PANPATIA COL GLACIER - 2024
Joshimath, Uttarakhand
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All About It
- 12 Days 11 Nights
- 15 Slots
- Difficulty - Hard
- For 18+ years
- Best Season - May June September
One of the most challenging treks in Uttarakhand, the Panpatia Glacier trek puts your stamina and determination to test. The trail of the Panpatia Glacier trek originates from Badrinath, landing eventually at Nilkanth Khal. It harbours some of the most scenic campsites and meadows perched along the serene banks of glacial lakes. It unfolds a carpet of vibrant floral species that captivate the senses. The view opens to mighty Himalayan behemoths like Nilkantha, Chaukhamba, Nanda Devi, Kunaling, and Balakun.
Panpatia glacier reigns at a stunning altitude of 17,257 ft., and bridges two of India’s most revered pilgrimage sites, Kedarnath and Badrinath. Shrouded in haloes of myth and legends, the Panpatia Glacier trek shows you how beautiful as well as lethal nature can be. It takes you through a diverse terrain including high altitude passes, moraines, terrifying cliffs, and roaring streams. This trek borders on a Himalayan expedition granted the semi-technical mountaineering techniques that are required. The most alluring lore that veiled the trek was that in ancient times, priests and sages could cover the trek from Badrinath to Kedarnath in just a day!
the trek is about 61 kilometers long. The trekkers are picked up from Haridwar and day one is the drive to Joshimath. The trek starts after another drive on day two. The route is tedious and takes you through a 7 kilometer stretch of Panpatia snowfield, a walk, and a view that you'll never forget. You walk through narrow mountain ridges, moraine trails, and on the glaciers on this route. The campsites are located in the tapered valleys, which is another experience. We walk through Parvati gully and camp beside a tiny lake. In the end, we walk through lush green forests to complete the trek.
If your body is ready for the challenge, then plan a vacation in the Himalayas replete with thrill and adventure. Your eyes will fill with a sense of wonder on this journey. You walk past very high mountains and roaring streams. On the days you are not walking in the snow, you walk amidst the alpine trees. You'll use semi-mountaineering techniques and equipment in some parts of the trek. This is the ultimate experience you're looking for in the Himalayas as a trekker.
Though the trail is rugged in some sections and laden with loose stones, crevasses and icefalls, no other trek holds a candle to the beauty and the panoramic views of its Himalayan neighbours. Also, walking on an actual glacier is petrifying, no doubt, but is also ten times more exhilarating! Lose yourself amidst myth, lores, and a devastatingly beautiful Himalayan heaven as your eyes feast on the magnetic snowy views, and your soul sways in the alluring wilderness
Highlights
Ancient Pilgrimage Route; This trek follows an ancient pilgrimage route between the sacred shrines of Shri Badrinath and Shri Kedarnath Ji. It is believed that sages and yogis have traversed this path for centuries and trekkers can experience a spiritual connection to the land as they walk in their footsteps.
Breathtaking Scenery; The Panpatia Col Trek takes you through some of the most stunning landscapes in the Indian Himalayas, including lush green meadows, dense forests, and snow-capped peaks. The trek offers panoramic views of famous peaks such as Neelkanth, Chaukhamba, and Nanda Devi.
Challenging Adventure; This expedition is considered as one of the more challenging in the Northern Himalayas due to its high altitude (around 17,000 feet) and demanding terrain. The trek involves crossing the Panpatia glacier and navigating moraines making it a thrilling adventure for experienced trekkers.
Diverse Flora and Fauna; The trail to COL. passes through various ecosystems, from dense forests to alpine meadows, providing an opportunity to witness the rich biodiversity of the region. Trekkers can spot various species of birds and wildflowers, and even catch a glimpse of rare high altitude wildlife like the Himalayan Thar and snow leopards.
Serene Camping Spots; The Panpatia Col Trek offers trekkers the opportunity to camp in serene and picturesque locations, such as the banks of the Madmaheshwar Ganga or the base of the Panpatia glacier. These campsites provide a tranquil setting to relax and rejuvenate after a day of trekking, surrounded by the beauty of nature.
Who should attend?
Panpatia Col. is not an ready to go trek , One must have completed at least 4-5 high altitude treks and going above ~ 4500m / 15000 ft. A minimum of 2 Difficult grade treks reaching beyond 5000 m/16500 ft e.g. Pin Parvati Pass, Parang La, Stok Kangri etc.
Private Vehicle
Hostel
Dinner
s you arrive in Haridwar or Rishikesh, you will be getting a transfer to Joshimath, driving via the amazing Rudraprayag, Devprayag, and Chamoli. After lunch, you will continue driving towards Joshimath, where you will check in and take the rest of the day for acclimatization.
Overnight at Joshimath Hostel.
Private Vehicle
Hostel
Breakfast, Dinner
After breakfast this morning, you will continue the drive to reach Badrinath.
Check-in and get some rest here as you have now reached a really high altitude. Go to visit the Badrinath Temple in the evening followed by a trek to the campsite for the night.
Overnight at Hostel.
Multiple Modes
Tents
All Meals
We drive from Badrinath Ji to Hanuman Chatti and cross a suspension bridge over the Alaknanda river from Khirao on the road from Joshimath to Badrinath. Above the confluence of the Khirao Ganga and Alaknanda, Following the flags that are attached to boulders, you will be trekking to reach the Shepherd camp. we camp at a clearing after a short walk. Have dinner and retire for the night.
Overnight stay in tents.
Trek
Tents
All Meals
The trek towards the treeline just above the campsite. Following the flags that are attached to boulders, you will be trekking to reach the Shepherd camp. In summer most of the villagers from Khirao are occupied with their terraced farms or move to higher meadows for picking up various high alti medicines and grazing there goats. After a steep climb from the village to the treeline followed by negotiating your way on the grassy slope. After reaching the slope, you can enjoy the amazing views of the hills nearby.
Overnight at campsite
Trek
Tents
All Meals
The trek today will lead you through a variety of terrains. It will range from a moderate uphill hike to treacherous climbs to finally reach the snout of the glacier of Panpatia. We set up tents at the Snout camp and retire for the night.
Overnight at camp.
Trek
Tents
All Meals
The trek will be slightly longer today but will be an overall moderately challenging which means this will be a bit monotonous but it’s a joy to weave across patches of snow to ease progress and add variety to the walk. You will be crossing many moraines and go through patches of snow. All the way, you will get some unmatched views of the hills of the Neelkanth and Parvati which loom large on one side and a heavily crevassed glacier drops almost vertically to the other. following the never ending moraine here you get your first glimpse of Chaukhamba.
Overnight at Moraine Camp.
Trek
Tents
All Meals
The trek for the day leads you to the base of the hill Parvati Col by crossing the snowfield of the Panpatia Glacier. The trek leads through some of the most thrilling climbs and steeps. We camp just below the Parvati Col.
Overnight at camps.
Trek
Tents
All Meals
On this day, we will pass through Parvati gully, which involves a steep climb which brings you to the edge of the terrace from where the only way forward is through steep snow and rock gully. the trail from Parvati Col to Panpatia Snow field offers a view of highest peak Nanda Devi and the king of himalayas the mighty Chaukhamba Peak. After crossing the Parvati Col we reach the massive yet glorious Panpatia snowfield where we set up the campsite for the night.
Overnight stay in tents.
Trek
Tents
All Meals
On day nine, you will cross several snow-covered plateau at Panpatia Col. Camp will be set near Sujal Sarovar, which is a tiny water body. The descent to reach the campsite is steep.
We set up tents for our overnight stay near Sujal Sarovar. Have dinner and retire for the night.
Trek
Tents
All Meals
The trek for the day will lead you from the Sujal Sarovar to Kachni. The place is located across a small pass right above the lake through snowy slopes and boulder zones takes you to Kanchni. Following this route for a while will bring you to the campsite located right next to the Madhmaheshwar Ganga. This is our campsite. Have dinner and retire for the night.
Overnight at Camp.
Trek
Tents
All Meals
We will trek to Madhmaheshwar temple, which will take about 3-4hrs to reach. We will visit the temple and have t lunch at a nearby tea-shop. Post lunch, we will walk through the forests to camp at Nanu chatty, which is a small hamlet of summer homes for people from the villages of Gaundar.
Overnight stay in the camp.
Multiple Modes
Trek / Taxi
Hostel
All Meals
We walk to Ransi from Madmaheshwar Temple Trail. The Madmaheshwar Temple is one of the five kedars and an important.
It is followed by the drive to Rudraprayag. The participants share cabs.
Night Stay at Rudraprayag
Private Vehicle
Stay Not Included
Breakfast
This morning, you will take a road transfer to Haridwar. The road passes through Devprayag where the rivers Alaknanda and Bhagirathi meet to create the river Ganga. You will arrive in Haridwar and transfer to the railway station for your transfer to Delhi, as the experience comes to an end.
Hosted by
TravelMite
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“TRAVESSED – An obsession with Travel. When all you talk and think about is your past and future trips.” A small word, yet perfectly resonates with the essence of our Team’s ideology. We are excited to introduce our organization TravelMite, which specializes in organizing experience-based treks, experiential stays and travel packages both Domestic and International. Connecting Travelers, creating memories since 2018, we were formed to address the adventure and travel needs of Trekking enthusiasts, travelers, hikers and backpackers wanting to explore not only the raw and unadulterated India but also South East Asia. Based out of Uttarakhand, Travelmite is a one-stop-solution for people who want to meet other individuals through travel, want to learn from the Experienced, find great adventures. We concentrate on a long felt need to cater to the aspirations of travel enthusiasts and have thus put together journeys and expeditions for travelers of all preferences and every budget, bringing on board alliances with India's leading travel tour operators which prioritize safety, eco-sustainability, quality, and dependability. Our team consists of highly accomplished and experienced travel fanatics who havedone anything that one could possibly imagine from traveling across the globe, craftingexperiential itineraries, to leading expeditions. This has pushed us to put forward our guests a wide range of activities such as Trekking – exploring glaciers/meadows/trails, Backpacking, Peak Climbing, Wildlife exploration - Jeep Safari and/or Elephant safari in Rajaji National Park and Corbett Tiger Reserve, Cycling/biking, Paragliding, River rafting, Hot-Air ballooning, Motorbike expeditions – Leh Ladakh/Spiti, Pilgrimage tours - Chardhaam/Hemkund Sahib, Travel packages to Vietnam, Thailand, and so on. We have been in the industry for the past 6 years with our operations have been thoroughly vetted, audited and endorsed on the parameters of sustainability and excellence in operations, services and customer care. You can thus be assured that we have pledged to uphold and maintain the highest standards on the above criteria. Having had the opportunity to make over 10000+ guests experience what true adventure is. We offer multiple touch points to add value to our customer’s experience striving for a 100% on time response. Our dedication to creating outstanding travel experiences has allowed us to build quite a fan base. The organization and the team truly believe in providing individuals with a memorable adventure, which can be backed by our social media reviews/testimonials – Facebook, Google Reviews. Additionally, several man-years of experience in handling trekking in Himalayas and experiential tour packagesmakes Travelmite a leading adventure company in both India and South East Asia.
Inclusions
- Food as per menu on the Trek
- Forest Permits/Camping Charges, if any (upto the amount charged for Indian nationals)
- Tents, Sleeping bags, Sleeping mats
- Safety Equipment includes static rescue rope, seat harness, carabiners, pulleys
- Trek guide, cook, helpers, and porters for carrying common supplies
- Mountaineering course certified Trek Leader with Wilderness Emergency Responder & Rescue. course from NIM Uttarkashi
Exclusions
- Portage of Personal bags during the trek
- Cost of any kind of Travel Insurance.
- Any Expense of personal nature.
- Any Expense not specified in the inclusions list.
- Meals during road journeys
HOW TO REACH
By Air
Jolly Grant Airport is the nearest airport to Dehradun and is easily accessible, it is just 25 km away from the city. Daily flights from New Delhi are available to this airport. Take a cab/bus to Joshimath from Dehradun Bus Stand.
By Train
Dehradun railway station. Overnight trains that hail from Delhi are Nandadevi Express and Dehradun Express. People often prefer railways over airways because with trains you get to see the landscape in its full glory, it is also cheaper and you will definitely enjoy your way till Dehradun. Take a cab/bus to Joshimath from Dehradun Bus Stand.
By Road
Regular bus service is available from Delhi ISBT Kashmire Gate which plies government buses that are safe and you can rely on them more than the private buses. Take a cab/bus to Joshimath from Dehradun Bus Stand.
Frequest Questions
Q: How difficult is Panpatia col trek?
A: Panpatia Col Trek is considered to be an extremely difficult trek with a difficulty level of 8/8. The level of this trek is ultimate, which demands high levels of physical fitness, stamina, and endurance. Prior trekking experience in a high altitude region of 4,500-5,000 ft is much required for the trekkers. It is not a trek for beginners or amateur trekkers.
Q: How much fitness is required for this trek?
A: Panpatia Col Trek is a super difficult grade trek, and thus excellent fitness levels are required for this trip. The necessity of a good amount of stamina, and a healthy body, both physically and mentally, cannot be overlooked. Thus, good physical strength is a must. This trek requires a prior trekking experience. It is inadvisable to take up such a trek. Also, it is a long trek and hence, tenacity is a requisite.
Q: What will the temperature like on this trek?
A: Panpatia Col trek lies in the high altitude Himalayan region trek. Sub-zero temperatures are forecasted even in the summers. One must be prepared mentally and carry all equipment asked for by the operator.
Q: I this for Firdt timers ?
A: Panpatia Col trek is one of the quite known ultimate level trails of the Himalayas. It is not a trek for the first-timers, as it moves through an extremely high altitude area. The trek has an extreme difficulty level, which demands good physical fitness, stamina, and endurance. Prior trekking experience in the high altitude region is essential. Trekmunk offers a wide range of treks that beginners can take in the Himalayas as well as other regions. Check out all possible options before you make a decision.
Q: Is it technically Challanging ?
A: Panpatia Col Trek is not a technical trek but does require the use of technical equipment such as ice axe, climbing boots and crampons. Given the level of endurance required and its high altitude, this trek is for experienced climbers only.
Q: What eqquipment is provided to us?
A: All the common gear like tents, sleeping bags, mattresses etc. are provided. All the technical climbing equipment needed for the trek, like snow boots, crampons, gaiters, ice axe, helmet, harness etc. are also provided to you. Safety equipment used for rescue is carried by our trek leaders.
Q: What are the washrooms and toilet facilities ?
A: On campsites, our team will dig dry pits and assemble a toilet tent to provide for safe and secure quarters. A shovel will be provided within the toilet tent as well. Using water in the toilet tent is restricted; you will need to carry your own toilet paper. On the more difficult expeditions, toilet tents are not carried to the higher camps (above base camp) due to restriction of space (to pitch the tent).
Q: How is the weather during the Panpatia Glacier Trek?
A: The weather conditions during summers and post monsoons are quite pleasant. During daytime, the temperature ranges between 15 to 20 degrees, while nights get incredibly cold, with temperatures plummeting to 5 to 10 degrees. The weather will turn a lot colder on higher altitudes. Please carry a minimum of 3 to 4 warm layers, and 2 clean sets of thermals for the night.
Q: Is this trek safe ?
A: Yes, it is entirely safe to do the Panpatia glacier trek by yourself. You could be a solo woman traveler too. You have no reason to fear or worry. Usually, families book the trek, and many women take part in it. The trekking is done in batches of 10-14 people, mostly along with the guides.
The guides are experienced mountaineers who are also trained in providing primary medical care and attention. If at all, you fall sick during the trek, you will be offered prompt medical attention. You are advised not to travel during the rainy season that is usually between months of July to August.
Please listen to your guide and instructor before trekking and avoid drinking during the time. At nighttime, do not venture outside alone. If you are a photo enthusiast, then please talk to the guide about safe spots before clicking photos.
Q: What type of shoes should I buy for Panpatia Glacier Trek?
A: Please carry good quality shoes with high ankle support and steady grip. DO NOT carry regular sports shoes as they are not built to endure such terrains, and can cause fatals slips due lack of grip. Remember to break your new shoes in at least a month before the trek to avoid chafing and blisters. Carry at least 5-6 pairs of cotton socks for trekking.
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