Panpatia Col Trek

Duration
13 Days
Trek Altitude
17260 Feet
Destination
Uttarakhand
Trek Distance
80 Kms
Group Size
8-10 Peoples
Best Time
May-June

Panpatia Col Trek Overview:

Forming a bridge between two most important Hindu pilgrimage sites, Kedarnath and Badrinath, at an elevation of 4,200 meters, the Panpatia Col is one of the high-altitude mountain passes that gets across the Panpatia Glacier. It is surrounded by several major peaks of the Garhwal Himalayan region. From the group of 6 thousanders, the Nilkantha at an elevation of 6,596 meters is the most prominent one. Nonetheless, the peaks of Balakun at 6,108 meters, Kunaling at 6,471 meters, Januhut at 6,495 meters, Shri Parbat at 6,175 meters and Chaukhamba group and several other 5 Eight-thousanders are visible throughout the trail from Badrinath to Ransi.

The Panpatia Col trek that further traverses through two other high altitude mountain passes, several moraines, gushing streams and narrow cliffs is one of the toughest treks in the Garhwal Himalayan region. It was once the mythological route on which pilgrims used to trek from Kedarnath to Badrinath in 1 day. The route was lost in time but few demented explorers re-discovered the route and led it in the trekking map of the Garhwal Himalaya. The journey is further enriched with several picturesque campsites beside the pristine water of several lakes. Rich alpine meadows dotted with varied species of Himalayan flowers are a common site. The Panpatia Col Trek requires some serious acclimatization at certain altitude and is recommended only to trekkers who have prior high-altitude trekking experience.

The trek from Badrinath and heads to Dumkal Kharak and thereafter turns to Nilkanth Khal, which is at an altitude of 4,650 meters. The journey thereafter turns to the snout of Panpatia Glacier and later winds to the glaciated track to further climb towards Panpatia plateau. Thereafter crossing Panpatia Col, the trail leads to Maidagala Tal. The downhill trek continues to Madmaheswar and then leads to Ransi. The best time to hit the trekking tracks to Panpatia Col is during the summer and autumn seasons.

pantpatia col trek

Har Ki  Dun trek | Bali Pass trek | Phulara Ridge Trek |  | Winter Kedarkantha Trek | Winter Dayara Bugyal Trek |Gidara Bugyal Trek | Gaumukh Tapovan Trek | Kashmir Great Lakes trek | Valley of Flowers trek |Nag Tibba Trek | Kuari Pass trek | Chopta Chandrashila Trek

Itinerary

In the morning after having breakfast, we will drive to Joshimath. On the way, we will halt at a restaurant for the lunch. We will be staying overnight at a hotel in Joshimath.

Today after having breakfast in the morning, we will drive towards Badrinath. We will visit the prominent Badrinath Temple and trek for about 20 minutes to reach the campsite. Overnight stay will be camp.

On this day, we will trek towards the Shepherd Camp. We will ascend up to the tree line, which is marked by flags on the boulders. After trekking for a while we will reach our campsite which is situated at a position from where one gets spectacular views of the surroundings.

Today, we will be trekking on a combination of terrains. During the trail, we will take a moderate uphill hike to precipitous climbs in order to reach the snout of the spectacular Panpatia glacier.

The trek today, although of longer duration, has a very gentle ascend. We will cross the moraines and traverse the patches of snow. Our reward for today’s trek will be the fabulous views of towering Himalayan Mountains. We will be staying for the night in the Moraine Camp.

This entire day kept for having some rest and acclimatization.

Our next trekking destination will be the base of Parvati Col. To reach Parvati Col. we will pass through the Panpatia Snow Field. The trekking pathway involves precipitous inclines. We will be camping just below the Parvati Col.

After having a wholesome breakfast, we will move ahead and climb to the edge of the terrace from where the only way to go upwards is through a vertical gully which is covered with rock and snow. From the spot, we will be able to see the magnificent Chaukhamba Peak and if fortunate enough we might also see the captivating Nanda Devi Peak. We will be staying for the night in the Panpatia Snowfield.

On this day of our trek, we will pass through a snow plateau to reach Panpatia Col (5260 M). Moving ahead is a precipitous descent that will lead to the Madhyamaheshwar watershed. We will be camping overnight beside the small lake of Sujal Sarovar. 

We will start our trek towards Kachni. To reach Kachni we will trek through sloped and rock-strewn zones through a small pass located above the Sujal Sarovar. After trekking for some time, we will reach our camp site. The campsite faces the Madhmaheshwar Ganga, and also from here one can see the temple below and the lights of Guptkashi.

On this day, we will trek to the Madhmaheshwar temple, which will take around 3 to 4 hours. We will visit the temple and will have lunch at a nearby tea shop. After having lunch, we will hike through the forests to our camp situated at Nanu chatti, which is a small settlement of the summer homes for people from the villages of Gaundhar. Overnight stay in camp.

Today is the last day of trekking. On this day, we move downwards passing through the dense pine forests to arrive at the bank of Madhmaheshwar Ganga. At Ransi our trek will end and from this location, we will drive towards Rudraprayag. Overnight stay will be in a hotel at Rudraprayag.

After having a wholesome breakfast, we will drive to Dehradun.