Pindari Glacier Trek Itinerary & Package Details for 2025

If you’re someone who’s always wanted to explore the Himalayas without diving into a technical mountaineering expedition, the Pindari Glacier Trek in Uttarakhand should be at the top of your list for 2025. I recently planned this trek for the upcoming season and did a deep dive into all the logistics, so if you’re considering it, here’s everything you need to know—laid out simply and straight to the point.

Quick Overview of the Pindari Glacier Trek

• Location: Kumaon region, Uttarakhand, India

• Altitude: Approx. 12,300 ft (3,750 m)

• Duration: 7–9 days (excluding travel)

• Trek Difficulty: Easy to Moderate

• Best Time to Go: April to June & September to early November

• Total Trekking Distance: ~46–52 km round-trip

This trek is perfect for first-timers and regular trekkers alike. The trail runs through scenic valleys, rhododendron forests, wooden bridges, and remote Himalayan villages. And the final view of the massive Pindari Glacier nestled beneath the Nanda Devi peak—that’s the kind of reward that stays with you forever.

Day-Wise Itinerary for 2025

Here’s a direct breakdown of the most common itinerary that a lot of local guides and trek organizers (including the one I chose—more on that later) follow. The route and pace are well-optimized for acclimatization and scenic experience.

Day 0: Arrival in Kathgodam or Haldwani (Base City)

Most people prefer Kathgodam as the base point because it’s well connected via overnight trains or buses from Delhi. I reached Kathgodam by early morning and took a cab arranged by my trekking team to Khati Village, the trek’s real starting point.

Day 1: Kathgodam to Kharkiya to Khati (Drive + Short Trek)

• Drive Time: ~9–10 hours

• Trek Time: 1.5–2 hours

• Altitude: 7,300 ft approx.

The road journey ends at Kharkiya, from where it’s a short trek to Khati—a peaceful village surrounded by oak forests. It’s the last inhabited village on the trail. The warmth of the locals and a cozy home stay here set a great tone for the rest of the trek.

Day 2: Khati to Dwali

• Trek Distance: 11 km

• Duration: 6–7 hours

• Altitude: 8,600 ft approx.

This stretch is one of the most beautiful parts of the trail. You walk alongside the roaring Pindar River, cross wooden bridges, and pass through thick forests. Dwali is a small meadow campsite surrounded by high cliffs on either side—totally surreal when mist rolls in during the evening.

Day 3: Dwali to Phurkia

• Trek Distance: 5 km

• Duration: 3–4 hours

• Altitude: 10,500 ft approx.

Though it’s a shorter distance today, the trail becomes steeper. The landscape begins to open up into alpine terrain. Phurkia is a windy, stark place with great views of snow-clad peaks and gives you your first real taste of the high Himalayas.

Day 4: Phurkia to Pindari Glacier and Back to Dwali

• Trek Distance: ~16 km round-trip

• Duration: 8–9 hours

• Altitude at Glacier Point: 12,300 ft

This is the big day. We started early around 5 AM, with the aim to reach the glacier before the sun becomes too harsh. The trail is straightforward but tiring due to the altitude. The final viewpoint, known as “Zero Point”, opens up to a massive icefall of the Pindari Glacier. Just sitting there in silence, with towering peaks around, was something else.

After soaking it all in, we trekked back to Dwali for the night.

Day 5: Dwali to Khati

• Trek Distance: 11 km

• Duration: 6 hours

It felt good to return to tree line and civilization. Khati felt a bit like home by now, especially after days in remote camps.

Day 6: Khati to Kharkiya and Drive to Kathgodam

• Trek: 2 hours

• Drive: 9 hours approx.

An early start is best if you want to get back to Kathgodam by evening. I had my return train booked that night, which worked out well.

Trek Package Details (2025)

Now here’s the part I really wanted to break down clearly for Pindari Glacier Trek. A lot of people go with local guides or big-name companies, but I went with a well-rated but low-profile group that runs treks specifically in Uttarakhand. They go by the name “The Searching Souls”—quietly popular among serious trekkers for their safety-first approach and deep local network.

Their 2025 packages include:

Why I recommend them (without the hype):

• They don’t over-promise—they just deliver.

• All guides are locals who know the trail inside out.

• Food was simple but fresh and filling (which is all you need out there).

• They prioritize sustainable trekking—no plastic mess, no noisy groups.

To be clear, I’m not saying you have to go with them—but if you’re looking for a grounded, hassle-free experience without corporate chaos, they’re a solid bet. You can just DM them on their Instagram handle or find them via trek forums.

Best Time to Do the Trek

There are two main windows to do this trek:

• Pre-Monsoon (April to June): Best for green valleys, snow remnants, and pleasant weather.

• Post-Monsoon (September to mid-November): Best for clear skies and sharp mountain views.

Avoid the monsoon season (July–August) as landslides and floods can disrupt trails badly.

Packing Essentials

Don’t overthink your gear but don’t skimp either. Here’s a quick must-pack list:

• Waterproof trekking shoes

• 3-4 layers (base, fleece, insulated jacket, rain jacket)

• Trekking pole (super helpful on descents)

• 2 water bottles (not single-use plastic)

• Headlamp, basic meds, and high-energy snacks

• Gloves, woolen cap, sunglasses

They also provide a detailed checklist once you sign up.

Final Thoughts

Pindari Glacier Trek is one of those journeys that doesn’t demand extreme fitness or expensive gear but still gives you a powerful experience of the Himalayas. It’s raw, it’s real, and it’s rewarding—especially when done with the right team and preparation.

So, if you’ve been pushing the idea of doing your first Himalayan trek or just need a solid 2025 plan to reset your life a bit—Pindari Glacier awaits.