Khaliya Top Trek
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Khaliya Top Trek — Guide, Dates & Cost
Khaliya Top Trek is a 5-day easy trek in Pithoragarh, Uttarakhand, reaching 3,500 m (11,480 ft). It covers about 14 km on foot and starts and ends at Munsiyari. Best time: October to June. Trekkaro price: ₹9,450 per person + 5% GST, with Free Trekking Gear (Decathlon shoes, -10°C jacket, poles, gaiters and microspikes; ₹3,000 refundable deposit + ₹200 washing). Next batch: 23 Oct 2026 (36 upcoming batches).
Updated
District: Pithoragarh
Duration: 5 Days
Difficulty Level: Easy
Highest Altitude: 3,500 m / 11,480 ft
Trekking Distance: 14 km
Temperature: Autumn (Oct-Nov): Day 8°C to 14°C, Night -4°C to 3°C | Winter (Dec-Feb): Day 0°C to 8°C, Night -12°C to -5°C | Spring (Mar-Apr): Day 8°C to 15°C, Night -3°C to 4°C | Summer (May-Jun): Day 14°C to 20°C, Night 4°C to 10°C
Some summits make you wait for the view. Khaliya Top hands it to you all at once: step out of the last band of rhododendron, and the five Panchachuli peaks fill the eastern sky so close and so white that they look painted on. Two nights in a high meadow camp, one dawn climb and about 14 km on foot are all it asks. It is the gentlest way we know to stand face to face with the big peaks of the Kumaon Himalaya.
The Khaliya Top trek climbs from the Munsiyari road to a broad grassy summit at 3,500 m (11,480 ft) in the Pithoragarh district of Kumaon, Uttarakhand. The trail starts at Khaliya Dwar, also called Balati Bend, a forest gate on the road about 8 km before Munsiyari town, and climbs through oak and rhododendron forest to the Bhujani meadow, where we camp. From there an open ridge of alpine grass leads to the top. The trek starts and ends at Khaliya Dwar, and Munsiyari (2,200 m / 7,220 ft) is the base town for the night before and the night after.
Munsiyari sits at the head of the Gori Ganga valley, the old trading town on the route to Milam and Tibet, and it is one of the few places in India where a major Himalayan range rises straight across the valley from your guesthouse window. Khaliya Top lifts you about 1,300 m above the town, high enough to see over the nearer ridges to Nanda Devi, Nanda Kot, Rajrambha and Hardeol as well as Panchachuli. The drive in from Kathgodam is long, and the trek itself is short, so this is a journey to the edge of Kumaon as much as it is a climb.
Five Peaks at Sunrise – What Makes the Khaliya Top Trek Unmissable
The heart of this trek is one morning. You leave the Bhujani camp in the dark with a hot drink and a headlamp, climb the last stretch of forest as the sky turns grey, and come out onto open grass just as the first sun touches the Panchachuli peaks. They catch the light one after another, gold, then orange, then white, while the valley of the Gori Ganga below is still in shadow. To the south and west, Nanda Devi and Nanda Kot appear above the ridges, and on a clear morning Rajrambha and Hardeol complete the line. The summit is wide and gentle, so there is room to sit, take it in and drink tea while the light changes.
What makes Khaliya different from many short treks is how much wilderness it holds for its size. The forest below the meadow is home to the Himalayan monal, Uttarakhand’s state bird, and on quiet mornings you may spot bharal (blue sheep) or the barking deer known locally as kakar on the higher slopes. In spring the rhododendron forest turns red, and in winter the meadows lie under deep snow, with the Panchachuli wall even brighter against a hard blue sky.
The second night at Bhujani is a gift. Instead of rushing down after the summit, you come back to the same camp, rest through the afternoon and watch the sunset paint the same peaks from a different angle. By the time you walk out on Day 4, the range feels like something you know.
The Trail Itself
From Khaliya Dwar the trail climbs at once into forest of oak, rhododendron and birch, a clear path laid with stone in places and worn smooth by herders and trekkers. It is steady rather than steep, with short breathers on small clearings, and in about 2–3 hours it opens onto the Bhujani meadow. Above the camp the trees thin quickly. The last section to Khaliya Top crosses open alpine grassland along a broad ridge, with views widening at every step. In winter this upper ridge and the meadows are under snow, and the trail is slower but never exposed.
Who Is This Trek For?
The Khaliya Top trek is graded easy, and we recommend it for first-time trekkers, families with children who walk well, and anyone who wants a big Himalayan view without a long expedition. The trekking days are short. The hardest day is Day 3: about 8 km and 5–6 hours, with a climb of about 500 m to the summit before sunrise and the same way back to camp. The real effort on this trip is the road: about 275 km and 10–11 hours each way between Kathgodam and Munsiyari. We recommend four weeks of preparation before departure. Children aged 8 and above can join with a parent or guardian. Above 60: a doctor’s fitness certificate is needed, and an ECG or TMT report is recommended. Season: October to June.
Key Highlights of the Khaliya Top Trek
- Panchachuli at arm’s length – the five peaks of the Panchachuli massif rise straight across the Gori Ganga valley from the summit
- A wide Himalayan panorama – Nanda Devi, Nanda Kot, Rajrambha and Hardeol on a clear day
- Sunrise on the summit – a pre-dawn climb from camp to 3,500 m (11,480 ft)
- Two nights at Bhujani – a meadow camp at the forest edge, with sunset views of the range
- Rhododendron forest in spring – red blooms from March to April on the climb from Khaliya Dwar
- Snow in winter – the meadows and summit ridge lie under snow from December to March
- Wildlife – Himalayan monal, bharal and kakar in the forest and on the open slopes
- Munsiyari – the old trading town at the head of the Gori Ganga valley, with Panchachuli across the valley
Best Time to Do the Khaliya Top Trek
The Khaliya Top trek runs from October to June, and stops for the monsoon from July to September, when rain and landslides close the hill roads to Munsiyari and cloud hides the peaks. Each season gives the same summit a different mood. The temperatures below are for the Bhujani camp; the summit at dawn is a few degrees colder.
October to November – Autumn (The Clear-Sky Season)
Autumn brings the sharpest views of the year. The monsoon has washed the air clean, the meadows turn gold, and the Panchachuli peaks stand out without a haze. Days are 8°C to 14°C, and nights drop to -4°C to 3°C, colder towards the end of November.
December to February – Winter (The Snow Season)
This is Khaliya at its wildest. Snow covers the meadows and the summit ridge, the camp sits on white ground, and the walk is slower and more demanding. Days are 0°C to 8°C, and nights fall to -12°C to -5°C. Snow can block the road near Munsiyari for a day after heavy snowfall, so keep a spare day in your travel plans.
March to April – Spring (The Rhododendron Season)
The rhododendron forest blooms red as the snow melts from the lower slopes, while the summit ridge can still hold snow in March. Days are 8°C to 15°C, and nights are -3°C to 4°C.
May to June – Summer (The Green Season)
The meadows turn green and the days are pleasant for families and first-timers. Views are clearest early in the morning, and afternoon cloud builds towards late June. Days are 14°C to 20°C, and nights are 4°C to 10°C.
Khaliya Top Trek Cost and Booking in 2026
The Khaliya Top trek costs ₹9,450 + 5% GST per person, for 5 days starting and ending at Munsiyari, with Free Trekking Gear: Decathlon trekking shoes, a -10°C jacket, trekking poles, gaiters and microspikes. Meals, stays, permits and a certified trek leader are included; transport from Kathgodam is not included in the trek fee: we help the group book shared cabs, paid directly to the driver and split among trekkers. Book online on this page by choosing a batch date. Booking closes at 5 PM on the day before the trek, and you can reschedule once, free of charge, up to 8 days before departure.
📅 Best months for the Khaliya Top Trek: most of the year (October to June). Still choosing dates? Compare all treks in October, treks in November, treks in December and treks in January.
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Transport is not included in the trek fee: we help the group book shared cabs, paid directly to the driver and split among trekkers, from Kathgodam Railway Station at 06:00 AM to Munsiyari. Your trek coordinator will confirm the cab fare.
Day 1: Kathgodam to Munsiyari
Route Details:
Drive: Kathgodam → Munsiyari | Distance: 275 km | Duration: 10–11 hrs | Altitude: 554 m → 2,200 m
The day starts early at Kathgodam Railway Station, where the group meets at 06:00 AM. The overnight trains from Delhi arrive before dawn, so you can step off the train, have a cup of tea and climb into the cab. Transport is not included in the trek fee: we help the group book shared cabs, paid directly to the driver and split among trekkers, and your trek coordinator will confirm the cab fare.
The road climbs out of the plains past Bhimtal into pine forest, then follows the ridges through Almora and down to Bageshwar on the Saryu river. Beyond Bageshwar it winds up through terraced villages towards Thal and Birthi, where the Birthi waterfall drops beside the road. The last climb crosses the Kalamuni pass, and if the sky is clear, the Panchachuli peaks appear for the first time above the valley.
This is a long day in a vehicle, about 10–11 hours with stops for breakfast and lunch on the way (meals in transit are on you). Carry a light jacket and snacks within reach, and if you are prone to motion sickness, take your medicine before you leave. The views make up for the hours: the road runs past pine ridges, deep river valleys and terraced villages, and Almora and Bageshwar make good breaks to stretch your legs. Sit near a window if you can.
We reach Munsiyari by evening and check into a guesthouse. After dinner the trek leader runs a short briefing on the route, the gear and the summit plan, and checks each trekker’s SpO2 and pulse. Get a good night’s sleep: the trek starts tomorrow. Munsiyari at 2,200 m (7,220 ft) is a good first step for acclimatisation, so drink plenty of water and avoid alcohol tonight. On a clear evening, step outside to see the Panchachuli peaks across the valley.
What to Expect:
- Pickup at Kathgodam Railway Station at 06:00 AM
- A long mountain drive through Bhimtal, Almora and Bageshwar
- Birthi waterfall and the Kalamuni pass on the way
- First views of Panchachuli near Munsiyari on a clear day
- Evening briefing and health check
- Overnight: guesthouse in Munsiyari
Day 2: Munsiyari to Bhujani Camp via Khaliya Dwar
Route Details:
Trek: Khaliya Dwar → Bhujani | Distance: 3 km | Duration: 2–3 hrs | Altitude: 2,500 m → 3,000 m
After breakfast we drive back along the road about 8 km, around 20–30 minutes, to Khaliya Dwar, also called Balati Bend, where a forest gate marks the start of the trail. Packed lunch, water and a warm layer go in your daypack. The trek leader collects the forest permits here. Your main backpack goes with you unless you have chosen offloading, so keep it light. Before setting off, the trek leader explains the pace, the breaks and the rule of staying behind the guide.
The trail climbs at once into a forest of oak, rhododendron and birch, a clear path with stone steps in places. The gradient is steady and the forest is cool and quiet; keep an eye out for the Himalayan monal, whose call carries through the trees, and for the first glimpses of the snow peaks between the trunks. In March and April the rhododendrons turn the whole slope red.
In about 2–3 hours the trees open onto the Bhujani meadow at about 3,000 m (9,840 ft), a wide clearing on the edge of the forest, and the camp. With the short distance you reach camp by lunch, which leaves the afternoon free to rest, acclimatise and take a short walk with the trek leader to a viewpoint above camp. There is a water source near the campsite, and the team boils and treats drinking water.
Evenings at Bhujani are cold and clear. As the sun goes down, the Panchachuli peaks glow pink above the dark forest, and then the stars come out. Dinner is early, and the trek leader confirms the start time for tomorrow’s sunrise climb. Bhujani sits well above the town and the nights here are cold in every season, so change into dry clothes and warm layers as soon as the sun drops. The team serves hot soup before dinner in the dining tent.
What to Expect:
- Short drive to Khaliya Dwar (Balati Bend) and the forest gate
- A steady climb through oak and rhododendron forest
- Himalayan monal in the forest on quiet mornings
- Afternoon to rest and acclimatise at camp
- Sunset on the Panchachuli peaks
- Overnight: camp at Bhujani
Day 3: Bhujani to Khaliya Top and Back
Route Details:
Trek: Bhujani → Khaliya Top → Bhujani | Distance: 8 km | Duration: 5–6 hrs | Altitude: 3,000 m → 3,500 m → 3,000 m
This is summit day. We wake at about 4:00 AM, have tea and biscuits, and set off by headlamp around 4:30 AM so that we reach the top for sunrise. The first section climbs the last band of forest above camp; it is steady, and the trek leader sets a slow, even pace. Wear your warm layers from the start: the hour before sunrise is the coldest of the trek, and your hands and feet feel it first. Keep your camera and gloves in an outer pocket so you do not have to stop and dig for them.
The trees thin out, and the trail moves onto open alpine grass along a broad ridge. The sky lightens behind the Panchachuli wall, and the climb of about 4 km and 500 m brings you onto Khaliya Top at 3,500 m (11,480 ft) in about 2–3 hours. As the sun rises, the five Panchachuli peaks light up across the Gori Ganga valley, and Nanda Devi, Nanda Kot, Rajrambha and Hardeol appear over the ridges. In winter the whole ridge is under snow, and the team fixes a safe line and hands out microspikes where needed.
The summit is wide and grassy, with room to sit and enjoy the view. We spend time on top, take photos and then walk back down the same ridge to camp, where a hot breakfast waits. The descent is quicker, about 1.5–2 hours, and trekking poles help on the grassy slopes. If the weather is clear and the group is strong, the trek leader may walk a little further along the ridge for a wider view, but the trek goes no higher than the summit. The descent is on the same open ridge, so you can enjoy the peaks the whole way down.
The afternoon is free at Bhujani. Rest, dry your socks in the sun, and walk around the meadow for bird watching. The second sunset from camp is as good as the first, and the night feels well earned. This easy afternoon is part of the plan, not a gap in it: resting at the same camp after the summit keeps the trek gentle for first-timers and families. In the evening the trek leader runs the daily health check and the team serves an early dinner.
What to Expect:
- 4:30 AM start by headlamp
- Sunrise on Panchachuli from 3,500 m (11,480 ft)
- Views of Nanda Devi, Nanda Kot, Rajrambha and Hardeol on a clear day
- Snow on the summit ridge from December to March
- Hot breakfast back at camp and a free afternoon
- Overnight: camp at Bhujani
Day 4: Bhujani to Khaliya Dwar, Drive to Munsiyari
Route Details:
Trek: Bhujani → Khaliya Dwar | Distance: 3 km | Duration: 1.5–2 hrs | Altitude: 3,000 m → 2,500 m
There is no rush this morning. Wake up to one last view of the peaks from camp, have breakfast and pack your bag. The team strikes camp and carries all waste back down; please hand your wrappers to them. The camp is cleared down to the last tent peg, and the meadow is left as we found it. Take a last look around Bhujani before you set off: in a few hours you will be back on the road, and the quiet of the meadow will feel far away.
The descent to Khaliya Dwar follows the same forest trail, about 3 km and 1.5–2 hours. It is steeper going down than it felt coming up, so take short steps, use your trekking poles and watch for loose stones and wet leaves. The trees are full of birds in the morning. The forest is cool in the morning and the walk is short, so there is no need to hurry. If you missed the monal on the way up, this is a good chance to see it near the trail.
At Khaliya Dwar the cab takes you back to Munsiyari in about 20–30 minutes, in time for lunch. The afternoon is free: rest at the guesthouse, walk through the market for local woollens, or visit the Nanda Devi temple at the edge of town, with the Panchachuli peaks across the valley. Munsiyari is known for its hand-woven shawls and woollens, made in the villages of the valley. There is mobile signal in town again, so this is also the time to call home.
In the evening the trek leader hands out trek certificates, and we settle the plan for the early start tomorrow. Returning to Munsiyari for the night breaks the journey, so the long drive home starts after a proper rest. Pack your bag tonight so that the morning goes quickly, and keep your snacks, water and a warm layer in your daypack for the drive. Dinner is early, and it is a good idea to go to bed early as well.
What to Expect:
- A relaxed morning and the last view from camp
- A 3 km descent through forest to Khaliya Dwar
- Lunch and a free afternoon in Munsiyari
- Optional visit to the Nanda Devi temple and the market
- Trek certificates in the evening
- Overnight: guesthouse in Munsiyari
Day 5: Munsiyari to Kathgodam
Route Details:
Drive: Munsiyari → Kathgodam | Distance: 275 km | Duration: 10–11 hrs | Altitude: 2,200 m → 554 m
We leave Munsiyari early in the morning after tea, with a last look back at Panchachuli from the Kalamuni pass. The road retraces the route through Birthi, Thal, Bageshwar and Almora, with stops for breakfast and lunch on the way. The morning drive down the valley brings the clearest light of the day. Look back from the bends near Birthi for one more glimpse of the snow peaks before the road turns towards Bageshwar.
The drive is about 275 km and 10–11 hours, depending on the road, and the cab is expected at Kathgodam Railway Station by about 07:00 PM. Delays happen on mountain roads, especially after rain or snow, so book a late-night train or bus, or travel the next day. If you are flying home, book your flight for the next day: Pantnagar is about 1.5–2 hours beyond Kathgodam, and Delhi is an overnight train or bus away. Haldwani has plenty of simple hotels if you want to stay the night.
Transport is not included in the trek fee: we help the group book shared cabs, paid directly to the driver and split among trekkers. Meals on the drive are on you. Keep some cash for food and tea stops on the way, and carry a light layer: the morning in Munsiyari is cold, while the afternoon in the foothills can be warm. Snacks within reach help on the long winding road.
That brings the Khaliya Top trek to a close. Before you head home, take a moment to sort your gear: return the Free Trekking Gear to the team at the end of the trek, and the ₹3,000 deposit is refunded by UPI within 2 working days after we check the returned gear. We hope you go home with a few good photographs of Panchachuli and a taste for the Kumaon mountains. Drop us a note about your trek; your feedback helps us make the next batch better.
What to Expect:
- Early departure from Munsiyari
- Last views of Panchachuli from the Kalamuni pass
- Long drive through Bageshwar and Almora
- Arrival at Kathgodam Railway Station by about 07:00 PM
- Book your onward travel for late night or the next day
- Overnight: no stay (trek ends)
How To Reach
Nearest airport: Pantnagar Airport (PGH), about 70 km and 1.5–2 hrs from Kathgodam, with limited flights from Delhi. The cab leaves Kathgodam Railway Station at 06:00 AM, so fly in the day before and stay in Haldwani or Kathgodam. Delhi airport is the other option: from there, take the overnight train from Delhi to Kathgodam.
From Kathgodam to Munsiyari: 275 km, about 10–11 hrs by road via Bhimtal, Almora and Bageshwar. Transport is not included in the trek fee: we help the group book shared cabs, paid directly to the driver and split among trekkers, from Kathgodam Railway Station at 06:00 AM to Munsiyari. Your trek coordinator will confirm the cab fare.
Return: On Day 5 the cab (not included in the trek fee) leaves Munsiyari early in the morning and is expected at Kathgodam Railway Station by about 07:00 PM, depending on the road. Book your flight home for the next day.
Nearest railway station: Kathgodam (KGM), which is also the pickup point, with direct trains from Delhi. The overnight train from Delhi the night before Day 1 is the easiest option.
- Ranikhet Express – overnight from Delhi, arriving early in the morning.
- Kathgodam Shatabdi – a day train; take it the day before the trek and stay near the station.
Check current timings before you book.
From Kathgodam to Munsiyari: 275 km, about 10–11 hrs by road via Bhimtal, Almora and Bageshwar. Transport is not included in the trek fee: we help the group book shared cabs, paid directly to the driver and split among trekkers, from Kathgodam Railway Station at 06:00 AM to Munsiyari. Your trek coordinator will confirm the cab fare.
Return: On Day 5 the cab (not included in the trek fee) leaves Munsiyari early in the morning and is expected at Kathgodam Railway Station by about 07:00 PM, depending on the road. Plan your train home for late night on Day 5 or the next day.
By bus: Ordinary and Volvo buses run through the night from Delhi (Anand Vihar ISBT) to Haldwani, about 7–8 hrs. Prefer Uttarakhand Roadways (government) buses. Haldwani is about 6 km from Kathgodam Railway Station; take an auto or cab to the station for the 06:00 AM pickup.
From Kathgodam to Munsiyari: 275 km, about 10–11 hrs by road via Bhimtal, Almora and Bageshwar. Transport is not included in the trek fee: we help the group book shared cabs, paid directly to the driver and split among trekkers, from Kathgodam Railway Station at 06:00 AM to Munsiyari. Your trek coordinator will confirm the cab fare.
Return: On Day 5 the cab (not included in the trek fee) leaves Munsiyari early in the morning and is expected at Kathgodam Railway Station by about 07:00 PM, depending on the road. Plan your bus home for late night on Day 5 or the next day.
Things To Carry
The Khaliya Top trek is short on foot, but summit day starts at 4:30 AM in the cold, and from December to March the meadows and ridge are under snow. Pack for a freezing dawn and for two long days in a vehicle.
- Trekking shoes – Provided free with Trekkaro’s Free Trekking Gear (one refundable deposit of ₹3,000 + ₹200 washing charge covers the whole kit); your own broken-in pair with ankle support is welcome too.
- Trekking poles – Provided free with Trekkaro’s Free Trekking Gear; they save your knees on the descents.
- Microspikes and gaiters – Provided free with Trekkaro’s Free Trekking Gear, for the snow sections.
- Backpack (40–60 L) – with a rain cover.
- Day pack (20–30 L) – needed if you offload your main backpack; carries water and a warm layer.
- Two water bottles (1 L each) – an insulated one in the cold months.
- Headlamp – with spare batteries, for early starts and camp evenings.
- Lunch box – reusable, for packed lunch on the trail.
Pack for the month: May-June nights at Bhujani are 4-10°C and 3 warm layers are enough, October-November and March-April nights fall to about -4 to 4°C and you need 4, and December-February nights drop to -12 to -5°C and you need 5 (thermal top and bottom, 2 fleece or woollen layers and a padded jacket).
- -10°C padded jacket – Provided free with Trekkaro’s Free Trekking Gear; your main warm layer at camp and on the high sections.
- Thermal inners (top and bottom) – 1 set, for camp and the night.
- Fleece jackets or woollen sweaters – 1 in the warmer months, 2 in the cold months.
- Rain jacket or poncho – for sudden showers or wet snow.
- Trek pants x2 – quick-dry, no jeans.
- Quick-dry collared T-shirts x2–3 – full sleeves protect from sun.
- Socks – 3–4 pairs: sports socks for walking and woollen socks for the night.
Keep these handy for the bright open sections and the cold evenings.
- Sun cap – for the open ridges and meadows.
- Woollen cap – covering the ears.
- Balaclava or buff – a balaclava in winter, a buff or scarf in other months.
- Gloves – a woollen pair plus a waterproof pair (essential in snow).
- UV sunglasses – for sun and snow glare.
- Sunscreen SPF 50+ and lip balm – for the exposed sections.
- Quick-dry towel and toiletries – small and light; no wet wipes, as they are not biodegradable.
- Plastic or ziploc bags – for wet clothes and to carry back your waste.
- Snacks – dry fruits, energy bars and chocolates for the trail.
- Power bank – there is no charging point on the trail.
- Personal medicines – and a small first-aid pouch; tell the trek leader what you carry.
- Cash in small notes – cards are not accepted on the trail.
- Original government photo ID – Aadhaar, passport, driving licence or voter ID, with a photocopy.
- Medical certificate signed by a doctor – download the format from your booking.
- Signed disclaimer form – from your booking.
Frequently Asked Questions
Khaliya Top Trek is a 5-day easy trek in Pithoragarh, Uttarakhand, reaching 3,500 m (11,480 ft). It covers about 14 km on foot and starts and ends at Munsiyari. Best time: October to June. Trekkaro price: ₹9,450 per person + 5% GST, with Free Trekking Gear (Decathlon shoes, -10°C jacket, poles, gaiters and microspikes; ₹3,000 refundable deposit + ₹200 washing). Next batch: 23 Oct 2026 (36 upcoming batches).
The Khaliya Top trek is above Munsiyari in the Pithoragarh district of Kumaon, Uttarakhand. It starts at Khaliya Dwar, also called Balati Bend, a forest gate on the road about 8 km before Munsiyari, and it ends at the same point. We camp at the Bhujani meadow and climb to the summit at 3,500 m (11,480 ft). The group meets at Kathgodam Railway Station at 06:00 AM on Day 1 and stays in Munsiyari before and after the trek.
The Khaliya Top trek takes 5 days from Kathgodam to Kathgodam. Day 1 and Day 5 are long drives of about 275 km and 10–11 hours between Kathgodam and Munsiyari. Day 2 is a short climb to the Bhujani camp, Day 3 is the sunrise summit climb and return to camp, and Day 4 is the walk down to Khaliya Dwar and a night in Munsiyari. The total trekking distance is about 14 km.
The maximum altitude of the Khaliya Top trek is 3,500 m (11,480 ft), at the summit. The trail starts at Khaliya Dwar at about 2,500 m (8,200 ft), and the Bhujani camp sits at about 3,000 m (9,840 ft). Munsiyari, where you stay before and after the trek, is at 2,200 m (7,220 ft). The gain on summit day is about 500 m, spread over 4 km, so the altitude is gentle for a first Himalayan trek.
The Khaliya Top trek is graded easy. The trekking days are short: 3 km to camp on Day 2, about 8 km and 5–6 hours on summit day, and 3 km down on Day 4. The trail is a clear forest path and an open grassy ridge with no exposed sections. The harder part is the drive, about 10–11 hours each way between Kathgodam and Munsiyari. From December to March snow makes the upper ridge slower and colder.
The best time for the Khaliya Top trek depends on what you want to see; the trek runs from October to June.
- October–November (autumn): the clearest views of Panchachuli and golden meadows.
- December–February (winter): snow on the meadows and the summit ridge.
- March–April (spring): red rhododendron forest.
- May–June (summer): green meadows and pleasant days.
The trek closes from July to September for the monsoon.
Yes, the Khaliya Top trek has snow from December to March. In those months the Bhujani meadow and the summit ridge lie under snow, and Free Trekking Gear includes microspikes and gaiters for the snowy sections. Snow can linger on the upper ridge into early April after a heavy winter. From May to November the trail is free of snow, though the Panchachuli peaks across the valley stay white throughout the year.
Night temperatures at the Khaliya Top trek camp at Bhujani depend on the month:
- October–November: day 8°C to 14°C, night -4°C to 3°C
- December–February: day 0°C to 8°C, night -12°C to -5°C
- March–April: day 8°C to 15°C, night -3°C to 4°C
- May–June: day 14°C to 20°C, night 4°C to 10°C
The summit at dawn is a few degrees colder than camp, so carry your warm layers on Day 3.
The minimum age for the Khaliya Top trek is 8 years, for children who walk regularly and can manage two long days in a vehicle. Trekkers under 18 must come with a parent or guardian.
There is no upper age limit. Trekkers above 60 are welcome if they are fit and in good cardiovascular health; along with the medical certificate signed by a doctor that each trekker brings, we recommend an ECG or TMT report.
The pickup for the Khaliya Top trek is at Kathgodam Railway Station at 06:00 AM on Day 1. Kathgodam has overnight trains from Delhi, such as the Ranikhet Express, and Haldwani (6 km away) has overnight buses from Delhi. The nearest airport is Pantnagar, about 70 km away. From Kathgodam the drive to Munsiyari is about 275 km and 10–11 hours via Almora and Bageshwar. On Day 5 the cab is expected back at Kathgodam by about 07:00 PM.
The Khaliya Top trek costs ₹9,450 + 5% GST per person, for 5 days starting and ending at Munsiyari. It includes Free Trekking Gear (Decathlon trekking shoes, a -10°C jacket, trekking poles, gaiters and microspikes, against a ₹3,000 refundable deposit and ₹200 washing charge), two nights in a Munsiyari guesthouse, two nights of camping at Bhujani, all meals from Day 1 dinner to Day 5 breakfast, forest permits, camping and safety equipment, and a certified trek leader with cook and support staff. The full list is under Terms & Conditions.
You can book the Khaliya Top trek online on this page: choose a batch date, add the trekkers and any add-ons, and pay securely. Booking for a batch closes at 5 PM on the day before the trek starts.
- Price: ₹9,450 + 5% GST per person, with EMI options shown in the price box
- Pickup: Kathgodam Railway Station at 06:00 AM
- Free Trekking Gear: shoes, -10°C jacket, poles, gaiters and microspikes, with a ₹3,000 refundable deposit + ₹200 washing charge
- Change of plans: one free reschedule to another batch, a booking transfer or a 100% TrekCash voucher (valid 1 year), up to 8 days before departure
After booking you get a confirmation with the batch details, the medical certificate format and the packing list.
No, transport is not included in the Khaliya Top trek fee. We help the group book shared cabs from Kathgodam Railway Station to Munsiyari and back, including the short drives between Munsiyari and Khaliya Dwar; the fare is paid directly to the driver and split among trekkers. Your trek coordinator will confirm the cab fare before the trek. Meals on the drive between Kathgodam and Munsiyari are not included either.
Mobile network on the Khaliya Top trek is limited to Munsiyari and the first part of the trail. Jio and BSNL work in Munsiyari, and signal is patchy at Bhujani and on the summit. Munsiyari has a few ATMs, but they can run out of cash, so draw enough cash in Haldwani or Almora on the way. Carry small notes: cards are not accepted on the trail. Make your important calls from Munsiyari before Day 2.
Yes, the Khaliya Top trek needs a forest entry permit, collected at the forest gate at Khaliya Dwar, and Trekkaro arranges it for the group. Forest permits and camping charges are included in the trek fee. Carry a government photo ID (Aadhaar, passport, driving licence or voter ID) and a copy, as the forest staff may check it. Foreign nationals should carry their passport.
The risk of Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) on the Khaliya Top trek is low but real, as the summit is at 3,500 m (11,480 ft). The itinerary helps: a night in Munsiyari at 2,200 m, a short first day to camp and an afternoon to acclimatise. Our trek leaders are NIM certified or equivalent; they check SpO2 and pulse daily, and the team carries oxygen cylinders, a first-aid kit and a stretcher. Batches have up to 20 trekkers.
Yes, the Khaliya Top trek suits beginners and families with children who walk well. The trekking days are short, the trail is clear, and the two nights at the same camp keep the pace relaxed. We recommend four weeks of preparation: brisk walks, stair climbing and jogging, aiming to walk 5–6 km uphill comfortably. Be ready for the long drives on Day 1 and Day 5, and for cold nights at camp.
For the Khaliya Top trek, Free Trekking Gear covers Decathlon trekking shoes, a -10°C jacket, trekking poles, gaiters and microspikes. You bring a 40–50 L backpack with a rain cover, a daypack if you offload, thermal inners, two fleece or woollen layers (three in winter), a rain jacket, trek pants, woollen cap, gloves, sunglasses, sunscreen, a headlamp for the sunrise climb, two water bottles and a lunch box. The full list is under Things to Carry.
Terms & Conditions
1. Free Trekking Gear (FTG)
- Decathlon trekking shoes
- Decathlon jacket rated to -10°C
- Trekking poles, gaiters and microspikes
- No rental fee: ₹3,000 refundable deposit + ₹200 washing charge
2. Accommodation
- Day 1 and Day 4: guesthouse in Munsiyari, shared rooms
- Day 2 and Day 3: camping at Bhujani, in 3-person tents
3. Meals
- All meals from Day 1 dinner in Munsiyari to Day 5 breakfast
- Simple, freshly cooked vegetarian food
- Tea, coffee, soup and snacks on the trail and at camp
4. Permits & Camping Fees
- All forest permits and entry charges for the trek
5. Camping & Safety Equipment
- Tents, sleeping bags and mats for the nights at camp
- Dining tent and toilet tent at the campsite
- First-aid kit on the trek
- Pulse oximeter and blood-pressure checks during the trek
6. Trek Team
- Certified trek leader and local guide throughout the 5-day trek
- Cook, helpers and support staff
1. Transport
- Not included: Kathgodam to Munsiyari and back, and the drives between Munsiyari and Khaliya Dwar
- Transport is not included in the trek fee: we help the group book shared cabs, paid directly to the driver and split among trekkers. Your trek coordinator will confirm the cab fare.
- Travel to and from Kathgodam, arranged by you
2. Food During Transit
- Meals on the drive between Kathgodam and Munsiyari
3. Backpack Offloading (optional)
- ₹1,400 + 5% GST for the entire trek
- Maximum weight: 9 kg; no suitcases, trolleys or duffel bags
4. Single Tent Occupancy (optional)
- ₹2,000 + 5% GST per tent for the entire trek
5. Personal Equipment
- Your backpack, clothing and other personal gear (trekking shoes, jacket, poles, gaiters and microspikes come with Free Trekking Gear)
6. Trek Insurance
- Travel insurance is mandatory and not included. It must cover high-altitude trekking and emergency evacuation.
7. Anything Not Mentioned Under Inclusions
- Personal expenses and tips
We know that cancelling a trek can be genuinely disappointing. Plans change, life intervenes, and sometimes the mountains have to wait. That is why Trekkaro has designed one of the most trekker-friendly cancellation policies in the industry — to reduce the financial impact on you and give you real options when things do not go as planned.
Important: Bookings made on trekkaro.com are cancelled online from My Bookings. Bookings made offline with our team must be cancelled in writing by e-mail by the person who originally booked the trek. Requests over the phone, via WhatsApp, or through third parties are not accepted.
How to Cancel Your Trek
Booked online on trekkaro.com:
- Log in and open My Bookings.
- Choose Cancel Booking on the trek you want to cancel.
- Pick a refund (as per the charges below) or Get TrekCash Voucher instead — the voucher is issued instantly and appears under My TrekCash Vouchers.
Booked offline with our team:
- Compose an e-mail from the registered e-mail ID used at the time of booking.
- Attach a copy of your tax invoice to the e-mail.
- Send both to info@trekkaro.com.
- Your cancellation is effective from the date Trekkaro receives and acknowledges your e-mail.
How to Reschedule Your Trek (Free)
- Once per booking, to another batch of the same trek, free of charge. A request we decline doesn’t count.
- Up to 8 days before departure, also in the 8–14-day window when there is no cash refund. The new batch must start at least 7 days after the day you ask.
- Subject to seat availability for every trekker on the booking.
- Not available for bookings paid fully or partly with a TrekCash Voucher.
- No fee or price difference; add-ons and the number of trekkers stay as booked.
Booked online: My Bookings → Reschedule free → pick a batch. Our team confirms by e-mail and your booking moves once approved. Booked offline: e-mail info@trekkaro.com.
How to Transfer Your Booking
You can give your booking to another trekker up to 8 days before departure. E-mail info@trekkaro.com from your registered e-mail ID with your booking ID and the new trekker’s name, age, phone number and ID proof. The new trekker must meet the fitness, age and document rules of the trek. We confirm the transfer by e-mail.
Cancellation Charges
| When you cancel | Cash refund | Other options |
|---|---|---|
| 30 days or more before departure | 70% refund (30% cancellation charge) | Or instead: a 100% TrekCash Voucher (valid 1 year), a free reschedule or a transfer |
| 15 to 29 days before departure | 50% refund (50% cancellation charge) | Or instead: a 100% TrekCash Voucher (valid 1 year), a free reschedule or a transfer |
| 8 to 14 days before departure | No cash refund of the trek fee | You can take a 100% TrekCash Voucher (valid 1 year), a free reschedule (once per booking) or a transfer to another trekker |
| 7 days or less before departure, or no-show | No refund of the trek fee | None: no voucher, reschedule or transfer |
A 100% voucher instead of a refund. From the day you book until 8 days before departure, you can take a TrekCash Voucher worth 100% of the amount paid, valid for 1 year on any Trekkaro trek. This works in every slab above, including 8–14 days, when there is no cash refund. Online bookings take the voucher from My Bookings → Cancel Booking (issued instantly). Offline bookings ask for it by e-mail to info@trekkaro.com.
If you paid the FTG security deposit and the washing charge, both are refunded in full when you cancel before the trek starts, in every slab.
Cancellation of Voucher-Based Bookings
- The standard cancellation policy applies to voucher-based bookings in the same way it applies to direct bookings.
- Any remaining balance after the applicable cancellation charge has been deducted will be credited back to your Trekkaro account as a new voucher.
- If your voucher has already expired at the time of cancellation, no refund, credit, or extension will be issued under any circumstance.
- If a voucher is set to expire on a Sunday or public holiday, it must be redeemed before the expiry date.
Additional Terms
- Free Rescheduling: Switching to a different batch of the same trek is free of charge once per booking, up to 8 days before departure, subject to seat availability. Not available for bookings paid with a TrekCash Voucher. See “How to Reschedule Your Trek” above.
- Trek Transfers: You can transfer your booking to another person up to 8 days before departure, by e-mail. The new trekker must meet the fitness, age and document rules of that trek. See “How to Transfer Your Booking” above.
- No Refund Post-Commencement: Once the trek has commenced from Day 1 of your confirmed itinerary, no refunds or TrekCash Vouchers will be issued for any reason, including early exit, illness, or dissatisfaction with services.
- Policy Changes: Trekkaro reserves the right to amend or withdraw this cancellation policy at any time without prior notice. The version in effect at the time of your booking confirmation governs your booking.
Early Exit or Removal from Trek
A trekker may be required to leave the trek before completion for health concerns (AMS, hypertension, cardiac symptoms, or fitness that poses a safety risk), rule violations (alcohol or non-prescribed drugs on trail, smoking in prohibited zones, reckless behaviour, or misconduct), or by their own decision. In all cases of early exit or removal, no refund, partial refund, or TrekCash Voucher will be provided, and any additional transport or exit expenses are the trekker's responsibility. The trek leader's decision on health and safety grounds is final.
If Trekkaro Cancels Your Trek
In rare circumstances beyond our control — natural disasters (extreme snowfall, avalanche, floods, landslides, earthquakes) or unforeseen civil events (government curfews, lockdowns, political unrest) — Trekkaro will issue a TrekCash Voucher for the full trek fee paid, valid for 12 months on any trek listed on Trekkaro.com. If the new trek costs more, the difference is payable by the trekker. The voucher is sent to your registered e-mail within 10 working days and may be transferred to another person who meets Trekkaro's eligibility requirements.
Refund Processing
Refunds are processed within 10 working days of cancellation approval and credited to the original payment method only (credit card, debit card, net banking, UPI, or wallet). Your bank may take another 3–5 business days. Office hours: Monday to Saturday, 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM IST.
The full policy is part of our Terms & Conditions (Section 09).
Oxygen, first aid, daily SpO₂ checks, trained leaders — tap to read
1. Trained Trek Leaders
- Trek leaders hold NIM (Nehru Institute of Mountaineering) certification or an equivalent qualification
- Their training covers casualty assessment, high-altitude medical response, rope work and evacuation
2. Daily Health Checks
- Blood oxygen (SpO2) and pulse are checked for every trekker every day
- A falling SpO2 reading is acted on early, before it turns into Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS)
- If you are not fit to continue, the trek leader will ask you to rest or descend; the trek leader’s decision on health and safety is final
3. Emergency Equipment
- Portable oxygen cylinders carried with the group
- First-aid and medical kit with the trek team
- Stretchers for emergency evacuation
- Radio communication across the trek team, as mobile signal is not reliable on the trail
4. Proper Trekking Gear
- Free Trekking Gear, with no rental fee: Decathlon trekking shoes with good grip, a jacket rated to -10°C, trekking poles, gaiters and microspikes
- No one walks in worn-out or wrong gear, the cause of many slips and cold injuries
5. Tents and Sleeping Bags
- Sleeping bags rated to -20°C, and tents shared by three trekkers, with men and women in separate tents
6. Snow and Steep Sections
- On snow, ice or exposed ground, the trek team fixes ropes and cuts steps where needed and helps you across
7. Risks on the Khaliya Top Trek
- Highest point: 3,500 m (11,480 ft)
- Day 3 starts at about 4:30 AM in the dark and cold for the sunrise climb
- Snow and ice on the summit ridge and meadows from December to March
- Long mountain drives of 10-11 hrs each way; roads can close for a day after heavy rain or snow
8. Your Part
- Build your fitness before the trek with running, cycling or swimming
- Tell the trek leader about any medical condition and the medicines you carry before Day 1
- Report a headache, nausea, dizziness or breathlessness to the trek leader at once
- Carry travel insurance that covers high-altitude trekking and emergency evacuation
What a day on the trek feels like — tap to read
1. What You Can Expect From Us
- Safety first on the Khaliya Top trek: daily SpO2 and pulse checks, oxygen cylinders and a stretcher with the group
- Personal attention: batches of up to 20 trekkers, so the trek leader knows each trekker’s health and pace
- NIM-certified trek leaders (Nehru Institute of Mountaineering, or an equivalent qualification), with local guides who know the Khaliya Top route, its weather and its campsites
- An itinerary planned for altitude, with daily distance and height gain set so your body can adjust
- Clear pricing: everything included and excluded is listed under Terms & Conditions, with the price of each optional add-on
2. What We Expect From You
- A willing attitude: cold nights, steep climbs and sudden weather changes are part of the mountains
- Physical preparation: you do not need to be an athlete, but train before the trek so the longest day feels comfortable
- Trust in your trek leader: follow their calls on route, pace, start times and turning back, as they are made for the group’s safety
Last ATM and phone network on the route — tap to read
1. Last ATM
- Last ATM: Munsiyari has a few ATMs, but they can run out of cash
- Draw enough cash in Haldwani or Almora on the drive in
- Carry small notes: cards are not accepted on the trail
2. Mobile Network
- Jio and BSNL work in Munsiyari
- Signal is patchy at Bhujani camp and on the summit
- Make your important calls and tell your family about the limited connectivity before you leave Munsiyari
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What Trekkers Say About Trekkaro
Reviews left on trekkaro.com by trekkers across our treks.
"Winter Kuari Pass trek with the team of Trekkaro. Food was amazing for breakfast, lunch and diner. Views on top and during the track are amazing. Trek in total was completely amazing. Big thanks to all of hard work from trek leader, superhuman cooks, the mule team, our driver."
"I have trek with Trekkaro for kuari pass and it was an amazing experience ,food was excellent and experience trek trainer."
"Trekkaro was simply amazing from the guidance to food to stay everything was very good!!! Local guides and trek leaders where always motivating, fun and made sure entire group had always been together and interacted with each other!!!"
"Had an amazing experience! Thanks for making this an amazing experience - Trekkaro Team"
"Trekkaro has a amazing team capable of leading anyone over a trek. Had an amazing experience!"
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Why Trekkaro?
Leaders in providing Free Trekking Gear for 8+ years — redefining the way everyone must trek.
World's first free trekking gear company — Decathlon trekking shoes, -10°C jacket, trekking poles, gaiters & microspikes. ₹3,000 refundable deposit + ₹200 washing charge.
Up to 8 days before departure, reschedule to another batch for free or take a TrekCash Voucher worth 100% of your amount — valid for 1 year on any future trek.
Rated 4.9/5 on Facebook & 4.7/5 on Google by trekkers who trekked with us.
We keep you safe from the moment you book to the moment you head home — certified leaders, first aid & emergency support.
Well-planned itineraries balanced with the freedom to make the experience your own — no matter the trek difficulty.
Every decision we make is guided by our commitment to making trekking a force for good — for people and the planet.
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