Panwali Kantha Trek
5 Days
40 Km
10,800FT
18+
Moderate
The Panwali Kantha Trek is a breathtaking offbeat trek in Uttarakhand, known for its rolling alpine meadows, panoramic Himalayan views, and rich biodiversity. Located at an altitude of 11,500 ft, this trek offers stunning vistas of Nanda Devi, Trishul, Chaukhamba, and Kedarnath peaks. The trail takes you through dense forests, quaint villages, and lush green pastures, where you can spot Himalayan musk deer and Bharal (blue sheep). With seasonal wildflowers and winter snow, the trek is a delight in every season, making it a great choice for both beginners and seasoned trekkers.
Why This Trek?
- Spectacular Himalayan Views: Enjoy unobstructed views of Kedarnath, Chaukhamba, and Nanda Devi peaks.
- High-Altitude Meadows: Walk through vast green pastures that turn into a snowy wonderland in winter.
- Rich Wildlife & Flora: Spot Himalayan deer, blue sheep, and vibrant rhododendrons along the trail.
- Serene & Less Crowded: A perfect trek for those seeking solitude and untouched natural beauty.
- Suitable for All Seasons: A great trek for both summer wildflower lovers and winter snow seekers.
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Panwali Kantha Trek
Complete Trek Information
The best time for the Panwali Kantha Trek is May to June for lush green meadows and blooming flowers, while September to November offers clear post-monsoon skies and excellent mountain views. Winter (December to February) transforms the trek into a snow-covered paradise, ideal for those who love winter trekking. However, monsoon (July-August) is not recommended due to slippery trails and heavy rains.
By Flight
The nearest airport to Rishikesh is Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun, located about 20 kilometers away. This airport is well-connected to major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and Bangalore through regular flights. Upon arrival at the airport, you can take a taxi, which takes approximately 45 minutes to reach Rishikesh. Alternatively, local buses might be available but are less frequent.
By Train
Rishikesh has its railway station, Rishikesh Railway Station, which is conveniently located in the city. While this station handles limited trains, the nearby Haridwar Junction, just 25 kilometers away, offers excellent connectivity to major cities like Delhi, Kolkata, and Mumbai. From Haridwar, you can hire a taxi or take a local bus to Rishikesh, which takes around 30–45 minutes. Trains like the Yoga Express and Dehradun Express are popular choices for travelers.
By Bus
Rishikesh is well-connected by road, and buses are a convenient option. From Delhi, which is about 240 kilometers away, both private and state-run Volvo buses operate from Kashmiri Gate ISBT. The journey takes approximately 6–7 hours, depending on traffic conditions. Additionally, regular buses from nearby cities like Dehradun and Haridwar make reaching Rishikesh easy and affordable.
Pack smart, trek safe!
Ensure you're prepared for every adventure with this essential checklist of gear and supplies. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned trekker, the right equipment makes all the difference. Download checklist's pdf here
Basic Gear
| Backpack with Rain Cover | (40 - 50 ltr) Comfortable Shoulder Straps |
| Day pack with Rain Cover | 20 - 30 ltr (If off-load opted) |
| Walking stick | Advisable (At least one) |
| Water Bottle / Hydration pack | 2 Bottles(1 liter each), Hydration Pack 1 (Pack) + Bottle |
| Small size tiffin/lunch box | 1 Nos |
| Snacks | Energy bars, dry fruits, electral/ors |
| Personal Medical Kit | Consult your doctor |
Clothing
| T-Shirt (Synthetic quick dry) | 1 Full & 1 Half sleeves |
| Fleece T-shirt | 1 Nos |
| Wind stopper / Fleece jacket | 1 Nos |
| Windproof Jacket | 1 Nos |
| Down feather / Hollow jacket | 1 Nos |
| Thermal inner (Upper and Lower) | 1 Nos |
| Trek Pant (Synthetic quick dry) | 1 Nos |
| Wind stopper / Fleece Pant | Not required |
| Waterproof gloves | Not required |
| Fleece / woollen gloves | 1 Pair |
| Poncho / waterproof Jacket and pant | 1 Nos |
Head Gears
| Head torch | 1 Nos. (Avoid Hand torch) |
| Sun cap | 1 Nos. (One that covers the neck as well) |
| Woolen cap | 1 Nos. |
| Balaclava | Not required |
| Buff / Neck-gaiters | 1 Nos |
| Sunglasses | UV with dark side cover, People who wear spectacles - (A)- Use contact lenses | (B)- Photo chromatic glasses |
Foot Gears
| Trekking shoes | 1 Pair (Waterproof, high ankle with good grip) |
| Floaters / flip-flops | 1 Pair |
| Cotton socks | 6 pairs |
| Woollen socks | 1 pairs |
| Gaiters | 1 Pair (provides when required) |
| Micro spikes | 1 Pair (provides when required) |
Personal Utilities
| Sunscreen cream | 1 Nos |
| Moisturiser | 1 Nos |
| Chap-stick / Lip balm | 1 Nos |
| Toothbrush and toothpaste | 1 Nos |
| Toilet paper & Wipes | 1 Nos |
| Soap / hand sanitizers | 1 Nos |
| Antibacterial powder | 1 Nos |
| Quick dry towel | 1 Nos |
At Scoutripper, we understand that plans can change. You can reschedule your booking up to 24 hours before your experience begins. Changes are subject to availability and any applicable price adjustments. Rest easy knowing your adventure is flexible!
At Scoutripper, we value flexibility but also adhere to clear cancellation guidelines:
- Full Refund: Cancel at least 6 full days before the experience starts.
- 50% Refund: Cancel between 2 and 6 full days before the start time.
- No Refund: Cancellations made less than 2 full days before the experience start time will not be refunded.
Additionally:
- Changes are not accepted less than 2 full days before the experience begins.
- Cut-off times are based on the local time of the experience.
- Some experiences require a minimum number of participants. If the minimum isn’t met, you’ll receive a full refund or the option to reschedule.
Enjoy peace of mind with our clear and transparent policies!
Mobile Network & Internet:
- Last mobile network coverage is available in Ghuttu (BSNL and Jio).
- No network connectivity beyond Ghuttu during the trek.
- No internet access on the trail, so inform family beforehand.
ATMs & Cash Availability:
- Last ATMs are in Ghansali and Uttarkashi, but cash may run out.
- Best option: Withdraw cash in Rishikesh or Dehradun before heading to the trek.
- Carry at least ₹3,000-₹5,000 in cash for transport, rentals, and personal expenses.
Electricity & Charging Points:
- Last charging point: Hotels and homestays in Ghuttu.
- No electricity on the trek, so carry a power bank (preferably 10,000mAh or more).
- Keep batteries in your sleeping bag at night to prevent them from draining in cold weather.
FAQs about
Panwali Kantha Trek
The Panwali Kantha Trek is located within the Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary in the Garhwal region of Uttarakhand, India. It offers stunning views of the Himalayan peaks like Nanda Devi, Chaukhamba, Trishul, and Kedar Dome.
The trek is moderate and suitable for beginners and experienced trekkers. However, it involves steep ascents, rocky terrains, and high-altitude meadows, so a decent level of fitness is required.
The ideal time for this trek is May to June (summer) and September to November (autumn). During summer, the meadows are lush green, and in autumn, the skies are clear with magnificent mountain views. Winter (December to February) offers a snowy landscape but is more challenging due to cold temperatures.
The trek is approximately 24-30 km (depending on the route) and typically takes 4-5 days. Daily trekking durations range from 4-6 hours.
Panwali Kantha is famous for its rolling meadows (burials), vibrant rhododendron forests, and high-altitude wildlife. It is also known as a sacred route since it lies on the ancient trail connecting Gangotri and Kedarnath.
Yes, since the trek passes through the Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary, trekkers may need an entry permit from the forest department. Local guides or trekking agencies can assist with obtaining the permit.
Accommodation options include camping in tents or basic forest huts. There are no permanent lodges on the route, so trekkers should carry their food or arrange for cooked meals through local guides.
The region is home to Himalayan black bears, musk deer, monals (state bird of Uttarakhand), and mountain goats. During summer, the meadows are covered in wildflowers and rhododendrons, creating a breathtaking view.
The trek usually starts from Ghuttu village, which is accessible via road: By Train: The nearest railway station is Rishikesh (200 km). By Air: The closest airport is Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun (220 km). By Road: Ghuttu can be reached from Rishikesh, Haridwar, or Dehradun by private vehicles or shared taxis.
Absolutely! This trek is perfect for nature lovers, photographers, and adventure seekers. It offers unmatched views of the Himalayas, peaceful high-altitude meadows, and a chance to experience the untouched beauty of Uttarakhand.
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