Trek to Pindari & Kafni
Glaciers (10th to 18th November 2013)
The Pindari
Glacier is found in the upper reaches of the Kumaon Himalayas in Almora
district, to the southeast of Nanda Devi (7816 m), Nanda Kot (6861 m) and has
lured mountaineers and trekkers since long time. The glacier flows to the south
for a short distance of about 3 km and gives rise to the Pindar River which
meets the Alakananda at Karnaprayag in the Garhwal district. Pindari's rugged
beauty offers a breath-taking sight, especially for the trekker who is in love
with nature in all its pristine glory. The Pindari Glacier is an unsurpassable
and an exhilarating experience.
The Kafni
Glacier (3860 m) lies left of the Pindar Valley below the famous peak of
Nandakot. The glacier gives rise to the Kafni River, which is a tributary of
the Pindar River. The Pindar River is a tributary to Alaknanda River, which
eventually is one of the two headstreams of the Ganges.
Join us,
let’s explore the region which is immensely breath-taking as the season is
great due to clear skies.
Highlights of the trek:
·
Geography: Uttaranchal is composed of two
words, "Uttar" meaning "North" and "Aanchal"
meaning "Blessings." Earlier known as "Dev Bhumi" meaning
"The land of god," Uttaranchal also nourishes a diverse and rich
culture and monuments of historical importance. State is broadly divided into
two zones Kumaon and Garhwal. We will keep explaining you the surroundings as
we move on.
·
Photography: Enjoy the picturesque beauty of
'Land of the Gods', Uttarakhand through the lens with the professionals. You
will be given various types of outdoor photography tips on the field. We will
also try to capture snow-laden peaks in the night.
·
Birding: Himalaya is full of beautiful Birds
and butterflies. Bird count en route forest is 200+. Let’s explore the
magnificent beauty of the feathered ones. We will have a naturalist with
us to explain about birds and wildlife.
·
Flora and Fauna: The region is known for its
diversified flora and fauna. In this region we might get to see the rarest
animal species in the world. It has
a number of surprises in store to satiate their thirst for wildlife watching.
The region is endowed with a unique and diverse range of biodiversity. From the
snowbound peaks of the Himalayas to the moist Alpine scrub, sub Alpine forests,
dry - temperate and moist- temperate forests to moist deciduous forests, the
state possesses a wide biodiversity that in return nurtures a large
multiplicity of floral and faunal forms.
·
Architecture: Kumaon has a distinctive style
of architecture, which is to be seen on the one hand in scattered settlements
of the higher Himalaya and populated agricultural valleys, and on the other in
the temples, water tanks, forts
and dharamshalas. Most of the old houses of Kumaon have stone walls, mud
floors, slate roofs and patangans (courtyards of gray stone) and their doors,
windows and Kholis have intricate figures of Ganesh and other Gods - Goddesses.
The wood carver or carpenter never forgets to make closed nestles for birds.
·
Baghnath Temple: The
temples, which have been constructed over a period of about a thousand years,
follow a local style known as the 'Hemadpanthi' style of architecture. Bageshwar
got its name from an ancient temple of Lord Shiva situated in the heart of the
town. Bagnath temple holds the idols made from 7th to 16th century. Join us to
visit and know more about this place.
Itinerary:
Day
1 (10th Nov) – Arrive at Kathgodam early morning. Drive to
Loharkhet via Almora and Bageshwar. Explore the town of Bageshwar and visit the
old Bagnath temple at the confluence of Saryu and Gomti River. Buy all
necessary things from the market of Bageshwar. After lunch head towards
Loharkhet and reach by evening. Overnight at Loharkhet.
Day
2 (11th Nov) – After breakfast, trek to Khati (17 km). Loharkhet
is situated at an elevation of 1,760mts above sea level. Start first step of
your trek to Pindari and Kafni Glacier. The trek is quite steep and goes
through the dense forest. After following the trail for few more kilometres
from Dhakuri Khal you reach Dhakuri. View of snow-capped peaks of southern wall
of the Nanda Devi Sanctuary is visible from Dhakuri Khal. Dhakuri is situated
at an elevation of 2,680mts amidst dense forest. ‘Khati’ is the biggest village
that you will come across on the trek to Pindari Glacier. The trail passes
through thick forest of Rhododendrons. It is the last village en route Pindari
and Kafni glacier, situated at an elevation of 2,210mts above sea level. You
can charge your batteries by paying to run the generator. PWD rest house is
situated 500 m ahead of Khati village. Khati is situated on the banks of Pindar
River. It is believed that the hospitable villagers are descendants of the race
who provided Pandavas with shelter. Camp at Khati.
Day
3 (12th
Nov) – After breakfast, trek to Dwali (12 km). Today’s trek goes along with
Pindar River with two wooden bridges to cross. Dwali is picturesquely situated
at an elevation of 2,575 m above sea level. From here, we can see confluence of
Pindar and Kafni rivers. The 5km trek from Dwali to Phurkia is steep and graded
at moderate level. Cross the frozen stream and see the dwindling of forest as
you climb. Phurkia is the last place en route Pindari Glacier where you can
find PWD hut. There is beautiful waterfall just before Phurkia where you can
rest for a while. Phurkia is a picturesque place blessed with natural
beauteousness. It is situated at an elevation of 3,250 m above sea level. Camp
at Phurkia.
Day
4 (13th Nov) – After breakfast, trek to Zero Point, Pindari
glacier. The trek from Phurkia to Zero Point of Pindari Glacier is visually
captivating as it offers spectacular view of the mighty Himalayan range. Start
early if you want to spend more time at the Zero Point. The mouth of the
Pindari Glacier is named as ‘Zero Point’ and it situated at an astounding
elevation of 3,660 m above sea level. 1 km before the Zero Point you will see a
Babaji’s house who serves food to the people who makes it upto there. After
exploring the praiseworthy beauty of Pindari Glacier trek back to Dwali camp
(11 km). Overnight at Dwali.
Day
5 (14th Nov) – See the sun rising near Nanda Devi east
mountain. After breakfast, trek to Khatia camp (6 km). Overnight at Khatia.
Day
6 (15th Nov) – After breakfast, trek to Kafni glacier. The Kafni
Glacier is situated to the left of Pindar valley. The major Himalayan peaks
visible from Kafni Glacier are Nanda Kot (6,806mts) and Nanda Bhanar
(6,104mts). Bayaligar is situated 2 kms before Kafni Glacier at an altitude of
3,860 m above sea level. The region of Kafni Glacier has its own charm and
allures with the solitude terrain it presents. After exploring the beauty
and surrounding area of Kafni Glacier, trek back to Dwali. Return via Bayaligar
with trail gradually descending to Dwali. (12 km).
Day
7 (16th Nov) – Trek back downwards to Khati and then to
Dhakuri the same day. Carry back with you unforgettable memories and
adventurous experience by giving your presence to mountains.
(20 km). Camp at Dhakuri.
Day
8 (17th Nov) – After breakfast follow the 9 km downward trail
all the way to Loharkhet and stay. Trek ends with sweet memories.
Day
9 (18th Nov) – After breakfast, drive to Kathgodam, take the
train to Delhi at night.
Cost: 21,500/- (20,500/- if booked before 31st August)
Booking Amount: 10,000/- (Non-Refundable)
Remaining
should be paid before 31st October 2013.
Includes:
Transport from Kathgodam to Loharkhet and back.
Accommodation in rest houses.
All meals during trek (Kathgodam to Kathgodam)
Mineral water during road journey from Kathgodam to
Loharkhet and back.
Porter charges (10 kg per person)
Inner line permit and Entry fees.
Guide charges
Excludes:
Any kind of shopping
Optional Sightseeing
Any other expenses on personal basis
Anything that is not mentioned under Includes.
Any expenses caused by reason beyond our control such as
road block due to natural climates and accidents etc.
NOTE:
Departure subject to at least 10 trekkers.
Registration / Queries:
Ruturaj:
9158266904
Modes of Payment:
1. Online
transfer.
Axis Bank Account No: 911010053009069
Branch: Badlapur, Thane(MH)
Name: Ruturaj S. Joshi
IFSC Code: UTIB0001342
After transaction please email us transaction id along with your name, participants details (Name, Email, Mobile number) at nisargtrust@gmail.com
Axis Bank Account No: 911010053009069
Branch: Badlapur, Thane(MH)
Name: Ruturaj S. Joshi
IFSC Code: UTIB0001342
After transaction please email us transaction id along with your name, participants details (Name, Email, Mobile number) at nisargtrust@gmail.com
2. Cash
Payment: Pay 10,000/- at the following address:
Nisarg Trust, Ground floor,
Telavane Tower, Near Railway station, Badlapur (East)
3. Courier
a cheque of Rs. 10,000/- to the following address:
Name: Nisarg Trust
Address: Granthsakha, Opposite
Telavane Tower, Near Railway station, Badlapur (East) - 421503
Regards,
Nisarg Trust