# Pangarchulla Peak Trek

> Pangarchulla Peak Trek is a 7-day difficult trek in Chamoli, Uttarakhand, reaching 4,593 m (15,069 ft). It covers about 39 km on foot and starts and ends at Joshimath. Best time: March to May and October to November. Trekkaro price: ₹11,433 per person + 5% GST, with free trekking gear (Decathlon shoes, -10°C jacket and poles).

Source: https://www.trekkaro.com/trek/pangarchulla-peak-trek (Trekkaro Adventures Pvt. Ltd.). Prices, dates and seats change often: always confirm on the trek page.

## Key facts

- **Duration:** 7 days
- **Difficulty:** Difficult
- **Highest point:** 4,593 m / 15,069 ft
- **Trekking distance:** 39 km
- **Region:** Chamoli, Uttarakhand
- **Start / end:** Joshimath
- **Best time:** March to May and October to November
- **Temperature:** Spring (Mar-Apr): Day 10°C to 15°C, Night -5°C to 0°C | Autumn (Oct-Nov): Day 5°C to 15°C, Night -5°C or lower
- **Price:** ₹11,433 per person + 5% GST (was ₹13,450)
- **Free trekking gear:** Included (Decathlon shoes, -10 C jacket, trekking poles; gaiters and microspikes when needed)
- **Next batch:** dates being scheduled

## Overview

On the Pangarchulla Peak trek, Kuari Pass is only the rehearsal. You climb to 3,814 m, stand in front of one of the most famous views in Garhwal, with Nanda Devi, Kamet, Dronagiri, Chaukhamba and Trishul spread across the horizon, and then you walk back down to camp. The real climb starts the following night, by headlamp, on the snow slopes above Khullara. It ends on an exposed ridge at 15,069 ft, on the top of a mountain rather than on the way over one.


The Pangarchulla Peak trek is built around one summit and the days that prepare you for it. It begins in the village fields of Tugasi and climbs through oak and rhododendron forest to Guling, a camp in a clearing among the trees. Above Guling the forest opens into meadows, and the big peaks start to appear through the gaps: Dronagiri, and the twin summits of Hathi Parbat and Gauri Parbat, known locally as Hathi–Ghoda. Khullara, a wide meadow camp, becomes home for three nights. From there the trek climbs to Kuari Pass and back, then sets out for Pangarchulla itself, up steep snow slopes and boulder fields to a summit that looks out over Nanda Devi, Kamet, Changabang and the peaks around Mana. Every one of its five trekking days leads towards the top.


The Pangarchulla Peak trek is a difficult-grade summit trek in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand, above the Kuari Pass trail near Joshimath. Trekkaro runs it as a 7-day trek from Rishikesh, with about 39 km on foot. The base is the mountain town of Joshimath (1,890 m / 6,200 ft), and the walk begins at the road head of Tugasi, about 12 km away. The route climbs through Guling (2,857 m / 9,375 ft) to Khullara (3,350 m / 11,000 ft), makes an acclimatisation hike to Kuari Pass (3,814 m) and back, and then climbs to the summit of Pangarchulla at about 4,593 m (15,069 ft) before descending through the forest to Tugasi. It shares its early days with the Kuari Pass trail, and it is known as one of the most accessible true summits in the Garhwal Himalaya. In our experience, for a trekker with a moderate high-altitude trek behind them who wants a first real summit, it is the natural next step.




### A Real Summit at 15,069 ft – What Makes the Pangarchulla Peak Trek Unmissable


A pass is a gap in a ridge, a way through to somewhere else. A summit is the end of the climb, with the ground falling away on every side. Pangarchulla gives you the second, and the whole trek is shaped around it. The first days are deliberately short: 3–5 hours to Guling, 3–5 hours to Khullara, and an afternoon of rest at 3,350 m while your body adjusts. On clear evenings at Khullara the sunset turns the snow on Dronagiri and Hathi Parbat orange and pink. The Kuari Pass day matters just as much as summit day: you climb high, take in the view, and sleep lower. That evening comes the summit briefing, and you lay out every piece of summit clothing before you sleep, so you can dress quickly in the dark.


Then the alarm goes, somewhere between midnight and 3 am. You pull on every warm layer you have, switch on your headlamp and step out into the cold. The first hours are a steady climb up snow slopes in the dark, one step and one breath at a time, and the sky lightens slowly as you gain height. Higher up, the mountain steepens. You cross steep snow and boulder fields with microspikes and gaiters on, the team fixing ropes and using ice axes where the ground needs them, and you keep your hands free for the rocks. You eat something small every hour, even when you do not feel hungry. Then comes the exposed final ridge, and then the ridge simply runs out beneath your boots.


From the top, at about 4,593 m (15,069 ft), the view stretches across Nanda Devi, Dronagiri, Hathi Parbat, Gauri Parbat, Kamet, Changabang and the peaks around Mana. Several of them have been with you for days: Dronagiri and Hathi Parbat since the forest opened above Guling, Nanda Devi and Kamet since Kuari Pass. Now you are looking at them from a summit of your own. In our experience it is one of the finest summit views in the Garhwal Himalaya, and it is earned rather than given. The descent is as demanding as the climb, the trek leader sets a firm turn-around time, and reaching the top is never guaranteed. When it all comes together, you are back at Khullara in the afternoon for a hot meal, 14 km and 11–14 hours after you left, with the mountain above you climbed.




### The Trail Itself


Pangarchulla changes its ground every day. From Tugasi the trail climbs past village fields into a forest of oak and rhododendron, with views opening back over the Joshimath valley as you gain height. In spring the rhododendrons are in full bloom; in autumn the oaks turn golden. Above Guling the trees thin and the forest gives way to open meadow at Khullara, a wide campsite that gives you your first real sense of the high Himalaya. In spring the slopes around it are often still under snow, and the meadows on the way to Kuari Pass can lie white rather than green.


Above Khullara the green ends altogether. Summit day moves onto steep snow slopes, then boulder fields, then the bare, exposed ridge at the top: snow, rock and sky, and very little else. Coming back down, the order runs in reverse, snow to meadow, meadow to forest, forest to the fields of Tugasi, about 8 km of downhill walking on the last trekking day, and you notice how much easier it is to breathe as you lose height.




### Who Is This Trek For?


The Pangarchulla Peak trek is graded Difficult and is not suitable as a first trek. We recommend it for trekkers who have completed at least one moderate high-altitude trek and are very fit. The approach days are manageable, 5–8 km in 3–7 hours, but you should be comfortable walking 6–8 hours a day. The hard day is the summit: about 14 km and 11–14 hours on the move, starting between midnight and 3 am, on steep snow slopes, boulder fields and an exposed final ridge, with a descent as demanding as the climb. With the summit above 4,500 m, the trek gives a full day to acclimatisation before the summit push. As a fitness benchmark, you should be able to jog 5 km in about 30 minutes before the trek, and we recommend 4–6 weeks of steady preparation. Trekkers aged 14 and above with prior trek experience can join; under-18s must be with a parent or guardian, and trekkers above 60 need a doctor’s fitness certificate, with an ECG or TMT report recommended. Season: March to May and October to November.




### Key Highlights of the Pangarchulla Peak Trek



- **Pangarchulla summit (4,593 m / 15,069 ft)** – an exposed final ridge and a 360-degree view of Nanda Devi, Dronagiri, Hathi Parbat, Gauri Parbat, Kamet, Changabang and the Mana peaks
- **A true summit** – one of the most accessible in the Garhwal Himalaya, and a big step up from pass and meadow trekking
- **Kuari Pass (3,814 m)** – the acclimatisation hike to one of the most famous views in Garhwal, with Nanda Devi, Kamet, Dronagiri, Chaukhamba and Trishul
- **Summit night by headlamp** – a start between midnight and 3 am, with the sky lightening as you climb the snow slopes
- **Khullara (3,350 m / 11,000 ft)** – a wide meadow camp and base for three nights, with sunset colour on Dronagiri and Hathi Parbat
- **Hathi–Ghoda** – the twin peaks of Hathi Parbat and Gauri Parbat, first seen through the forest between Guling and Khullara
- **Snow-covered meadows** – around Khullara and on the way to Kuari Pass in spring
- **Oak, rhododendron and birch forest** – rhododendrons in full bloom in spring, golden oaks in autumn




### Best Time to Do the Pangarchulla Peak Trek


The Pangarchulla Peak trek has two windows each year: spring, from March to May, and autumn, in October and November. The route is the same in both, but the climb to the top feels quite different. Choosing between them is really a choice about what kind of summit day you want.



#### March to May – Spring (The Classic Snow Summit)


Spring is the classic season on Pangarchulla, and March and April are its heart. The summit slopes lie under snow, the slopes around Khullara are often still white, and the acclimatisation walk to Kuari Pass may be over snow rather than meadow. Lower down, the rhododendron forest between Tugasi and Guling is in full bloom. Nights at Khullara are cold, especially in March and April when snow surrounds the camp, and summit day is a true snow climb, with microspikes and gaiters on and ropes fixed on the steep sections.



- **Temperatures:** March–April: Day: 10°C to 15°C | Night: -5°C to 0°C
- **Trail conditions:** Snow on the summit slopes and often around Khullara; possible snow on the way to Kuari Pass; rhododendrons in bloom lower down.
- **Best for:** A classic snow summit, snow-covered meadows and rhododendron forest in bloom.



#### October to November – Autumn (Rock, Hard Snow and Clear Skies)


In autumn Pangarchulla becomes a different climb. The upper mountain is mostly rocky, with hard snow patches where microspikes still come out, and the skies are clear. On the lower trail the oak forest turns golden. This is the colder window: days are cool, nights at Khullara can drop to -5°C or lower, and summit night is the coldest of the trek. In our experience, autumn suits trekkers who want a rockier, clearer climb and are prepared for real cold before dawn.



- **Temperatures:** Day: 5°C to 15°C | Night: -5°C or lower
- **Trail conditions:** Mostly rock on the upper slopes, with hard snow patches; clear skies; very cold nights.
- **Best for:** Clear summit views, a rockier climb and golden oak forest on the approach.



#### Trekkaro Recommendation


For Pangarchulla as a classic snow summit, book a spring batch, ideally in March or April, when the summit slopes and the meadows around Khullara are under snow and the rhododendrons are out lower down. For clear skies and a rockier climb, October to November is our pick, provided you are ready for very cold nights and a bitterly cold summit start. In either window, come with a moderate high-altitude trek behind you.

## Itinerary

### Day 1: Rishikesh to Joshimath

**Route Details:**

**Drive: Rishikesh → Joshimath (~255 km, 9–10 hrs) | Altitude: 1,890 m (6,200 ft) | Stay: Guesthouse / hotel, Joshimath**

Day 1 is a road day, and a long one. You leave Rishikesh early and drive up the Badrinath road, with the Alaknanda river beside you for most of the way. The road follows the river past its sacred confluences. At Devprayag, the Bhagirathi and the Alaknanda meet to form the Ganga. Further up come Rudraprayag and Karnaprayag, then Chamoli, and finally Joshimath. Plan for 9–10 hours on the road.

Joshimath sits at about 1,890 m. It is a busy mountain town and the gateway to Badrinath, Auli and several high treks. It has the last ATMs and good shops on the route. The ATMs sometimes run out of cash, though, so we recommend you withdraw what you need in Rishikesh before you leave.

You check in to a guesthouse or hotel. Your trek leader holds a briefing and checks your documents: an original government photo ID with a photocopy, a medical certificate signed by a doctor, and the signed disclaimer form. Keep them handy so the check is quick. Then make the most of the evening. This is the last night with full network and electricity for several days. The signal turns patchy on the way to Guling and is mostly gone at Khullara.

What to Expect:
- Early start from Rishikesh and a 9–10 hour drive up the Alaknanda valley
- Devprayag, where the Bhagirathi and Alaknanda join to form the Ganga, then Rudraprayag, Karnaprayag and Chamoli
- Trek briefing and document check: photo ID, medical certificate and signed disclaimer form
- Last ATMs and good shops in Joshimath – withdraw cash in Rishikesh, as these ATMs can run dry
- Last night with full mobile network and electricity for several days
- Overnight: Guesthouse / hotel in Joshimath (1,890 m / 6,200 ft)

### Day 2: Joshimath to Guling via Tugasi

**Route Details:**

**Drive: Joshimath → Tugasi (~12 km, 45 min) | Altitude: 2,100 m → 2,857 m (9,375 ft) | Distance: 5 km trek | Duration: 3–5 hrs | Terrain: village fields, then oak and rhododendron forest | Stay: Tents at Guling**

After breakfast you drive about 12 km from Joshimath to Tugasi, the road head. The drive takes around 45 minutes. Tugasi is the last place you will see vehicles for five days. From here the team, the mules and the porters carry the camp up the mountain. Everything above this point arrives on foot. Keep water, snacks and a warm layer within easy reach in your daypack.

The trail starts at about 2,100 m and climbs past the village fields of Tugasi. Soon it enters a forest of oak and rhododendron. The gradient is steady rather than steep, and with every bend the views open back over the Joshimath valley. In spring the rhododendron forest is in full bloom. In autumn the oaks turn golden. Lunch is usually packed and eaten on the trail.

Treat today as practice for the days ahead. The first day on foot is about finding a rhythm: short steps, steady breathing and regular sips of water. Walk at a pace where you can still talk. Carry 2 litres of water and start drinking plenty from today. In our experience, staying hydrated is one of the best defences against altitude sickness. The mobile signal turns patchy on the way up, so send any messages you need to early.

Camp tonight is at Guling, at about 2,857 m, in a clearing in the forest. It is a short day of 3–5 hours, and that is deliberate. You gain height gently and give your body time to start adjusting. Hot tea and snacks are waiting when you arrive, and the team boils or treats the water at camp. Dinner is in the dining tent. This evening your trek leader starts the daily oxygen and pulse checks, which continue every evening of the trek. Guling is your only forest camp. From tomorrow you sleep in the open meadow at Khullara.

What to Expect:
- 45-minute drive from Joshimath to the Tugasi road head – the last vehicles for five days
- Steady 3–5 hour climb past the village fields of Tugasi into oak and rhododendron forest
- Views back over the Joshimath valley; rhododendrons in bloom in spring, golden oaks in autumn
- Packed lunch on the trail; carry 2 litres of water and keep sipping
- Hot tea on arrival, dinner in the dining tent and the first evening oxygen and pulse checks
- Overnight: Tents at Guling (2,857 m / 9,375 ft)

### Day 3: Guling to Khullara

**Route Details:**

**Altitude: 2,857 m → 3,350 m (11,000 ft) | Distance: 5 km | Duration: 3–5 hrs | Terrain: forest trail opening into meadows; snow in spring | Stay: Tents at Khullara**

From Guling the trail keeps climbing through the forest. It is another short day of 5 km, and the pace stays unhurried. As you gain height the trees thin, and the forest slowly opens into meadows. Keep the same rhythm as yesterday: small steps, steady breathing and a sip of water at every break. In our view this is the right way to arrive at a high camp, with energy to spare.

Through the gaps in the trees, the big peaks start to appear. First comes Dronagiri. Then the twin peaks of Hathi Parbat and Gauri Parbat, known locally as Hathi–Ghoda. These are the mountains you live beside for the next three days, and each hour of walking shows them from a new angle.

You reach Khullara, at about 3,350 m, by early afternoon. This meadow campsite is your base for the next three nights. It is a wide, open site with room to walk around, and it gives you your first real sense of the high Himalaya. In spring the slopes around camp are often still under snow. The mobile signal is mostly gone from here, and the team boils or treats the camp water.

Spend the afternoon resting and getting used to the altitude. A short walk around camp after arrival helps your body adjust, but we recommend you avoid long, tiring walks. On clear evenings the sunset turns the snow on Dronagiri and Hathi Parbat orange and pink. Your trek leader checks everyone’s oxygen levels every evening from now on. Eat a full dinner and keep drinking water through the evening. Nights here are cold. In spring they drop to between -5°C and 0°C, and in autumn they can go lower. Wear your thermals, fleece and down jacket, and use a sleeping bag liner if you have one. Keep your water bottle inside the tent so it does not freeze overnight.

What to Expect:
- Short 5 km climb as the forest opens into meadows
- First views of Dronagiri and of Hathi Parbat and Gauri Parbat, known locally as Hathi–Ghoda
- Arrival at Khullara by early afternoon – your base camp for three nights
- A short walk around camp to help you acclimatise, but no long, tiring walks
- Cold nights (-5°C to 0°C in spring, lower in autumn) – keep your water bottle inside the tent
- Overnight: Tents at Khullara (3,350 m / 11,000 ft)

### Day 4: Acclimatisation Day - Khullara to Kuari Pass and back to Khullara

**Route Details:**

**Altitude: 3,350 m → 3,814 m → 3,350 m | Distance: 7 km | Duration: 5–7 hrs | Terrain: open meadows, or snow in spring | Stay: Tents at Khullara**

Today is an acclimatisation day, and it matters just as much as summit day. You climb from Khullara to Kuari Pass, at about 3,814 m, and then return to the same camp. The idea is simple: climb high and sleep lower. It is the best way to prepare your body for tomorrow, and it is why this itinerary gives it a full day before the summit.

The route crosses open meadows. In spring the same ground lies under snow, and the walking is slower and more tiring. On snow, step into the footprints of the person ahead and keep your poles planted. Keep your pace easy. This is not a day to race. Breathe steadily, drink often and save your legs for tomorrow. The 7 km round trip takes 5–7 hours, so there is time to stop whenever you need to.

The view from Kuari Pass is one of the most famous in Garhwal. Nanda Devi, Kamet, Dronagiri, Chaukhamba and Trishul spread across the horizon. Spend time here and enjoy it. Sit down, eat something and take in the line of peaks. It is also a useful check on yourself. Notice how your body feels at this height, and tell your trek leader if anything feels wrong.

You return to Khullara for a late lunch and an early dinner. In the evening your trek leader gives a detailed summit briefing. It covers the start time, what to wear and carry, the turn-around time, and how the team will move on the steep sections. Listen closely and ask questions. Before you sleep, lay out all your summit clothes and gear so you can get ready quickly in the dark. Pack an insulated bottle for tomorrow. There is no water on the summit route, and ordinary bottles can freeze. Then go to bed as early as you can. The start is only a few hours away.

What to Expect:
- A 7 km out-and-back hike to Kuari Pass (3,814 m) over meadows, or snow in spring
- One of the most famous views in Garhwal: Nanda Devi, Kamet, Dronagiri, Chaukhamba and Trishul
- Climb high, sleep low – the key acclimatisation step before the summit
- Late lunch and an early dinner back at camp
- Detailed summit briefing: start time, clothing, turn-around time and movement on steep sections
- Overnight: Tents at Khullara (3,350 m / 11,000 ft)

### Day 5: Summit Day - Khullara to Pangarchulla Peak and back to Khullara

**Route Details:**

**Altitude: 3,350 m → 4,593 m (15,069 ft) → 3,350 m | Distance: 14 km | Duration: 11–14 hrs | Terrain: snow slopes, steep snow and boulder fields, exposed final ridge | Stay: Tents at Khullara**

Summit day starts between midnight and 3 am, depending on conditions. You leave camp with your headlamp on and every warm layer you have. This is the coldest night of the trek. The first part climbs steadily up snow slopes in the dark. You see little beyond your own pool of light. Slowly the sky lightens as you gain height. In October and November the slopes are mostly rock with hard snow patches.

Higher up, the route crosses steep snow and boulder fields to an exposed final ridge. This is the hard section, and it needs care, not speed. You wear microspikes and gaiters, and the team fixes ropes and uses ice axes where needed. Move slowly. Follow your trek leader’s instructions exactly. Keep your hands free on the rocks. We recommend a slow, even pace from the very start. It leaves you strength for the ridge.

From the summit, at about 4,593 m (15,069 ft), the view stretches across Nanda Devi, Dronagiri, Hathi Parbat, Gauri Parbat, Kamet, Changabang and the peaks around Mana. It is one of the finest summit views in the Garhwal Himalaya. You have watched Dronagiri and Hathi Parbat from camp for days. From the top you see them up close. Take your photographs, and be ready to start down when your trek leader calls it.

The descent is as demanding as the climb, so stay focused all the way down. The trek leader sets a firm turn-around time. If the group has not reached the top by then, you turn back. Reaching the summit is never guaranteed, and safety always comes first. There is no water on the route. Carry your insulated bottle, and eat and drink something small every hour, even if you do not feel hungry. You return to Khullara in the afternoon for a hot meal and rest after 11–14 hours on the move.

What to Expect:
- Start between midnight and 3 am, with your headlamp and every warm layer
- Steady climb up snow slopes in the dark, then steep snow and boulder fields to an exposed final ridge
- Microspikes and gaiters worn; ropes fixed and ice axes used where needed
- Summit view of Nanda Devi, Dronagiri, Hathi Parbat, Gauri Parbat, Kamet, Changabang and the Mana peaks
- Firm turn-around time; no water on the route, so carry an insulated bottle and eat every hour
- Overnight: Tents at Khullara (3,350 m / 11,000 ft)

### Day 6: Khullara to Joshimath via Tugasi

**Route Details:**

**Altitude: 3,350 m → 1,890 m (6,200 ft) | Distance: 8 km trek + 12 km drive | Duration: 3–5 hrs trek + 45 min drive | Terrain: downhill forest trail | Stay: Guesthouse / hotel, Joshimath**

After a well-earned breakfast, you leave Khullara and descend through the forest to Tugasi. The trail is downhill all the way. Use your trekking poles and take care on the steep sections. Before you go, take a last look at Dronagiri and Hathi Parbat from camp. The 8 km descent takes 3–5 hours.

Coming down, you notice how much easier it is to breathe at lower altitude. The meadows give way to the forest you climbed through on Day 2 and Day 3, and then to the village fields of Tugasi. The Joshimath valley you saw over your shoulder on Day 2 is now in front of you. Take it slowly anyway. Tired legs after summit day make slips more likely, and we recommend short steps and planted poles on every steep stretch.

From Tugasi you drive about 12 km back to Joshimath, around 45 minutes on the road. Lunch is at Tugasi or Joshimath. A hot shower and a proper bed are waiting, and the mobile network is back. The rest of the afternoon is free to rest, shower and sort your gear.

In the evening the group celebrates together. If you want local souvenirs or snacks for the drive home, Joshimath is a good place to buy them. Get to bed early. Tomorrow is another long day on the road, so dry anything damp and pack your bag tonight.

What to Expect:
- Downhill 8 km trek through the forest from Khullara to Tugasi
- Trekking poles and a slow pace on the steep sections – tired legs slip more easily
- 45-minute drive from Tugasi back to Joshimath
- Hot shower, a proper bed and a free afternoon to rest and sort your gear
- Group celebration in the evening; local souvenirs and snacks in Joshimath
- Overnight: Guesthouse / hotel in Joshimath (1,890 m / 6,200 ft)

### Day 7: Joshimath to Rishikesh

**Route Details:**

**Drive: Joshimath → Rishikesh (~255 km, 9–11 hrs) | Altitude: 1,890 m → 340 m | Stay: Trek ends in Rishikesh**

After an early breakfast you drive back down the Alaknanda valley to Rishikesh. You pass the river confluences again, this time on the way down: Karnaprayag, Rudraprayag and finally Devprayag, where the Alaknanda meets the Bhagirathi. It is the same road you came up on Day 1. Expect 9–11 hours on the road with short stops.

Breakfast is the last meal of the trek. Meals on the drive are not included, so keep a snack, water and a light jacket in your daypack. The short stops along the way are a chance to stretch legs that have done five days on the trail.

You usually reach Rishikesh between 6 and 8 pm. Mountain roads can bring delays, so we recommend you book onward travel for late at night or the next day. For trains, Yog Nagari Rishikesh is the nearest station, and Haridwar has more options. Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun is about an hour from Rishikesh.

What to Expect:
- Early breakfast in Joshimath and a 9–11 hour drive down the Alaknanda valley
- Karnaprayag, Rudraprayag and Devprayag on the way down
- Meals on the drive not included – keep a snack, water and a light jacket handy
- Arrival in Rishikesh usually between 6 and 8 pm
- Onward travel best booked for late night or the next day
- Trek ends at Rishikesh

## Inclusions

#### 1. Free Trekking Gear (FTG) – Save on Gear Rentals

Trekkaro’s Free Trekking Gear (FTG) lets you trek without buying or renting gear. Included free of rental charges:
- Decathlon trekking shoes
- Decathlon -10°C jacket
- Trekking poles, and gaiters / microspikes when the trail needs them
- ₹3,000 refundable deposit + ₹200 washing charge

#### 2. Accommodation
- Day 1 and Day 6: Guesthouse or hotel in Joshimath on a triple/quad sharing basis
- Day 2 to Day 5: Camping in 3-person tents, with dining and toilet tents

#### 3. Meals
- All meals from Day 1 dinner to Day 7 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 camping charges for the trek

#### 5. Trek Team & Safety
- Certified trek leader and local guide throughout all 7 days
- Cook, helpers and support staff
- First-aid kit, pulse oximeter and blood-pressure checks during the trek
- Tents, sleeping bags and mats for the camping nights

## Exclusions

#### 1. Food During Transit
- Meals on the drive between Rishikesh and Joshimath are not included.

#### 2. Transport
- Not included: Rishikesh to Joshimath and back, and Joshimath to Tugasi and back.
- We help the group book shared cabs; the fare is paid directly to the driver and split among trekkers.

#### 3. Backpack Offloading (optional)
- ₹1,800 + 5% GST for the full trek
- Max weight: 9 kg
- No suitcases, trolleys or duffel bags

#### 4. Single Tent Occupancy (optional)
- ₹2,000 + 5% GST per tent for the whole trek

#### 5. Anything Not Mentioned Under Inclusions
- Personal expenses, tips and anything not listed under inclusions.
- **Travel insurance:** mandatory and not included. Your policy must cover high-altitude trekking and emergency evacuation.

## How to reach

#### How to Reach Joshimath

The trek starts and ends in Rishikesh. Transport is not included in the trek fee: we help the group book shared cabs, paid directly to the driver and split among trekkers.
- **By train:** Yog Nagari Rishikesh station, or Haridwar (about 25 km away) for more trains.
- **By air:** Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun, about 1 hour from Rishikesh.
- **By bus:** overnight buses from Delhi to Rishikesh. On your own, early-morning buses run from Rishikesh to Joshimath.
- **Rishikesh to Joshimath:** about 255 km along the Alaknanda valley – 9–10 hours by road.

## ATM and mobile network

#### Important Pre-Trek Information
- **ATM:** Joshimath is the last place with ATMs, and they can run out of cash. Withdraw what you need in Rishikesh.
- **Mobile network:** Good network in Joshimath, patchy up to Guling and mostly none at Khullara.

## Frequently asked questions

### Where is the Pangarchulla Peak trek?

The Pangarchulla Peak trek is in Chamoli district, Uttarakhand, above the Kuari Pass trail near Joshimath. The base is Joshimath, about 255 km (9–10 hours) by road from Rishikesh, and the trail starts at Tugasi village.

The route climbs via Guling to Khullara, makes an acclimatisation hike to Kuari Pass, and then goes for the 15,069 ft summit.

### How many days is the Pangarchulla Peak trek?

The Pangarchulla Peak trek takes 7 days from Rishikesh to Rishikesh, with 5 trekking days covering about 39 km.
- **Day 1 and Day 7:** drive between Rishikesh and Joshimath (9–11 hours)
- **Day 4:** acclimatisation hike to Kuari Pass
- **Day 5:** summit day, 11–14 hours, starting between midnight and 3 am

### What is the altitude of the Pangarchulla Peak trek?

The summit of the Pangarchulla Peak trek is at about 4,593 m (15,069 ft) – one of the most accessible true summits in Garhwal.
- **Joshimath:** 1,890 m
- **Guling camp:** 2,857 m
- **Khullara camp:** 3,350 m
- **Kuari Pass:** 3,814 m

### How difficult is the Pangarchulla Peak trek?

The Pangarchulla Peak trek is graded Difficult and is not suitable as a first trek. Summit day lasts 11–14 hours on steep snow slopes, boulder fields and an exposed final ridge.
- **Experience:** a prior moderate high-altitude trek is required
- **Start:** pre-dawn on summit day
- **Safety gear:** ropes and ice axes where conditions need them

### Is the Pangarchulla Peak trek good for beginners?

No, the Pangarchulla Peak trek is not for beginners. You should have completed at least one moderate high-altitude trek such as Kedarkantha, Kuari Pass or Brahmatal.

First-timers should start with Kuari Pass, which shares the first half of this route.

### What fitness level do I need for the Pangarchulla Peak trek?

For the Pangarchulla Peak trek you should be able to walk 6–8 hours a day, and up to 14 hours on summit day, and aim to jog 5 km in about 30 minutes before the trek.
- **Train for 4–6 weeks:** brisk walks, stairs or uphill walking
- **Strength:** add squats and lunges for the descents
- **Fitness test:** take our free 2-minute test at [Am I Ready?](https://www.trekkaro.com/am-i-ready)

### Is the Pangarchulla trek the same as Kuari Pass?

No. The Pangarchulla Peak trek shares the first part of the Kuari Pass trail and visits Kuari Pass (3,814 m) for acclimatisation, but then climbs a real summit at 15,069 ft.

It is the natural next step after Kuari Pass.

### What is the best time to do the Pangarchulla Peak trek?

The best time for the Pangarchulla Peak trek is March–April for a snow summit and October–November for a rockier, clearer climb. The trek is closed in the monsoon and in mid-winter.
- **March–April:** classic season, summit slopes under snow
- **October–November:** mostly rock with hard snow patches, very cold nights

### Does the Pangarchulla Peak trek have snow?

Yes, the Pangarchulla Peak trek usually has snow on the upper slopes in March and April, and hard snow patches in October–November.

Microspikes and gaiters from our Free Trekking Gear are worn, and the team fixes ropes on the steep sections.

### How cold does it get on the Pangarchulla Peak trek?

On the Pangarchulla Peak trek, nights at Khullara drop to about -5 to 0°C in spring and can go lower in autumn; summit night is the coldest.
- **March–April:** days 10–15°C, nights -5 to 0°C
- **October–November:** days 5–15°C, nights -5°C or lower

### Which mountains can you see on the Pangarchulla Peak trek?

From the Pangarchulla summit you see Nanda Devi, Dronagiri, Hathi Parbat, Gauri Parbat, Kamet, Changabang and the peaks around Mana.

From Kuari Pass on Day 4 you also see Chaukhamba and Trishul.

### What is the terrain like on the Pangarchulla Peak trek?

The Pangarchulla trail goes from oak and rhododendron forest to open meadows, steep snow slopes, boulder fields and an exposed summit ridge.

### Is altitude sickness a risk on the Pangarchulla Peak trek?

The risk of altitude sickness on the Pangarchulla Peak trek is moderate to high, because the summit is above 4,500 m. The itinerary includes a full acclimatisation day to Kuari Pass before the summit.

Your trek leader checks oxygen and pulse every evening and sets a firm turn-around time on summit day.

### What is the minimum age for the Pangarchulla Peak trek?

The minimum age for the Pangarchulla Peak trek is 14 years. Trekkers under 18 must come with a parent or guardian. You also need prior trek experience.

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 every trekker brings, we recommend an ECG or TMT report.

### How do I reach the Pangarchulla Peak trek?

To reach the Pangarchulla Peak trek, travel to Rishikesh; Joshimath is about 255 km (9–10 hours) up the Alaknanda valley.
- **Train:** Yog Nagari Rishikesh, or Haridwar for more trains
- **Air:** Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun, about 1 hour from Rishikesh
- **Bus:** early-morning buses from Rishikesh to Joshimath

Plan to reach Rishikesh the night before Day 1.

### Is transport included in the Pangarchulla Peak trek?

No, transport is not included in the Pangarchulla Peak trek fee. A cab can be arranged from Rishikesh to Joshimath and back early in the morning; the cost is shared among the trekkers and your trek coordinator confirms the fare.

### Where do we stay on the Pangarchulla Peak trek?

On the Pangarchulla Peak trek you stay 2 nights in a guesthouse or hotel in Joshimath (Day 1 and Day 6) and 4 nights in tents at Guling and Khullara.

Tents are shared by 3 trekkers, with dining and toilet tents. Sleeping bags and mats are provided.

### What is the group size on the Pangarchulla Peak trek, and who leads it?

Fixed departures of the Pangarchulla Peak trek run with 6 to 20 trekkers – never more than 20 – led by a certified Trekkaro trek leader.

The leader is supported by a local guide, a cook, helpers and mules that carry the camp. Private groups of any size can also be arranged.

### Is the Pangarchulla Peak trek safe for women trekking alone?

Yes. On the Pangarchulla Peak trek, female trekkers share tents only with other female trekkers, and male trekkers with males; couples and families get their own tents.

We keep three trekkers to a tent, and our guides and support staff are carefully selected and trusted.

### What food is served on the Pangarchulla Peak trek?

On the Pangarchulla Peak trek we serve simple, freshly cooked vegetarian meals, with eggs available on request at camp.
- **Breakfast:** at camp
- **Lunch:** packed, on trekking days
- **Evening:** tea with snacks
- **Dinner:** hot, in the dining tent

Meals on the drive to and from the base are not included.

### Is drinking water available on the Pangarchulla Peak trek?

On the Pangarchulla Peak trek, carry 2 litres every day and an insulated bottle on summit day, when there is no water and bottles can freeze.

Our team boils or treats the water at every campsite.

### Is Free Trekking Gear included on the Pangarchulla Peak trek?

Yes. Free Trekking Gear is included on the Pangarchulla Peak trek, free of rental charges:
- **Shoes:** Decathlon trekking shoes
- **Jacket:** Decathlon -10°C trekking jacket
- **Poles:** trekking poles
- **Snow gear:** gaiters and microspikes when the trail needs them

There is a ₹3,000 refundable deposit and a ₹200 washing charge. You only bring your personal clothes, a backpack and a water bottle.

### Can I offload my backpack on the Pangarchulla Peak trek?

Yes. Backpack offloading on the Pangarchulla Peak trek costs ₹1,800 + 5% GST for the full trek, for up to 9 kg.
- **Bags:** no suitcases, trolleys or duffel bags
- **Booking:** tell us at least 15 days before the trek; last-minute requests may cost more
- **Daypack:** you still carry water, snacks and a warm layer

### Will a doctor come on the Pangarchulla Peak trek?

No doctor joins the Pangarchulla Peak trek, but our trek leaders are trained in wilderness first aid and carry a full first-aid kit and a pulse oximeter.

Carry your own regular medicines and tell your trek leader about any health condition before the trek.

### What documents do I need for the Pangarchulla Peak trek?

For the Pangarchulla Peak trek, carry an original government photo ID (with a photocopy), a medical certificate signed by a doctor, and the signed disclaimer form.

Trekkaro arranges the forest and camping permissions.

### Is there mobile network and an ATM on the Pangarchulla Peak trek?

Mobile network on the Pangarchulla Peak trek is good in Joshimath, patchy up to Guling and mostly absent at Khullara. Joshimath has the last ATMs, which can run out of cash.

Withdraw what you need in Rishikesh.

### Is reaching the Pangarchulla summit guaranteed?

No. On the Pangarchulla Peak trek the trek leader may turn the group back because of weather, snow conditions or time.

A firm turn-around time is set every summit day – safety always comes before the summit.

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