Dreaming of a Himalayan adventure? The Pindari Glacier Trek is one of Uttarakhand’s most iconic glacier treks. In this Pindari Glacier Trek Guide, we’ll walk you through everything — from the route and difficulty to permits, itinerary and essential tips. Whether you’re a first‑time trekker or a seasoned hiker, this journey offers jaw‑dropping Himalayan views, lush valleys, and a touch of adventure that’s hard to beat. Pindari Glacier Trek Route The trek begins from villages like Loharkhet / Saung / Khati and winds through forested trails, rivers, meadows and remote Himalayan villages before reaching the glacier. Here’s a simplified breakdown of the common route: Segment Approx Trek Distance* What to Expect Loharkhet (or Saung) → Khati Vehicle + short walk Base‑camp, last motorable village Khati → Dwali ~ 8–13 km Valley trail along Pindar River, forest & villages Dwali → Phurkia / Phurkia camp ~ 7–11 km Valley gets narrower, closer to glacier region Phurkia → Zero‑Point / Glacier snout ~ 5 km Final stretch, glacier, snow, panoramic Himalayan peaks *Total trekking distance (round‑trip) ranges around 45–50 km per many operators. Altitude: The glacier sits at roughly 3,660 metres (12,000 ft) above sea‑level. The trail offers stunning views of Himalayan giants like Nanda Devi East, Nanda Kot and other Kumaon peaks. Pindari Glacier Trek Difficulty The Pindari Glacier Trek is often described as easy to moderate, making it a good choice for trekking beginners — yet also rewarding for experienced hikers. Pindari Glacier Trek Permits Best Time to Visit Brahmatal Trek Season Months What to Expect / Why Go Things to Note / Who It’s Best For Winter (Snow Trek) December – February / early March Snow‑covered trails, frozen lakes (like the frozen alpine lakes), pristine white landscapes, magical “winter‑wonderland” vibe, dramatic Himalayan peak views. Very cold (night temps can drop below freezing), need proper winter gear and some experience in cold‑weather trekking. Best for snow lovers and photographers. Spring (Transition to Green + Snow Patches) Late March – April (sometimes into early May) Melting snow, blooming rhododendrons and wildflowers, mix of snow‑touched trails + fresh green meadows — very scenic, and easier weather. Daytime weather milder, night chill persists. Some snow patches may remain — a good balance for those who want milder trekking with scenic variety. Autumn / Post‑Monsoon September – November Clear skies, crisp air, great mountain visibility, pleasant trekking conditions, fewer crowds, colourful autumn foliage or golden meadows depending on timing. Comfortable daytime temps, cooler nights. No snow, so easier walking. Ideal for trekkers avoiding snow yet wanting good views and calm trails. Summer / Monsoon May → September (monsoon July–August) Green surroundings, but generally not recommended for trekking — trails can become slippery, heavy rain or landslides make it risky. High rain risk, unstable trails, poor visibility of peaks. Best avoided unless you prefer heavy‑duty preparedness and don’t mind risks. Which Season Should You Pick? Quick Climate & Trail‑Condition Snapshot Why Pindari Glacier Trek is Ideal and Who Should Go Pindari Glacier Trek Itinerary Here’s a sample itinerary many trekkers follow — flexible depending on pace and group. Day Plan Day 0 / Arrival Reach base (e.g., Kathgodam → Loharkhet / Saung / Khati) Day 1 Reach Khati — last motorable village, check‑in, rest & gear prep Day 2 Trek Khati → Dwali (via forest, valley, river banks) Day 3 Dwali → Phurkia (ascending gradually) Day 4 Phurkia → Pindari Glacier (Zero Point) + explore glacier / views of Himalayan peaks Day 5 Return: Pindari → Phurkia → Dwali Day 6 Trek back to Khati, then drive to base / Kathgodam & departure How to Reach + Trek Info: Delhi → Brahmatal / Lohajung Route Segment / Leg Approx. Distance (km) Approx. Time / Notes Delhi → Kathgodam (railhead / road‑stop)  280 km  6–8 hours by train / bus / car from Delhi Kathgodam → Lohajung (base village for trek)  210–220 km  8–10 hours by shared taxi / road vehicle (mountain roads) Delhi → Lohajung (combined)  480–500 km (depends on exact route)  12–14 hours (drive/bus/train + mountain drive), often split over two segments to start relaxed Lohajung → Trek Trail Start (for Brahmatal Trek) 0 km — trek begins from Lohajung itself  You usually stay overnight at Lohajung before the trek starts Typical Trek Route (From Lohajung to Brahmatal & Return) Trek Segment Approx. Distance from Lohajung Time / What to Expect* Lohajung → first camp (via forest) 4–6 km (varies by exact route) 3–5 hours — forest walk, gradual ascent Intermediate camp → Brahmatal lake / ridge 7 km from previous camp (total trek 10–12 km from Lohajung) 4–6 hours — steeper climb, alpine terrain, views of peaks Trek return / descent (to Lohajung)  10–12 km (return depending on route) 5–7 hours — descent through forest/ridge FAQ Q: What is the total distance of the Pindari Glacier Trek?A: The round‑trip trekking distance is approximately 45–50 km. Q: What is the highest altitude reached on this trek?A: About 3,660 metres (12,000 feet) — at the glacier snout / zero‑point. Q: What is the difficulty level? Is it suitable for beginners?A: The trek is rated “easy to moderate.” Basic fitness and stamina are required, but it’s considered a good trek for beginners and first‑timers. Q: When is the best time to do the Pindari Glacier Trek?A: April–June and September–October are best — offering pleasant weather, clear skies, and good visibility. Q: Do I need special permits for this trek?A: Yes — you need forest/entry permits, and valid ID proof; usually handled by trek operators or registered at base village. Why struggle with planning? Let Clan Stays make your next trip seamless. What makes Clan Stays stand out is our care for every detail, we craft custom itineraries that match your travel style, budget, and pace, so your trip feels uniquely yours. With our industry connections, you often get special deals, comfortable stays and local‑insider recommendations you won’t find online. We take care of logistics and planning so you don’t have to, leaving you free to relax and enjoy your holiday. And if anything, unexpected happens, we’re just a call