Every few years a trail comes along that reminds us why we started this company. The Ranthan Kharak trek leads to a hanging meadow beneath rocky spires in deep Pithoragarh Kumaon — barely trekked, reached through villages where trekkers are still guests rather than customers, with a ridge that lines up Panchachuli, Nanda Devi East and Nanda Kot like a private balcony on the greatest peaks of Kumaon. There is no phone network beyond the roadhead, and we consider that a feature.
What is the Ranthan Kharak trek route?
Day 1 is a winding 230 km drive from Kathgodam through Almora and Berinag into deep Kumaon, ending at a village guesthouse where the Panchachuli peaks first appear at dusk. Day 2 leaves the road for a 7 km climb through terraced fields and oak woods to the base camp clearing at 7,875 ft.
Day 3 is a stiff, beautiful 6 km climb through rhododendron and birch to the hidden kharak at 11,730 ft. Day 4 roams the ridgeline above camp — high point 11,810 ft — with the great Kumaon peaks arrayed across the horizon. Day 5 descends to base camp for one last bonfire, and Day 6 walks out to the roadhead and drives back towards Kathgodam.
When should you go?
April to June and September to November. Late April to May is the scarlet rhododendron show; October gives the sharpest ridge views of Panchachuli and Nanda Devi East.
How difficult is Ranthan Kharak?
Rated Moderate-Difficult. The climb to the kharak gains nearly 4,000 ft in a day, and the remoteness raises the stakes — this is best as a second or third trek. We run twice-daily health checks and carry -15 degree C sleeping bags for the cold high camp.
What does the trek cost?
₹13,999 + 5% GST per person: all meals on trek, alpine tents with -15 degree C sleeping bags and mats, trek leader with local Kumaoni guides, forest permits and camping charges, and twice-daily health checks. The Kathgodam-roadhead shareable cab and offloading are extra.
How do you get there?
Overnight train from Delhi to Kathgodam railway station, then the 9-hour drive through Almora and Berinag. Download your maps and music before you leave — there is no network beyond the roadhead.
Permits
Pithoragarh forest division permits are arranged by us and included. Carry a government photo ID and two photos.
Keep the secret (but come see it)
Small batches only on this one — we would like the kharak to stay the way we found it. Dates are on our Ranthan Kharak page.
