Pindari Glacier Trek

The main reason for embarking on the Pindari Glacier Trek is that it is relatively easy compared to other glacier treks and high mountain trails, irrespective of its beauty and picturesque nature. Therefore, it is quite possible to take your family and children alongside you. While you make your way across the beautiful landscape of the Kumaon Himalayas, you can draw artistic inspiration from the snow-capped mountain peaks, foamy waterfalls, fecund meadows, colorful rhododendron forests, stunning water bodies, and rustic wooden bridges on the trail. There is only one minor pass along the path- the Dhakuri Khal (2830 m), after which you reach the Zero Point of the Pindari Glacier trail at 3770 meters altitude. From there, you can get impressive views of the great peaks that form the southern rim of the Nanda Devi sanctuary.

The Pindari Glacier trek itinerary should be comfortable enough to accommodate your families and children if you are not traveling solo. However, since this is a straightforward trek, you can complete the entire journey within 8 to 9 days. The round trail starts and ends in the charming hamlet of Khati atop the Kumaon Himalayan region. The total trek distance is 48 kilometers.

If you want to go with your family and children, the Pindari Glacier trek best time will indeed be the end of August to mid-October. It is the post-monsoon/autumn season where the skies are clear, the weather is pleasant, and the views are breathtaking. The stunning, tranquil lakes with crystal clear waters will add to the mystical experience of the journey. You will get snow on the trail from mid-December to mid-June. So, the pre-monsoon season spanning from the end of April to June could be an excellent time to embark on this trek if you are trekking solo. The average temperature will range from 18 degrees Celsius during the daytime and could drop to -2 degrees celsius during the coldest nights.

The highest elevation of the Pindari Glacier Trek- the Zero Point on the Pindari Glacier is at 3770 meters. It will offer you superb, unearthly views that make you forget all the hardships of the trail. The Pindari Glacier’s elevation is 3353 meters, and it is spread across 3.2 kilometers in the Bageshwar district. You can even take a detour to the nearest Kafni Glacier, located at an altitude of 3860 meters at the foot of the Nandakot Parvat (6860 meters). Though the trail is mostly smooth, sometimes it tests your endurance as you have to cross spider walls, mountain ridges, and streams. Therefore, you should have an adequate fitness level. You can concentrate on increasing your physical fitness by engaging in regular cardiovascular training, including running, brisk walking across undulating landscapes, swimming, cycling, etc., for a couple of months before embarking on the said trek.

Though it is a ‘soft adventure’ experience and involves trek and village tourism, you can embark on adventures like mountain bike riding during the favorable seasons. Thus, you should pack accordingly. Apart from the regular essentials like a backpack (50 to 60 liters), a daypack (20-30 liters), you should carry enough warm clothes, sturdy and waterproof trekking boots, and strong trekking pole or walking stick. Your clothing should comprise thermal inners for insulation, full-sleeve t-shirts and waterproof, quick-dry pants, synthetic gloves, fleece jackets, outer shell jackets, etc. Always carry rain covers as the weather can change drastically. Some other essentials are mosquito and insect repellants, enough toilet paper and wet wipes, hand sanitizers, water bottles, headlamps, torches, extra batteries, chargers, etc. Follow your trek leader’s instructions, don’t stray from the trail, and avoid littering since it takes place through an eco-friendly zone.