Trek to Pindari & Kafni Glaciers (November 2013)

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.

Kafni Glacier (Source: Internet)

Pindari Glacier (Source: Internet)

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 (10^th 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 (11^th 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 (12^th 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 (13^th 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 (14^th Nov) – See the sun rising near Nanda Devi east mountain. After breakfast, trek to Khatia camp (6 km). Overnight at Khatia.

Day 6 (15^th 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 (16^th 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 (17^th Nov) – After breakfast follow the 9 km downward trail all the way to Loharkhet and stay. Trek ends with sweet memories.

Day 9 (18^th Nov) – After breakfast, drive to Kathgodam, take the train to Delhi at night.

Cost: 21,500/- (20,500/- if booked before 31^st August)

Booking Amount: 10,000/- (Non-Refundable)

Remaining should be paid before 31^st 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

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