Panwali Kantha Trek
Inclusion:
Accommodation
Meals
All Permits
Expert Trek Leader & Guide
Panwali Kantha Trek — Guide, Dates & Cost
Panwali Kantha Trek is a 5-day moderate trek in Tehri Garhwal, Uttarakhand, reaching 3,700 m (12,140 ft). It covers about 32 km on foot and starts at Ghuttu and ends at Kailbhagi. Best time: April to June and September to October. Trekkaro price: ₹13,050 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 (18 upcoming batches).
Updated
District: Tehri Garhwal
Duration: 5 Days
Difficulty Level: Moderate
Highest Altitude: 3,700 m / 12,140 ft
Trekking Distance: 32 km
Temperature: Spring/Summer (Apr-Jun): Day 10°C to 18°C, Night 0°C to 5°C | Autumn (Sep-Oct): Day 8°C to 15°C, Night -3°C to 3°C
Some meadows announce themselves from the road. Panwali Kantha hides behind a long day of forest, and that is half its charm. Climb out of the oaks above Ghuttu, cross the high shoulder of Dyuili Top, and a rolling sea of grass opens in front of you, with the Gangotri peaks, Thalay Sagar, Meru and the Kedarnath range lined up along its far edge. Few groups walk here, and on most evenings the meadow belongs to you, the shepherds and their flocks.
The Panwali Kantha trek is a 5-day trek in Tehri Garhwal, Uttarakhand, in the upper Bhilangana valley. Panwali Kantha (also called Panwali Bugyal) is one of the largest high meadows of Garhwal, a broad grassy ridge that runs between the Bhilangana valley and the Kedarnath side. For centuries it lay on the old pilgrim path that linked Gangotri with Kedarnath, and shepherds from the villages below still graze their sheep, goats and buffaloes here in summer.
We pick you up at Dehradun Railway Station at 06:30 AM and drive past Tehri lake and Ghansali to Ghuttu (1,500 m), the last road-head village of the valley. From there the trail climbs to a forest camp at Gwanmanda (2,600 m), crosses Dyuili Top (3,700 m / 12,140 ft), the highest point of the trek, and drops to a camp on the Panwali meadows at 3,280 m (10,760 ft). The return comes back to Gwanmanda and finishes with a short walk down to the road at Kailbhagi (2,025 m). In all you walk about 32 km over four days.
A Meadow at the Edge of the Snow Peaks – What Makes the Panwali Kantha Trek Unmissable
What sets Panwali Kantha apart is the size of the view against the size of the trek. In four days of walking you go from village terraces to an open ridge at 3,700 m, and from that ridge the horizon fills with mountains: the Gangotri group, Thalay Sagar, Meru, Jogin, the Kedarnath peaks, Chaukhamba to the east and Bandarpoonch to the west. You see the high Himalaya side by side, without the crowds of the better-known meadow treks.
The day that earns it is Day 3. You leave Gwanmanda early, climb through the last of the oak and rhododendron forest past the clearing of Pobhari, and walk onto open slopes that keep rising towards Dyuili Top. There is no water on this stretch, so you carry what you need from camp. Then the ground levels, the wind picks up, and the peaks are suddenly there, from one end of the sky to the other. From the top the trail tips down onto the Panwali meadows, where the camp sits on a gentle sweep of grass at 3,280 m.
The evening at Panwali camp is the reward. The light turns gold on the grass, the snow peaks go pink and then grey, and the cold arrives fast once the sun drops. Next morning, if the sky is clear, a short walk up the meadow gives you sunrise over the Kedarnath range before you head back down.
There is also the quiet. Panwali Kantha sees far fewer trekkers than the meadows near Kedarnath or Gangotri, and the only other people you meet up here may be shepherds from the villages below, moving their flocks across the grass in summer. Their stone huts and grazing camps dot the ridge. Sitting on the meadow with tea in hand, watching the light leave the peaks, you get a feel for the mountains that the busier trails rarely give.
The Trail Itself
The Panwali Kantha trek moves through three kinds of country. Out of Ghuttu the path is a village trail, climbing between terraced fields, cattle sheds and small hamlets, and then into a dense forest of banj oak, rhododendron and maple that shades most of the way to Gwanmanda. Above the forest the land opens into bugyal: wide, rolling grassland on a broad ridge, with shepherd huts, grazing flocks and the occasional stone shrine. The climbs are steady rather than technical, but Day 2 gains about 1,100 m and Day 3 gains another 1,100 m to Dyuili Top, so the trek asks for real fitness. The way back retraces the meadow and forest to Gwanmanda and then drops to Kailbhagi on a short, steep downhill path.
Who Is This Trek For?
The Panwali Kantha trek is graded moderate, and we recommend it for fit beginners who have done a weekend trek before, for solo trekkers and for small groups of friends or colleagues who want quiet meadows rather than busy trails. The hardest day is Day 3: about 10 km and 8–10 hours on foot, climbing from Gwanmanda (2,600 m) over Dyuili Top (3,700 m) and down to Panwali camp, with no water on the way. We recommend six to eight weeks of preparation, with regular running or brisk walking and some stair climbing with a loaded backpack. The minimum age is 10 years, and trekkers under 18 come with a parent or guardian. Above 60: a doctor’s fitness certificate is needed, and an ECG or TMT report is recommended. Season: April to June and September to October.
Key Highlights of the Panwali Kantha Trek
- One of the largest meadows of Garhwal – the Panwali bugyal, a rolling grass ridge at about 3,300–3,400 m
- Dyuili Top at 3,700 m (12,140 ft) – the high point of the trek, with a wide view of snow peaks
- A long skyline of peaks – the Gangotri group, Thalay Sagar, Meru, Jogin, the Kedarnath peaks, Chaukhamba and Bandarpoonch
- The old pilgrim path – the meadow lay on the historic route that linked Gangotri and Kedarnath
- Forest camp at Gwanmanda – a clearing in banj oak and rhododendron forest at 2,600 m
- Quiet trails – few trekking groups, and shepherds with their flocks on the meadows in summer
- Ghuttu and the Bhilangana valley – a road-head village of stone houses, reached by a drive past Tehri lake
- Rhododendrons in spring – red blooms in the forest above Ghuttu in April and May
Best Time to Do the Panwali Kantha Trek
The Panwali Kantha trek runs in two windows: April to June, and September to October. In July and August the monsoon brings landslides to the roads and leeches and mist to the trail, and from November the higher ridge starts to take snow. Both windows have their own character, and the temperatures below are for the high camp at Panwali.
April to June – Spring and Summer (Flowers and Green Meadows)
In April the rhododendron forest above Ghuttu is in bloom, and patches of old snow can still lie near Dyuili Top. By May and June the meadows turn green, the shepherds bring their flocks up, and the days are long and pleasant. Days are 10°C to 18°C and nights at camp are 0°C to 5°C. Afternoon clouds and short showers are possible in June, so start each day early.
September to October – Autumn (The Clearest Views)
After the monsoon the air is washed clean, and autumn gives the sharpest views of the snow peaks from Dyuili Top. The meadow grass turns golden by October, and the skies are clear for days at a time. It is colder: days are 8°C to 15°C and nights at Panwali camp are -3°C to 3°C, with frost on the tents on late-October mornings. Bring an extra warm layer.
Panwali Kantha Trek Cost and Booking in 2026
The Panwali Kantha trek costs ₹13,050 + 5% GST per person, for 5 days from Ghuttu to Kailbhagi, 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 Dehradun 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 Panwali Kantha Trek: April to June and September to October. Still choosing dates? Compare all treks in October, treks in April, treks in May and treks in June.
🏃 Am I ready for the Panwali Kantha Trek? Take the free 2-minute fitness test and get your readiness score and a personal training plan.
Take the test →Trek Itinerary
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 Dehradun Railway Station at 06:30 AM to Ghuttu. Your trek coordinator will confirm the cab fare.
Day 1: Dehradun to Ghuttu by Road
Route Details:
Drive: Dehradun → Ghuttu | Distance: about 200 km | Duration: 7–8 hrs | Altitude: 640 m → 1,500 m
The trek begins with a long and scenic drive. The shared cab leaves Dehradun Railway Station at 06:30 AM, so arrive a little early with your bags packed and some cash in hand. The road climbs out of the Doon valley towards Chamba and New Tehri, and before long the hills open up around you, with pine forest on the slopes and small towns strung along the ridges.
The highlight of the morning is Tehri lake, the long blue reservoir behind the Tehri dam, which the road follows for a good stretch. After a break for breakfast and tea, the road turns up the Bhilangana valley to Ghansali, the last real market town on the way. This is the place to pick up any last items and draw cash, as there is no reliable ATM beyond it.
From Ghansali the road narrows and follows the Bhilangana river upstream to Ghuttu, a village at about 1,500 m (4,920 ft) at the head of the motorable road. Stone houses, terraced fields and walnut trees surround it, and the high ridges you will climb tomorrow rise above the village. The Bhilangana is a fast, clear river here, and the valley feels far from the busy pilgrim roads. Ghuttu is also the last place with a regular road connection, so this is where the mountain part of the trip really begins.
You check into a simple guesthouse in Ghuttu in the late afternoon or evening. The trek leader meets the group, runs the first SpO2 and pulse check, hands over Free Trekking Gear and goes through the plan for the days ahead. Dinner is early, and a good night of sleep is the right preparation for the climb. Keep your daypack ready the night before, with water bottles, a rain layer and your headlamp, so the morning start is easy.
What to Expect:
- Pickup at Dehradun Railway Station at 06:30 AM
- Long drive past Chamba, New Tehri and Tehri lake
- Last market town and ATM at Ghansali
- First health check and trek briefing in the evening
- Overnight: guesthouse in Ghuttu
Day 2: Ghuttu to Gwanmanda
Route Details:
Trek: Ghuttu → Gwanmanda | Distance: 8 km | Duration: 6–7 hrs | Altitude: 1,500 m → 2,600 m
After breakfast you shoulder your daypack and walk out of Ghuttu on a village trail. The first hour climbs gently past terraced fields of wheat and potatoes, cattle sheds and small hamlets, with villagers and mules sharing the path. Look back now and then: the Bhilangana valley drops away quickly below you. Set an easy pace from the start; the climb is long, and the trekkers who start slowly are the ones who arrive fresh.
Above the last houses the trail enters forest. Banj oak, rhododendron and maple close in overhead, and the path settles into a steady climb that rarely lets up. There are no shops or water points on this stretch, so start with two full bottles from Ghuttu. In April and May the rhododendrons are in bloom, and the forest floor is scattered with red petals.
The day gains about 1,100 m, so the trek leader keeps a slow, even pace with regular short breaks. A packed lunch is eaten on the trail. Drink water at each stop even if you do not feel thirsty, as it helps your body adjust to the height. By mid-afternoon the gradient eases and the trail comes out into Gwanmanda (also spelled Gaurmanda), a flat clearing at the edge of the forest at about 2,600 m (8,530 ft), with oak trees on three sides.
The tents are already up when you arrive. Tea and snacks are waiting, followed by the evening health check. As the sun goes down the forest turns quiet and the air cools sharply, so change into dry, warm layers. Dinner is early, as tomorrow is the longest day of the trek. The trek leader briefs the group on the start time, the water you need to carry and the turn-around rule for Dyuili Top, so that everyone knows the plan before bed.
What to Expect:
- Village trail through terraced fields out of Ghuttu
- Steady climb of about 1,100 m through oak and rhododendron forest
- No water on the trail: carry two full bottles
- Rhododendron blooms in April and May
- Forest camp in a clearing at Gwanmanda
- Overnight: camp at Gwanmanda
Day 3: Gwanmanda to Panwali Camp via Dyuili Top
Route Details:
Trek: Gwanmanda → Dyuili Top → Panwali Camp | Distance: 10 km | Duration: 8–10 hrs | Altitude: 2,600 m → 3,700 m → 3,280 m
This is the big day of the Panwali Kantha trek, and it starts early. After a hot breakfast you fill your water bottles to the brim, because there is no water source on the way to Panwali camp. The trail climbs out of Gwanmanda through the upper oak and rhododendron forest, steep in places, until the trees start to thin.
Around Pobhari (about 2,945 m / 9,660 ft), a small clearing used by shepherds, the forest gives way to open grass. From here the trail keeps climbing over wide slopes towards Dyuili Top, and the views grow with every switchback. In early April this upper section can still hold patches of snow, and the trek team decides on the spot whether microspikes are needed.
At Dyuili Top, 3,700 m (12,140 ft), the whole horizon opens. On a clear day you can pick out the Gangotri group, Thalay Sagar, Meru and Jogin, the Kedarnath peaks, Chaukhamba further east and Bandarpoonch to the west. Take your time here for photographs and a packed lunch, out of the wind if you can find a sheltered spot. The trek leader keeps an eye on the weather and the time, and the group starts down well before clouds build in the afternoon.
From the top the trail descends gently onto the Panwali meadows, a huge rolling bugyal, to the camp at about 3,280 m (10,760 ft). It is a long day of 8 to 10 hours, and you arrive tired but with the meadow all around you. Evenings here are cold and clear: watch the peaks turn pink at sunset, then get into warm layers before dinner.
What to Expect:
- Longest day: 10 km and 8-10 hrs on foot
- No water on the route: carry enough from camp
- Forest gives way to open grass at Pobhari
- Dyuili Top at 3,700 m, the highest point of the trek
- Wide view from the Gangotri group to Chaukhamba
- Cold, clear evening on the meadow
- Overnight: camp at Panwali meadow
Day 4: Panwali Camp to Gwanmanda
Route Details:
Trek: Panwali Camp → Gwanmanda | Distance: 10 km | Duration: 7–8 hrs | Altitude: 3,280 m → 2,600 m
If the sky is clear, wake before dawn and walk a short way up the meadow with a hot drink. The first light reaches the Kedarnath peaks and Chaukhamba before it touches the grass, and for a few minutes the whole range glows. It is one of the quietest and most memorable mornings of the trek. Wrap up well, as the meadow is at its coldest just before sunrise, and walk back to camp in time for a hot breakfast while the tents dry in the sun.
After breakfast you pack up and start the walk back. The trail climbs gently across the meadows towards the ridge before it begins its long descent, so the views stay with you for the first few hours. In summer you pass shepherd camps and grazing flocks of sheep, goats and buffaloes on the open slopes. Give the flocks room on the trail, and keep a respectful distance from the shepherd dogs, which guard their animals closely.
Below Pobhari the trail drops back into the oak and rhododendron forest. The descent is long and steady, and it is harder on the knees than it looks, so use your trekking poles and keep a measured pace on the steeper sections. Lunch is packed and eaten on the way. Rest at the clearing of Pobhari before you enter the trees, and refill your bottles at camp the next time you can, as the upper trail is dry.
You reach Gwanmanda in the afternoon, where the camp is ready in the familiar forest clearing. The air is noticeably warmer than on the meadow. The evening is relaxed: tea, the last health check of the trek in the forest, and an early dinner around the dining tent. It is the last night in tents, and a good time to share stories of the climb with the group and the trek team.
What to Expect:
- Optional sunrise walk on the Panwali meadow
- Last views of the snow peaks across the bugyal
- Shepherd camps and grazing flocks in summer
- Long descent through oak and rhododendron forest
- Warmer evening back at the forest camp
- Overnight: camp at Gwanmanda
Day 5: Gwanmanda to Kailbhagi, Drive to Dehradun
Route Details:
Trek: Gwanmanda → Kailbhagi | Distance: 4 km | Duration: 2–3 hrs | Altitude: 2,600 m → 2,025 m | Drive: Kailbhagi → Dehradun, about 200 km, 7–8 hrs
The last morning starts early, as a long drive follows the walk. After breakfast the group leaves Gwanmanda on a short, steep downhill path through the forest towards Kailbhagi. Take it slowly on the loose sections and keep your poles handy. The forest is quiet in the early light, and you may hear Himalayan monals and other birds calling from the slopes. Pack your bags well the night before, as the cab will be waiting at the road head.
The forest opens onto fields and village houses as you come down to Kailbhagi, at about 2,025 m (6,640 ft), where the shared cab meets the group. The walk takes 2 to 3 hours, and it is a good time to say thank you to the trek team and the staff who looked after you on the mountain. You return your Free Trekking Gear to the trek leader here, and the deposit is refunded by UPI within 2 working days after we check the returned gear.
From Kailbhagi the road runs down the Bhilangana valley to Ghansali and back past Tehri lake towards Dehradun. It is a long drive of 7 to 8 hours with breaks for lunch and tea along the way, depending on road and weather conditions. Meals during the drive are not included, so keep some cash for the roadside dhabas. Sit back and watch the hills give way to the plains as the road drops towards the Doon valley.
You reach Dehradun Railway Station in the evening. Plan any onward train, bus or flight for late night or the next day, so a delay on the mountain roads does not make you miss it. If you are staying the night in Dehradun, book a room near the station in advance. The Panwali Kantha trek ends here, with the meadow and the snow peaks still fresh in your mind.
What to Expect:
- Short, steep descent through the forest
- Road head at Kailbhagi village
- Drive back past Ghansali and Tehri lake
- Arrival at Dehradun Railway Station in the evening
- Book onward travel for late night or the next day
- Overnight: no stay (trek ends)
How To Reach
Nearest airport: Jolly Grant Airport (DED), about 25 km / 45–60 min from Dehradun city, with direct flights from Delhi and other metros. The cab leaves Dehradun Railway Station at 06:30 AM, so fly in the day before and stay near the station.
From Dehradun to Ghuttu: about 200 km, 7–8 hrs by road via Chamba, New Tehri and Ghansali. Transport is not included in the trek fee: we help the group book shared cabs from Dehradun Railway Station at 06:30 AM, paid directly to the driver and split among trekkers. Your trek coordinator will confirm the cab fare.
Return: On Day 5 the group walks down to Kailbhagi and the cab (not included in the trek fee) takes 7–8 hrs to Dehradun Railway Station, arriving in the evening. Book your flight home for the next day.
Nearest railway station: Dehradun (DDN), which is also the pickup point, with direct trains from Delhi.
- Nanda Devi Express – overnight from Delhi, arriving early in the morning before the 06:30 AM pickup.
- Dehradun Shatabdi, Jan Shatabdi and Vande Bharat – day trains; take them the day before the trek.
Check current timings before you book.
From Dehradun to Ghuttu: about 200 km, 7–8 hrs by road via Chamba, New Tehri and Ghansali. Transport is not included in the trek fee: we help the group book shared cabs from Dehradun Railway Station at 06:30 AM, paid directly to the driver and split among trekkers. Your trek coordinator will confirm the cab fare.
Return: On Day 5 the group walks down to Kailbhagi and the cab (not included in the trek fee) takes 7–8 hrs to Dehradun Railway Station, arriving in the evening. 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 ISBT Kashmere Gate to Dehradun ISBT, about 6–7 hrs. Prefer Uttarakhand Roadways (government) buses from inside the ISBT, and from Dehradun ISBT take an auto or cab to the railway station for the 06:30 AM pickup.
From Dehradun to Ghuttu: about 200 km, 7–8 hrs by road via Chamba, New Tehri and Ghansali. Transport is not included in the trek fee: we help the group book shared cabs from Dehradun Railway Station at 06:30 AM, paid directly to the driver and split among trekkers. Your trek coordinator will confirm the cab fare.
Return: On Day 5 the group walks down to Kailbhagi and the cab (not included in the trek fee) takes 7–8 hrs to Dehradun Railway Station, arriving in the evening. Plan your bus home for late night on Day 5 or the next day.
Things To Carry
Panwali Kantha has one long day over Dyuili Top (10 km, 8-10 hrs) with no water on the route, and cold nights on the open meadow, so pack two full water bottles and enough warm layers.
- 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: April-June nights at Panwali camp are 0°C to 5°C and four warm layers are enough, while September-October nights drop to -3°C to 3°C and you need five (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
Panwali Kantha Trek is a 5-day moderate trek in Tehri Garhwal, Uttarakhand, reaching 3,700 m (12,140 ft). It covers about 32 km on foot and starts at Ghuttu and ends at Kailbhagi. Best time: April to June and September to October. Trekkaro price: ₹13,050 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 (18 upcoming batches).
The Panwali Kantha trek is in Tehri Garhwal, Uttarakhand, in the upper Bhilangana valley, and it starts at Ghuttu village (1,500 m). Panwali Kantha is a large high meadow on the ridge between the Bhilangana valley and the Kedarnath side. We pick you up at Dehradun Railway Station at 06:30 AM and drive about 200 km to Ghuttu on Day 1. The trek ends at Kailbhagi, a road-head village close to Ghuttu, from where the cab drives back to Dehradun.
The Panwali Kantha trek takes 5 days from Dehradun to Dehradun. Day 1 is the drive to Ghuttu, Days 2 to 4 are trekking days with three nights in tents, and Day 5 is a short walk to Kailbhagi followed by the drive back. You walk about 32 km in total:
- Day 2: Ghuttu to Gwanmanda, 8 km
- Day 3: Gwanmanda to Panwali camp via Dyuili Top, 10 km
- Day 4: Panwali camp to Gwanmanda, 10 km
- Day 5: Gwanmanda to Kailbhagi, 4 km
We recommend keeping one buffer day in your travel plans.
The maximum altitude on the Panwali Kantha trek is 3,700 m (12,140 ft) at Dyuili Top, crossed on Day 3. The camp on the Panwali meadow sits lower, at about 3,280 m (10,760 ft), so you sleep below the high point. The trek starts at Ghuttu (1,500 m) and the forest camp at Gwanmanda is at 2,600 m (8,530 ft), which gives your body two nights to adjust before the big climb.
The Panwali Kantha trek is graded moderate. The trail is not technical, but the climbs are long: Day 2 gains about 1,100 m from Ghuttu to Gwanmanda, and Day 3 gains another 1,100 m to Dyuili Top over about 10 km and 8–10 hours, with no water on the way. The descent on Day 4 is long and tests the knees. Fit beginners who have done a weekend trek and who train for six to eight weeks can complete it comfortably.
The Panwali Kantha trek runs from April to June and from September to October. April and May bring rhododendron blooms in the forest, and by June the meadows are green and full of grazing flocks. Autumn, in September and October, gives the clearest views of the snow peaks and golden grass on the meadow. We do not run the trek in July and August because of the monsoon, or in winter when the higher ridge is under snow.
You may see patches of old snow near Dyuili Top on the Panwali Kantha trek in early April, but it is not a snow trek. By May the snow has melted from the trail, and from June to October there is no snow on the route. The higher ridge takes fresh snow from November, which is why the season closes after October. When there is snow on the upper section, gaiters and microspikes come with Free Trekking Gear and the trek team guides the group across.
Nights at the Panwali meadow camp on the Panwali Kantha trek are 0°C to 5°C from April to June and -3°C to 3°C in September and October. Days are pleasant: 10°C to 18°C in spring and summer, and 8°C to 15°C in autumn. Gwanmanda, lower in the forest, is a few degrees warmer. Bring four warm layers in summer and five in autumn: thermals, two fleece or woollen layers and the -10°C jacket from Free Trekking Gear.
The minimum age for the Panwali Kantha trek is 10 years, for children who already walk regularly and can manage a long day on foot. 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, we recommend an ECG or TMT report.
The pickup point for the Panwali Kantha trek is Dehradun Railway Station at 06:30 AM on Day 1. Dehradun has direct trains from Delhi, including the overnight Nanda Devi Express, and overnight buses run from Delhi ISBT Kashmere Gate to Dehradun ISBT. Jolly Grant Airport is about 25 km from the city. If you arrive by day train or flight, come the day before and stay near the station. From Dehradun it is about 200 km and 7–8 hrs to Ghuttu.
The Panwali Kantha trek costs ₹13,050 + 5% GST per person, for 5 days from Ghuttu to Kailbhagi. The trek fee includes:
- Free Trekking Gear: Decathlon trekking shoes, a -10°C jacket, trekking poles, gaiters and microspikes (₹3,000 refundable deposit + ₹200 washing)
- A guesthouse night at Ghuttu and three nights in tents
- All meals from Day 1 dinner to Day 5 breakfast
- Forest permits and camping fees
- A certified trek leader, local guide, cook and support staff
You can book the Panwali Kantha 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: ₹13,050 + 5% GST per person, with EMI options shown in the price box
- Pickup: Dehradun Railway Station at 06:30 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 Panwali Kantha trek fee. We help the group book shared cabs from Dehradun Railway Station at 06:30 AM to Ghuttu on Day 1, and from Kailbhagi back to Dehradun on Day 5. The fare is paid directly to the driver and split among trekkers, and your trek coordinator will confirm the cab fare before departure. The drive is about 200 km and 7–8 hrs each way, via New Tehri and Ghansali.
Mobile signal on the Panwali Kantha trek is limited to the villages: BSNL and Jio work at Ghuttu, but there is little or no signal at Gwanmanda and on the Panwali meadow. Make your important calls and tell your family about the limited connectivity before you leave Ghuttu. The last reliable ATMs are at Ghansali, the market town before Ghuttu, so draw cash there or in Dehradun. Carry small notes, as cards are not accepted on the trail.
Yes, the Panwali Kantha trek needs forest and camping permissions from the local authorities, and Trekkaro arranges them as part of the trek fee. You only need to carry a government photo ID, such as an Aadhaar card, passport, driving licence or voter ID, and share your details with us when you book. Foreign nationals should carry their passport and tell us at the time of booking, as permit charges for foreign trekkers can differ.
On the Panwali Kantha trek, the trek leader checks the SpO2 and pulse of each trekker every day, from the first evening at Ghuttu. The route sleeps at 1,500 m, 2,600 m and 3,280 m, so the body has time to adjust before Dyuili Top at 3,700 m. Our trek leaders are NIM certified or equivalent, and the team carries oxygen cylinders, a first-aid kit and a stretcher. Report a headache, nausea or breathlessness at once; anyone unwell rests or descends.
The Panwali Kantha trek suits fit first-time trekkers, ideally those who have done one weekend trek before. The trail is not technical and the camps are comfortable, but Day 3 is a long 10 km day of 8–10 hours over Dyuili Top, with no water on the way. Train for six to eight weeks with running or brisk walking, stair climbs with a loaded backpack and long weekend walks, so that you can walk 5 km in about 35 minutes before the trek.
On the Panwali Kantha trek you stay one night in a guesthouse at Ghuttu (twin or triple sharing) and three nights in 3-person tents at Gwanmanda and the Panwali meadow, with sleeping bags and mats. The campsites have a dining tent and a toilet tent. Meals are simple, freshly cooked vegetarian food, from Day 1 dinner to Day 5 breakfast, with tea, soup and snacks at camp and a packed lunch on the trail.
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: guesthouse in Ghuttu, twin or triple sharing
- Day 2 to Day 4: camping in 3-person tents at Gwanmanda, Panwali meadow and Gwanmanda
3. Meals
- All meals from Day 1 dinner at Ghuttu to Day 5 breakfast at Gwanmanda
- 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: Dehradun to Ghuttu and Kailbhagi to Dehradun
- 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 Dehradun, arranged by you
2. Food During Transit
- Meals on the drive between Dehradun and Ghuttu
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 Panwali Kantha Trek
- Highest point: 3,700 m (12,140 ft) at Dyuili Top
- Day 3 is long: 10 km and 8-10 hrs over Dyuili Top, with no water on the route
- Long descents on Day 4 and Day 5 that are hard on the knees
- Patches of snow near Dyuili Top in early April; landslides on the roads after heavy rain
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 Panwali Kantha 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 Panwali Kantha 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: Ghansali, the market town before Ghuttu; carry cash from Dehradun or Ghansali
- No ATM at Ghuttu or on the trail
- Carry small notes: cards are not accepted on the trail
2. Mobile Network
- BSNL and Jio work at Ghuttu and along the road through Ghansali
- Little or no signal at Gwanmanda, Dyuili Top and the Panwali meadow
- Make your important calls and tell your family about the limited connectivity before you leave Ghuttu
Related Treks You May Like
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!"
"Very amazing experience with Kedartal trek. Awesome views, Trek leaders and coordinators were very helpful."
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.
Welcome to Trekkaro
Login or create an account to manage your bookings and profile
Login Create AccountTalk to an Expert
Enter your number — we'll call you back shortly.
*Free to use on the trek, returned after · refundable deposit
AI can make mistakes · don’t share personal details · Talk to a person