Some journeys test your limits, others reveal your strength — Pangarchulla did both for me. It wasn’t just about climbing a mountain; it was about finding parts of myself I didn’t know existed.
We were 14 strangers at the start, tied together by a shared dream and the spirit of adventure, brought together by Bikat Adventures. And what followed was nothing short of magical.
The Journey Begins – Tugasi Village and the Whisper of Watermills
The trek kicked off from Tugasi Village, a quiet little hamlet in Uttarakhand, surrounded by terraced fields and simple mountain life. While walking through the village, I noticed something fascinating — a Gharaat, a traditional flour mill powered entirely by the flow of melting glacier water.
I stood there, mesmerized, as the water spun a turbine connected to a massive rotating stone that slowly crushed the grain. The gentle, unhurried pace of it, the natural process — it all felt so in tune with the surroundings. Unlike modern motorized mills that heat up the grain, this method keeps the temperature cool, preserving nutrients and making the flour healthier. It was a beautiful reflection of how life here flows with nature, not against it.
Tugasi Village
Gharaat from inside
Gharaat
Day 1: Guling – Where Stars Danced Over Rhododendrons
Our first campsite was Guling, and it felt like we had stepped into a fairy tale. The forest was painted with red and pink rhododendron trees, bursting with color. Apricot and hazelnut trees added a lovely fragrance to the air. It was serene, peaceful, and vibrant all at once.
That night, under a clear sky, we slept surrounded by millions of stars. There are few things more humbling than lying beneath a sky like that, feeling tiny yet entirely present.
The next morning began with yoga and breathing exercises, guided by our trek leader Anoop. His calm presence and steady instructions helped set the tone for the days to come — grounded, strong, and focused.
Guling Campsite
Rhododendron forest at Guling Campsite
Day 2: Khulara – A Snowy Meadow of Tents and Stories
The trek from Guling to Khulara took us deeper into the snow zone. The trail was a mix of crunching leaves and soft snow, and midway, we had to put on spikes for the icy patches. It felt like a small but exciting preview of what lay ahead.
Khulara was mostly snow-clad — a flat, open meadow with multiple camps pitched by various companies, all heading towards either Kuari Pass or Pangarchulla. The cold here was sharper, but so were the bonds forming between all of us.
That evening, we played the classic Mafia game, and what a blast it was! We laughed, accused, defended — the game brought out hidden personalities and made us all feel like a team.
Khulara Cmapsite
Day 3: Kuari Pass – Sliding Through Snow and Silence
With gaiters on, we trekked to Kuari Pass the next day. It was a refreshing detour that offered panoramic views and crisp air. The trail diverged at Jhandi Top — one path going to Kuari Pass, the other toward our ultimate goal: Pangarchulla.
After spending time at the pass, we slid down through the snow on our descent — some in groups, some solo. There’s something incredibly freeing about sliding down a mountain slope on your back or stomach, laughing like a child.
That night, we went to bed early. The summit push was scheduled for 1 AM, and I could feel a nervous buzz in the air.
Jhandi top, where the path for Kuari Pass and Pangarchulla diverges
Scenic view from Kuari pass
Kuari pass
Summit Day – 03.04.25: Cold Fingers, Warm Willpower
Of the 14 of us, 8 decided to attempt the summit. We suited up in spikes, gaiters, helmets, and headlamps, and began our ascent in the silence of a starry midnight.
One of us turned back early, but the rest of us pushed on. Up until Jhandi Top, I felt strong — almost like I was gliding. But after that, the real climb began. The trail steepened, the air thinned, and exhaustion began to creep in.
Then, around 5 AM, just when it felt hardest, we saw the first light of dawn glowing behind Mount Dronagiri — the mountain Hanuman ji is said to have lifted for the Sanjeevani booti. That sliver of gold on the horizon filled me with awe and energy.
Preparation for Pangarchulla Summit
Dronagiri peak at Dawn
Pangarchulla peak visible at Dawn
Still, the Pangarchulla Peak looked daunting from a distance. For a moment, I genuinely considered giving up. My fingers and toes were numb, and my mind started to spiral. But Neel, one of our trek leaders, looked at me and said, “You will make it.” And something in me believed him.
At the ridge, I met trekkers coming down mid-way, saying it was too tough. Others were resting, defeated. My confidence took a hit. But then Sachin, our other trek leader, gave me just the right push — not forceful, just enough belief to keep going.
And then came the moment that changed everything — I remembered my dad. He passed away when I was 7, but in that moment, I heard his voice in my head: “You’ve got this.”
I don’t know where that strength came from, but I kept putting one foot in front of the other.
Steep ascent for the peak
The Peak
At 8:10 AM, I stood at the summit of Pangarchulla, 15,069 feet above sea level. I cried. I prayed. And I held up our national flag, feeling every emotion — relief, pride, gratitude, and love.
It was one of the most emotional moments of my life. The struggle, the doubts, the pain — it was all worth it. I felt my father with me. And I knew this was a memory that would stay with me forever.
Pangarchulla peak summit
View from summit
The Descent: Sliding, Laughter & Hot Maggi
After about 30 minutes at the top, we began our descent, sliding down snowy slopes in every way possible — alone, in pairs, and even as a whole group. We laughed the whole way down.
At Khulara, the rest of our group welcomed us with cheers, hugs, and the most heavenly thing ever — hot Maggi, lovingly made by our cook team. I don’t think Maggi has ever tasted that good before.
The Final Day – Temple Bells & Goodbyes
The next morning, we descended to Joshimath, where we visited the peaceful Narsingh Temple. The evening prayerswere calming — a gentle close to a high-adrenaline journey.
That evening, we sat down for a post-trek circle with our trek leaders, sharing stories, reflections, and moments that touched us the most. There were laughs, a few tears, and a lot of gratitude.
The next morning, we boarded our vehicles to Dehradun, hearts heavy but full.
In the End…
Pangarchulla wasn’t just a mountain — it was a mirror.
It showed me who I was, what I could endure, and how powerful memories and belief can be.
From glaciers and gharaats to rhododendrons and ridges, every step was a memory, every moment a lesson. And as I close this chapter, one thing is certain — the mountains gave me more than I came looking for.
