Descriptions

Pindari and Kafni Glacier Trek is the complete journey that an adventurous group of people should look for. Pindari glacier trek with Kafni glacier trek is a perfect combination of two of the most popular and scenic treks in the Kumaon region. This trek offers great views of the famous peaks and sometimes a small walk to the glaciers. In this trek, you hike with the beautiful views all around and the final destinations are the glaciers, You get enough time to traverse through the glaciers.

Day by day you go closer to the Pindari & Kafni Glaciers with slowly ascending and covering the hospitality of the local village, some of them are big such as the Khati village where you can pay and enjoy the electricity through generators. This trek will pass you through the dense forest of Rhododendron and Oak, you will be crossing the wooden bridges, you walk with the stream, and at some part of the trek, you cross the frozen stream.

The route also holds an ancient history, as the route was used as a trade route between India and Tibet for centuries. The First Deputy Commissioner of Kumaon, GW Traill, studied a shorter path from Pindari Glacier to Martoli in Milam Valley in 1830.

The Pindari Glacier Trek route takes you through the Pindari icefall and over Traill's Pass (17,700 feet). The explorations of Schlagintweits (1850), Ruttledge (1926), the Japanese Mt. Nanda Kot Expedition team (1936), Osmaston and the surveyors (1938), Arnold Heim (1937), and S.S Khera followed (1941).

This trek is best suited for a group of friends and also good for the families and you can bring your children to this trek as the trek will never ask for a very perfect fitness standard.

About the Pindari Glacier

The Pindari Glacier is a valley glacier located in the Kumaon Himalayas of Uttarakhand, situated at the southern edge of the Nanda Devi Sanctuary. It lies between the peaks of Nanda Kot (22,510 ft) and Nanda Bhanar (21,709 ft), at an altitude of approximately 12,000 ft at the accessible Zero Point.

The "Zero Point" is the closest accessible point to the glacier face for trekkers. About 1 km before reaching it, you pass the famous tea hut of a local sadhu — a beloved trail institution that has served countless trekkers with chai and warmth. On clear mornings at the Zero Point, the peaks of Nanda Kot, Nanda Bhanar, and Nandakhat are visible with remarkable clarity.

About the Kafni Glacier

Situated at 12,664 ft (3,860 m), the Kafni Glacier sits in a narrower and quieter valley than Pindari, receiving far fewer trekkers. The approach from Dwali passes through forest before the trail opens dramatically onto the wide ice face of the glacier, set beneath the towering Nanda Kot (22,510 ft).

Many trekkers find Kafni to be the more immersive glacier experience of the two — wilder, more immediate, and with fewer crowds. Camping at the Kafni Glacier on Day 6 is one of the most memorable nights of the entire trek.

Khati Village: The Last Inhabited Settlement Before the Glaciers

At 7,250 ft on the banks of the Pindar River, Khati is the largest village on the route and the last significant settlement before the glaciers begin. Here you can find basic tea shops, charge power banks at the village generator (extra charge applies), and interact with locals who have deep knowledge of the terrain.

Many of the porters, cooks, and guides on treks in this region come from Khati and surrounding villages. Their knowledge of seasonal trail conditions, glacier behaviour, and mountain weather is irreplaceable. Shopping early from Dehradun is recommended as there are no ATMs beyond Bageshwar.

Best Time for Pindari & Kafni Glacier Trekking

Mid-March to mid-June is the greatest time to explore the Pindari glacier because it is summer and the Pindari Glacier weather stays pleasant for hikers. This trek can also be enjoyed from September to late October, as it is the spring season.

Trekkers should avoid the months of June to September because of severe rain, road closures, and, in the worst-case scenario, landslides. Because it will be unpleasant and dangerous during the rainy season, the trek will be closed.

What's the Temperature at Pindari & Kafni Glacier Trek?

During the months of April and May, the temperature at your campsites will range from 15°C to 20°C during the day and 7° to 2°C at night.

During the months from September to November, the pindari glacier temperature ranges around 15°C to 10°C during the day and 5°C to -5°C at the night.

Pindari & Kafni Glacier Trek Difficulty Level

The Pindari Glacier Trek is an easy hike in Uttarakhand's Kumaon area. The journey has well-defined paths with only one minor pass crossing and has everything an avid hiker expects in a trek. For starters, there are flat hikes through tranquil rhododendron forests, which are home to a variety of rare birds. Then there are the many mountain ridges, spider walls, and stream crossings to contend with.

Besides, the Kumaon Himalayas is home to a landscape that has inspired numerous artists, and is undoubtedly a pleasure for all trekkers and mountaineers. The Pindari Glacier walk is one of those hikes that will leave you speechless as you take in the scenery. You can also go on a tour of the local villages to learn more about their culture and traditions. Stunning water bodies and attractive wooden bridges add to the allure of the walk, making it even more enjoyable.

Program

Day 1: Kathgodam to Loharkhet:

Drive: 180 km (6-7 hours)
Altitude: 5,777 ft
Stay Type: Stay in a guest house on a sharing basis.
Meal Included: Dinner

• Take a shared cab from Kathgodam to Loharkhet, it will take around 6-7 hours to complete this journey.
• During the drive, you will pass through the Almora and the Bhageshwar town. You can also stop for a quick visit to the Bhagnath Temple.
• Post reaching Loharkhet, head to the allocated guest house, and rest for the day.

Day 2: Loharkhet to Dhakuri

Trek: 10 km (4-5 hours)
Altitude: 8,792 ft
Stay Type: Stay in tents on a sharing basis
Meal Included: Breakfast - Lunch - Evening Snacks - Dinner

• Wake up to the fresh morning, have your breakfast, and get ready for a trek to Dhakuri.
  The trail to Dhakuri is quite steep through the dense forest. It is an easy hike.
• Pay heed to the trek guide and reach the Dhakuri Khal from there a few km to Dhakuri campsite.
  The view of the snowcapped peaks of the southern wall of the Nanda Devi Sanctuary is visible from the campsite.
• Have your meals at the campsite and retire for the day.

Day 3: Dhakuri to Khati

Trek: 9 km (4-5 hours)
Altitude: 7,250 ft
Stay Type: Stay in tents on a sharing basis
Meal Included: reakfast - Lunch - Evening Snacks - Dinner

• Wake up to a southern wall of Nanda Devi Peak, have your breakfast, and get ready for the trek.
• The trail will pass through the thick forest of Rhodederon, towards the last big village on the route to Kafni and Pindari glacier.
• You can charge your power banks here after an extra amount to run the generators.
• The Khati is situated on the banks of the Pindar river, situated at an elevation of 7,2500 ft.
• Post reaching the campsite, enjoy your hot meals, and retire for the day.

Day 4: Khati to Phurkia

Trek: 16 km (7-8 hours)
Altitude: 10,662 ft
Stay Type: Stay in tents on a sharing basis
Meal Included: Breakfast - Lunch - Evening Snacks - Dinner

• Wake up early, have your breakfast, and start your trek to Phurkia.
• The trail goes along the Pindari river, you cross two wooden bridges. Also, you can go for some munchings on the way as you will find some Dhabas on the way.
• You reach Dwali, rest for a while, and have your lunch there. Dwali is situated at an altitude of 8,448 ft.
• The 5 km trail to Phurkia will be a steep ascend, you cross the frozen stream with diminishing forests.
• A few km before Phurkia, you will be welcomed by a beautiful waterfall, rest here for a while and start again.
• Reach Phurkia, situated at an altitude of 10,662 ft, and offering great views of the snow-capped mountains. Head to the campsite and with hot meals retire for the day.

Day 5: Phurkia to Zero Point to Dwali

Trek: 15 km(7-8 Hours)
Altitude: 12,000 ft and and to 8,448 ft
Stay Type: Stay in tents on a sharing basis
Meal Included: Breakfast - Lunch - Evening Snacks - Dinner

• Wake up early to a chilly morning, have your breakfast, and get ready for a trek to the Zero Point of Pindari Glacier.
• Today you walk over the rocky patch with small boulders hopping, you must start early to spend more time at the Zero Point.
• 1 km before the Zero Point, spot the famous Babaji’s house who serves food to the trekkers who made it till the point.
• Capture memories at the Zero Point, and give your try to walk over the Pindari Glacier. After spending enough time start again and head back to Dwali campsite.
• The route back is mostly descending and well known to you, reach the Dwali campsite, and with hot meals retire for the day.

Day 6: Dwali to Kafni Glacier

Trek: 12 km(6-7 hours)
Altitude: 12,664 ft
Stay Type: Stay in tents on a sharing basis
Meal Included: Breakfast - Lunch - Evening Snacks - Dinner

• Wake up to a great morning, have your breakfast and get ready for a trek to Kafni Glacier.
• The trail today will be mostly ascending, you cross the forest section and walk over the rocky patch.
• The Kafni glacier is situated on the left of Pindar Valley, the major Himalayan peaks available from the glaciers are Nanda Kot and Nanda Bhanar.
• The wide view of the Kafni glacier will be willing you to spend some time there, find a flat surface, and pitch your tents there.
• With hot meals enjoy the views of the Kafni glacier and overnight at the camps.

Day 7: Kafni Glacier to Dwali

Trek: 12km (6-7 hours)
Altitude: 8,448 ft
Stay Type: Stay in tents on a sharing basis
Meal Included: Breakfast - Lunch - Evening Snacks - Dinner

• Wake up to a chilly morning at the Kafni Glacier, have your breakfast, and get ready to trek back to Dwali.
• Enjoy the one last time at the Kafni Glacier, capture the Majestic views and, descend back.
• The return journey is the same as of Day 6, so you get extra time to visit the locations which you might have missed.
• Reach the Dwali campsite and with hot meals end the day in the tents.

Day 8: Dwali to Khati to Dhakuri

Trek: 20 km(7-8 Hours)
Altitude: 8,792 ft
Stay Type: Stay in tents on a sharing basis
Meal Included: Breakfast - Lunch - Evening Snacks - Dinner

• Wake to an early breakfast, and start the trek back to Dhakuri village.
• The trail through climbs and descents will take you to Dhakuri, today you will be covering 20 km, so keep a lookout for the pace.
• The trail is well known to you, you cross various dense forest and the small streams, also the local livelihood around. Have your meals at the respective rest points.
• Reach the Dhakuri campsite and after a tiring day enjoying the warm hospitality of the village, rest for the day at the campsite.

Day 9: Dhakuri to Loharkhet and Drive to Kathgodam

Trek: 10 km (4-5 Hours)
Altitude: 5,777 ft
Drive: 180 km
Meal Included: Breakfast

• Wake up to a great and the last trek morning of the Pindari and Kafni Glacier trek. Have your breakfast and head back to Lohakhet.
• The trail today is mostly descending and easy and will take around 4 hours to complete.
• Post reaching the Loharkhet campsite, head to the shared cab and start your drive back to Kathgodam.

How to Reach

• Air: Take a flight to Pantnagar Airport and take a shared cab to Kathgodam which is just 32 km away.
• Road: Volvo transfers are available from Delhi to Kathgodam, It takes around 6 hrs to reach.
• Rail: Book a train to Kathgodam railway station and take a shared cab to Loharkhet.

Before booking a cab or bus to or from Loharkhet, it is advisable to contact the trek operator first as they have the local transport facility running which usually borne and shared between the trekkers.

Price & Inclusions

On Request

Inclusion Details

1. You will be greeted by our trek team on your arrival at Loharkhet.
2. All stays included from Loharkhet to Dhakuri on sharing basis:

 (i) Guest house on day 1

 (ii) Tents from Day 2 to 8

3. All meals included from Day 1 dinner to Day 9 breakfast. Vegetarian meals will be served throughout the trek.
4. Skilled local staff who have ample knowledge of the route
5. Hot water in buckets can be provided on request depending on availability, while staying at guest houses only.
6. All trek essentials included–

 (i) Accommodation - tents, sleeping bags, sleeping mats etc

 (ii) Safety equipment - microspikes, gaiters as per requirements and basic first aid kit with a portable oxygen cylinder.

 (iii) Permit - forest and camping fee included.

Exclusion

The above trek charges does not include the GST charges (5%).

2. Personal essentials -

(i) Equipment - Gumboots, trekking poles, etc.

(ii) Insurance - Personal and travel insurances.

(iii) Beverage - Mineral water bottles/bottled or canned beverages

(iv) Snacks - Chocolate, dry fruits, protein or nutrition bar.

(v) Entertainment - Camera or drone fees.

3. Transportation - The charges of transportation on day 1 and 9 are to be borne and shared between the trekkers.
4. In case if your trek remains incomplete or uninitiated because of "force majeure", medical emergency or by personal choice after you arrive at the starting point, you will not be able to get refund, reschedule or replace any services that remain unutilized by you.
5. Anything which is not included in Inclusion.

FAQ's

Q1. How difficult is the Pindari & Kafni Glacier Trek?

This trek is rated Easy to Moderate. The trails are well-defined, the altitude gain is gradual over 9 days, and there are no technical glacier crossings or roped sections required. It is one of Uttarakhand's most accessible glacier treks — suitable for families, first-time trekkers, and reasonably fit senior citizens.

Q2. What is the best time for the Pindari Kafni Glacier Trek?

Mid-March to June and September to October are ideal. April–May is excellent for rhododendron blooms and pleasant temperatures. September–October offers clear post-monsoon skies with outstanding mountain views. Avoid mid-June to August (heavy monsoon — trail erosion and landslide risk on approach roads) and December–March (trails inaccessible due to snow).

Q3. What is the Pindari Glacier Zero Point?

Zero Point (12,000 ft) is the terminal face of the Pindari Glacier — the closest accessible point to the glacier ice for trekkers on this route. About 1 km before reaching it, you pass the famous tea hut of a local sadhu, a beloved trail landmark. From Zero Point, peaks including Nanda Kot, Nanda Bhanar, and Nandakhat are visible on clear mornings.

Q4. How is Kafni Glacier different from Pindari Glacier?

Kafni Glacier (12,664 ft) sits in a narrower, quieter valley than Pindari and receives far fewer trekkers. The approach is more dramatic — a rocky trail opens suddenly onto the wide ice face beneath Nanda Kot (22,510 ft). Many trekkers find Kafni to be the more immersive glacier experience of the two. Camping at the glacier on Day 6 is a highlight of the entire trek.

Q5. Is this trek suitable for first-timers?

Yes. The Pindari & Kafni Glacier Trek is one of the most recommended glacier treks in India for first-time Himalayan trekkers. Basic fitness is required — the ability to walk 8–12 km per day with a daypack. No prior trekking experience is mandatory, but 4–6 weeks of regular walking or cardio preparation is advisable.

Q6. Is the trek suitable for families with children?

Yes. Children aged 10 and above can comfortably complete the trek. The route has no technical sections and daily distances are manageable for young, active children. The camping experience and Khati village visits make it an excellent family adventure.

Q7. How long is the Pindari & Kafni Glacier Trek?

The full package is 9 Days / 8 Nights, starting and ending at Kathgodam. Trekking days run from Day 2 (Loharkhet to Dhakuri) to Day 9 (Dhakuri to Loharkhet). The longest single trekking day is Day 8 at 20 km.

Q8. What permits are needed?

Forest and camping permits are required and are included in the package fee. No Inner Line Permit is required for Indian nationals. Carry valid government photo ID (Aadhaar or Passport) throughout the trek.

Q9. What is Traill's Pass and is it part of this trek?

Traill's Pass (17,700 ft / 5,396 m) is a historically significant high-altitude pass above the Pindari icefall, documented by G.W. Traill in 1830. It is mentioned in the Description section as part of the route's historical significance. It is NOT part of this standard Pindari–Kafni Glacier Trek — this package reaches only the Pindari Glacier Zero Point at 12,000 ft.

Q10. Can I see Nanda Devi from this trek?

The southern peaks of the Nanda Devi Sanctuary — including Nanda Kot, Nanda Bhanar, and Nandakhat — are visible from the Dhakuri Pass viewpoint (Day 2), Phurkia campsite (Day 4), and most clearly from the Kafni Glacier (Day 6). Nanda Devi's main summit is deeper in the sanctuary but the surrounding peaks offer outstanding views on clear days.

Q11. Are there tea stalls or dhabas on the trail?

Yes. Basic tea stalls and small dhabas are available at Dhakuri, Khati, and Dwali. Khati has the most options. The famous sadhu's tea hut 1 km before Pindari Zero Point is a well-known stop for every trekker on this route.

Q12. How do I reach the trek starting point, Loharkhet?

Loharkhet is 180 km from Kathgodam (6–7 hours by road via Almora and Bageshwar). The nearest airport is Pantnagar Airport (32 km from Kathgodam). The nearest railway station is Kathgodam, well connected from Delhi (7–8 hours). Day 1 of the trek is a drive from Kathgodam to Loharkhet — transport is shared among the group and arranged by Himalayan Holidays.

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