Trekking is often regarded to be a fun and adventurous activity but at its core, it is also an activity that is important for your health and well-being. Many scientific studies show that trekking can reduce stress, improve cardiovascular strength, and fitness, and give an inner cleansing of your mind and body. Rest assured, its benefit is not limited to physical health but extends to mental health as well.
India has a lot of places where you can plan a trip for an adrenaline trekking session that will boost your mood and give you a fresh perspective of the world. One such invigorating and rejuvenating trekking session you need to experience at least once in your lifetime is the Pangarchulla Trek. Located in Uttarakhand’s Chamoli district in the Joshimath region, it is a high-altitude trekking area. You can engage in a trekking session of moderate level. You can explore majestic peaks, and gigantic boulders, and engage in long and vigorous trails as you trek along with the gorgeous and dense deodar forests.
Every drop of sweat you shed in this trek is worth it because you will also get a sight of leopards and Himalayan bears on this trip. Once you reach the hilltop, you will be greeted with a splendid and breathtaking view that will immediately fill you with a sense of serendipity. What’s more is that as you trek along, you can witness a diverse range of landscapes which makes your trekking sessions more varied and interesting.
Things to see:
- Soak your sight in the enchanting oak forests, stunning meadows, and splendid grasslands.
- Explore the Nanda Devi Sanctuary.
- You can also catch a glimpse of Mt. Nanda Devi, Hathi Parbat, Dronagiri, Chaukhamba, and more.
Suggested Itinerary
Day 1: Haridwar to Auli
You can travel to Haridwar by bus, train, or flight and from there, you can drive to Auli. During this drive, you will come across many scenic rivers. You can also stay at Auli overnight.
Day 2: Auli to Tali
You can hike on the meadows of Auli which pass through the Nanda Devi peak. You can trek along dense forests passing through a rich treasure of maple, deodar, oak, and chestnut trees, and then camp in Tali overnight.
Day 3: Tali to Kauri Pass
The trek from Tali to Kauri pass takes around three hours and in the middle, you can enjoy some breathtaking views. You can start trekking towards the Pangarchulla peak where you can witness the sight of a plethora of Himalayan ranges such as Kedarnath, Mana, Dronagiri, Chaukhamba, Kamet, and more. You can camp here overnight.
Day 4: Base Camp
You can start the trek towards the ridge and it is recommended to start the trek early in the morning so that you can walk on hard snow rather than on slippery roads. Once you start trekking towards the summit, you will catch the breathtaking views of several peaks like Trishul, Nanda Devi, and more. Enjoy a moment of solace as you let your soul engulf in the serenity of the place and once you feel relaxed, you can head to Khulara and stay there overnight.
Day 5: Khulara to Dhak
In the morning, you can head down to the road that links Joshimath to the Niti-Malari valley. You will reach a bustling marketplace called Dhak where you can indulge in some shopping sprees. Do not forget to buy some local items and souvenirs that will serve as a memory of your trip. Along the way, you will come across many picturesque villages and scenic forest stretches. You will also get a little glance at the local lifestyle. From here, you can drive to Auli and stay here overnight.
Day 6: Auli to Haridwar
This marks the end of your trekking session and once it is over, you can travel from Auli to Haridwar.
Best Season For The Pangarchulla Trek
The Pangarchulla Trek takes place in Uttarakhand’s Garhwal Himalayas and depending upon the tour package or guide you choose, the trip may last for 6-9 days. May to October is usually regarded as the best month to engage in the Pangarchulla Trek. During May, you can witness the melting of snow that slowly uncovers the green meadows that make the entire atmosphere feel calm and serene. Keep in mind that while the trekking level is generally considered to be moderate for the Pangarchulla Trek, the difficulty also depends upon the month you are visiting as the weather conditions can sometimes make it challenging for you to trek with ease.
Take note of:
- Ensure that you have adequate water to make sure you are hydrated throughout the trek.
- Keep some medical supplies handy in a small portable kit so that you can always be ready for any emergencies.
- Be sure to carry a trekking pole that can assist you while you are trekking.
- Invest in some boots that are specifically designed for trekkers so that you do not have to face any hassle while you are trekking since the Pangarchulla Trek can sometimes be difficult.
- Carry enough food supplies with you so that you do not run out of energy and nourishment while trekking. Steep climbing can get you exhausted so it is important to have the energy to keep going.
- Make sure you pack some warm clothes. Do not forget to carry waterproof and windproof jackets as the melting snow can get you drenched at times.
Trekking is a fun and enjoyable activity but it does not eliminate the fact that you must always engage in the activity taking care of the tiniest safety measures. For ensuring you have enough hydration to ensure you are equipped with the right trekking gear, a successful trekking trip occurs when you take into account all the necessities required to make it successful.
Final Thoughts
If you have been planning to go on a trekking trip with friends or family for a long time now, stop waiting and plan a Pangarchulla Trek already because once you experience this trekking session, you are sure to love life a little more and believe in the beauty of the world a bit more.
