About the Panpatia Glacier:
Surrounded by legends and fables the Panpatia Glacier trek that takes you through Panpatia Col route requires endurance and willpower to get through harsh yet beautiful nature. Located between the holy shrines of Badrinath and Kedarnath, the region is rich with wondrous stories of ‘sadhus’ and sages who have lived here.
The journey kicks off from the holy Badrinath Shrine; a place where Shiva and Parvati are believed to have lived. Stay in charming campsites in alcoves, along lakesides and over flatlands on the way and enjoy walking through a trail that is well planned and fun at the same time. Marvel the magnificent peaks of Chaukhamba and Nanda Devi to finally come to a landscape that is as white as snow can be! Wherever your eyes go you can see the vast snow fields that have inspired many holy journeys!
About the Panpatia Glacier Trek:
Panpatia glacier reigns at a stunning altitude of 17,257 ft., and bridges two of India’s most revered pilgrimage sites, Kedarnath and Badrinath. Shrouded in haloes of myth and legends, the Panpatia Glacier trek shows you how beautiful as well as lethal nature can be. It takes you through a diverse terrain including high altitude passes, moraines, terrifying cliffs, and roaring streams. This trek borders on a Himalayan expedition granted the semi-technical mountaineering techniques that are required. The most alluring lore that veiled the trek was that in ancient times, priests and sages could cover the trek from Badrinath to Kedarnath in just a day!
One of the most challenging treks in Uttarakhand, the Panpatia Glacier trek puts your stamina and determination to test. The trail of the Panpatia Glacier trek originates from Badrinath, landing eventually at Nilkanth Khal. It harbours some of the most scenic campsites and meadows perched along the serene banks of glacial lakes. It unfolds a carpet of vibrant floral species that captivate the senses. The view opens to mighty Himalayan behemoths like Nilkantha, Chaukhamba, Nanda Devi, Kunaling, and Balakun.
Catch breathtaking glimpses of the snout of the actual glacier and Panpatia plateau. This trek is enjoyed best during the summer and autumn months.
Though the trail is rugged in some sections and laden with loose stones, crevasses and icefalls, no other trek holds a candle to the beauty and the panoramic views of its Himalayan neighbours. Also, walking on an actual glacier is petrifying, no doubt, but is also ten times more exhilarating! Lose yourself amidst myth, lores, and a devastatingly beautiful Himalayan heaven as your eyes feast on the magnetic snowy views, and your soul sways in the alluring wilderness
Quick Facts about Panpatia Glacier Trek:
Region:- Garhwal, Uttarakhand
Duration of the Panpatia Glacier Trek: 13D (including a contingency day) /12N
Activities: Trekking, Climbing, Camping
Highest Altitude: 5260 Mt.
Temperature Range: 10 to12 Degrees (night), 24 to 25 degrees (daytime)
Best Time:- April to June & September to October
Panpatia Glacier Trek Difficulty Level: Moderate To Challenging.
Panpatia Glacier trek leans towards the challenging side of Himalayan treks, and requires semi technical knowledge of mountaineering. You trek everyday for 7 hours on an average, which demands exceptional physical fitness.
Begin by jogging 5 km everyday to improve cardiovascular endurance and stamina. Regulate 3 sets of squats with 20 reps per set to strengthen your knees. If you can jog 5 km within 20-25 minutes, you’re fit for the trek. Also try some push ups to improve muscle strength.
Yes, diamox is advisable here, as the trek pushes you to extreme high altitudes. Although diamox is a preventive measure and not a cure for AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness), it will aid the process of acclimatization. Please remember to drink a minimum of 3-4 litres of water per day to avoid dehydration.
If you experience symptoms of AMS, which include headache and nausea, inform your trek leader without any delay. Trek leaders always carry medical kits and well equipped oxygen cylinders for emergency situations.
The Panpatia glacier is located in the Himalayas, Garhwal region. It is considered as the highest passes in the world. The path is known for its pilgrimage tour of Kedarnath and Badrinath. Thousands of devotees take this route every year.
Once on the Panpatia glacier trek, you realize how magnificent and dangerous nature can be. Some parts of the trek, you may come across loose soil, icefalls, rocks, and crevasses. Hence, it is also known as the labyrinth of Himalayas.
You can reach the Panpatia trek through all modes of transportation.
By Air
The nearest airport to here is the Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun. For further destinations you can book a cab or bus.
By Train
If you are planning to travel by train, then you can board a train to Haridwar, which is located around 300kms away from Panpatia glacier. You will then have to reach your final destination by road.
By Road
Since this is a pilgrim route, the roads are well-maintained, and during snow, it is plowed too. By road, you have to use NH 58 and cross well-known places like Rishikesh, Joshimath, Haridwar, and Dehradun (NH 58)
The Panpatia glacier is located at an altitude of 17,257 feet or 5260 meters. Hence, trekkers must prepare themselves a few months in advance before planning to come down over here. Once you have booked your travel to Panpatia glacier trek, you may want to perform several physical activities and monitor your endurance capabilities.
Having some knowledge about the Himalayan mountains can be an added advantage. Remember, you need to trek on tough terrain for at least 6-7 hours a day. The ideal way to begin preparation is to jog a few kilometers a day.
One must also improve the stamina by squatting and climbing 50 steps a day. Your knee strength, overall body condition, and ability to walk without much water should be tested during the few months before you actually decide to trek.
Your Panpatia trek can be a successful adventure when you carry the right gear as per its weather condition. Since this is a 17,257 feet mountain having the right kind of clothing, equipment, and oxygen cylinder is crucial.
So, make sure to carry along following items:
-Comfortable clothes like shirts, t-shirts, trousers, track pants
-Woollen clothes like sweaters, jackets, full-sleeves, thermal inner wear and other similar
-Waterproof and windproof jackets, raincoats or poncho
-Woollen cap, scarf, mittens, woollen socks (additional pair is suggested)
-Good quality trekking/hiking shoes Flashlights with extra pair of power cells and bulb
-Caps or hats, sunglasses and camera (if required)
-Sunscreen lotion or any other skin moisturisers
-Personal toiletries and basic medications (if any)
-A diary and a pen; books in case you love reading Insect repellent and an emergency first-aid kit
The temperature at this altitude is usually cold and freezing during the winter months. The daytime temperature is around 20 degrees, and the night is colder. Since it is only bound to become colder as you trek higher, you need a few layers of clothing.
You can visit the glacier during the months of April and June, and September to October. The post-monsoon would be the ideal time because you not only get to trek peacefully without rain but also get some fantastic sights.
We are talking about trekking on a 17,257 feet mountain. Hence, it can be difficult when you do not have proper training at times. However, it does not have to be impossible. You would be amazed to know that legendary mountaineers Tilman and Shipton made their successful Panpatia glacier trek attempt during 1934 with some difficulty.
The minimum age to trek is 18 years. Young children, senior citizens, and people physically unfit are not allowed because it tests your mental and physical endurance.
No, this trek is suitable for advanced level trekkers. The starting age of doing the Panpatia glacier trek is 18 years. If you are less than 18 years, then you cannot participate in the trek, which is at a massive 17,257 feet.
Though local guides are there to help and guide you, ensure that you place your footings, and avoid loose soil.
Yes, it is entirely safe to do the Panpatia glacier trek by yourself. You could be a solo woman traveler too. You have no reason to fear or worry. Usually, families book the trek, and many women take part in it. The trekking is done in batches of 10-14 people, mostly along with the guides.
The guides are experienced mountaineers who are also trained in providing primary medical care and attention. If at all, you fall sick during the trek, you will be offered prompt medical attention. You are advised not to travel during the rainy season that is usually between months of July to August.
Please listen to your guide and instructor before trekking and avoid drinking during the time. At nighttime, do not venture outside alone. If you are a photo enthusiast, then please talk to the guide about safe spots before clicking photos.
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