Panchachuli Base Camp Trek Guide 2023: Highlights, Best Time and Itinerary
Table of Contents
ToggleTrek lovers have always been fascinated by the adventurous treks of the Eastern Kumaon region. One such famous peak is the Panchachuli peak. The Panchachuli base camp trek is a perfect option if you are looking for an easy option. Besides that, the Panchachuli peak also holds religious significance to it. The trek is filled with gushing streams, thick forest, conifers, and rich Flora and Fauna.
It starts from Almora and moves through Dharchula, Sobla, Tawaghat, Sela, Dhar, Balling, Duktu, and ends at Panchachuli. This trekking journey will take you to the beautiful Dharma Valley, offering you a view of Panchachuli peaks. The trek from Duktu to Panchachuli becomes a little challenging but perfect guidance and strategy are all you need to conquer it. You will also witness tribal villages of Bongling, Sela, Nagling, Balling, and Duktu. It’s a surreal experience to witness as a whole.
So mark this one on your next ‘to do’ wish list and make memories for a lifetime.
Where is Panchachuli Base Camp?
Panchachuli Base camp is located in the Kumaon regions of Uttarakhand. It is quite close to the Bugyal peak. You will have to walk through Song to reach the Base Camp. On your way, you will see wildflowers and wild strawberries growing on the side of the road. It’s so fascinating to watch them and walk between them. The steel climbing will slowly take you to the Panchachuli peak.
Best time to visit Panchachuli Base Camp
Summer and spring are the best seasons to visit Panchachuli Base Camp trek. The month of mid-March and mid-June have a favorable environment.
Also mid-September to late October has beautiful weather suitable for trekking.
Monsoon and winter are not at all favourable for trekking as monsoon brings the risk of landslides and winter to lead to a drop in temperature which makes it not suitable.
Panchachuli Base Camp Highlights
- Get a chance to meet with the tribal settlements of Tawaghat and the Sobla.
- On hand experience of trekking on narrow paths, bridges and cliff edge.
- Witness the beauty of waterfalls, valleys, Panchachuli peek and gushing streams
How To Reach Panchachuli Base Trek?
By Air:- The nearest airport is Pantnagar airport which is situated at 280 km from Dharchula. This is well connected to Delhi.
By Rail:- The nearby railway station is Kathgodam railway station situated to 265kms away from Dharchula. The railway station is well connected to major Indian cities.
By Road:- The nearest road is Dharchula. This is well communicated by major cities like Nainital, Kathgodam, Haldwani, Almora, Bageshwar, Munsiyari. You can take the respective bus or vehicle there.
Panchachuli Base Camp Itinerary
Day 01: Delhi – Kathgodam (By Train)
You will board your AC train from Kathgodam in the evening. It leaves from Delhi at 22:40 hrs.
Day 02: Kathgodam – Pithoragarh – Dharchula (265 kms/8-9 hrs)
You will arrive at Kathgodam early in the morning. From there take a cab to Dharchula via Pithoragarh. It will take until evening to reach there. Once you reach check to your hotel and take rest for the day. You can also explore the local area in the evening.
Read more: Pindari Glacier Trek
Day 03: Dharchula – Tawaghat – Sobla – Dhar
Take your breakfast and get ready to leave on a drive for Sobla via Tawaghat. From there you will start your trekking to Shar. Sobla serves as the starting point for this trek and also as an entrance to the Darma Valley. After reaching Dhar village you will set up your camps and stay there for the night.
Day 04: Dhar – Sela
Today shall be an easy day. You will cover half path uphill and half path downhill to Sela. Sounds fun right? After that set up your camps and rest there for the night.
Day 05: Sela – Balling
Get up and take your breakfast. Then get ready to head towards Balling. The route to balling is filled with adventure. Enjoy it to the fullest. Once you reach there, pitch up your camps, have your dinner, and stay for the night.
Day 06: Balling to Duktu/Dantu
Today you will be trekking to Duktu and Dantu. These are two side to side villages serving as the last human habitation of the Darma Valley. You will be spellbound by the view of Panch Chili peaks from there. You will also come across a beautiful meadow on the outskirts. After that set up your camps, take a good dinner and spend the night there.
Day 07: Duktu – Panch Chuli – Duktu
After taking your breakfast you will be heading off to Pancha Chuli glacier. From your Base camp at Duktu, you will get to see the Pancha Chuli glacier. Take in the view of stunning surroundings. After that trek your way back to the base camp at Duktu. Dine there and stay for the night.
Day 08: Duktu – Nagling
The following morning you will be trekking to Nagling down the hill. It’s a 5-hour walk filled with beautiful scenarios en-route.
Day 09: Nagling – Bungling
After you finish your breakfast you will trek down further to Bungling. It’s an easy downhill journey and a lot of fun. You will stay there for the night in your camps
Day 10: Bungling – Sobla – Dharchula
So you will trek down a distance of 5km today to reach Sobla. From Sobla you will be driving back to Dharchula. From their go-to your hotels. Get fresh and take your rest for the night.
Day 11: Dharchula – Kathgodam – Delhi
In the morning take your breakfast and drive back to Kathgodam. From there you will be boarding night train for Delhi. This shall be an overnight journey
Day 12: Arrive Delhi
Today morning you will arrive in Delhi. With this, your memorable journey comes to an end. So don’t be too upset and let’s meet soon on your next adventure. Wish you a happy and safe journey.
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