Overview
The Pindari Glacier trek is a Kumaon classic — a valley-hugging walk along the Pindar river from Loharkhet to the glacier snout below Nanda Khat. Because the trail follows the river all the way, gradients stay moderate and there is no camp above 3,900 m. Nights are spent in PWD rest-houses at Dhakuri, Khati and Dwali. The final day's walk from Phurkiya to Zero Point closes with an amphitheatre of Nanda Devi (7,816 m), Nanda Kot (6,861 m) and the Panwali Dwar peaks.
- Walk to the snout (Zero Point) of one of the most accessible Himalayan glaciers
- Stay in PWD rest-houses at Dhakuri, Khati and Dwali
- Nanda Devi, Nanda Kot and Panwali Dwar dominate the amphitheatre
- Well-graded, low-risk trek with no technical sections
Day-by-day itinerary
- 1
Kathgodam → Loharkhet (1,760 m)
9 hr drive via Almora and Bageshwar. Overnight in a KMVN rest-house.
- 2
Loharkhet → Dhakuri (2,680 m)
11 km climb over the Dhakuri Pass with a first view of Panwali Dwar.
- 3
Dhakuri → Khati (2,210 m)
8 km descent along the Pindar river to the last inhabited village on the route.
- 4
Khati → Dwali (2,575 m)
11 km riverside walk. Confluence of Pindar and Kaphni at Dwali.
- 5
Dwali → Phurkiya (3,250 m)
5 km gradual climb — the first camp inside the true glacial valley.
- 6
Phurkiya → Zero Point (3,870 m) → Dwali
Round-trip to the glacier snout below Nanda Khat. Return to Dwali for the night.
- 7
Dwali → Khati → Loharkhet → Kathgodam
Long return day by trek and vehicle. Arrive Kathgodam by late evening.
Elevation profile
Peaks at 12,700 ftIndicative profile — actual daily gain depends on weather and acclimatization pace.
What's included
- Kathgodam to Kathgodam transport
- 6 nights accommodation in KMVN rest-houses (twin-sharing)
- All meals on trek
- Certified trek leader plus local Kumaoni porter-guide
- Forest and Nanda Devi Biosphere permits
- Medical kit with oximeter and portable oxygen
Not included
- Trains/flights to Kathgodam
- Personal trekking gear
- Anything not listed under inclusions
How to reach Loharkhet
Your base for this trek. Common pickup on Day 1 morning; drop-off on the last day evening.
- Airport — Pantnagar (PGH)
- Railhead — Kathgodam (KGM)
- Road — 9 hr / 180 km from Kathgodam. Shared Tempo Traveller included in the trek price.
Things to carry
The honest list — 8 kg on your back is plenty for this trek. Layers still matter — nights drop below 5 °C.
- Ankle-length waterproof trekking boots (worn in)
- Down or synthetic jacket rated to −10 °C
- Waterproof-breathable shell jacket
- Two full sets of thermal base layers
- Three pairs of merino or synthetic socks
- Insulated + liner gloves, wool cap, sun cap
- Category 3 UV sunglasses (Category 4 on snow above 4,000 m)
- One-litre insulated flask + one reusable water bottle
- Headlamp with fresh batteries
- Personal medication + basic strip (paracetamol, ORS, band-aids)
- Government photo ID (original)
- · Tents, sleeping bags and mats rated to trek altitude
- · Micro-spikes and gaiters on snow sections
- · Full medical kit with pulse oximeter and portable oxygen
Trekker reviews
Questions about Pindari Glacier
The ones our trek leads get asked most.
- No — Pindari tops out at 12,700 ft against Roopkund's 15,700 ft, and gradients are gentler because the trail follows the river. Fitness bracket is one step below.