Pangarchulla Trek – Summit a 15,000 ft Himalayan Peak

Region: Uttarakhand

Base Camp: Joshimath

Days: 7

Altitude: 15,000 ft

Grade: Moderate

Distance: 52 Km

Min Age: 15 Years

Best Season: Spring, Summer and Autumn

Trek Description

Pangarchulla Peak is located in the Chamoli District of Uttarakhand at an altitude of 15,009 ft/4,572 m. The trail for this trek goes through the “Kuari Pass” or Lord Curzon Trail, giving you the double treat in one trek with Kuari Pass and Kuari Top both covered.

George Curzon, then viceroy of India (1899-1905), visited this place and, hence the name. This trail is also part of “Chimney Peak” (14,700 ft). The name “Kuari” has other cultural significance, as it is known as the Abode of Goddess Nanda Devi.

The trek perfectly blends rugged terrain, high altitude, summit climb, and snow-covered trail, yet it is beginner-friendly with some prior trekking experience.

From Pangarchulla trek, you get panoramic views of various peaks like Mt.Nanda Devi, Dronagiri, and Mt. Trishul. The trail is filled with dense forests of Walnuts, Birch and other trees.

The final summit trek is filled with snow, boulders and steep ascent, quenching your thirst for an adventure without a difficult or technical climb. This factor makes this trek more favorable than the Kedarkantha Peak trek.

Itinerary

Drive Distance: 250 Km

Drive Time: 9-10 hours

Altitude: 6,150 feet (approx)

The distance from Rishikesh to Joshimath is 250 km, which takes 9-10 hours to complete via NH7. We will leave Rishikesh early in the morning, enjoying the beautiful road journey.

On our way, we will come across 4 out of 5 Panch Prayags (Prayag is a holy confluence of two rivers). First, we will come across Devprayag (the last Prayag), where Alaknanda meets Bhagirathi to form the river Ganga finally. Then, we will encounter Rudraprayag (4^th), where Alaknanda meets the Mandakini River. At Karnaprayag (3^rd), Alaknanda meets the Pindar river. Lastly, at Nandprayag(2^nd), Alaknanda meets the Nandakini river.

These rivers will follow you along till Joshimath, adding more beauty to your road trip.

We will spend the night in Joshimath to get refreshed for another drive and hike the next day.
Tip – It is advised that trekkers reach Rishikesh on Day 0, which is a day prior, to avoid delays. By reaching on Day 0, you can take a short tour of Rishikesh.

Trek Distance: 5 Km

Trek Duration: 3-4 hours

Altitude: 9,600 ft

Dhak village is 11.1 drive away from Joshimath, which takes approx 45 mins to cover.

After this short drive to Dhak village, our trek starts towards Gulling Top via Tugasi village, our first campsite.

The trail towards Gulling is filled with trees of oaks, maple, pine, and walnuts, giving you a chance to enjoy fresh nuts right off the tree. The gulling top is a vast open field providing beautiful views of various snow-covered mountain peaks like Mt. Dronagiri.

After our hike for the day, we will stretch and enjoy a delicious hot dinner.

Trek Distance: 7 Km

Trek Time: 5-6 hours

Altitude: 11,000 ft

After a delicious breakfast, we will head for Khullara Top. The ascent climb is a little bit steep but not tiring. The whole trail will go through the deep forest of Oak, Thunder, and Cedars. Throughout the hike, Mt. Dronagiri will follow you along other peaks. You will find small clear water streams here for drinking water.

Khulara Top provides a grand space for camping, like a small bugyal, with the Himalayan Peaks like a big tapestry hanging in the background.

Trek Distance: 14 Km

Trek Time: 7-8 hours

Altitude: 12,500 ft

The trek today will be long but worth every step. After a steep climb of 1.5 km, you’ll walk on a ridge famously known as “Lord Curzon Trail”. Our trek will continue on this ridge and inclines, finally leading to Kuari Top. From here, you can clearly see many peaks like Dronagiri, Hathi Parvat, Chaukhamba, Neekanth, and so on.

After a short descent from the top and a few kms, you’ll reach Kuari Pass. The trail remains the same for both Kuari Top and Kuari Pass, as both are at the same altitude.

We will retrace back to our campsite – khulara, and rest well for the next day’s summit climb.

Trek Distance: 14 Km

Trek Time: 10-12 hours

Altitude: 15,000 ft

The most awaited part of the trek begins today – the summit climb to Pangarchulla Peak.

We will begin our trek at midnight, 1:00 am, yes, to catch the first rays of the sun sparkling on the snow-covered mountain peaks.

After packing our food, we will start our trek carefully, as it will be dark and difficult to walk on a snowy path. The path is a mixture of knee-to-waist-high snow, boulders, and ridge walking, making it adventurous and difficult to trek. Today, we will gain more altitude and walk for a longer period of 10-12 hours on difficult terrain.

It is advised to be prepared with the right gear and follow the trek leader’s expert advice to avoid mishaps.

After reaching the Pangarchulla Peak, you can locate many peaks like Nanda Devi (7816 m), Kamet (7756 m), Hathi Parbat (6727 m), Gauri or Ghori Parbat (6708 m), Neelkantha (6500 m), Mana (7274 m), Deoban (6855 m), Trishul (7120 m), Trishul II (6690 m), Trishul III (6007 m) and Dronagiri (7066 m).

Trek Distance: 12 Km

Trek Time: 5-6 hours

Altitude: 15,000 ft

After taking a well-deserved rest, we will start our descent back to Joshimath via the same route, enjoying everything all over again. It will take us around 5-6 hours to reach back. From Dhak or Tugasi we will take a taxi back to Joshimath. It will be 1 hour drive only.

Upon reaching back, you are free to take a stroll through the town or rest and relax your muscles

Drive Distance: 250 Km

Drive Time: 9-10 hours

After breakfast, we will bid bye to Joshimath with a promise to return soon for another trek.

What’s Included and Excluded?

Price Inclusion

2 Nights stay in Joshimath
4 Nights camping
Meals from Day 1 dinner to Day 7 breakfast
All the required forest and camping permits
Sleeping bags, Mattresses and Tent
Helmet, Ecobag and First aid kit with oxygen cylinder
Certified Trek Leader
Trek completion certificate
Transportation from Rishikesh to Rishikesh

Price Exclusion

Trek Insurance
Meals during the transfer
5% GST is not included
Any expenses not mentioned in the inclusion
For backpack offloading additional fee will be charged
Any expenses arising from emergencies during the trek
Any personal expenses

What to Bring Along

45-60 Ltr Bag Pack With Rain Cover & Comfortable Straps
Hot & Cold Water Bottle Like Borosil & Milton
Energy Bar, Dry Fruits & ORS
Personal Medical Kit

2/3 Full Sleeves (Non-Cotton)
1 Full Fleece T-Shirt
1 Fleece Jacket (Woollen Or Sweater)
1 Down Feather/Hollofil Jacket
1 Waterproof Jacket/Poncho
1 Pair Thermal Inners (Upper And Lower)
2 Trek Pants (Avoid Shorts & Denim Pants)
1 Pair of Waterproof Gloves
1 Pair of Woollen Gloves
Sun Cap
Woollen Cap
4 Pairs Of Cotton Socks
1 Pair Of Woollen Socks

1 Pairs Of Sunglasses (U/V Protected)
1 Neck Gaiters (Buff)
Tiffin Box

1 Waterproof & High Ankle Trekking Shoes
1 Pair Of Floaters

Hand Sanitizer & Sunscreen Lotion
Toothbrush And Toothpaste
Toilet Paper And Wet Wipes
Quick Dry Towel
Lip Balm & Antibacterial Powder
Moisturizer

Ways to Reach

The nearest airport is Dehradun’s Jolly Grant Airport, which is just 15.8 km away from Rishikesh.

From here, you have two options.

From the airport, the main city of Dehradun is 1.5 km away; walk till there or hail a shared auto/taxi.
Hire a private taxi or shared one if it is convenient for you to direct Rishikesh itself.

You can book a direct train to Rishikesh railway station, which is named Yog Nagri Rishikesh Station, Rishikesh being the Yoga Capital of the world.

Option 2 is to book train tickets to Dehradun, which is 38.4 km away with 1-hour drive time.

Similarly, you can book tickets for Haridwar, which is 44 km away and has a 1-1.5 hour drive time.
Tip – Book for a train that reaches Rishikesh early in the morning on Day 0. It will give you time to acclimatise to the weather, and a short tour of the city can also be done.

Joshimath is well connected to motorable roads, so you can directly drive here in your private vehicle.

Another option is to reach Delhi, the capital of the country. The city is well-connected with all parts of the country. From Delhi, you can book a bus ticket directly from the Kashmiri Gate bus stop or use online booking platforms like Redbus.

Local buses from various operators like UTC, Vishwanath Seva, and Himgiri are available from Rishikesh or Dehradun to Joshimath. These buses leave early in the morning from Rishikesh Domestic Bus Stand and Parade Ground, Dehradun.

Raithal is the point where we start our Dayara Bugyal Trek in Uttarakhand. It is approximately 183 kilometers away from Dehradun, which takes around 6 to 7 hours by public transportation. To reach Raithal you have to reach Uttarkashi first.

The bus to Uttarkashi leaves early in the morning around 5:30 am from Dehradun Hill station. You can also book your ticket online via the UTC portal. The average cost of the ticket is around 350 to 400 INR. Shared taxi option is also available.

If you are traveling via taxi, you will be charged around 400 to 500. You can hire a taxi from Rispana Pul and Parade Ground to Uttarkashi. Upon reaching Uttarkashi, you can rent another taxi to Raithal from Uttarkashi Taxi Stand. You must pay 100 to 150 INR to hire the taxi.

Difficulty Grade of Pangarchulla

The Pangarchulla Trek is rated as moderate to difficult level. A trek’s difficulty is decided on the basis of the number of days required, terrain & gradient type, and altitude gain.

Altitude Gain – The Pangarchulla peak is at an altitude of 15,069 ft above sea level. As a high-altitude trek, the threat of health issues like AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness) increases, leading to worse problems like HAPE/HACE.
Long Trek – There are many long treks, but here you have to walk more on a single day, and changing weather, such as increasing altitude, takes a toll on the body if not acclimatised well.
Changing Terrain – The starting is easy, but the mixture of terrain and different gradients to the summit top makes being physically and mentally fit essential. Factors like rough winds, big boulders, steep summit climbs, sharp ridges and walking ina knee to waist-deep snow add more challenges and thrill to the trek.

Hence, it is advised to follow a proper workout routine that includes both strength training and cardio. Try to achieve running 5 kms in 45 mins. This will make your trekking experience more pleasant without any problems.

Prior experience with treks and snow treks like Kedarkantha, Dayara Bugyal, Sandakhphu, or Rupin Pass will help you better prepare for this trek.

Ideal Time to do Pangarchulla

Pangarchulla is famous as a winter trek but it can be done during other seasons and making each experience unique.

Winter

Months – November to February

Temperature – Day: 5℃ to 10℃ | Night: -5℃ or below

The best time to experience a snow-covered adventure. During these months, you’ll find thick snow sheets with chilly winds and freezing temperatures waiting for you. Though you’ll find snow on summit climbs throughout the year during winters, the feel is different.

For adventure enthusiasts, winter is the perfect season as the snow becomes hard, making the challenging, and heavy snowfalls closing down paths and forcing you to trek in deep snow adds more challenges.

Tip – Rent proper gear like crampons, headlamps, water-repellent shoes, gaiters and appropriate clothing.

Spring

Months – April to June

Temperature – Day: 10℃ to 12℃ | Night: -2℃ to 5℃

In spring, the snow starts to melt as the increasing temperature makes snow soft and easy to walk. Trek during this time still remains challenging enough for adventure seekers without the freezing temperatures.

After harsh winters, springs bring back the colour in the region. With melting snow, life returns with the excitement of a new beginning. Beaming colourful flowers, vibrant meadows, and forest greenery with a white backdrop of the Himalayas create a beautiful live image.

Culture, Flora Fauna and Adventures

Mythology of Dronagiri Parvat

According to Ramayana, when Lord Ram’s younger brother was severely injured during the battle with Demon King Ravan’s son Meghnad, a rare herb “Sanjeevni” was the only cure.

Hanumanji was tasked with fetching Sanjeevni, which can only be found in the Himalayas.

It was believed that Sanjeeevni was found on Mt. Dronagiri/Dunagiri or Gandhamardhan. But Hanuman could not identify the herb, so he took the whole mountain to the battlefield.

After this incident, the locals stopped worshipping Lord Hanuman. This ritual is still followed in present times. Even during the Ram-Leela performance in the festival of Dussehra, the Hanumanji part is skipped entirely.

Nanda Devi Raj Jaat Yatra Festival

Nanda Devi is believed to be Goddess Parvati, so when she married Lord Shiva, she moved to Kailash Parvat, leaving behind her maternal place.

This three-week-long festival is organized once every 12 years, which signifies that Maa Nanda Devi visits her hometown every 12 years. Other than 12 years Raaj Jaat, there is Lok Jaat which is celebrated every year. The festival is celebrated with enthusiasm in nearby villgages of Joshimath and Chamoli.

Uttarakhand is blessed with diverse flora and fauna. You can spot animals like Himalayan Brown bears, Langurs, Himalayan Musk Deers and, during winters, even a Snow leopard.

During the trek, you will come across a diverse range of trees and flowers, such as Silver Birch, Oak, and Pine. Pink and White flower Rhododendrons, also known as “Buransh ke Phool”, welcome you when in bloom.

The magical properties of Thuner’s tea will vanish your cough & cold in minutes.

If luck is in your favour, you may spot birds like the Himalayan Monal (State bird of Uttarakhand) and Himalayan Griffon Vulture.

Badrinath Temple- One of the pilgrims in Char-Dham Yatra, Badrinath temple is just 40.5 km away from Joshimath. Situated at an elevation of 10,171 ft, the trek to the temple is filled with devotion, joy and beautiful views of the Himalayas.

Joshimath – Our base village of Trek provides many sites and temples, like Narsingh Devta temple, Adi Shankaracharya Math, Auli Ropeway, Jogidhara Waterfalls etc, for you to explore.

Valley of Flowers – Recognised as the prestigious UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2002, this valley is home to more than 600 species of flowers. One of India’s oldest treks, accidentally found in 1931, is a must-visit.

Bagini Glacier Trek – Enjoy a trek to the glacier without crowd and hassle, just an hour’s drive away from Joshimath to Jumma base village. Peaks like Changa Banga and Kalanka add to the beauty of this glacier.

Gallery

Map of Trail

FAQs

The total trek on foot distance is 52 km.

Yes, a permit is required as Pangarchulla lies in a protected area. If you hire a trekking company like ours, then it is covered in the package itself.

Yes, gears like spikes, gaiters, trekking poles, etc, are a must. You can buy or opt to rent gear.

Yes, as it is a moderate-level trek, prior experience helps you understand and adjust better to higher altitudes, snow and ever-changing weather conditions.

Charging your gadgets might be always challenging during the trek. During this trek, the last charging point you will get is at Joshimath. So it is recommended to carry spare batteries for cameras and a power bank with a capacity of more than 20,000 mAh to ensure you have enough power for the entire trek.

In Joshimath, network is available via networks like Jio, Airtel and BSNL.

Aadhaar card, Declaration form, and Trek Insurance. If you are a teen then a parent’s declaration will be needed. If you are 60+ then a medical certificate will be required. And if you are a foreign national then your Passport will be needed for issuing permits.

On Demand

/ Per Person

5% GST

Enquire Now

Cancellation Policy

Available Dates