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Embark on an Epic Himalayan Odyssey: Panpatia Col Trek
Get ready for a legendary adventure on the Panpatia Col trek, a fascinating route connecting Badrinath to Kedarnath over high glaciers and passes. Unraveling the secrets of this mystical region, the trek ventures into the heartland of central Garhwal, revealing the raw beauty of the core Himalayas.
Historical Curiosity
In 1934, legendary mountaineers Eric Shipton and Bill Tilman embarked on a curious journey to determine the feasibility of performing rituals and Puja by the same priest at Kedar and Badri on the same day. This arduous exploration concluded at the Panpatia Col, setting the stage for an unforgettable trekking experience.
Key Highlights:
- Panpatia Col (5200 m/17056 ft): This narrow passage on the southwest corner of the Panpatia glacier serves as the watershed between the Alaknanda and Mandakini river systems. The trek begins from Badrinath, taking you to the very base of Chaukhamba pillars, traversing the Panpatia glacier’s snow and ice fields.
Trail Overview:
- Leaving the main Alaknanda river valley near Khirao village, the journey unfolds through lush green forests and traverses a ridge, reaching the meadows until Madmaheshwar.
- Ascending through boulder and moraine zones, the trail continues along the Panpatia glacier, showcasing breathtaking views of the surrounding high mountains.
- Negotiating the rocky Parvati Gully and ascending to the base of Parvati Peak, the trek leads to the Panpatia glacier, where you camp before the thrilling crossing of the Panpatia Col.
- Descending from the col involves rappelling on snow, followed by a traverse to Sujal Sarovar. The trail leads to Kachni Khal and onward to Madmaheshwar, finally descending through Rhododendron and Oak forests to Ransi village.
Prerequisites for Panpatia Col Trek:
- Completion of at least 4 high altitude treks going above ~ 4500 m/15000 ft.
- Minimum of 2 Difficult grade treks beyond 5000 m/16500 ft (e.g., Pin Parvati Pass, Ronti Saddle, Parang La, Stok Kangri, etc.).
- Excellent physical condition with no prior acclimatization issues at high altitude.
Brief Itinerary:
- Day 01: Drive from Haridwar to Joshimath – 280 km – 11/12 hours. Lodge.
- Day 02: Stay at Joshimath. Acclimatization and height gain to Auli and back – 4/5 hours. Lodge.
- Day 03: Drive to Benkuli – 30 Km – 1 hour – trek to Khiraon village – 5 Km – 3/4 hours. Camp.
- Day 04: Trek from Shepherd’s camp – 10 Km – 5/6 hours. Camp.
- Day 05: Trek to snout camp – 4 Km – 3 hours. Camp.
- Day 06: Trek to upper moraine area – 5 Km – 4/5 hours. Camp.
- Day 07: Trek to rock below Parvati Gully – 4 Km – 4 hours. Camp.
- Day 08: Trek to Panpatia Glacier snowfield camp via Parvati Gully – 6 Km – 5/6 hours. Camp.
- Day 09: Trek to Sujal Sarovar via Panpatia Col – 10 Km – 8/10 hours. Camp.
- Day 10: Trek to Kachni Khal and descent to Madmaheshwar – 20 Km – 9/10 hours. Lodge/camp.
- Day 11: Trek to Ransi village – 16 Km – 5/6 hours. Drive to Haridwar – 235 Km – 9/10 hours.
- Day 12: Mandatory buffer/reserve day (will be utilized if required during the trek).
Important Notes on the itinerary:
- Arrive at Haridwar on Day 1 by 6 am. Arrange return train/bus tickets from Haridwar on Day 12 night after 10 pm.
- Campsites are indicative and subject to weather and team conditions.
- Approximate trekking distance: 80 Km.
Seasons for Panpatia Col Trek
Choose between two narrow windows suitable for this challenging and remote trail:
- Summer: Mid-May to Mid June
- Post Monsoon/Fall: September
Each season has its pros and cons, so decide carefully based on your preferences. Summer brings snow from snout or moraine camp, while post-monsoon offers minimal snow but extensive moraine/boulder walk.
Access to Trek Base (Joshimath, 280 Km from Haridwar)
Depending on the number of trekkers, a car pickup from Haridwar to Joshimath and a return from Ransi to Haridwar can be arranged. Pay directly to the driver, sharing equally.
If reaching Joshimath independently:
- Direct buses from Haridwar (Roadways bus stand) to Joshimath start at 4 am. The 280 Km journey can take 12/13 hours.
Duration: 10 days of trekking including a buffer day; Haridwar to Haridwar in 12 days.
Prerequisite: Prior multiple high-altitude trekking experiences along with good physical fitness and no reported acclimatization issues.
Grade: Difficult, often referred “Trekking Expedition”
Physicality: 9/10
Trail Length: 80 Km
Highest Point: Panpatia Col ~ 5200 m/ 17050 ft
Seasons: Mid-May to Mid June (summer) and September (Post monsoon/fall)
Further Option: From Madhyamaheshwar further trek to Kedarnath in 3/4 days.
Access: Trek starting point (trek base) is Gangotri, 245 Km from Dehradun.
Railway station: Haridwar (STN Code: HW)
Airport: Dehradun, Jolly Grant in Dehradun (Airport Code: DED)
Upcoming Scheduled Dates for Panpatia Col Trek:
- For your convenience, you can review the scheduled Fixed Departure dates in the calendar provided within the Booking Form or the REGISTER NOW form. The starting dates of the tour are highlighted according to our 12-day itinerary.
- Currently, the BOOK NOW functionality is disabled. However, you can still receive all the necessary information via email by completing the REGISTER NOW form.
- In case you’re part of a group and the available dates don’t align with your schedule, you have the option to choose the Custom date mode. Simply click on “Select your custom date” and fill in the displayed form accordingly.
- You can also refer to our TREK CALENDAR to get a quick overview of all the available dates.
- Participants are required to arrive in Haridwar by morning on Day 1 of the trek. The return journey to Haridwar is scheduled for Day 12 in the evening, around 8-9 pm. Please make sure to arrange your tickets for both the inward and return journeys accordingly.
- Nearest Rail Station: Haridwar (Station Code: HW)
- Nearest Airport: Delhi, Jolly Grant in Dehradun (Airport Code: DED)
Depending on the number of trekkers, we may arrange a car pickup from Dehradun to Gangotri and return from Badrinath. The cost will be shared equally among the trekkers opting for this service, with payment made directly to the driver. Currently, Tata Sumo/Maxx type vehicles charge ₹6000 for a drop from Haridwar to Joshimath, accommodating 5-7 persons. Similarly, Ransi to Haridwar costs ₹5000-6000. This amounts to approximately ₹2000 to ₹3000 per person (including pick up and drop) when shared with fellow trekkers.
Alternatively, if you wish to reach Joshimath on your own by public transportation:
- Direct buses from Haridwar (Roadways bus stand, opposite the railway station) to Joshimath start at 4 am. However, availability depends on the season and road conditions. This approximately 280 km journey can take 12/13 hours.
How to Reach Haridwar:
For treks in Garhwal, reaching Haridwar is typically necessary. Rishikesh, another 25 km from Haridwar, is considered a gateway to the Garhwal Himalayas. You can fly or take a train to New Delhi from any part of India.
- There are direct trains from Kolkata to Haridwar.
- Kumbha Express: Train No. 12369 (Arrives in Haridwar by 5 pm; Spend the night in Haridwar and start your onward journey by car next morning)
- Upasana Express: Train No. 12327 (Arrives in Haridwar by 5 pm; Spend the night in Haridwar and start your onward journey by car next morning)
- Doon Express: Train No. 13009 (Do not book this train if you plan to continue your journey immediately the next morning)
- Avoid booking waitlisted (WL) tickets in AC classes (1A/2A/3A) or Chair Car (CC). Book Sleeper class (SL)/Second Sitting class (2S) tickets, which generally have more seats/berths and a better chance of confirmation.
- You can easily reach Haridwar from New Delhi by train or bus (approximately 5/6 hours), covering around 210 km.
By Train: Several trains are suitable for reaching Haridwar and operate daily.
- DDN Janshtbdi: Train No. 12055 (Arrives in Haridwar @ 7:30 pm; a good choice for spending the night in Haridwar and having a long drive the next day)
- Nanda Devi Express: Train No. 12205 (Arrives in Haridwar early morning @ 4 am)
- Utkal Express: Train No. 18477 (Arrives in Haridwar @ 9 pm)
- Mussoorie Express: Train No. 14041 (Arrives in Haridwar @ 5:45 am)
By Bus: Government road transport buses from Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Delhi, Haryana, Punjab, etc., are frequently available during the day and night from Kashmiri Gate ISBT. Tickets are available onboard for these regular buses.
- For privately operated buses, you can book online from various portals. Choose a boarding point according to your convenience. Overnight Volvo/AC/Push-back bus services are available.
Nearest Airport: Jolly Grant Airport near Dehradun (Airport Code: DED) is 35 km away from Haridwar. This airport is accessible from Dehradun, Haridwar, and Rishikesh. Flights are mostly via Delhi.
Night Accommodations in Haridwar: Trekkers arriving the day before their trek journey need to spend the night in Haridwar. Several options are available for accommodations, ranging from premium to budget options. Privately operated hotels/lodges, as well as state-run tourist rest houses and Dharmshalas, are available.
- State-run GMVN (Garhwal Mandal Vikas Nigam) operates Hotel Rahi just beside the bus stand and opposite the Haridwar Railway Station, offering reliable and decent standard accommodations. Online booking is available through the GMVN website.
Return from Haridwar: Usually, you arrive in Haridwar from any trek base by 7/8 pm in the evening. You can take any train after 9 pm or utilize the regular bus services mentioned above to reach Delhi or your homeward journey directly on the same night.
Drive from Haridwar to Joshimath
Begin your journey from Haridwar and embark on a scenic drive to Joshimath, covering a distance of 280 km in approximately 11/12 hours.
Check into your lodge upon arrival in Joshimath and unwind after the long journey.
Acclimatisation Day at Joshimath
Spend the day at Joshimath for acclimatization purposes, allowing your body to adjust to the altitude.
Optionally, undertake a height gain trek to Auli and back, exploring the picturesque surroundings for 4/5 hours.
Drive to Benkuli and Trek to Khiraon Village
Drive from Joshimath to Benkuli, a journey of 30 km taking around 1 hour.
Begin your trek from Benkuli to Khiraon village, covering a distance of 5 km over 3/4 hours, and set up camp upon arrival.
Trek from Shepherd's Camp
Trek from Shepherd’s Camp, covering a distance of 10 km in approximately 5/6 hours, immersing yourself in the natural beauty of the surroundings.
Trek to Snout Camp
Trek to Snout Camp, covering a distance of 4 km over 3 hours, enjoying the scenic landscapes along the way.
Trek to Upper Moraine Area
Continue your trek to the Upper Moraine Area, covering a distance of 5 km in around 4/5 hours, and set up camp amidst the serene wilderness.
Trek to Rock below Parvati Gully
Trek to the Rock below Parvati Gully, covering a distance of 4 km in approximately 4 hours, and camp for the night in this picturesque location.
Trek to Panpatia Glacier Snowfield Camp via Parvati Gully
Trek to Panpatia Glacier Snowfield Camp via Parvati Gully, covering a distance of 6 km over 5/6 hours, and set up camp amidst the pristine snowfields.
Trek to Sujal Sarovar via Panpatia Col
Trek to Sujal Sarovar via the challenging Panpatia Col, covering a distance of 10 km in approximately 8/10 hours, and camp beside the tranquil lake.
Trek to Kachni Khal and Descent to Madmaheshwar
Trek to Kachni Khal and commence the descent to Madmaheshwar, covering a distance of 20 km in around 9/10 hours.
Upon reaching Madmaheshwar, either stay in a lodge or set up camp for the night, depending on preference and availability.
Trek to Ransi Village and Drive to Haridwar
Trek from Madmaheshwar to Ransi village, covering a distance of 16 km in approximately 5/6 hours.
Drive back to Haridwar, covering a distance of 235 km in around 9/10 hours, and conclude your trekking adventure.
Buffer Day
Keep this day as a mandatory buffer/reserve day, to be utilized if required during the trek for any unforeseen circumstances or rest purposes.
Ensure your return train/bus tickets from Haridwar are scheduled for departure after 10 pm to allow flexibility.
Trek Fee: ₹ 99,999 (Joshimath to Ransi) per person + 5% GST.
Book for 5 persons or more and get a flat 10% discount on TREK FEE on our any scheduled group departure date.
Inclusions:
One night’s accommodation at Joshimath (Day 1) and dinner.
All meals during the trek (starting from Day 2 breakfast and ending with Day 11 lunch), including vegetarian options with occasional servings of eggs.
Excellent trekking guide, who will be a local with profound knowledge of the trekking trails. One guide is provided for every 5 trekkers.
Specialised Cook, Support staff, and High Altitude Porters (HAP) for carrying the central logistics of the trek.
Stay in tents (2/3 persons dome-shaped tents) on a sharing basis during the trek.
Camping equipment like Sleeping bag, Carry mattress, and technical equipment like static/dynamic rope, carabiners, sling, ice axe, gaiters, micro spikes/crampon, etc.
Kitchen tent and toilet tent as required during the trek.
All permit fees, camping charges, and forest levies required for the trek.
Basic Medical & First Aid kit.
Travel and Medical insurance policy covering high-altitude trekking and mountaineering up to 6500 m.
Exclusions:
Transportation from Haridwar to Joshimath and return from trek end point Ransi (₹ 2000 – 3000 per person for the pickup and drop when shared with fellow trekkers).
Offloading of rucksacks is NOT permitted on this trek. You need to carry your backpack along with all your personal belongings, sleeping bag, and sleeping mattress.
Cost of buffer/reserve day, i.e. Day 16. If used during trekking, an additional ₹ 5000 will be collected at Ransi after the trek.
Any tip/gratuity to the HT support staff.
Anything that is NOT mentioned in the “Inclusions” or personal.
Booking:
- We assume that you have read and understood our “Terms & Conditions” (https://greenvalleyhimalayas.com/terms-and-conditions) before Booking a trek/tour.
- To reserve your place in a scheduled Fixed Departure trek or a Customised/Private trek pay 25% of the TREK/TOUR FEE as the initial “Booking Deposit”. You can pay by Net banking/Draft/Cheque/Credit/Debit/AMEX cards. This will ensure your participation in the desired trek and we will reserve your place on the scheduled date. You need to pay the remaining amount at least 15 days before the Trek Starting Date.
- If you book a Trek/Tour before 14 days or less from the Trek/Tour Starting Date, you need to pay the full TREK/TOUR FEE.
Cancellations:
- “Booking Amount” i.e.25% of the TREK/TOUR FEE is Non-Refundable at any stage.
- If in case you are not able to make it due to unavoidable reasons (s), we provide you avery flexible choice of Shifting to another trek within the next one year. One year is counted from the starting date of the trek/tour you booked initially with us.
- In case you postpone your trip you need to inform a minimum of 15 days before the trek/tour starting date. (Though we suggest to inform us earlier if know)
- In case you postpone a trek/tour 15 days before the scheduled Trek/Tour Starting date or prior, you may shift to another group of the same trek/tour scheduled in the same season or within the next one year. You may shift to another suitable route also. For changing any, you need our approval first. Your request must be in written communication through your registered email with us.
- If you cancel/postpone a trek/tour from 14 days to 8 days before the tour starting date, your Booking Amount is Non-Refundable. We will not take any requests for shifting dates. We will charge 50% of the amount as Cancellation Charges and process a refund of the remaining 50%. You may also shift to another group within next year but 25% Booking Amount will be deemed as Cancellation Charge and the rest amount will be transferred to the shifted group.
- If you cancel a trek/tour 7 days (i.e. a week) before the Trek/Tour Starting Date or later, there will be NO REFUND.
- In case of any unforeseen incident including but not limited to natural calamities like flood, earthquake, landslide, forest fire, or any political unrest, if we are compelled to cancel the trek/trip, you will be entitled to redeem the full amount for the same/similar kind of trek/trip within next one year.
If you need more clarifications write to info@greenvalleyhimalayas.com
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