Remote eastern Kumaon glacier route

Panchachuli Glacier Trek

A longer-form Kumaon route built around village travel, alpine landscapes and the glacier country below the Panchachuli peaks.

Panchachuli Glacier Trek — Pithoragarh · Darma Valley
Photo information

Kuldeep vittan / Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 4.0 · source

RegionPithoragarh · Darma Valley
DurationApprox. 16 days
DifficultyChallenging
Best seasonSeasonal trekking window
AltitudeHigh Himalayan terrain

About the trek

What to expect on this route

The Panchachuli Glacier journey approaches eastern Kumaon through Pithoragarh and Darma Valley, combining road travel with village and high-mountain trail sections.

It works best as a flexible expedition, with roadheads, stays and access confirmed for the operating season.

Panchachuli glacier landscapeDarma regionVillage stays and campsEastern Kumaon sceneryCustom route planning

Day-wise itinerary

The route, day by day

Day 1

Arrive Delhi

Arrival and overnight stay.

Day 2

Delhi to Nainital

Drive to Nainital and overnight stay.

Day 3

Nainital acclimatisation / local day

A lighter day around Nainital before the long mountain approach.

Day 4

Nainital to Madkot

Drive towards Madkot via Pithoragarh.

Day 5

Madkot to Chulkot

Begin the trek with a short approach to Chulkot village.

Day 6

Chulkot to Bhoguna

Trek through forest to a remote camp at Bhoguna.

Day 7

Bhoguna to Fungagair

Cross the Mandagini river sector and camp near the river.

Day 8

Fungagair to Selapani

Steep initial climb followed by a gradual approach to Selapani.

Day 9

Selapani to Kathab Camp

Move towards the Kathab Glacier sector with widening Panchachuli views.

Day 10

Kathab Camp exploration

Explore the upper valley and viewpoints close to the Panchachuli peaks.

Day 11

Kathab Camp to Bhujani

Descend along the Mandagini river towards Bhujani.

Day 12

Bhujani to Toli

Climb and then descend through bamboo-rich forest to Toli.

Day 13

Toli – Gaila – Munsyari

Trek to Gaila and drive to Munsyari.

Day 14

Munsyari to Ranikhet

Drive across Kumaon to Ranikhet.

Day 15

Ranikhet to Delhi

Drive to Delhi.

Day 16

Departure

Airport/onward transfer.

The day-wise plan shows the route Alpine Trek works with. Roadheads, overnight stops, permits and timings are confirmed again for the selected departure.

Safety & route reality

Conditions decide the final plan.

The exact trailhead and camp plan are seasonal. Final route details are confirmed only after local access and weather checks.

Before you book

Common questions

What is the best season for Panchachuli Glacier Trek?

Seasonal trekking window. Exact dates are confirmed against current weather, road or trail access and local instructions.

How difficult is Panchachuli Glacier Trek?

Alpine Trek currently classifies this route as challenging. Fitness, previous trekking experience and altitude readiness are reviewed before confirmation.

Is the itinerary fixed?

The day-wise plan reflects Alpine Trek’s established route, but roadheads, permits, weather, accommodation and local administration can require changes.

How do I book?

Send your preferred month, group size, ages and prior trekking experience. Alpine Trek will reply with current availability, inclusions and cost.

Trek enquiry

Tell us the group. We will confirm the workable plan.

Please include ages, preferred month, starting city and previous trekking experience.

Both options save the enquiry securely on the Alpine Trek website. The first also sends an email notification to the team.