Pindari Glacier Trek (Rhododendron Trek)
Expedition Overview
Pindari is the most accessible and celebrated glacier in the Kumaon Himalayas, nestled on the outer ring of the Nanda Devi Sanctuary. The glacier forms the snout of the roaring Pindar River, a key tributary uniting at Karnaprayag and Devprayag to create the Holy Ganges. Winding through dense virgin forests of cedar, oak, and rhododendron (which changes color from deep purple to pink as you ascend), the trail opens to breathtaking close-up vistas of snow-clad summits: Nanda Kot (6,861m), Maiktoli, Nanda Khat, and Panwalidwar. The valley is also a paradise for birdwatchers and home to musk deer, barking deer, bharal, and the Himalayan black bear.
Key Expedition Highlights
- Stand at Pindari Glacier Zero Point (3,820m) touching the snout of the great Himalayan ice sheet
- Gaze upon the sheer glaciated faces of Mt. Nanda Kot (6,861m), Maiktoli, and Panwalidwar
- Trek through pristine Kumaon wilderness: Khati stone village, Dwali gorge, and alpine Phurkia
- Birdwatching haven: spot Red-Billed Blue Magpies, Black-Throated Jays, and Himalayan Monal
- Relax at the scenic hill stations of Gwaldam and Ranikhet overlooking the Trisul massif
Detailed Day-by-Day Itinerary
Rishikesh to Gwaldam (235 km Jeep drive, 8 hrs)
Drive from Rishikesh via Rudraprayag and Karnaprayag along the sacred river valleys to Gwaldam hill station. Stay in hotel.
Gwaldam to Kharkia by Jeep (135 km, 5-6 hrs) & walk to Khati
Scenic mountain drive to Kharkia roadhead and short walk to Khati village. Overnight in Tourist Rest House / Tented Camp in Khati.
Trek Khati to Dwali (14 km, 6-7 hrs trek, 2,575m)
Trek along the roaring Pindar River through dense forests of oak and rhododendron. Overnight in tented camp / TRH at Dwali.
Trek Dwali to Phurkia (6 km, 3-4 hrs trek, 3,260m)
Short gradual climb through birch forests and alpine terrain into Phurkia. Overnight stay in tented camp.
Phurkia to Pindari Glacier Zero Point (7 km trek, 3,820m) & Camp
Trek to Pindari Glacier Zero Point touching the glacier snout with awe-inspiring views of Nanda Kot and Maiktoli. Stay in Zero Point camp.
Zero Point to Dwali (14 km, 6 hrs trek)
Descend from the high glacial terrain retracing our steps back to Dwali riverside camp. Overnight in tents.
Dwali to Khati Village (14 km, 6 hrs trek)
Downhill trek through lush trails back to the hospitable heritage village of Khati. Stay in tents.
Khati / Kharkiya to Ranikhet by Jeep
Board Jeep from Kharkiya and drive through Kumaon pine hills to the scenic colonial hill station of Ranikhet. Stay in hotel.
Ranikhet to Kathgodam / Jolly Grant Departure
After breakfast, transfer to Kathgodam railway station / Jolly Grant Airport for onward train/flight to Delhi. Trip concludes.
Package Inclusions & Exclusions
- Hotel accommodation in Gwaldam, Khati, and Ranikhet on AP basis (All meals included)
- High-grade 3-4 season camping tents on twin sharing on trek (AP basis: all meals)
- Round-trip transport (Jolly Grant / Kathgodam to trek heads and back) by Jeep / Tempo Traveller
- Local experienced mountain guide and dedicated kitchen staff
- Porters / Ponies for personal baggage up to 12 kg per person
- All camping gear: Tents, rubber + air mattresses, dining tent, toilet tents, folding chairs/tables
- National Park entry permits and forest clearances
- Flight or train tickets to and from Kathgodam / Dehradun
- Cold drinks, mineral water, personal riding pony, and personal expenses
- Any items not specified in Trip Includes
Expedition Visual Dossier
Rishikesh - Gwaldam - Khati - Dwali - Phurkia - Zero Point - Ranikhet
- 30+ Years of native Himalayan leadership
- Wilderness First Responder trained guides
- Leave-No-Trace 100% trash pack-out policy
- Fair wages & complete insurance for mountain crew
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