The short version
- 16 days, about 50 km on foot, topping out at 3,650m. Rated Hard on Trail to Tides.
- 2Best in May–Jun, Sep–Oct.
- 3Starts from Khati / Kharkiya, reached via Kathgodam.
- 4One night gains more than 500 m above 3,000 m. That's common on Himalayan treks, but it's where altitude sickness tends to show up: go slowly the day before and drink well.
- 5Operators charge ₹14,000 to ₹14,500 per person; 3 listed, 2 verified.
The trek
Overview
The Pindari Glacier trek follows the Pindari river through ancient oak and rhododendron forests to the snout of the Pindari Glacier at Zero Point (3,650m), where Nanda Devi, Nanda Khat and Nanda Kot tower overhead in a spectacular high-mountain cirque. The gradual reveal of the high peaks makes the journey as memorable as the destination — one of Uttarakhand's classic, most accessible glacier treks.
Right for you if
- You want to walk right up to a glacier without any technical terrain
- You can walk 5–7 hours a day, about 50 km over the trek
- Simple rest houses and dhabas suit you: little or no camping
- You like old Kumaon forests and villages
Think twice if
- You want to walk on the glacier itself: the trail ends at Zero Point, facing it
- You won't carry cash: there are no ATMs past Song
- Bears worry you: the forests are black-bear country (make noise as you walk)
Season
When to go
Spring: longer days and rhododendrons lower down. Snow can linger on high ground into May, and afternoons often bring cloud or a shower.
June: warm days and snowmelt streams running high in the afternoons. The monsoon can arrive in the second half of the month.
Autumn: the clearest skies and steadiest weather of the year. Nights get cold quickly from October, and early snow is possible in November.
More on the Himalayan seasons: When to go.
Travel
Getting there
Meet in
Kathgodam
Nearest airport
Pantnagar, or Delhi then train
Nearest railway
Kathgodam
By road
Kathgodam to the roadhead beyond Bageshwar, about 9 to 10 hours
Most operators run a shared pickup from Kathgodam early on day one. Arrive the evening before so a late train or flight doesn't cost you the trek, and keep a buffer day at the end: mountain roads close for landslides and snow. Travel times are approximate.
Itinerary
Day by day
A typical plan, measured along the mapped trail: 22 km with about 2,100 m of climbing. The biggest day is day 3, climbing 1,000 m. Operators vary it a little.
- Day1
Khati → Dwali
From Khati, the last village, along the Pindar river through dense forest
10.5 km720 m350 msleep at 2,602 m
- Day2
Dwali → Phurkia
A short climb out of the forest towards the glacier
4.9 km630 m80 msleep at 3,187 m
- Day3
Phurkia → Dwali
via Zero Point
Out to Zero Point, the end of the trail facing the Pindari glacier and Nanda Kot, and back down
18.1 km1,000 m1,570 msleep at 2,602 m
- Day4
Dwali → Khati
Back through the forest
10.5 km320 m690 msleep at 2,220 m
Altitude
Altitude and acclimatisation
Start
2,220 m
Highest night
3,187 m
Highest point
3,767 m
Know the warning signs before you go: Altitude sickness.
Fitness
How fit you need to be
Rated Hard. A fair benchmark before you go: jog 5 km in about 35 minutes, and manage a 4 to 5 hour hill walk with a pack.
What this trek asks of you, on the ACE scale from 0 to 5:
Take the Matchmaker to compare yourself against these scores, and use the 8-week plan to close any gaps. How ACE works.
Paperwork
Permits and paperwork
- Forest department permits for treks inside sanctuaries and national parks. Operators normally arrange them; carry original photo ID.
- Carry original government photo ID and a few photocopies.
- Rules and fees change. Ask your operator what's included and what you need to bring, two weeks before you go.
More detail: Permits and documents.
Kit
What to pack
For Pindari Glacier Trek in particular, on top of the standard layers:
- A warm down or synthetic jacket for nights near or below freezing
- Broken-in trekking shoes with ankle support, trekking poles, and a 25 to 35 litre daypack with a rain cover
The full list and how to layer: What to pack. The trek page has a tick-off checklist for this trek.
Safety
Safety on this trek
- Altitude is the main risk. Don't go higher with symptoms; descend if they get worse.
- Stay between the leader and the sweep, and respect the turnaround time on summit or pass days.
- Signal is scarce beyond the roadhead. Share your itinerary and your operator's emergency number with someone at home.
See also Trail craft and Insurance and emergencies.
Booking
Booking and cost
3 operators run this trek on Trail to Tides, from ₹14,000 to ₹14,500 per person. Prices usually cover the trek from the roadhead; check transport, permits and offloading.
- Indiahikes4.8₹14,000
- Trekup India4.3₹14,000
- Trek The Himalayas4.7₹14,500
What to ask before you pay: Choosing an operator.
Navigation
Offline map and GPX
Download the trail, with every overnight stop and its height, and load it on your phone before you lose signal.
Trail © OpenStreetMap contributors, via BRouter.
FAQ
Questions people ask
How difficult is the Pindari Glacier Trek?
It's rated Hard on Trail to Tides. A fair benchmark before you go: jog 5 km in about 35 minutes, and manage a 4 to 5 hour hill walk with a pack. The highest point is 3,650m, so pace and acclimatisation matter as much as fitness.
When is the best time for the Pindari Glacier Trek?
May–Jun, Sep–Oct. Spring: longer days and rhododendrons lower down. Snow can linger on high ground into May, and afternoons often bring cloud or a shower.
How many days does the Pindari Glacier Trek take?
6 days including travel to and from the trailhead, with 4 walking days. Add a buffer day for weather or road delays.
How do I reach the Pindari Glacier Trek?
Most groups meet in Kathgodam. Nearest airport: Pantnagar, or Delhi then train. Nearest railway: Kathgodam. Kathgodam to the roadhead beyond Bageshwar, about 9 to 10 hours.
How much does the Pindari Glacier Trek cost?
Listed operators charge from ₹14,000 to ₹14,500 per person. Check what's included: transport, permits, meals, tents and offloading vary.
Do I need a permit for the Pindari Glacier Trek?
Forest department permits for treks inside sanctuaries and national parks. Operators normally arrange them; carry original photo ID.
This guide is built from Trail to Tides' trek data, mapped trails and operator listings, and checked by our team. Conditions change with weather and seasons: your trek leader's call on the day always comes first.