# Ranthan Kharak Trek > Ranthan Kharak Trek is a 7-day moderate trek in Bageshwar, Uttarakhand, reaching 3,928 m (12,887 ft). It covers about 36 km on foot and starts and ends at Gogina. Best time: March to June and September to October. Trekkaro price: ₹9,160 per person + 5% GST, with free trekking gear (Decathlon shoes, -10°C jacket and poles). Source: https://www.trekkaro.com/trek/ranthan-kharak-trek (Trekkaro Adventures Pvt. Ltd.). Prices, dates and seats change often: always confirm on the trek page. ## Key facts - **Duration:** 7 days - **Difficulty:** Moderate - **Highest point:** 3,928 m / 12,887 ft - **Trekking distance:** 36 km - **Region:** Bageshwar, Uttarakhand - **Start / end:** Gogina - **Best time:** March to June and September to October - **Temperature:** Spring (Mar-Apr): Day 10°C to 15°C, Night below 0°C | Summer (May-Jun): Day 15°C to 20°C, Night around 2°C | Autumn (Sep-Oct): Day 12°C to 18°C, Night around 0°C - **Price:** ₹9,160 per person + 5% GST (was ₹11,450) - **Free trekking gear:** Included (Decathlon shoes, -10 C jacket, trekking poles; gaiters and microspikes when needed) - **Next batch:** dates being scheduled ## Overview The first thing the Ranthan Kharak trek asks of you is to go down. From the stone houses of Gogina the trail drops through fields and forest to the Ramganga river, crosses it on a suspension bridge, and only then begins to climb. For three days it works its way upwards, past a village that sees few visitors, along a stone trail used by villagers and shepherds for generations, across the high grazing meadows known in Kumaoni as kharaks. On the fourth day on foot you stand on a rocky summit at 12,887 ft, with Nanda Devi, Nanda Kot, Trishul and the five peaks of Panchachuli in front of you. Ranthan Kharak is a little-known trek in the Kumaon Himalaya, and it fits a great deal into a single loop. Gogina, a remote Kumaoni village of stone houses and terraced fields, is where it begins and ends. Namik, set high above the river, is one of the most remote villages on any Trekkaro trek. Above it, rhododendron and oak forest breaks into clearings such as Bajimanian Kharak, then into open meadows and the windswept col of Thal Tok, where the sunrise lights up Nanda Kot and Mrigthuni. The summit, Ranthan Top, faces Nanda Devi, Maiktoli and the Panchachuli range, before a long descent leads through Parava Thor and forest back to Gogina. The Ranthan Kharak trek is a moderate-grade loop trek in the Bageshwar district of Uttarakhand, in the upper Ramganga valley between the Pindari and Namik glacier areas of Kumaon. Trekkaro runs it as a 7-day trek from Kathgodam, with five trekking days and about 36 km on foot. It starts and ends at Gogina (1,955 m / 6,415 ft), drops to the Ramganga at about 1,810 m, and climbs through Namik (2,252 m / 7,390 ft), Bajimanian Kharak (2,954 m / 9,690 ft) and Thal Tok (3,392 m / 11,130 ft) to Ranthan Top at about 3,928 m (12,887 ft), the highest point, before descending to Parava Thor (2,743 m) and closing the loop at Gogina. Kumaon sees far fewer trekkers than Garhwal, and in our experience Ranthan Kharak shows exactly what that quiet is worth. ### Ranthan Top and the Peaks of Kumaon – What Makes the Ranthan Kharak Trek Unmissable What sets Ranthan Kharak apart is the distance it covers between two very different worlds. It begins among people: the homestay at Gogina, the steep walk down to the river, and the camp near Namik, where the evening belongs to village life, with farmers returning from the fields, children playing and smoke rising from kitchens. It ends on an open, rocky summit facing some of the great peaks of Kumaon. Between the two lie forest, kharak and col, and the view widens the higher you go. Thal Tok is where the summit starts to feel close. You reach the col at 3,392 m after a narrow ledge walk and a final climb in switchbacks, and the wind meets you the moment you arrive. You pull on your windproof jacket, cap and gloves, eat a good dinner and turn in early, because tomorrow is the long day. Then, if the sky is clear the next morning, you step out of your tent to watch the sunrise light up Nanda Kot and Mrigthuni to the north, one of the most beautiful moments of the trek. Summit day starts early and stays hard. The climb to Ranthan Top crosses rocky, bouldery ground, and in spring there may be snow or a thin layer of ice on the shaded north face. You test each step on the loose rock before trusting your weight to it, and your trek leader guides the group through the steeper ground. Then the climbing stops, and at about 3,928 m (12,887 ft) the view sweeps across the great peaks of Kumaon: Nanda Devi and Nanda Devi East, Nanda Kot, Trishul, Maiktoli and the five peaks of the Panchachuli range. On a clear day it is one of the finest views in the region. From the top the trail follows a ridge and then begins a long descent to Parava Thor at 2,743 m, about 10 km and 11–12 hours in all. The next day the forest carries you back to Gogina. In our experience, it is that full circle, from a village to a summit and back to the same village, that makes Ranthan Kharak feel complete. ### The Upper Ramganga Valley Itself On the lower trail the landscape changes almost hour by hour. Gogina is a village of stone houses and terraced fields, and the first walk drops through fields and forest to the Ramganga, crosses the river on a suspension bridge and climbs steeply through forest to Namik on the far side. From Namik a stone-paved trail climbs through dense forest of rhododendron and oak; in March and April the rhododendrons cover the hillside in red and pink. The forest is broken by kharaks, clearings where shepherds graze their animals in summer, and Bajimanian Kharak, a meadow surrounded by forest, makes a cool, quiet camp. Above the forest the valley opens out. A narrow ledge, with a drop on one side, leads onto open meadows, and the trail climbs in switchbacks, the views growing wider at every turn, until it reaches the exposed col of Thal Tok. The descent from Parava Thor runs back through some of the most beautiful forest of the trek, oak and rhododendron with deodar and pine in places, where, if you walk quietly, you may hear or see the Himalayan monal and the verditer flycatcher. ### Who Is This Trek For? The Ranthan Kharak trek is graded Moderate, with a Difficult summit day. Trekking days cover 5–10 km, and apart from summit day they take 5–7 hours, so you should be comfortable walking 6–7 hours a day. The first day on foot goes steeply down to the Ramganga and then steeply up to Namik, and the ledge walk before Thal Tok needs care. The hard day is the summit: about 10 km and 11–12 hours over rocky, bouldery ground to 3,928 m, followed by a long descent to Parava Thor. The highest camp is Thal Tok at 3,392 m. In our experience, the trek suits both fit beginners who train well and trekkers with one or two treks behind them, though one earlier trek helps, because summit day is long and rocky. As a benchmark, aim to jog 5 km in about 35 minutes before the trek, and plan on 4–6 weeks of steady preparation. Fit children aged 10 and above can join with a parent or guardian; trekkers above 60 need a doctor’s fitness certificate, with an ECG or TMT report recommended. Season: March to June and September to October. ### Key Highlights of the Ranthan Kharak Trek - **Ranthan Top (3,928 m / 12,887 ft)** – a rocky summit with a sweeping view of Nanda Devi and Nanda Devi East, Nanda Kot, Trishul, Maiktoli and the Panchachuli range - **Sunrise at Thal Tok (3,392 m / 11,130 ft)** – Nanda Kot and Mrigthuni lit up to the north from a windswept col - **Gogina and Namik** – two remote Kumaoni villages of stone houses and terraced fields, with homestay nights in Gogina - **The Ramganga crossing** – a suspension bridge over the river at about 1,810 m - **The kharaks** – high grazing meadows such as Bajimanian Kharak (2,954 m / 9,690 ft), set among forest - **An old stone trail** – through rhododendron and oak, red and pink with bloom in March and April - **Forest birdlife** – the Himalayan monal and the verditer flycatcher among oak, rhododendron, deodar and pine - **A complete loop** – Gogina to Gogina via Namik, Thal Tok, Ranthan Top and Parava Thor ### Best Time to Do the Ranthan Kharak Trek The Ranthan Kharak trek has two windows: spring and early summer, from March to June, and autumn, from September to October. Within them the trek has three distinct moods: rhododendrons first, then green kharaks, then the sharpest views of the year. #### March to April – Rhododendron Season Early spring is when the forest above Namik is at its most colourful. The rhododendrons are in full bloom, and the stone trail climbs through hillsides of red and pink towards Bajimanian Kharak. Higher up, snow lingers on the upper slopes, and the shaded north face of Ranthan Top may carry snow or a thin layer of ice, so microspikes and gaiters come out on summit day when needed. Nights are the coldest of the season, dropping below freezing. - **Temperatures:** Day: 10°C to 15°C | Night: below 0°C - **Trail conditions:** Rhododendrons in full bloom; snow lingering high up, with possible snow or ice on the shaded upper slopes. - **Best for:** Rhododendron forest in bloom and a touch of snow near the summit. #### End of April to June – Green Meadows As spring turns to summer, the kharaks come into their own. The meadows turn green, wildflowers appear, and from May the trail is usually free of snow all the way to the top. This is the season when shepherds bring their animals up to these high clearings, and the days are at their warmest, with milder nights at camp. - **Temperatures:** May–June: Day: 15°C to 20°C | Night: around 2°C - **Trail conditions:** Usually snow-free from May; green meadows and wildflowers. - **Best for:** Green kharaks, wildflowers and milder days and nights. #### Mid-September to October – Clear Mountain Views Autumn brings the clearest mountain views of the year to Ranthan Kharak. The sunrise on Nanda Kot from Thal Tok and the long view from Ranthan Top have their best chance of being sharp now. The trail is usually snow-free, the days are pleasant for long walking, and nights drop to around freezing. In our experience, this is the season for trekkers who are coming above all for the summit view. - **Temperatures:** Day: 12°C to 18°C | Night: around 0°C - **Trail conditions:** Usually snow-free; clearest mountain views of the year; cold nights. - **Best for:** Sharp views of Nanda Devi, Nanda Kot and Panchachuli from the summit, and sunrise on Nanda Kot from Thal Tok. #### Trekkaro Recommendation For rhododendron forest in full bloom, with a little snow near the summit, book a March or April batch. For green kharaks, wildflowers and the mildest conditions, choose the end of April to June. For the clearest views of Nanda Devi, Nanda Kot and the Panchachuli range, mid-September to October is our pick, provided you are ready for nights around freezing. Whichever window you choose, come prepared for one long, rocky summit day; the view from Ranthan Top is the reward for it. ## Itinerary ### Day 1: Kathgodam to Gogina **Route Details:** **Drive: Kathgodam → Gogina (~235 km, 10–11 hrs) | Altitude: 1,955 m (6,415 ft) | Stay: Homestay, Gogina** Day 1 is a long road day into the heart of Kumaon. You leave Kathgodam early in the morning. The road climbs into the Kumaon hills through Bhimtal and Almora, then continues to Bageshwar on the Saryu river and on to Kapkot. From Kapkot a smaller road climbs into the upper Ramganga valley and ends at Gogina. Plan for 10–11 hours on the road, with stops for breakfast and lunch. The views change as you go higher, from pine-covered foothills to deep, terraced valleys. Network is weak beyond Kapkot and absent on the trail, so make your calls and tell your family your plans before then. There are no ATMs near Gogina. Bageshwar and Kapkot are the last towns on the route, and we recommend you withdraw all the cash you need in Haldwani or Kathgodam. Gogina, at about 1,955 m, is a remote Kumaoni village of stone houses and terraced fields. You stay in a homestay, which gives you a first taste of local food and village life before the trail begins. Meals on the drive are not included, and dinner at the homestay is the first meal of the trek. Sleep early. Tomorrow starts with a steep walk down to the river. What to Expect: - Early start from Kathgodam and a 10–11 hour drive into the Kumaon hills - Bhimtal, Almora, Bageshwar on the Saryu river and Kapkot along the way - A smaller road up the upper Ramganga valley to Gogina - Weak network beyond Kapkot and no ATMs near Gogina – carry cash from Haldwani or Kathgodam - Homestay dinner and a first look at Kumaoni village life - Overnight: Homestay in Gogina (1,955 m / 6,415 ft) ### Day 2: Gogina to Namik **Route Details:** **Altitude: 1,955 m → 1,810 m → 2,252 m (7,390 ft) | Distance: 6.5 km | Duration: 6 hrs | Terrain: steep descent through fields and forest, suspension bridge, steep forest climb | Stay: Tents near Namik** The trek begins by going down, not up. From Gogina the trail drops steeply through fields and forest to the Ramganga river, at about 1,810 m. Take this section slowly and use your trekking poles. Let them take some of the load off your knees, and keep your steps short on the steeper parts. The day is 6.5 km and takes about 6 hours. At the river you cross on a suspension bridge, one of the highlights of the day. The Ramganga runs below you, and the bridge is the lowest point of the walking route. On the far side the trail climbs steeply through forest to Namik. This is the hard section of the day. Today goes down and then up, so save some energy for the climb after the bridge. Walk slowly, breathe steadily and stop when you need to. Lunch is usually packed and eaten on the trail. Namik sits high above the river at about 2,252 m. It is a village of stone houses and terraced fields, and one of the most remote villages on any Trekkaro trek. The people here see few visitors. Please be respectful: ask before taking photos of people and homes, and keep the village clean. Namik is the last village on the loop before the forest and the high clearings. There is no mobile network from here on. Camp tonight is near the village. When you arrive there is hot tea and snacks, and your trek leader begins the daily oxygen and pulse checks. The team boils or treats the camp water. In the evening, watch village life around you: farmers returning from the fields, children playing, smoke rising from the kitchens. It is a rare chance to see a remote Kumaoni village up close, and in our view it is one of the quiet rewards of this trek. What to Expect: - Steep descent through fields and forest from Gogina to the Ramganga river (1,810 m) - Suspension-bridge crossing of the Ramganga - Steep forest climb to Namik – save energy for the climb after the bridge - Packed lunch on the trail; hot tea and snacks at camp - First evening oxygen and pulse checks, and a close look at village life - Overnight: Tents near Namik village (2,252 m / 7,390 ft) ### Day 3: Namik to Bajimanian Kharak **Route Details:** **Altitude: 2,252 m → 2,954 m (9,690 ft) | Distance: 5.4 km | Duration: 6–7 hrs | Terrain: steep stone-paved trail through rhododendron and oak forest, forest clearings | Stay: Tents at Bajimanian Kharak** From Namik a stone-paved trail climbs into dense forest of rhododendron and oak. Villagers and shepherds have used this trail for generations. Parts of it are steep, and the numbers tell the story: 5.4 km takes 6–7 hours. Walk at a steady pace and take short breaks in the shade. On the stone steps, we recommend short strides over long ones. Wear full sleeves and a cap in the forest. They protect you from sun and branches. In March and April the rhododendrons are in full bloom, and the hillside turns red and pink. The forest is broken by clearings, called kharaks in Kumaoni, where shepherds graze their animals in summer. Each clearing gives you a breather and a patch of open sky before the trees close in again. Keep an eye out for birds. The Himalayan monal is sometimes seen in these forests. From end April to June the clearings turn green, with wildflowers in the meadows. Water is available from streams along the way. Your trek leader tells you where it is safe to refill, so ask before you fill your bottle. On a long, steady climb like this one, we recommend small sips at every break rather than big gulps at the end of the day. Camp tonight is at Bajimanian Kharak, at about 2,954 m, a meadow surrounded by forest. It is an open clearing with trees all around, and evenings here are cool and quiet. After 6–7 hours on the stone trail, rest well. Your trek leader continues the evening oxygen and pulse checks, and the team boils or treats the camp water. Nights on this trek drop below 0°C in spring, so put on your warm layers as the light goes. Eat a good dinner and get to bed early. Tomorrow the trail leaves the clearing for a narrow ledge and open meadows. What to Expect: - Steep, stone-paved trail out of Namik, used by villagers and shepherds for generations - Dense rhododendron and oak forest, in full bloom in March and April - Forest clearings (kharaks) where shepherds graze their animals in summer - Stream water along the way – refill only where your trek leader says it is safe - Full sleeves and a cap for sun and branches; watch for the Himalayan monal - Overnight: Tents at Bajimanian Kharak (2,954 m / 9,690 ft) ### Day 4: Bajimanian Kharak to Thal Tok **Route Details:** **Altitude: 2,954 m → 3,392 m (11,130 ft) | Distance: 5 km | Duration: 6–7 hrs | Terrain: narrow ledge, open meadows, switchbacks to a col | Stay: Tents at Thal Tok** Leaving Bajimanian Kharak, the trail follows a narrow ledge for a while. This is the section to watch today. In places the ledge is narrow, with a drop on one side. Walk carefully, keep your eyes on the path and keep your poles on the inside. There is no need to hurry here. Leave a little space between you and the person ahead. After the ledge the trail crosses open meadows. Higher up the meadows open out, and the views grow wider with every switchback. The last section climbs in switchbacks to Thal Tok, at about 3,392 m. Take the turns at an even pace. Short stops to look back are a good excuse to catch your breath and drink some water. The day is only 5 km, but at 6–7 hours it is not a short one. Thal Tok is a windy col with wide views. It is exposed, so the team sets up the tents in the most sheltered spot available. Keep your windproof jacket, cap and gloves on as soon as you reach camp. Keep everything you need for the night inside your tent before dark. This is the highest camp of the trek. Tomorrow is summit day, and tonight is about preparation. Rest well, eat a good dinner and go to bed early. Your trek leader briefs the group and checks everyone’s oxygen levels in the evening. Listen to the briefing closely and ask about anything you are unsure of. Lay out your warm layers, snacks and at least two litres of water before you sleep, so you can leave quickly in the morning. If the sky is clear in the morning, sunrise lights up Nanda Kot and Mrigthuni to the north. In our view it is one of the most beautiful moments of the trek, so keep your camera within reach. What to Expect: - Narrow ledge walk with a drop on one side – poles on the inside - Open meadows, then switchbacks up to the Thal Tok col - Windswept, exposed campsite, with tents pitched in the most sheltered spot - Windproof jacket, cap and gloves on as soon as you reach camp - Summit briefing, oxygen checks and an early night; sunrise on Nanda Kot and Mrigthuni if the sky is clear - Overnight: Tents at Thal Tok (3,392 m / 11,130 ft) ### Day 5: Summit Day - Thal Tok to Parava Thor via Ranthan Top **Route Details:** **Altitude: 3,392 m → 3,928 m (12,887 ft) → 2,743 m | Distance: 10 km | Duration: 11–12 hrs | Terrain: rocky, bouldery climb, summit ridge, long descent | Stay: Tents at Parava Thor** This is the hardest day of the trek, so you start early. Eat breakfast even if you are not hungry. If the sky is clear, sunrise lights up Nanda Kot and Mrigthuni to the north as you set off from the col. The climb to Ranthan Top crosses rocky, bouldery ground. In spring there may be snow or a thin layer of ice on the shaded north face. You wear microspikes and gaiters when needed, and your trek leader guides each step. The rocky climb is the hard section, and it rewards patience. On loose rock, test each step before you put your full weight on it. Keep your pace slow and even. The ground sets your speed here, not your fitness. If you feel unsteady, stop, look for the next solid step and follow your trek leader’s line. From the summit, at about 3,928 m (12,887 ft), the view sweeps across the great peaks of Kumaon: Nanda Devi and Nanda Devi East, Nanda Kot, Trishul, Maiktoli and the five peaks of the Panchachuli range. On a clear day it is one of the finest views in the region. Take your time at the top. The climbing is done, but the day is far from over. From the top, the trail follows a ridge and then begins a long descent to Parava Thor, at about 2,743 m. Stay focused on the way down. Short steps and planted poles make the long descent easier on tired legs. With 11–12 hours on the trail, carry at least two litres of water, plenty of snacks and warm layers. The trek leader sets a turn-around time and may change the plan if the weather turns. Camp tonight is at Parava Thor, well below Thal Tok. After the longest day of the trek, a hot dinner and an early night are all you need. What to Expect: - Early start from the Thal Tok col; sunrise on Nanda Kot and Mrigthuni if the sky is clear - Rocky, bouldery climb to Ranthan Top, with possible snow or ice on the shaded north face in spring - Summit view of Nanda Devi, Nanda Devi East, Nanda Kot, Trishul, Maiktoli and the Panchachuli range - Ridge walk and a long descent to Parava Thor - Turn-around time set by your trek leader; carry at least 2 litres of water, snacks and warm layers - Overnight: Tents at Parava Thor (2,743 m) ### Day 6: Parava Thor to Gogina **Route Details:** **Altitude: 2,743 m → 1,955 m (6,415 ft) | Distance: 9.5 km | Duration: 5–6 hrs | Terrain: mostly downhill forest trail | Stay: Homestay, Gogina** The last day on the trail closes the loop. From Parava Thor the trail descends through forest back to Gogina. At about 9.5 km it is a long walk, but it is mostly downhill and easier than the days before. Your legs still carry summit day, so keep the pace easy and use your poles on the steeper parts. There are streams on the lower trail. Refill only where your trek leader says it is safe. This stretch passes through some of the most beautiful forest of the trek. Oak and rhododendron line the trail, with deodar and pine in places. Walk quietly and you may hear or see birds such as the Himalayan monal and the verditer flycatcher. You reach Gogina in the afternoon and return to the homestay. Lunch is at Gogina, and a hot meal and rest are waiting. The afternoon is free, so stretch, wash and repack your bag for the drive. In the evening the group celebrates the summit together. Mobile network stays absent until Kapkot, so calls home wait for tomorrow’s drive. Before the evening ends, thank your local guides and support team. The local guide, the cook, the helpers and the mules carried this trek through remote country. They make treks like this possible. What to Expect: - Long but mostly downhill 9.5 km walk that closes the loop - Oak and rhododendron forest, with deodar and pine in places - Birds such as the Himalayan monal and verditer flycatcher - Lunch at Gogina and a free afternoon at the homestay - Summit celebration in the evening, and a thank-you to the local guides and support team - Overnight: Homestay in Gogina (1,955 m / 6,415 ft) ### Day 7: Gogina to Kathgodam **Route Details:** **Drive: Gogina → Kathgodam (~235 km, 10–11 hrs) | Altitude: 1,955 m → 554 m | Stay: Trek ends at Kathgodam** After an early breakfast you leave Gogina and drive back down the upper Ramganga valley. The road runs through Kapkot, Bageshwar and Almora to Kathgodam, the same way you came on Day 1. The views run in reverse, from deep, terraced valleys back to pine-covered foothills. The drive takes 10–11 hours with short stops. Breakfast is the last meal of the trek. Meals on the drive are not included, so keep snacks, water and a light jacket in your daypack. Mobile network returns as you get past Kapkot, so this is the time to let your family know you are off the mountain. You usually reach Kathgodam around 7 pm. Mountain roads can bring delays, so we recommend you book onward trains for late night or the next day. Overnight trains from Kathgodam to Delhi work well after the drive. If you are flying, Pantnagar Airport is about 40 minutes from Kathgodam. What to Expect: - Early breakfast at the Gogina homestay - A 10–11 hour drive via Kapkot, Bageshwar and Almora - Mobile network back after Kapkot - Meals on the drive not included – keep snacks and water handy - Arrival at Kathgodam around 7 pm; overnight trains to Delhi work well - Trek ends at Kathgodam ## 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: Homestay in Gogina 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 Kathgodam and Gogina are not included. #### 2. Transport - Not included: Kathgodam to Gogina 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 Gogina The trek starts and ends at Kathgodam railway station. 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:** Kathgodam, with overnight trains from Delhi (about 6–7 hours). - **By air:** Pantnagar Airport, about 40 minutes from Kathgodam. - **By bus:** buses from Delhi to Haldwani/Kathgodam. On your own, a bus to Bageshwar and then a jeep to Gogina (about 80 km); there are no direct buses to Gogina. - **Kathgodam to Gogina:** about 235 km via Almora, Bageshwar and Kapkot – 10–11 hours by road. ## ATM and mobile network #### Important Pre-Trek Information - **ATM:** Withdraw cash in Haldwani or Kathgodam. Bageshwar and Kapkot are the last towns on the route; there are no ATMs near Gogina. - **Mobile network:** Network is weak beyond Kapkot and absent on the trail. Inform your family before the drive from Bageshwar. ## Frequently asked questions ### Where is the Ranthan Kharak trek? The Ranthan Kharak trek is in Bageshwar district, Kumaon, Uttarakhand, in the upper Ramganga valley between the Pindari and Namik glacier areas. It starts from Gogina village, about 235 km (10–11 hours) by road from Kathgodam. The trek is a loop: Gogina, Namik, Bajimanian Kharak, Thal Tok, over Ranthan Top to Parava Thor and back to Gogina. ### How many days is the Ranthan Kharak trek? The Ranthan Kharak trek takes 7 days from Kathgodam to Kathgodam, with 5 trekking days covering about 36 km. - **Day 1 and Day 7:** drive between Kathgodam and Gogina (10–11 hours) - **Days 2–6:** trekking, 5–10 km a day - **Longest day:** summit day (Day 5), about 10 km and 11–12 hours ### What is the altitude of the Ranthan Kharak trek? The highest point of the Ranthan Kharak trek is Ranthan Top at about 3,928 m (12,887 ft). The trek starts at Gogina (1,955 m / 6,415 ft). - **Namik camp:** 2,252 m - **Bajimanian Kharak:** 2,954 m - **Thal Tok:** 3,392 m - **Parava Thor:** 2,743 m ### How difficult is the Ranthan Kharak trek? The Ranthan Kharak trek is graded Moderate, with a difficult summit day of 11–12 hours over rocky, bouldery ground. It suits fit beginners who train well and trekkers with one or two treks behind them. ### Is the Ranthan Kharak trek good for beginners? Fit beginners can do the Ranthan Kharak trek if they train well, but one earlier trek helps, because summit day is long and rocky. ### What fitness level do I need for the Ranthan Kharak trek? For the Ranthan Kharak trek you should be able to walk 6–7 hours a day, and 11–12 hours on summit day, and aim to jog 5 km in about 35 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) ### What does 'kharak' mean in Ranthan Kharak? ‘Kharak’ is the Kumaoni word for a high grazing meadow. The Ranthan Kharak trek passes several of them, such as Bajimanian Kharak, where shepherds bring their animals in summer. ### What is the best time to do the Ranthan Kharak trek? The best time for the Ranthan Kharak trek is March to June and mid-September to October. The trek is closed in the monsoon and in winter. - **March–April:** rhododendrons in bloom, snow lingering up high - **End April–June:** green meadows and wildflowers - **Mid-September–October:** the clearest mountain views ### Does the Ranthan Kharak trek have snow? The Ranthan Kharak trek can have snow or ice on the shaded upper slopes in March and April. From May to October the trail is usually snow-free. Microspikes and gaiters from our Free Trekking Gear are used when needed. ### How cold does it get on the Ranthan Kharak trek? On the Ranthan Kharak trek, nights drop below 0°C in spring and are around 0–2°C in summer and autumn. - **March–April:** days 10–15°C, nights below 0°C - **May–June:** days 15–20°C, nights around 2°C - **September–October:** days 12–18°C, nights around 0°C ### Which mountains can you see on the Ranthan Kharak trek? From Ranthan Top you see Nanda Devi and Nanda Devi East, Nanda Kot, Trishul, Maiktoli and the five peaks of the Panchachuli range. ### What is the terrain like on the Ranthan Kharak trek? The Ranthan Kharak trail goes from village fields to a suspension bridge over the Ramganga, stone trails through rhododendron forest, open kharaks and a rocky summit. ### Is altitude sickness a risk on the Ranthan Kharak trek? The risk of altitude sickness on the Ranthan Kharak trek is low to moderate; you sleep at up to 3,392 m and reach 3,928 m on summit day. Your trek leader checks oxygen and pulse every evening. ### What is the minimum age for the Ranthan Kharak trek? The minimum age for the Ranthan Kharak trek is 10 years. 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 every trekker brings, we recommend an ECG or TMT report. ### How do I reach the Ranthan Kharak trek? To reach the Ranthan Kharak trek, travel to Kathgodam; Gogina is about 235 km (10–11 hours) away via Almora, Bageshwar and Kapkot. - **Train:** Kathgodam, overnight trains from Delhi - **Air:** Pantnagar Airport, about 40 minutes from Kathgodam - **Bus:** to Bageshwar, then a jeep to Gogina (no direct buses) Plan to reach Kathgodam early on Day 1. ### Is transport included in the Ranthan Kharak trek? No, transport is not included in the Ranthan Kharak trek fee. A cab can be arranged from Kathgodam Railway Station to Gogina 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 Ranthan Kharak trek? On the Ranthan Kharak trek you stay 2 nights in a homestay in Gogina (Day 1 and Day 6) and 4 nights in tents at Namik, Bajimanian Kharak, Thal Tok and Parava Thor. Tents are shared by 3 trekkers, with dining and toilet tents. Sleeping bags and mats are provided. ### What is the group size on the Ranthan Kharak trek, and who leads it? Fixed departures of the Ranthan Kharak 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 Ranthan Kharak trek safe for women trekking alone? Yes. On the Ranthan Kharak 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 Ranthan Kharak trek? On the Ranthan Kharak 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 Ranthan Kharak trek? On the Ranthan Kharak trek there are streams on the lower trail, but carry at least 2 litres on summit day. Our team boils or treats the water at every campsite. ### Is Free Trekking Gear included on the Ranthan Kharak trek? Yes. Free Trekking Gear is included on the Ranthan Kharak 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 Ranthan Kharak trek? Yes. Backpack offloading on the Ranthan Kharak 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 Ranthan Kharak trek? No doctor joins the Ranthan Kharak 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 Ranthan Kharak trek? For the Ranthan Kharak 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 Ranthan Kharak trek? Mobile network on the Ranthan Kharak trek is weak beyond Kapkot and absent on the trail, and there is no ATM near Gogina. Withdraw all the cash you need in Haldwani or Kathgodam. ### What villages do you pass on the Ranthan Kharak trek? The Ranthan Kharak trek passes Gogina and Namik, two remote Kumaoni villages of stone houses and terraced fields. Please ask before photographing people and homes, and keep the villages clean. --- Book or ask questions: https://www.trekkaro.com/trek/ranthan-kharak-trek · WhatsApp +91 80576 54321