After climbing peaks like Kedarkantha & Chandrashila and exploring some other trails, most trekkers look for challenges and high-altitude treks. They want to explore the trails which are above 13,000 ft. There is one such trek hidden in the Himalayas named Pangarchulla Peak Trek.
A Tough Trek to Summit
It is one of those places that would bring out the most enduring side of yours. This trek is not just fun, it is exciting and tough. Pangarchulla summit trek is one of those treks that has managed to avoid human exploitation. At an altitude of 15070 ft, the Pangarchulla peak is a high-altitude trek in Uttarakhand's Joshimath region of Chamoli district.
The Grand Views of The Trek
From lush green farms through deep jungle to a dazzling white snow-covered environment, the journey is long and winding. The track will be littered with blood-red rhododendrons till the snowline begins. There will be plenty of oak, fir, silver birch, blue pine, and bhojpatra trees lining the path, the bark of which is believed to supply papyrus. Musk deer, black bear, and Himalayan tahr are some of the animals that can be found here. From the summit you witness the 360 degree views of Mana, Mandir, Hathi-Ghoda, Barmal, Lampak Massif, Dronagiri, Nanda-Devi, and Bertholi peaks.
Preparation & Exposure
This trek is a difficult one. It necessitates a great deal of physical and mental stamina. Preparation of 40 to 45 days are required to summit this peak blissfully. You might treat this trek as the one you need to complete if you want to overcome your life's challenges. It is difficult but not impossible.
You'll also get the opportunity to camp at Khullara Base (the campsite for Kuari Pass Trek). It is a large open space surrounded by densely forested areas and panoramic mountain vistas. The trees, for example, are a feature in and of themselves, offering the environment for a fairy tale woodland.
Best Part of The Whole Trek
On your way crossing Devprayag, you'll see the Bhagirathi River descending into the Alakananda River and merging to make a vibrant play of green hues in the water. From Devaprayag confluence, the mountain slopes along the fiery river are magnificent. The summit climb is the most challenging and fun part of the whole trek. The entire way to the peak becomes visible once you reach the top of the snow gully.
When is the best to go to Pangarchulla Peak?
The ideal time to visit Pangarchulla Peak is in the spring, which is from the end of March to May. Other times of the year are thought to be a little riskier for this expedition. The month of April has just enough snow for a good climb to the summit of Pangarchulla. The summit climb is best done during this limited window, even though the rest of the route is available for approximately eight months of the year.
The Pangarchulla trek is in full swing in April. The snow is melting at this time, revealing verdant grasslands. April is also known as "Flower Month." During this season, you can witness meadows blooming and Rhodos blooming.
The only conclusion is that spring gives you the best of both worlds: the finest time for peak climbing and the chance to see new blossoms. At this time, the journey is just accessible and safe.
Life is beautiful and its beauty magnifies when we spend some of our time exploring new places. There is no doubt that travelling in some way opens doors for new opportunities and hopes and you should never miss such a chance.
Included
- Transportation
- Accommodation
- Meals
- Trekking permits
- Trekking equipment
- Safety equipment
- Services of an expert Trek Leader
Excluded
- Food during transit
- Porter or mule for carrying personal luggage
- Stay on the last day
- Personal expenses & goods of any kind
- Anything apart from inclusions
- Unscheduled stay due to unfavourable conditions
- Cost Escalation due to ‘Force Majeure’ and evacuation charges
Tour Plan
Day 1
Drive from Rishikesh to Joshimath/Karchhi
Base Camp Altitude: 7,500 ft. On the first day, you have to reach the Karchhi village via Joshimath which is about a 9 hours drive from Rishikesh. Midway you will cross local towns like Srinagar, Pipalkoti, Chamoli and Panch Prayag.
Day 2
Joshimath/Karchhi to Khullara Base
Altitude: 7,500 ft to 11,050 ft | Trek: 6 km | Trek gradient: Moderate. Gradual and steep ascent. Your trek will start from Karchhi, a small village near Joshimath. The trail further climbs to Tugasi village. There are some small shops and tea stalls. You will walk through the village and witness the agricultural fields of the villagers. After about 6 km of the trek, you will reach Khullara camp and rest here overnight. You can see Mt. Dronagiri and Hathi-Ghoda Parvat from your campsite. Carry at least two litres of water.
Day 3
Acclimatization Day
Altitude: 11,050 ft to 12,500 ft & back| Hike: 4 km | Trek gradient: Easy. Gradual and steep ascent. This is the acclimatization day at 11,000 ft. Trekker's will hike for 4 km till Kuari Top and will take proper rest at Khullara camp.
Day 4
Khullara to Pangarchulla and back
Altitude: 11,050 ft to 15,070 ft | Trek: 12 km | Trek gradient: Difficult. Gradual followed by a steep ascent. After a 1.5 km hike from Khullara camp, you reach a point location of Lord Curzon’s trail. Here you can see some stone temples are made. From here the trail split into Pangarchulla and Kuari Pass. You take the up-left-side trail to reach Pangarchulla. This is a complete ascent and ridge walk until you reach the base of Pangarchulla. This is a bolder section and from here till the summit is the technical section too. You may need an ice axe and fixed rope. From the summit, you see the 360-degree views of Mt. Chaukhamba, Nilgiri, Neelkanth, Dronagiri, Hathi Ghoda, Nanda Devi, Nanda Ghunti and Trishul peaks. Carry at least two litres of water.
Day 5
Trek from Khullara to Joshimath
Altitude: 11,500 ft to 6,150 ft | Trek: 6 km | Trek gradient: Moderate. Gradual descent. On your fifth day, you will return from Khullara to Joshimath. The trail back to Karchhi is on the same path that you took on your second day. Reach Joshimath by afternoon and take a rest or you can roam around the local market and visit the famous Narsingh Temple.
Day 6
Joshimath to Rishikesh
You will drive down to Rishikesh on day six. Leave early morning from Joshimath and join Ganga Aarti at Rishikesh or head back to your station.
Basecamp
Karchhi is a small village near Joshimath. You can hire a taxi or use a shared taxi to reach here. It is 15 km ahead of Joshimath on Tapovan road. Joshimath is a cantonment town in Uttarakhand. It is also a major pilgrimage site with numerous temples including Narsimha Temple, Bhavishya Kedar Temple and Shri Shankaracharya Math. Joshimath is a popular tourist centre for both national and foreign visitors. It is a gateway to Himalayan trekking and mountaineering expeditions.
How to Reach Joshimath?
Joshimath is not directly connected by rail or air and can only be reached by road. The nearest train station is Haridwar at 274 km away and the only airport to Joshimath is Jolly Grant Airport 270 km away between Rishikesh & Dehradun. This road journey will take about 9-10 hours from the airport to Joshimath. The distance from Delhi ISBT to Joshimath is 493 km which can be covered in about a 13-14 hour drive. There are buses to other major destinations nearby, such as Haridwar, Rishikesh, Srinagar, Rudraprayag, Chamoli etc.
Things To Pack
Essentials: Trekking Shoes, 50-60 litre Backpack, 3 dry fit or full-sleeve T-shirts, 4 insulation layers, two trek pants, fleece jackets and one padded jacket.
Others: Sunglasses, Suncap, Water bottle, Woolen cap, 3-4 pairs of socks, Trekking Pole, Rainwear, Rain cover for the backpack, A 10 ltr. daypack, 2 plastic covers, Toilet kit, Sunscreen (SPF 50+).
Documents
Original and a photocopy of government-issued photo identity card. This is mandatory for your identification. These documents are required for legal purposes by Tripotude and other third-party authorities. Without any of these documents, you will not be allowed to trek.
Fitness and Safety
Pangarchulla trek is a difficult trek and needs a good amount of endurance. Without any high-altitude trekking experience and excellent physical preparation, this trek is nearly impossible. So you must be focused on your cardiovascular activity. Start the cardiovascular exercises 40 to 50 days before your trek date. Target completing the running 5 km in 45 minutes when you begin. Gradually increase your pace and bring down the time of running. Do the muscle exercise for Quadriceps, Hamstrings & Calf Muscles. Do 3 sets (10 repetitions) of Squats, Lunges & Calf raises. Do breathing exercises - Pranayama and Nadi Suddhi.
On this trek, you may get preliminary signs of Acute Mountain Sickness from the first day of the trek as you climb approximately 3,000 feet on the first day. To reduce the risk, climb at a constant pace, hydrate often and take proper rest at the campsite.
FAQ
Pangarchulla Trek is a very difficult trekking trail. It is a 5 to 6-day trek that starts from Joshimath, Uttarakhand. This is at an altitude of 15,070 feet which makes the trek difficult and prone to AMS. There are many technical sections and boulder sections. So, this trek terrain-wise is also considered difficult.
Pangarchulla peak is at 4,593 metres (15,070 feet). The trek takes roughly 5-7 days to complete and is rated as difficult.
There are a few considerations to make before selecting the Pangarchulla expedition. Make sure you are physically capable of taking such challenges. It's crucial to be prepared as this trek is not for beginners. It is always preferable to seek professional advice if you are unsure about your level of fitness. You must make sure that you are equipped to handle the trek's difficulties. Understanding the altitude and the possibility of altitude sickness is a part of this. It is also crucial to have the right trekking gear.
Pangarchulla peak has a small window for trekking. The end of March to the end of May is considered the ideal time for trekking. May is the best time for this trek as there is a limited amount of snow on the trail.
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