Pangarchulla Peak Trek

The Pangarchulla Trek, nestled in the mesmerizing landscapes of Chamoli, Uttarakhand, India, situated in the Garhwal Himalayas, offers breathtaking views of towering peaks, lush forests, and vibrant meadows.

Pangarchulla Peak is also known as the ‘chimney peak’ of India. It stands tall at the high altitude of 15,069 ft (4575m) above sea level. The Pangarchulla trekking distance is 40 km.

You could catch a glimpse of the neighboring peaks like Mount Dronagiri ( 7066 m ), Nanda Devi ( India's second-highest peak - 7816 m ), Hathi-Ghori Parbat ( 6,727 m and 6,708 m respectively ), Chaukhamba ( 7138 m ), Neelkanth ( 6,597 ), you also get a sight of Kamet, Mana, Mandir, Barmatia, Lampak I and II, Mt. Trishul (7,120 m) and Nandaghunti (6,309 m) while scaling the pangarchulla peak trail.

This trek is not only a test of endurance but also an opportunity to connect with nature and experience the serene beauty of one of India's most stunning regions. And, If you are lucky, you might get to spot the footprints of either the Himalayan Bear or Leopard.

Trek Details

• Pickup Point on Day 1- Natraj Chowk or Tapovan, Rishikesh
• Departure time on Day 1- 6 am
• Drop Point on Day 7- Natraj Chowk or Tapovan, Rishikesh
• Arrival time on Day 7- 6 pm
• Base Camp- Joshimath/Lower Auli
• Cloakroom: There is no separate cloakroom available. You can hand over your luggage to our team and collect it while returning. We will be keeping it safely at Joshimath/Lower Auli in the same Homestay.
• The cab service is not included in the package and is optional. Trekkers can use personal or public transport to reach Joshimath.
• The shared vehicle will be a Tata Sumo, Bolero, or similar and may be shared with a few other local passengers. The cab will be arranged from Rishikesh to Joshimath/Lower Auli and back.
• We charge Rs.1200/- per person on each side per person.
• Trekkers may choose to travel by bus or local cab to reach Joshimath.
• The forest permits for international clients will be as actual and are to be paid by the trekker at the base camp only.

How to reach Pangarchulla?

By Air

The nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport, in Dehradun, which is only 35 km away from Rishikesh.

By Rail

The nearest railway station is Haridwar Railway Station. It has direct connectivity with all the major cities of India such as Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad, Jaipur, and Indore. However, it lacks a direct link with the minor cities in India.

From Delhi- DDN NZM AC EXPRESS (2205)

From Kolkata- Doon Express (13009)

From Mumbai- Dehradun Express (19019)

From Chennai- Dehradun Express (12687)

By Road

It's advised to take a bus from Delhi in order to travel to Rishikesh by road. You should start your journey by arriving in Delhi first. From there, you can catch a bus to Rishikesh from Kashmere Gate ISBT. Numerous options are available, including regular AC buses and Non-AC buses. The fare for an AC bus ticket is approximately Rs. 800.

You can also consider using government buses like UPSRTC or Uttarakhand Parivahan Nigam. They are generally more reliable and efficient.

Haridwar is well connected through many Highways. Rishikesh is only 24 km away from Haridwar. One can reach Haridwar also from Delhi and from Haridwar travel to Rishikesh via local mode of transport like Bus and shared taxis.

How to Reach Rishikesh from Haridwar via Nepali Farm -

Nepali Farm is a tri-junction point on the highway between Haridwar and Rishikesh. It is situated a bit away from Haridwar, after the Raiwala and Motichur forest range.

For trekkers traveling from Haridwar to Rishikesh via bus or local transport, you may need to change vehicles at Nepali Farm. From Nepali Farm, you can catch a bus to either Rishikesh or Dehradun.

Rishikesh is approximately 7-10 km away from Nepali farm. To reach Dehradun from Haridwar, take a left turn at the T-point and follow the road to Doiwala.

Additionally, shared taxis and auto rickshaws are available along the highway for a more flexible travel option.

Best time to do The Pangarchulla Trek

The Pangarchulla peak trek is best undertaken in March and April, and again in October and November.

Pangarchulla Trek in March and April

March and April are considered the spring season. Spring brings moderately warm days and cool nights, with remnants of winter snow adding excitement to the Pangarchulla summit challenge. This season also marks the blooming of local flora, filling the Himalayan landscape with vibrant flowers and lush green meadows.

While the melting snow can make certain sections of the trail slippery, clear weather ensures excellent visibility, offering trekkers stunning views of the surrounding peaks.

During the summer months of April and May, temperatures range from 12 to 20 degrees Celsius during the day, dropping as low as -5 degrees at night. Snow can accumulate in the high-altitude meadows and at the summit.

Pangarchulla Trek in October and November

In October and November, the Pangarchulla Trek offers a unique experience. The weather is crisp and clear, making for enjoyable trekking conditions. Daytime temperatures are cool, while nights can be quite cold, often dropping near freezing.

After the monsoon, the landscape is lush, with the potential for vibrant autumn colors. However, trekkers should be prepared for colder temperatures, especially at higher altitudes, and carry appropriate gear for a comfortable journey.

Temperatures range from 7 degrees Celsius to 9 degrees Celsius during the day, dropping as low as -1 degrees at night.

Pangarchulla Trek In December

As December progresses, the snowfall becomes more abundant, and the encrusted snow will make navigation difficult. Thus, Pangarchulla peak is not accessible once it snows in the region. Generally for December, January and February. Further to that, the Pangarchulla peak summit is positioned at 4,550 m/14,925 ft., which is quite a high altitude. In the winter, expect knee-deep snow towards the summit hence, undoubtedly it is grueling.

Pangarchulla Trek Difficulty: What to Expect

While the Pangarchulla peak trek is a challenging trek and requires prior experience and a good level of fitness.

This particular trek requires more endurance and physical and mental strength. It is usually classified as a moderate to difficult trek considering the different terrains you have got to grips with.

The path is rocky and steep, often covered with thick snow and accompanied by rain, depending on the weather conditions. Fitness must be a top priority and a stout heart is a prerequisite.

The technical difficulty of this trek and the gradients make it a perfect training ground for novices. If you have attempted a few treks before, this shouldn't be much of an inconvenience. You will begin at an altitude of 7000 ft approx and trek until you reach the highest point i.e. 14,700 ft.

Is Pangarchulla Trek safe?

The Pangarchulla Peak Trek's difficulty stems primarily from its terrains and routes. Until the Khullara campsite, the trek follows the Kuari Pass route, which is relatively safe.

The protruding stretch from Tali to Gorson Bugyal is considered as one of the more difficult sections. This trek's summit climb is difficult and exhausting, making this journey thrilling.

The victory of your strenuous summit climb will be determined by your ability to handle these tricky sections with physical and mental prowess.