The Pangarchulla trek path provides you with one of the Indian Himalayas’ most breathtaking high mountain views, as well as the satisfaction of reaching a summit at about 15,000 feet. The summit dominates the area and offers an unparalleled 180-degree panorama of the central Garhwal ranges. You can clearly see Nanda Devi to your north-east, stretching to all of the prominent peaks of the Badrinath valley and ultimately reaching the peaks of the Kedarnath valley on the west. To name a few: Chaukhamba massif, Mana, Hathi, Ghoda, Neelkanth, Changabang, Dronagiri, Mukut, Kamet, Abi Gamin, and Nanda Devi!
Beginning in October, the weather clears up, allowing you to see stunning views all along the trail.
Beautiful campgrounds enhance the appeal and delight. On the edge of the jungle and alpine meadows known as Bugyal in the local language, you will set your tent inside a dense conifer forest. Be aware that we cannot now camp on alpine meadows. And that’s not all! After the tree line, the terrain changes to fur-covered meadows. You will stroll through these grassy hills from Khullara to the Kuari pass. You will traverse Gurson Bugyal, a well-known Himalayan meadow, at the finish of the journey.
Brief itinerary:
Day 1 is a 280 km (11/12 hours) drive from Haridwar to Joshimath. Lodge.
Day 2: Travel 15 km (45 minutes) via Dhak to Karchi village (7500 ft). Trek for 11 km (6/7 hours) to Khullara (11,1000 ft).
Day 3 of the camp: Travel to Kuari Pass (12630 ft) and return to Khullara (8 km; 6/7 hours). Camp.
Day 4: It takes 6 hours to get from Khullara (11,100 feet) to Pangarchulla summit (14,925 feet), and it takes 12 or 14 hours to return to Khullara. A demanding and taxing summit day. Camp
Day 5: Khullara (11,100 ft) to Auli (8600 ft) through Gurson Bugyal, 5 to 6 hours; 10 kilometres; and 45 minutes; 14 kilometres; drive to Joshimath. Lodge.
Day 6: Travel 280 km (11/12 hours) by car from Joshimath to Haridwar.
Is it possible to trek up Pangarchulla in the winter?
Nothing is truly impossible, but it is unlikely, as they say. The recent snowfall is mostly to blame for this. Due to its location on the north face of Kuari Pass, this area typically has early snowfall, as early as the beginning of November. Lower Khullara to Pangarchulla require a solid ascent of 5–6 hours without or with some sporadic leftover snow from the highest campground.
It becomes more difficult starting in December since snowfall becomes more regular and is left behind. Additionally, the summit of Pangarchulla Peak stands at a height of 4550 m (14925 ft), which is high even by Himalayan standards. Expect new snow that is at least knee deep when it snows to the summit. Certainly, this will be incredibly hard. You must get ready for a 12-hour event.
When is the best time of year to climb Pangarchulla Peak?
Early April till the end of June. More of the winter-remaining snow will be present earlier in the season. Snow will melt as the season goes on. The summit is typically better and more suitable from mid-May until mid-June.
Fall: from September through mid-November. Even though the monsoon will be over by August, it is advisable to wait two weeks just in case. The greatest window for this season to reach Pangarchulla summit is from mid-September until the end of October. The likelihood of reaching the summit drastically declines after mid-November.
Clothing and expected temperature for the Pangarchulla trek.
It’s important to pack the appropriate clothing for a high altitude trail like this one. Early spring or late autumn might bring frigid weather to the campsite.
When outside the tent at the campsite, three layers of clothing are required.
A base layer that is thermal (warm woolly-cot material).
b) As a middle layer, a warm jacket (fleece, synthetic, or down jacket).
c) An outer layer that is windproof, cum watertight and has a hood.
From May to October, you might not need the thermal base layer.
Temperature in the spring and summer is still warm and comfortable during the day. Depending on the altitude, nighttime and early morning temperatures will be cool or frigid.
15°C (April) to 25°C in Joshimath (June)
Guling: 10 to 15 degrees.
0° to 5° C in Lower Khullara.
Autumn/Fall temperatures: Starting in October, days are cool and nights are chilly. Early morning and late-night temperatures can quickly drop below freezing. Although it will be about 8 to 10 degrees warmer inside the tent than outdoors.
20°C in September to 10°C in Joshimath (Nov)
Guling: between 10° and 0°.
5° to –5° C in Lower Khullara.
