Introduction
The Himalayas are home to some of the most awe-inspiring mountains and treks in the world. One such trek is the Pangarchulla Trek, which takes adventurers on a challenging yet immensely rewarding journey to the summit of Pangarchulla Peak at an elevation of 15,068 feet.
The trek begins at the village of Dhak near Joshimath in Uttarakhand, India. Dhak is located at an altitude of 6,456 feet and serves as the trailhead and starting point for the trek. From here, the route winds through dense forests, crosses gurgling streams, and traverses high mountain passes while offering spectacular views of the Himalayan peaks.
first day
The first day of the trek involves a 4-5 hour hike from Dhak to Debal where you camp for the night. The trail from Dhak ascends gradually through oak and rhododendron forests with the company of colourful Himalayan birds. You cross a bridge over Rini river surrounded by pine trees to reach the campsite at Debal which is set at an altitude of 10,006 feet. The views of the surrounding mountain peaks from Debal are breathtaking.
second day
The second day involves the most challenging part of the trek as you hike for 6-7 hours from Debal to Pangarchulla base camp situated at an elevation of 11,906 feet. The trail from Debal climbs steeply to Kuari pass at 12,200 feet. As you reach the pass, the panoramic views of the mighty Himalayan peaks like Nanda Devi, Changbang, and Neelkanth open up in front of your eyes. From Kuari pass, the trail descends through rhododendron and birch forests to Pangarchulla base camp which is set along the banks of Panger river against the dramatic backdrop of Himalayan peaks.
Third day
The highlight of the trek comes on the third day when you hike for 4-5 hours from the base camp to the Pangarchulla summit at 15,068 feet. It is an arduous climb on this day as you negotiate the steep gradient on slippery snow and scree. But the rewarding views from the summit make all the effort worthwhile. Being dwarfed by massive Himalayan giants like Nanda Devi, Nilkanth, Hathi Parvat, and Chaukhamba is a humbling experience. You can see as far as the Tibet border from the summit on a clear day. After spending some time at the top, you descend back to the base camp for an overnight stay.
fourth day
The return journey on the fourth day first involves hiking back to Kuari Pass and then descending to Auli where you camp for the night. Auli is famous for its slopes attracting skiers from across the world during winter. The trail from Kuari pass descends through meadows rich in flowering rhododendrons and offers great views of the Himalayan range. The campsite in Auli is set at an altitude of 9,000 feet.
fifth day
On the fifth and final day, you hike downhill from Auli to the trailhead at Joshimath which takes about 4-5 hours. Joshimath is a sacred town with ancient Hindu temples. You can also opt to extend your trek by a day hiking from Auli to the beautiful valley of Gorson via Gurson Bugyal.
The Pangarchulla trek rewards adventurers with mesmerising Himalayan scenery, picturesque meadows, quaint hill villages, and rich flora and fauna. But it requires physical fitness, acclimatisation to high altitude, proper gear, and preparedness to undertake this moderate to difficult grade trek. The best season is summer and autumn when the weather is more stable. The charm of the glistening snow-clad trail during spring is irresistible too.
With the right training, gear and tour company, the Pangarchulla Trek is conquerable by both novice and seasoned trekkers. The sense of accomplishment upon summiting the peak and glimpsing the Himalayan giants up-close is truly a momentous experience. It is then that you recognize the power of Mother Nature and appreciate the precious yet fragile ecosystem of the Himalayas. The panoramic vistas, serenity of the mountains, and warm hospitality of the locals will compel you to return to the Himalayas again and again.
While undoubtedly challenging, the Pangarchulla trek is feasible for most relatively fit beginners too with some preparation. Training your cardiovascular fitness through running, cycling or swimming for a few weeks prior helps immensely. Also work on building strength in your legs and core through exercises like squats, lunges and planks. Get used to carrying or wearing a backpack with some weight when training to be prepared for the trek. Staying hydrated, eating nutritional food, taking it slow and steady, and listening to your body are key to completing the trek safely. Having an experienced guide, proper trekking gear and clothes suitable for the conditions also makes the trek easier. With determination and the right guidance, the rewarding Pangarchulla summit can be conquered by both hardcore mountaineers and amateur trekkers. The sense of achievement on top makes all the effort worthwhile.
