INTRODUCTION:
The ascent of Pangarchulla Peak is an exciting and energising option if you’re seeking for a challenging and rewarding mountain peak to conquer. Pangarchulla Peak’s peak stands at an intimidating 15,069 feet in elevation.
The initial phase of the Pangarchulla journey lasts for five days (7 days when you include the travel days from Rishikesh). The journey begins in Auli, which is located in the Garhwal district of Uttarakhand and is close to the city of Joshimath. Nanda Devi National Park is where you’ll find it.
Keep in mind that we’re following the tried-and-true route of the Pangarchulla hike, which starts in Auli. In 2015–2016, we hiked the Pangarchulla Trail following the conventional route.
The great mountains of Dronagiri and Nanda Devi are seen from Auli all the way to Gorson Bugyal and eventually Tali. The mountain vistas begin as soon as you leave Auli, and they only improve as you move further into the walk.
If you begin your trip on the Dhak side, you won’t get your first glimpse of Nanda Devi until Day 4, when you begin your descent in Auli. In addition, you’re heading away from the mountains as you trek toward them. Therefore, if you are trekking from Dhak and want to enjoy the spectacular mountain view from Gorson Bugyal, you will need to turn around and return to Dhak to do so.
DAY 1
Take a trip down to Joshimath from Rishikesh.
The Indiahikes trekkers will be picked up from the Live Free Hostel in Rishikesh, a distance of 254 kilometres (about 10-11 hours) away.
At 6:00 AM, we will organise transportation. One-way transportation costs Rs.6,000 for a Bolero (which seats five to six) or Rs.9,000 for a Tempo Traveller (which seats ten to twelve). Hikers divide up this sum amongst themselves. By 5:50 in the evening, you’ll have arrived in Joshimath, the camp’s home base.
DAY 2
Take a car ride from Joshimath to Tugasi. Travel to Gulling/Akhrotghetta from Tugasi.
The hike will take 6-7 hours to complete and will involve an elevation gain of 8,790 to 10,908 feet during the course of the journey.
Moderate. Constant climbing, starting out somewhat steep for the first 20 minutes then levelling out for the last 45. Starts out steep for the next hour, then alternates between steep and gentle ascents for the next 1.5-2 hours. Bring along 2 litres of water.
DAY 3
Travel to Khullara from Gulling/Akhrotghetta
The trek will take 3-4 hours to complete and will gain 10,908-11,010 feet in altitude.
Moderate. Rising path. All potential water sources have been depleted. Bring along 2 litres of water.
DAY 4
Pre-Expedition Acclimatization on Khullara. Climb Kuari Peak and make the journey back to Khullara.
It’s a 7-kilometer hike that will take you about four to five hours to complete. You’ll climb to an elevation of 12,600 feet and then descend to 11,010 feet.
Easy. Slowly make your way up to Kuari Top. There are no sources of water along the trail, so make sure you bring enough.
DAY 5
Leaving from Khullara, hike up to Pangarchulla Peak and then return.
The trek covers a total of 12 kilometres, takes between 10 and 12 hours, and ascends and descends an elevation of 11,010 feet to 15,069 feet and returns to 11,010 feet.
Difficult. A gradual start leads to a more challenging ascent over snow and stones. There was only one water source after around three to four hours of hiking. Have two litres of water on hand and fill up your bottles completely at the watering hole.
DAY 6
From Khullara, hike to Karchi, then take a car to Tapoban.
5.25 kilometres in length (3-4 hours of hiking time) with an elevation drop from 11,010 feet to 7,315 feet
Easy-Moderate. All the way down to Karchi is a moderate to steep decline. Bring along plenty of fluids.
DAY 7
Make the trip from Tapoban to Rishikesh in reverse.
Indiahikes trekkers will be dropped off at the Live Free Hostel in Rishikesh after a 260-kilometer (160-mile) drive and a 10- to 11-hour climb.
Transportation costs are the responsibility of the hikers. One-way transportation costs Rs.6,000 for a Bolero (which seats five to six) or Rs.9,000 for a Tempo Traveller (which seats ten to twelve).
Please be aware that the distance between campsites might vary by as much as 100 metres depending on the route you select and the weather. For the same reasons, there may be a 100-foot difference in altitude.
CRITICAL POINTS
When entering the forest, hikers will need a copy of their photo ID.
Lodges will be set up for you at the base camp.
During the hike, you and two other people will share a tent.
The camp has a cloakroom where you can store your extra belongings. Don’t risk losing anything priceless by forgetting it in the cloakroom.
It’s possible there won’t be any tents big enough for two people to share. The reason for this is that the raw materials used to make tents come from a wide variety of locations throughout the world. But worldwide instability has hampered their export. It has caused a worldwide shortage of tents. These tents are made for three hikers, but that doesn’t mean you won’t have enough room to relax.