchulla trek begins from Auli. However, you will be staying at either Dhak or Karchi.
The drive from Rishikesh to Dhak is beautiful. The road chugs along tributaries of the Ganges. It hugs the mountainside and you get views of the vast valleys and forests of Garhwal.
After you cross the village of Pipalkoti, the entire scenery changes. You suddenly see a stark difference in the landscape when approaching closer to the Greater Himalayan Range.
Watch out for the big mountain of Mt. Drongiri from the base camp. This peak will be your company for the entire trek duration.
Karchi has a few interesting things that you need to know. If you are reaching a day in advance or have time post your trek, these are the things to look out for - The Hotsprings, the first sight of Mt. Dronagiri peak welcoming you and the region of Lata, Reini where the Chipko movement started in India.
You will reach by 5.00 PM.
Day 2: Drive from Dhak to Auli. Trek from Auli to Tali
Trek Duration: 8-9 hours | Trek Distance: 8.1 km
Altitude Gain: ⇗ 2,507 ft (8,546 ft to 11,053 ft)
Difficulty: Moderate-Difficult. Continuous ascent which is steep for the first 20 minutes followed by 45 minutes of gradual ascent. Steep again for about an hour, followed by a mix of gradual and steep ascents for 1.5 - 2 hours.
Highlights: Majestic peaks such as Mt Nanda Devi, Mt Hathi, Mt Ghoda, and Mt Dronagiri stand tall around you in Auli.
The day starts with a small drive from our base camp towards Auli.
The trek starts from lower Auli. Upper Auli is 1,000 ft above this. Trekkers do have the option of taking the cable car/ropeway to reach Upper Auli. If you plan to trek, you will reach it after gradually ascending for 1-1.5 hours.
This section will be seeing plenty of waste and is a good opportunity for you to contribute to leaving the mountains better.
From here, the trail enters an oak forest. Within a few minutes, you reach Padiyar temple. You can take a break here if you wish. From Padiyar temple, the trail continues to ascend. In 2.5-3 hours you will reach Padiyar.
At Gorson Bugyal, wide mountain views open up ahead of you. You will trek across the entire length of Gorson Bugyal, which gives you enough time to savour the views. This is a lovely walk one gets to do.
This is also the place you need to look up and catch Himalayan Griffin hovering above you. This majestic beauty is a wondrous bird. After about 40 minutes of moderate ascent, the overhanging trail ends abruptly and you take a U-turn brings you to an overhanging trail which cuts through a cliff.
Continue on this ledge. You can spot Lower and Upper Tugasi villages way below in the valley and also see rhododendron forests from above. The entire valley is below you now. A 20 minutes steep ascent and descent takes you to Tali lake. At Tali lake, you’re above the tree line so you start getting the mountain views again. This with the gorgeous view of Mt. Nandi Devi that makes you go weak in your knees.
From here, your campsite is nestled in between the forest. This should take you around 30-40 minutes to reach.
Day 3: Trek from Tali to Khullara
Trek Duration: 2-3 hours | Trek Distance: 2.65 km
Altitude Difference: ⇘ 40 ft (10,908 ft to 11,010 ft)
Difficulty: Easy. Gradual trek all the way to Khullara.
Highlights: Views of the major peaks of Greater Himalaya.
The trail to Khullara is an easy day. This day will help you get enough rest and spend time exploring Khullara.
You trek through the lovely dense forests of Oak and dwarf rhododendrons. There are plenty of short clearings on this day. When you are about to reach Khullara, you meet the trail which connects from Gulling.
On one side you see Chaukhamba, Neelkanth, Dronagiri, Nilgiri and Hathi Ghoda peaks. Straight ahead of you are Trishul and parts of Nanda Devi. Continue on this trail to reach the upper grasslands.
The Khullara campsite is located in a clearing.
Day 4: Acclimatisation Day at Khullara. Trek to Kuari Top and back to Khullara
Trek Duration: 4-5 hours | Trek Distance: 7km
Altitude Gain and Loss: ⇗ 1,590 ft; ⇘ 1,590 ft (11,010 ft to 12,600 ft and back to 11,010 ft)
Difficulty: Easy. Gradual ascent to Kuari Pass.
Highlights: Camping on an open campsite with views of many mountain peaks. The thrill of climbing to Kuari Pass.
Take the rest day seriously and spend your time in a beautiful setting, watching the sunrise and set.
If you decide to trek up to the Kuari top, it is a moderate climb with a few switchbacks.
Day 5: Trek from Khullara to Pangarchulla Summit, and back to Khullara
Trek Duration: 12-16 hours | Trek Distance: 12km
Altitude Gain and Loss: ⇗ 4,060 ft; ⇘ 4,060 ft (11,010 ft to 15,069 ft and back to 11,010 ft)
Difficulty: Difficult. Initial gradual ascent followed by steep ascent over snow/boulders.
Highlights: Starting the climb in the wee hours and the thrill of reaching the summit when the sun is bright and shiny.
Start early at 4.00 AM, as the summit needs to be reached before 11.00 AM.
From Khullara Campsite , walk towards the forest ridge ahead of you as you connect with the famous Lord Curzon Trail . The initial 30 to 45 minutes of the trek is through a forest ridge along a frozen rivulet. This section will be found buried in a huge accumulation of snow. The ascent of about 100 metres is stiff. Carefully climb up the snow ridge section until you see a vast snowfield in front of you. Observe the snow gully above you in the middle. That is the point where one has to reach. The incline gets steep as you walk on soft powdered snow. You finally leave the forest line behind you. Wear sunglasses to avoid snow blindness.
After walking for 30 to 45 minutes you reach the top of the snow gully. From here you get the view of Pangarchulla Main and Pangarchulla subsidiary summits.
Stay towards the true right of the snow ridge as you walk alongside gaining altitude. The snow accumulation on the ridge from here forth can be huge during the winter season (Mid January till April). After 45 minutes of watchful snow hike along the ridge, you reach the level snow grounds. This can be a possible Advance Base Camp for Pangarchulla Summit. However, there is no source of water here in winter.
From this point observe Chaukhamba massifs in the far north, followed by Mana, Kamet, Abi Gamin, Hathi Parvat, all the way to Nanda Ghunti and Trishul. In the middle sight, the Dronagiri, Changabang and Kalanka peaks are prominent.
The onward approach to the Pangarchulla summit is laborious, but not difficult. It is advisable to have a qualified guide with you for opening the snow route. There are multiple steep sections on soft snow. Proper high ankle trek boots, gaiters and crampons will help in climbing. Crampons are highly advisable to minimize the chances of slipping on snow. The section of the climb can take five-six hours in snow conditions. In post-monsoon season one can reach the summit in 4 hours.
From this point, observe the summit approach the base of Pangarchulla main peak. Six mountain ridges need to be traversed to reach the base of the peak. During the winter season, the whole region is carpeted in snow making it difficult to traverse the area swiftly.
Take the snow trail that descends sixty meters down and then climbs up 120 meters till you reach a level hump. This section is laborious with a sharp descent and ascent. Once you reach the top of the first snow hump, it is time to climb the second one above it.
Traversing the second, third and fourth snow ridges may take an hour and a half. Once you reach the top of the fourth ridge a clear perspective of the summit climb from the base of Pangarchulla Peak can be seen. Move forward towards the fifth ridge which has a gradual ascent as you reach nearer to the base of the peak. As you cross over the fifth ridge, the sixth one appears to be a stone's throw away.
The ascent from here to the summit of the peak is around 300 to 350 meters. The climb to the summit is best approached by following the connecting ridge moving along the right side, to begin with. Halfway through the climb, look for an appropriate point from where the summit route needs to be established.
Ice carving a route via an ice axe will be required from here forth. Take a left as you face the side ridge wall with a sixty-degree incline section. Depending upon the accumulation of snow a fixed rope may be required. As you climb to the top of the razor-sharp cornice, the final summit climb section awaits you. The team should be harnessed on a rope here as the wind here is very strong. Avoid walking on the edge of the cornice at any point as you do the final ridge walk. The summit is less than 100 meters away.
Once at the summit, enjoy the breathtaking 360-degree views of Garhwal peaks. Nanda Ghunti, Trishul ranges are visible from the summit for the first time.
The return is a three-four hour descent down to the camping grounds of Khullara. Take care while descending on snow.
Day 6: Trek from Khullara to Karchi/ Dhak
Trek Duration: 4-5 hours | Trek Distance: 5.25 km
Altitude Loss: ⇘ 3,225 ft (11,010 ft to 7,785 ft)
Difficulty: Easy-Moderate. Moderate to steep descent all the way to Karchi.
Highlights: Walk through walnut trees, golden and brown oak forests all the way till Karchi.
The trail today descends from Khullara but it’s not as steep as the previous day. As you descend, you will go through dwarf rhododendrons. Within 40 minutes of starting from Khullara, you reach the first clearing. You will be surrounded by golden and brown oak forests on all sides.
Continue on the trail leading into the forest. You will reach the second clearing in about an hour. All this time, you will cross small streams along the trail. The water in them is clean and you can drink from them.
Be careful near the streams during the early season. They freeze and become hard and it becomes extremely slippery to walk on them. So, exercise caution when you come across hard ice. The snow that freezes overnight and becomes hard ice is known as Verglas.
Day 7: Drive from Karchi/ Dhak back to Rishikesh
Duration: 10-11 hours | Drive Distance: 260 km
Highlights: The Panch Prayags that you get to see in the correct order on your way down.
Start from Tapoban after breakfast. Enjoy the scenic drive back to Rishikesh. You are expected to reach Rishikesh at around 7.00 PM on this day.
How Difficult is the Pangarchulla Peak Trek?
This will tell you just how fit you must be
Suitable for Experienced Trekkers
At Indiahikes, while rating a trek difficulty we consider a number of factors. These include altitude gained every day, length of trek everyday, highest altitude, nature of the terrain, weather etc. Based on this we rate a trek as easy or difficult or somewhere in between.
Pangarchulla Peak trek is categorized as a difficult trek trek . At Indiahikes, we classify a trek as difficult if it fits the following criteria:
– Challenging, uneven trails – Goes over 15,000 ft – Trekking hours can go up to 9 hours a day – Few exit options – Excellent cardiovascular fitness and prior high altitude trek experience are required
We feel that the Pangarchulla Peak trek addresses all of these criteria. The trek reaches an altitude of 15,070 ft. The summit day goes up to 12 hours of hard trek climbing up and down an altitude of 4,000 ft in a single day. The summit climb is challenging and has steep, uneven and exposed sections.
The last 4 hours of the summit climb are trekking on hard snow over boulders. It is extremely challenging, tiring and filled with tricky sections. It requires that you are sure-footed, always high on alert and carrying a lot of energy.
Apart from the first two days, the rest of the trek is marked with long days with a minimum of 8 hours trek each day.
All of this makes the trek a difficult trek to do. Without prior high altitude trek experience and excellent physical preparation, this trek is almost impossible to do.
Safety on the Pangarchulla Peak Trek
- Safety - Terrain Wise
- Safety - Altitude Wise
- Safety – Weather Wise
- Emergency Exits and Closest Hospital
The Pangarchulla Peak Trek’s challenge comes mainly from its terrain. Until Khullara, the trek follows the route of Kuari Pass and is quite safe. A few tricky sections would be the overhanging stretch from Tali to Gorson Bugyal. But this pales in comparison when we consider the summit day.
The summit climb of this trek is very challenging. It is what makes the trek adventurous. Being mentally, physically and technically prepared to handle these sections will determine the success of your summit climb.
1. Once you reach the top of the snow gully, the entire route to the peak becomes visible. It becomes immediately obvious that the last 4-5 hours of the trek will be on the snow over big boulders. This is the case till you reach the summit.
The challenging part of the trek starts from this section. You will need a technical guide for this part of the trek. Being sure-footed is essential as some places can have loose snow that pulls your foot within the gap between boulders.
2. Once you reach the base of the peak, you will be mainly trekking on the ridge. The ridge section can be seen as 6 small ridge sections put together. Some going up and some coming down. Given that you are trekking on a ridge, both of them can be challenging.
3. As you near the summit, the ridge becomes narrow and windy as well. This section might require a rope. Your technical guide will take a call on this and prepare the trail for you. Towards the end of April, the snow can become hard and icy. This again will require the technical guide to prepare the route for you with an ice axe. Traversing these challenges with proper safety measures will determine the success of your trek and your safety.
At Indiahikes, given these difficult sections, we strongly recommend that you go with a technical guide who knows the trek very well. It is also important that the technical guide has the right equipment like ropes, anchors, and ice-axe to prepare the route for you wherever it is necessary. So, take these preparations seriously.
On this trek, you are climbing around 7,500 ft in the first four days and reaching a maximum altitude of 15,069 ft. Naturally, you have a high chance of getting hit by AMS.
Few aspects of the trek that helps mitigate AMS:
– Except for the first day and the summit climb, every day’s trek and campsites are placed well within a normal altitude gain for each day. With a steady pace, the chances of getting AMS are less.
– You have an acclimatization day on the third day to help you prepare for the long summit climb on the fourth day. This helps your body to prepare itself for the 4,000 ft ascent and descent on the summit day. This also reduces the chances of AMS, HAPE and HACE drastically.
– You also lose all the height you climb on the summit day by the same evening. This again helps your body to recover from any of the altitude sickness symptoms if any.
However, there are still chances of getting hit by AMS.
On this trek, you are prone to get initial symptoms of AMS right from the very first day of the trek given that you climb about 3,000 ft on the first day. To minimize the risk, climb at a steady pace, hydrate regularly and give yourself ample rest once you reach the campsite.
Also, ensure that you do not waste the acclimatization day. Make sure to climb at least a minimum of 2,000 ft on the acclimatization day to reduce your risk of altitude-related sickness on the summit day.
Even after taking all of these precautions, you can still get AMS. Most trekkers usually present with the starting symptoms of AMS — headache or tiredness mixed with perhaps lack of appetite or sleep. The immediate step to take would be to start on a curative course of Diamox, which is 250 mg every 12 hours followed by ample rest. The earlier you treat these symptoms, the higher the chances of recovering and completing the trek.
If you present with symptoms that persist for more than 12 hours, descend to the base camp immediately.
As you climb higher and proceed beyond 11,000 ft, there are chances of HAPE/ HACE to occur as well. In our history of running this trek, we have never had a trekker present with HAPE/HACE. Nevertheless, it is better to be prepared and mindful of the symptoms.
Here’s a Complete Guide to Acute Mountain Sickness, HAPE and HACE:
- What Is Altitude sickness? A Quick Look At AMS, HAPE And HACE
- How To Treat Altitude Sickness – AMS, HAPE, & HACE
- How To Prevent Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS), HAPE and HACE
- 3 Life Saving Drugs You MUST Have To Tackle Altitude Sickness – AMS, HAPE and HACE
The trek gets inaccessible when the snow level goes high or when the snow melts away. It is for that reason the trek is closed for most of the year except April to mid-May. Given that you will be trekking on snow on your summit climb, winter gear is essential. Gaiters and crampons are very much necessary. Hence, having this in your winter kit is essential.
The trek also gets extremely cold on the summit climb as you go up the exposed ridge. This can result in cold-related injuries. But this can be tackled with the right winter gear, the right technique of layering and good insulation techniques .
Emergency Exits: Pangarchulla Peak Trek has multiple trails that reach the Khullara campsite. But at Indiahikes, we have documented and followed the two trails that mark the onward and the descent routes of our trek. Both of these routes mark the exit routes for our trek. Depending on where you are on the trek when evacuation is necessary, you can exit from the nearest exit point.
In general, if you are in the valley where Khullara and Chitrakantha/Tali campsite is located, you can exit from Dhak . While if you have crossed the overhanging section of the trail and on the Gorson Bugyal side, then exit from Auli .
While evacuation from Khullara is easy and simple, evacuation on the summit day is quite challenging. Given the difficulty of the summit climb in terms of the terrain, it is important to have a strong evacuation plan in terms of an emergency.
You will need a proper evacuation kit which contains a stretcher, oxygen cylinder and a high altitude medical kit along with you to tackle any emergency. You will also need good technical guides who can handle the evacuation in case of an emergency.
Closest Hospitals: For mild medical issues, the closest medical assistance can be found in Joshimath . This includes simple fractures, sprain, etc.
Field Hospital Joshimath, Chamoli – 246443 Ph: 8765949852
District Hospital Gopeshwar, Chamoli – 246424
However, for major medical emergencies, the nearest hospital is in Srinagar or Dehradun — which is almost 8-9 hours away from the base camps of this trek.
Why get fit for the Pangarchulla Trek
Fitness matters for the 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 10 km in under 60 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 10 km immediately, start with 2 km and increase to 2 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 10 km in less than 60 mins.
- You must be able to run 10 km in 60 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.
Here's a complete guide to get you trek fit.
Strength training tips:
How to get Fitness Approval from the Indiahikes team:
Every trekker needs fitness approval from the Indiahikes team 20 days before the trek date. Without this, you will not be allowed on the trek.
What to upload?
- A minimum of 3 screenshots of your runs/jogs/walks/cycling
- Monthly summary of your routine
Why fitness matters:
Every high-altitude trek comes with a set of challenges. Steep ascents and descents, uneven terrain, snow walks, stream crossings, pass crossings, and summit climb. Even the easiest of treks have some of these challenges if not all of them. Without fitness, trekkers struggle, get injured easily, lag behind, or simply fail to complete the trek.
At Indiahikes, we take pride in the fact that our trekkers are among the fittest in the country. Those who do not meet the fitness requirements are often sent back. Our philosophy is that trekking and fitness go hand in hand. Without fitness, there’s no trekking.
Complete guide to get trek fit
Best Time to do the Pangarchulla Peak Trek
Time your trek well
Pangarchulla Peak trek is accessible for only one month of the year — that is in April . This covers the Spring Season of the year.
The trek is not open during the other months of the year. Before April, the trek has too much snow for the summit climb to be possible.
After April, the snow melts away leaving the route to the summit unsafe with exposed boulders. These boulders are big and have a lot of gaps between them, making traversing them quite challenging for any trekker. It is easily exhausting and very unsafe as well. Because of these reasons, the trek to the summit is best done before the snow melts away.
Pangarchulla Peak in Spring (April)
The month of April offers the right amount of snow for a successful climb to the Pangarchulla summit. Though the rest of the route is open for almost 8 months in a year, the summit climb is best done during this small window.
In April, it is proper Spring on the Pangarchulla trek. At this time, the snow is melting, giving way to lush meadows. The campsites are free of snow but there is plenty of deposited hard snow above 12,000 ft. This is the right amount of snow required for facilitating the summit climb.
Among other attractions is that April is also the season of flowers. You see meadows flowering and Rhodos blooming during this time.
In a nutshell, spring offers the best of both worlds — the perfect window for the summit climb and the time to see fresh blooms. This is the only time the trek is accessible and safe.
How to Reach the Base Camp
Plan your travel
Planning your onward flight/train booking
If you are travelling from Bengaluru, Chennai, Pune, Mumbai or any other city, book your air tickets for Day Zero , which is the day before Day 1 on the itinerary. If your trek start day is 25 August, book your air tickets for 24 August to either Delhi/Dehradun.
There are two options for your flight booking.
Option 1: Fly directly to Dehradun
We recommend this. It gives you an added rest day at Rishikesh. Most metros are directly connected to Dehradun. However, if the cost of the flight ticket to Dehradun is too high, book to Delhi and connect to Rishikesh by bus.
Tip : Dehradun Airport is Jolly Grant is closer to Rishikesh than Dehradun. It is 20 km from Rishikesh and 35 km from Dehradun.
The Dehradun airport is somewhat inconvenient when it comes to city connectivity (either to Rishikesh or Dehradun). Airport buses that ply between Rishikesh to Dehradun via the airport run every hour. In our experience, the hour can stretch to even 1½ hours.
Taxis are available from the airport (plenty). Prepaid taxis are available (look for the pre-paid taxi counter just out of the conveyor belt at the arrivals). You can also flag down a taxi (bargain a bit) with taxis outside the airport. Airport taxis are exorbitant. They usually charge between Rs 800 to Rs 1,000 to Rishikesh.
Usually, most passengers take taxis from the airport. Try to hook up with co-passengers on the flight for your taxi ride to Rishikesh or Dehradun.
Pro Tip : If you want to save real money try to catch an auto just outside the airport terminal complex. They usually come there to drop passengers off. Autos are not allowed to enter the airport complex. They charge approximately Rs 300 to Rishikesh.
If autos are not available, walk for a further 1.5 km to get to the Rishikesh Dehradun highway. From the highway, you can flag down regular town buses or shared autos (shared autos are called Vikram's ). Bus fare is about Rs 30 to Rishikesh. Shared autos charge about Rs 20.
Option 2: Flying to Delhi
Flying to Delhi may be a lot cheaper than getting to Dehradun. Make sure to book a flight that reaches Delhi by 8.00 pm. You must arrive in Delhi on Day Zero and not on Day 1.
Note: If you notice the difference in air ticket prices between Delhi and Dehradun is less than Rs 1000 then book directly to Dehradun. The rest and shorter travel time are worth the difference.
Next, book yourself on a UPSRTC bus to Rishikesh. They are fully AC Volvo buses that leave between 21.00 to 23.00 hrs from ISBT Kashmiri Gate and get to Rishikesh between 3:00 to 5:00 am.
At Rishikesh, wait for Indiahikes pick up at 6.00 am. Contact your driver by 5:30 am. The number of your transport coordinator will be shared with you a week before your departure.
Planning your return flight/train booking
Next, if your onward flight departs from Delhi, then book flight tickets for Day 8 or Day 9. Depending on the day you leave Rishikesh.
Sometimes trekkers worry if they can book an early morning flight out of Delhi on Day 8 Yes, you can. But book flights that depart only after 8 am. Do not book any flight between 6.00 and 8 am. You may not reach Delhi in time.
How to get to Delhi on time for an early morning flight
If your flight is early, say between 8.00 and 9.00 am, then there are two options.
Train : Take the Nanda Devi Express from Haridwar (12402) that leaves Haridwar slightly past midnight (00.17 hrs) to get to Hazrat Nizamuddin Railway Station at 4.50 in the morning. From Hazrat Nizamuddin, you get airport buses from outside the station as well as taxis. For the Metro train walk down to the Hazrat Nizamuddin metro station, take a metro to Durgabai Deshmukh South Campus, get off and connect to the Dhaula Kuan Airport line metro station (there are convenient travelator belts over a skywalk). From Dhaula Kuan you get the metro train to the airport.
Note : Earlier Nanda Devi express would arrive at the New Delhi railway station. From 26 August 2019, it has been extended up to Kota. It no longer goes to the New Delhi railway station. Instead, it goes to Hazrat Nizamuddin railway station . The train number has changed from 12206 to 12402.
Bus : The other option is to take a bus from Rishikesh. It is about a 5½ – 6 hrs journey to Delhi. From Rishikesh add another hour to the journey. So if you take a bus that leaves around 9.00 pm, then expect to reach Delhi at around 3.00 am (ISBT Kashmiri Gate). A bus that leaves at 10 pm will reach Delhi around 4.00 am. AC Volvo buses are the fastest, so opt for them. Non AC buses can take up to 7-8 hrs for the journey.
From Kashmiri Gate ISBT you get Airport buses or taxis.
Note : Metro trains in Delhi do not start before 5.00 am.
If you are taking a flight out of Dehradun
If you are taking a flight out of Dehradun then book yourself on Day 7 . Most metros are now well connected by Dehradun by flight.
Planning your hotel/stay
Hotel options at rishikesh.
Hostel Live Free
Hostel Live Free is situated on the prominent Laxman Jhula Road in Rishikesh. It offers decent accommodation options in dorms and also in private rooms.
Contact number: 099990 20248 Book online: Book online through Booking.com or Trip Advisor Location: https://goo.gl/maps/9H8Xakmt8p2TpYFS6
Zostel is a modern backpackers hostel, excellent for women travelling alone. It has basic amenities such as bunk beds, towels, good bathroom. The entire premises is quite hygienic. Bathrooms are shared. The average cost is Rs 400 – 800 per bed. Rooms start at about Rs 1,200 https://www.zostel.com/ (for online booking). Location: https://goo.gl/maps/ugqLXUBcbgxnFt638
SK International which is next to Zostel is another good option. It has clean rooms with good amenities. Charges are about Rs 1,000 – Rs 1,200 per night. Phone: 013-524-42943. Location: https://goo.gl/maps/3nWu58ynjFyNn6on8
Shiv Shakti Hostel is another good, decent option at a similar price range to Zostel. This is a hostel like Zostel. They also have rooms. Location: https://goo.gl/maps/qLs5wAThyyP8cmfR8
Hotel options at Haridwar
Bedhubs are a good bunk bed stay in Haridwar — which is rare amongst the Dharamshalas and Ashrams of Haridwar. It is quite close to the heart of the action at Haridwar, approximately 500 m from Har Ki Pauri, Ram Ghat. Charges are around Rs 800 -1,000. Phone: 01334 224 567. Location: https://g.page/bedhubs?share
Hotel Radiant near the Haridwar railway station has decent spacious rooms. Room rates are around Rs 750 for a non AC room and Rs 1,050 for an AC room. Contact person – Nitin Sharma – 9557155557. Location: https://goo.gl/maps/1AdiMiTtnAeGfF4Y8
Hotel Rahi , a government-owned GMVN property is fairly decent. Spacious but old building. Almost opposite the Haridwar railway station, just past the bus stop. Prices start at around Rs 700 for a room. Phone: +91-135-2431793 Location: https://goo.gl/maps/bH25Zp8Di9SE3p757
Hotel options at Dehradun
Hotel Drona , which is a government property owned by the GMVN is decent. It is an old, but large and spacious property. It is about 1.5 km from Dehradun railway station. Rooms start at Rs 750. Phone: +91-135-2746847. Book online http://gmvnl.in/newgmvn/online_reservation/ Location: https://goo.gl/maps/sjWSkGhe5LfAN8wDA
MyRoom252 is a new backpacker facility in Dehradun. Modern, colourful and clean. Bunk beds start at Rs 300. Rooms are available too. It is not too far from the Dehradun Railway station. Shared autos (which are called Vikrams) can get you there. For online booking: http://www.myroom252.com/ . Phone: 086308 81083. Location: https://goo.gl/maps/p5xkbMyUF4X5VHwx9
Nomads House is another new backpacker hostel in Dehradun. The atmosphere is good. The place is neat and clean. Indiahikes trek leaders love Nomads House. It is about 10 mins from the Dehradun railway station. Bunk beds start at Rs 400, rooms start at Rs 800. Shared autos are easily available to get to Nomads House. Phone: 9760596464 Location: https://g.page/NomadsHouse?share
What if you miss the Indiahikes pickup? Getting to Karchi on your own
If you miss the Indiahikes pick up from Rishikesh. Here is how you can get to Karchi on your own.
From Rishikesh ISBT, there is a direct bus to Karchi that leaves at 6:30 am and costs you Rs 695.
Alternatively, if you are at Haridwar, there are direct buses from Haridwar to Joshimath. You can book your seats online here: https://www.utconline.uk.gov.in/SeatAvailabilityy.aspx
Tip: Book a window seat on the left for the amazing views.
Joshimath is about 11-12 hours by bus from Rishikesh. On the way, the bus passes Devprayag and Srinagar (the Uttarakhand Srinagar, not the Kashmir one).
At Joshimath, from the main market, shared taxis leave for Karchi every half an hour. These taxis start from Tapoban Taxi Stand, Joshimath. The last taxi is at 4.00 pm. After 4 pm vehicles are scarce and only run if there are enough people. Otherwise, you have to pay for the whole taxi amount.
It takes about 20 minutes to get to Karchi. It is 16 km from Joshimath. So it is almost there.
There is also another bus from Dehradun Railway Station (Mussoorie Bus Stand) to Tapovan(near Joshimath) at 5:30 AM. The bus fare is Rs 695. Get down at Dhak bend, from there Indiahikes Karchi Basecamp is around 5kms.
Tip : While this bus hopping may sound cumbersome, we do it regularly at Indiahikes. They are a fun and a good way to know the real Uttarakhand. You also get to meet very interesting local people. So while no one wants to miss a pickup, don’t be too disheartened if it happens. You may just experience one of your best travel moments!
What to Pack for Your Trek
Things you must take on the trek
- Mandatory Documents
- The Essentials
- Personal Medical Kit
These are documents required for legal purposes by Indiahikes and the forest department. Without any of these, you will not be allowed to trek.
- Original and photocopy of government photo identity card. Anything such as a driver’s license, Aadhar Card, or passport will do. This is required by the forest department for your identification.
- Disclaimer certificate: There are two sections in this. The first part is a personal medical record. The second part is a legal requirement. Download the PDF, read carefully, fill in and sign it. This must be handed over to your Trek Leader during registration at the base camp. – Download disclaimer certificate
- Medical certificate: The medical certificate needs to be filled out by an MBBS doctor, without which the forest department will not issue permissions for your trek. It is also a requirement by Indiahikes – Download medical certificate Note: Indiahikes has a panel of doctors who can help you with a medical certificate. They are available for online consultation. To get in touch with them, please write to [email protected] . They will respond to you within 24 hours. Consultation fee: Rs 300
Keep important documents in a clear plastic cover and slide them into the inner pocket at the back of your backpack. This keeps them from getting wet.
Before you purchase any gear, make sure you visit the Crosstrek Rental store , where you can get custom-made high quality gear at 5% of the buying cost.
You can rent trekking shoes, backpacks, padded jackets, trekking poles, rainwear and headlamps for less than Rs 1400 for the entire duration of your trek. Visit our Crosstrek Rentals store here.
Here is a list of everything you need for your trek.
Shoes and backpack
- Trekking shoes with ankle support ( Available on rent )
- Backpack with rain cover ( Available on rent )
Warm Layers and Clothes
- Warm layers ( Padded jackets available on rent ) - 3 layers if you're trekking in spring, summer and monsoon (1 woollen sweater, 1 fleece, 1 padded jacket) - 4 layers if you're trekking in autumn (1 woollen sweater, 2 fleece, 1 padded jacket) - 5 layers if you're trekking in winter (1 pair of thermals, 1 woollen sweater, 2 fleece, 1 padded jacket)
- 3 Collared T-shirts (Wear one, carry two)
- 2 quick-dry trek pants (Wear one, carry one)
Accessories
- Sunglasses ( Available on rent )
- Sun cap, preferably with flaps ( Available for purchase )
- Waterproof gloves ( Available for purchase )
- Woollen socks (2 pairs of Dry fit + 1 pair of Woollen)
- Headlamp ( Available on rent )
- Trekking pole ( Available on rent )
- Rain jacket + pants / poncho ( Poncho is available on rent )
Toiletries:
- Moisturiser
- Light towel
- Lip balm or vaseline
- Toilet paper ( Wet wipes are strictly not allowed on our treks )
- Reusable plastic covers (for used clothes)
- Steel lunch box, spoon and a coffee mug ( Lunch box is available on rent )
- Two water bottles or Hydration Pack ( Water bottles are available on rent )
Once you run through this list, don't miss this ultimate guide on what gear to take on a trek . It contains tips on what gear to choose, where to get it from and how much to spend on it.
Our only tip: Keep your backpack light. Indiahikes practices low impact sustainable trekking in every aspect of the trek. Carrying your own personal backpack reduces your impact on the mountains by 20% . We expect all our trekkers to carry their own backpacks unless they have a justifiable reason not to.
Carry these medicines with you, easily accessible at all times. Do not take any medicine unless you have consulted your trek leader .
- Diamox (1 Strip): Be on a course of a half tablet of Diamox starting from Delhi every 12 hours (125 mg). Carry on the medication until you descend to Tapoban. Being on a preventive course of Diamox greatly reduces the chances of Acute Mountain Sickness on the Pangarchulla Peak trek.
- Dexamethasone (1 Strip): This is part of the Live Saving Drugs kit. Do not take this on your own. Your trek leader will inform you in case the need arises.
- Nifedipine (5 tablets): Again part of the Live Saving Drugs kit. Do not take this on your own. Your trek leader will inform you in case the need arises.
- Dolo 650 (5 tablets): This is a paracetamol. It helps to tackle fever, mild pain
- Avomine (4 tablets): Carry this especially if you are prone to motion sickness. Pop one-half hour before the start of your road journey.
- Combiflam (5 tablets): Take a combiflam if you get a sudden twist of the leg or a muscle strain. It is a pain reliever. It also contains paracetamol.
- Digene (4 tablets): Take it if you feel the food that you’ve taken is undigested. Alert your trek leader immediately. It could be a sign of AMS.
- ORS (6 packs): Consume a pack of ORS water at least once a day, usually mid-day when you are in the middle of your trek. It replenishes essential salts lost while trekking. Tip : It also makes cold water easier to drink.
- Knee Brace (optional) : Carry this if you are prone to knee injury or have known issues of knee pain.
Our trek leaders carry a high altitude medical kit with them which also consist of Life Saving Drugs . If there is an emergency our trek leaders know how to tackle it. Meanwhile, contact your trek leader before consuming any of these medicines listed here.
Pro Tip: We find that these medicines by trekkers are rarely used. But you cannot do away with them. At the end of the trek please donate unused medicines to your trek leader. Some of these medicines get distributed to villages on the trek and some are added to the Indiahikes medical kit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Get your questions answered here
The total distance covered during the Pangarchulla Peak trek on the Auli-Pangarchulla Peak-Karchhi trail is 37.5 km. The trek starts from Auli near Joshimath in the Garhwal region of Uttarakhand .
The trek spans over 5 days (7 days including the travel from Rishikesh and back). Except for the first two days which are short, you trek for more than 8 hours for the three days of the trek. On the summit day, you trek for about 12 hours long. As such this makes the trek a difficult one for trekkers.
Pangarchulla Peak trek reaches a maximum altitude/height of 15,069 ft.
From Auli, the trek climbs a height/altitude of more or less 7,500 ft during the length of this trek. You steadily climb up to 4,000 ft on the first three days of the trek. On the summit day, you climb about 4,000 ft up and down on the same day. On the last day, you climb down another 4,000 ft again. Please check the detailed itinerary to understand the trek in more detail.
Pangarchulla Peak trek is a difficult trek. At Indiahikes, we classify a trek as difficult if it fits the following criteria. It reaches an altitude of 15,070 ft. The summit day goes up to 12 hours of hard trek climbing up and down an altitude of 4,000 ft in a single day. The summit climb is challenging and has steep, uneven and exposed sections.
All of this makes Pangarchulla a difficult trek to do. Without prior high altitude trek experience and excellent physical preparation, this trek is almost impossible to do.
Amidst the difficulty, Pangarchulla gives trekkers the feeling of adventure and accomplishment of reaching the summit that possibly no other trek gives. You need to be extremely fit to get the privilege to do this trek.
As a measure of your fitness, we need you to:
Run at least 5 km in 30 minutes & 10 km in 62 minutes before your trek. Consistency of your workout also matters, so aim to jog 30 km a week or 150 km in a month. It's a minimum mandatory requirement if you wish to trek with us.
How to Get Fit for Your Trek
After you register, you will be sent a questionnaire about your trekking experience and medical history. Additionally, you must attach a screenshot of a 5 km run under 35 mins only to get approved for the trek.
High-altitude trekking experience of above 14,000 ft or at least moderate-difficult trek experience is a preferred requirement.
Once you get confirmed for your trek, we will diligently follow up on your fitness routine. Our team will also assist in putting you through a fitness plan. It will ultimately help you have a safe trek experience.
Joshimath is the last town where you’ll find ATMs to make some cash withdrawals. All major private and public sector banks have their ATMs and some even have branches in Joshimath. However, cash runs quickly at the Joshimath ATMs. Hence, Rishikesh is your best bet to make last-minute cash withdrawals.
We advise you to carry around Rs 4-5k in cash to pay for your transport to the basecamp, for rental gear deposit and personal expenses en route to the basecamp. If you are planning to extend your visit around Joshimath after the trek, we advise you to carry more.
If you’re an Indiahikes trekker, there is no major need for cash once you arrive at the base camp . All meals, accommodations, permits, and related expenses are taken care of by Indiahikes.
Yes, you can keep the extra luggage at the base camp. Once the trek ends, you will be able to collect the luggage. Our team will arrange for this.
Ensure you do not keep any valuables at the base. Laptops, mobile phones, cash or any important items cannot be kept here.
Given its difficulty, the Pangarchulla Peak trek can be done only in April. It also has an extensive selection process. It is advised to book this trek 3-4 months in advance.
On any difficult trek like the Pangarchulla Trek, we usually take a maximum of 15 trekkers.
Having more footprints through porters or mules on any trail isn’t good for the ecosystem. Keeping this and the spirit of trekking in mind, there will be no offloading available on this trek. Check out ways to make carrying your backup easier
However, if you have any medical issues and are not able to carry your own backpack, you can offload your backpack. The cost of offloading on the Pangarchulla Peak trek is Rs 2,100 for the whole trek. Find details about the offloading process here.
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Expert Speak
Sandhya UC, Co-Founder, COO
Sandhya is a founding partner at Indiahikes. Over the past ten years, she has explored and put on the map a few of the greatest Himalayan treks in India, including Kashmir Great Lakes and Kedarkantha. She is a TedX Speaker and has been awarded the " Women of Worth" Award by Outlook Business in 2017. She believes in sustainable living just as she believes in sustainable trekking.
Here’s Sandhya talking about one of the well-known treks in our country.
What I Like About Pangarchulla Peak Trek
Sandhya is a founding partner at Indiahikes. Over the past ten years, she has explored and put on the map a few of the greatest Himalayan treks in India, including Kashmir Great Lakes and Kedarkantha. She is a TedX Speaker and has been awarded the "Women of Worth" Award by Outlook Business in 2017. She believes in sustainable living just as she believes in sustainable trekking. Here’s Sandhya talking about one of the well-known treks in our country.
1 . An adventure-filled summit climb
This trek is known for its summit climb. For anyone who has done this trek, that will be the first thing to recall about their trek. The summit day is for one, very long. You climb over lots of boulders covered over snow, feeling your feet every step of the way.
As you climb high, you also traverse lots of tricky, steep and exposed sections which adds to the thrill and adventure. You also climb till 15,069 ft, almost 4,000 ft up and down on the summit day. All of this makes this trek a very exciting and adventure-filled one.
An adventure filled summit climb on the Pangarchulla trek. Picture by Satyen Dasgupta
2 . Grand views of the Greater Himalayan Range
This feeling is unparalleled and very hard to find in any other treks in the Himalayas. You are surrounded by a 360-degree view of Hathi Parbat, Mana Mandir, Kamet, Nanda Devi, Dronagiri, Chaukhamba, Ghori Parbat and many more peaks that are steeped in mythology and mountaineering stories.
The mountain views are so grand on this trek that it makes all your efforts to reach the peak worthwhile. Picture by Satyen Dasgupta
3 . Camping at Khullara
Very few campsites in the Himalayas can compare to Khullara. Khullara is a big open ground surrounded by dense beautiful forests and grand mountain views. The forests for one are a highlight themselves, providing the setting of a forest in a fairy tale.
And when you trek in March and April, they are filled with blooming Rhododendrons, providing colours to the already beautiful forest. Being in Khullara will transport you to a different world altogether. And what's more, you get to spend two days at this campsite (including the acclimatization day).
Even if you leave these aspects out, the Pangarchulla Peak is a superb trek. The beautiful sights and challenges of the trek make it a trek worth doing.
The picturesque Khullara campsite is known for stunning sunrises and sunsets. Picture by Dan
Why fitness matters on the Pangarchulla Trek
Pangarchulla is not an easy trek by any means. The summit push involves a continuous climb from wee hours such as 1 am to almost 10 or 11 am. That's 10 continuous hours of trekking at high altitudes, over snow and hard boulders. Not to mention, you're climbing to 14,000 ft., which is a very high altitude.
It requires fit legs and strong lungs to do this trek, which means you have to work on your fitness for at least two months before you step on the trail.
Watch this video to know about how difficult the trek is and why fitness matters.
Trek Trivia
Things Nobody Tells You About Pangarchulla Peak
- The Story Behind the Name
- The Divine Flower of the Himalayas
- A Picture-Perfect Lake
- Camp Under an Ancient Walnut Tree
Have you ever thought why Pangarchulla is called Pangarchulla?
Pangarchulla has an interesting story behind its name. If you look at Pangarchulla Peak from the base when it is not covered in snow, it looks like a big black chimney. At its base, many maple trees grow.
So Pangarchulla is a literal translation describing its appearance where it looks as if a chimney is placed amidst maple trees. Pangar means Maple, which refers to Maple trees and Chulla means a chimney.
Did you know Pangarchulla is famous for Saussurea Obvallata?
Saussurea Obvallata or Brahma Kamal is a flower that blooms in the alpine meadows of the Himalayas above 14,000 ft. Just 1,000 ft below Pangarchulla Peak, on the other side, you will find vast meadows filled with Brahma Kamal flowers.
Many local people trek ‘barefoot’ to the top of Pangarchulla, descend to the meadows, collect these flowers and offer them to their local deity. It is a common ritual in many parts of the Himalayan region, where you see people wearing these flowers on their caps once they are offered to their deities because they believe it brings good luck.
Why you should not miss visiting Tali lake?
Tali lake is placed right at the end of the treeline where high altitude meadows start. The reflection of Mt Nanda Devi, Mt Dronagiri and the other mountains in the lake is stunning.
In winters, the same lake turns into a frozen ground on which you can play ice hockey and skate all around!
The specialty of Akhrotghetta campsite
Akhrotghetta campsite is located under a huge lone walnut tree that is hundreds of years old. That’s where it gets its name from. Akhrot means walnut. From here you get an amazing panorama of the mountains like Hathi Parvat, Gauri Parvat, Mt Barmal, Mt Dunagiri, Garud Parvat etc.
Leaving the Mountains Better
Green Trails is our promise to leave the mountains better. We have removed over 1 lakh kilos of the waste left behind by others on trekking trails. Yet this is a small percentage of what we do. Green Trails dives into reducing the use of resources, reducing our carbon footprint and bringing about a change in the daily practices of our trekkers too.
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