Pindari Glacier
Kumaon's iconic trek
Garhwal, Uttarakhand
-SWIFT-
15th-20th June 2026
The Pindari Glacier Trek is a classic and moderately accessible Himalayan journey located in the Kumaon region of Uttarakhand, celebrated for its perfect blend of cultural immersion and natural splendor. The route follows the Pindar River deep into the Nanda Devi Sanctuary, guiding trekkers through charming Kumaoni villages, rich rhododendron forests, and expansive alpine pastures. The final destination is the Pindari Glacier Zero Point, which offers majestic, up-close views of major peaks like Nanda Kot and Nanda Devi, making it an exceptionally rewarding experience for trekkers seeking pristine Himalayan wilderness.
At A Glance
ITINERARY
Day 01
Pick up from the Kathgodam railway station at 11.45 am (New Delhi Shatabdi arrival time) and drive to Baijnath with a lunch stop en route.
Day 02
Leisurely breakfast, followed by a 4-hour off-road drive to our trekking trailhead at Khati village. This mountain village with glimpses of Nanda Kot and Laspadhura, is the gateway to the Pindar valley of the Kumaon Himalayas. We enjoy a home cooked meal here upon arrival, settle in and rest, and finish our day with a brief outing to explore the village and prepare for our trek
Day 03
Today we begin our journey on foot to Dwali, along the beautifully winding Pindar river. Wooden bridges and river crossings await us, as do some sections of landslide zones with loose soil and rock! Upon arrival, our team sets up camp while you enjoy hot tea/soup and take in the views. Camp overnight.
Day 04
On this relatively short day, the trail dissolves into a rhododendron forest, with glimpses of Nanda Devi and Nanda Khat on and off. Oak trees and meadows criss-crossed with streams, and if lucky, some wildlife could possibly be spotted in the distance. Some river crossing with plenty of assistance, could also be a part of this day. Camp overnight.
Day 05
Gear up for ‘summit day’, when we trek to reach the pinnacle of our journey, the Pindari icefield aka ‘zero point’. The day requires an early start for the distance and climate and to have enough time to explore the area and return to Phurkia for the night. The trials of the day are well rewarded by the mesmerising snow-clad views of mountains including Changuch and Baljuri. Camp overnight.
Day 06
Recharged and ready after breakfast, we trace our route via Dwali all the way back to Khati village where we started. Overnight at homestay.
Day 07
Today we bid adieu to Khati and drive back to Kausani (4.5 hours drive via Bageshwar), which captivated Mahatma Gandhi with its serenity and Himalayan beauty, and unwind in relative comfort after days of camping.
Day 08
Breakfast followed by departure. Drive back to Kathgodam (4.5 hours) to catch the afternoon Shatabdi (recommended) or the overnight train.
Inclusions and Exclusions
- Transport:
Pick-up and drop-off from the designated starting point as per the itinerary (Dehradun, Rishikesh, or Kathgodam).
All sightseeing in a dedicated mountain-ready vehicle (Ertiga or similar). - Accommodation:
Comfortable guesthouses on the drives to and from the trailhead, homestays in villages, and alpine tents on the trekking trail. - Permits & Fees: Forest department entry fees and trekking permits.
- Trek : Guided trek with professional camping gear.
- Meals: All meals during the trek (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) and dinner and breakfast for the remaining itinerary.
- Staff: English-speaking tour leader, experienced local guides, and camping staff.
- Insurance: Mandatory travel insurance.
- Personal Gear: Personal equipment (thermal wear, hiking poles, etc).
- Meals: Any meals not mentioned in the program.
- Beverages: Any drinks including soft drinks, bottled water, or alcoholic beverages.
- Extra Tours: Any activities not mentioned in the itinerary.
- Tips: Gratuities for the local guides, drivers, and hotel/lodge staff.
- Taxes: All applicable taxes and transactional fees.
- Contingency Fee: Any additional expenses arising due to unforeseen circumstances such as bad weather, road blocks or unrest, that result in an extension or change in the program, or emergency evacuation for medical reasons.