The Pindari Glacier trek is Kumaon's original classic — a trail walked since the British survey days of the 1830s, threading riverside villages like Khati and Dwali that no road has ever reached, to Zero Point at 12,300 ft where the glacier's snout gleams beneath Nanda Kot. If Garhwal's treks are about drama, this one is about depth: slate-roofed hamlets, marigolds, and hospitality that has welcomed walkers for nearly two centuries.
What is the Pindari Glacier trek route?
Day 1 drives 165 km from Kathgodam through Almora and Bageshwar to the Loharkhet roadhead (5,775 ft). Day 2 crosses the Dhakuri ridge for your first Pindar valley views and descends to Khati (7,250 ft), the last village on the trail. Day 3 follows the Pindar river through bamboo and rhododendron to Dwali (8,465 ft), where the Kafni and Pindar meet in a roar.
Day 4 climbs out of the treeline to Phurkia's stone huts at 10,700 ft. Day 5 is the payoff: 12 km up wildflower meadows to Zero Point at 12,300 ft under Nanda Kot and Baljuri — with tea at the legendary baba's ashram on the way back. Days 6-7 descend through Dwali and Khati and drive back to Kathgodam.
When should you do the Pindari trek?
May-June and September-October. Spring fills the upper meadows with wildflowers; autumn gives the clearest views of the Nanda Kot wall. The monsoon months in between make the gorge trails risky, so we sit them out.
How difficult is it?
Rated Moderate. The gradients are old-school and sensible — this trail was graded for mule trains — but the Zero Point day is a 12 km, 8-hour round trip. Comfortable with 10 km walking days? You are ready.
What does the Pindari Glacier trek cost?
₹14,999 + 5% GST per person, covering all meals on trek, alpine tents or KMVN huts on twin sharing, sleeping bags and mats, trek leader with local guides, and forest permits and camping charges. The Kathgodam-Loharkhet shareable cab and offloading are extra.
How to reach the trailhead?
Kathgodam railway station is the railhead for all of Kumaon, with convenient overnight trains from Delhi. From there it is a 7-hour drive through Almora and Bageshwar into the Saryu valley — beyond Loharkhet, only trails.
Permits
Bageshwar forest division permits for the Pindar valley are arranged by us and included. Carry a government photo ID and two photos.
Walk the old trail
Two centuries of trekkers can't be wrong. Spring and autumn dates are open on our Pindari Glacier page.
