Panwali Kantha Trek
Uttarakhand • 5 Days
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Brief Description
Panwali Kantha is one of the most beautiful treks, which is positioned at a height of 3,500 metres ( 11,500 ft.). This trek offers you with one of the rarest views of the complete range of Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath and Badrinath mountain peaks. On your way, you pass through the seven Bugyals of Panwali Kantha and if you are fortunate, you might catch a glimpse of the blue mountain goat. Panwali Kantha is a trek that offers unique visual treats in every season. From lush green meadows in summers to snow covered bugyals with inviting gentle slopes in winters. Given its moderate level of challenge, anyone with a normal fitness can do this trek. A great refresher from the monotonous routine and an ideal way to enter the vast world of trekking.
Itinerary
Itinerary
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Arrive in Ghuttu
Today you will arrive in Ghuttu. If you opt transportation from us then our vehicles will pick you from Dehradun ISBT by 7am and drive to Ghuttu. The journey will take about 8 hours.
Ghuttu to Pobhagi
After stretching exercises and having our Breakfast, we will start our trek. Today’s trek is an easy one. For 40% of the trail, you can find Ghuttu’s summer shelters. After trekking for 6-7 hours, we will reach our first campsite, Pobhagi. It is one of the most beautiful campsite you will ever come across. From this point you can see the Buransh Forest spread like a red carpet for as far as you can see. Sunset here is pretty amazing. Overnight stay in camps.
Pobhagi to Panwali Top - Raj Kharak
Today, we will break camp early in the morning and start our trek to Raj Kharag. The trek varies from Moderate to Difficult depending upon the snow en route. After trekking for around two hours you will reach Panwali Top. If there is snowfall, you will see that the landscape changing colours from Green/Brown to White in a matter of minutes. These are vast grass lands which when covered with snow look like white sand dunes. We will reach our camping site at Raj Kharak after crossing Panwali Top. Overnight stay in camps/Hut.
Raj Karak to Gaurmanda
We live by the motto 'work hard and chill harder'. So today is your 'chill harder day' as you will have a relaxed trek where we descend down to Gaurmanda. Overnight stay in camps.
Gaurmanda to Ghuttu. Depart from Ghuttu.
Today we start early and since the descend is comfortable, we can reach Ghuttu by noon. If you opt for transportation from us for Dehradun then we will board a vehicle at Ghuttu and you can expect to reach Dehradun Bus stand by evening.
Frequently Asked Questions
Pick your question
Eligibility: Is this trek good for me?
This trek is ideal for both beginners and experienced trekkers. For novice, it is a great start to enter the world of trekking. It can get a bit rigorous for the first timers. Therefore, it is recommended to the first timers to maintain a good physical stamina and read extensively. Any experienced trekker would love to go on this weekend trek for the love of its views and trekking.
Eligibility: Experience required
This trek is apt for the first-timers. Those coming for the first time should prepare and read extensively about the trek. A basic knowledge about how to use a sleeping bag, toilet tents, sleeping tents, and mountain mannerisms will come in handy.
Eligibility: Fitness benchmark
Fitness Benchmark
- Jog/Run for 3 Kms in 30 mins and
- Hold your breath for 20 seconds
Eligibility: Requisite Skills
- How to choose a right rucksack: It is essential that you choose a right rucksack for the trek since you are going to carry it all the time while trekking. Make sure you don’t make these common mistakes while buying a rucksack.
- How to pack a rucksack: Trekking in mountains become more fun when your rucksack is well-organized. It also makes it easier for you to carry without being much load on your shoulders. Follow the guidelines on how to pack a rucksack.
Packing List: What to pack
Here is your checklist for this trek. Make sure you pack all these items for a comfortable trekking experience.
- Trekking Gear
- A rucksack with rain cover
- A water bottle or a hydration pack
- A Hand/Head Torch with spare batteries
- UV protection Sunglasses
- Clothing
- Quick Dry Warm lower or Track Pants- 1
- Full sleeves T-shirts/ Sweatshirts- 1 or max 2
- Thermal Bodywarmer Upper & Lower- 1
- Fleece jacket- 1
- Full sleeves sweater- 1
- Rainwear (Jacket & Pants) -1
- Woolen sock - 1 pair
- Cotton Socks- 1 or 2 pairs
- Undergarments - 1 for every day 3 days of trekking
- Pair of Warm Gloves - 1
- Woolen cap - 1
- Sun cap or Biker Scarf for protection from sun- 1
- Footwear
- Non-skid deep trod hiking shoes (Preferably ankle high) - 1 pair
- Lightweight Slipper/Sandals - 1 pair
- Toiletries
- Sunscreen lotion, lip balm, toothbrush, toothpaste, hand sanitizer, toilet roll, cold cream, small towel.
- Anti-fungal cream: Carry an antifungal cream if you are sensitive to sweating and prone to skin irritations around genitals or groin area due to lack of bathing.
- For women:
- Tampons or sanitary napkins,
- 2-3 zip pouches to dispose of non-biodegradable waste
- Vaginal wash to avoid any irritation due to lack of bathing.
- Utensils
- A small size, lightweight, leak-proof lunch box - preferably aluminum
- A plate and a spoon
- A mug - preferably aluminum
- Miscellaneous
- Camera (optional)
- Personal medicine kit. Though our trek leaders carry a fully equipped first-aid kit, make sure you consult your doctor before the trek in case you have any special ailment.
- Epi-Pen - If you are allergic to a common ingredient and have a history of reaction, then please inform us. Carrying an EpiPen helps in case of any accidental intakes.
- Dry fruits, energy bars
Age limit: What is the minimum & maximum age limit?
The minimum age limit is 9 years. However, minors aged between 9 to 17 should be accompanied with their parents or guardians. If you are above the age of 60, kindly carry a medical certificate from your doctor that deem you fit for adventure activities like trekking.
Best Season: What are the best months to visit this trek?
March- mid April
Connectivity: What is the cellular network connectivity for this trek?
BSNL network is available till Ghuttu but post that the network is mostly unavailable. There can be a ray of hope at Guarmanda but nothing reliable. No network post that on the trail.
Connectivity: How to Reach the base of the trek & how to go back from the end point?
The trek begins from Dehradun. Dehradun is easily accessible through road, rail, and air transport. Here is how you can reach:
By Road
You can take an overnight bus from Delhi to Dehradun. Both UKSRTC buses and Volvo buses are available from Delhi ISBT to Dehradun. The distance from Delhi to Dehradun is about 247 km. You can also hire a taxi or an outstation cab from Delhi to Dehradun.
By Rail
There are a number of trains running between Delhi and Dehradun like Dehradun Express, Mussoorie Express, Nanda Devi Express. It is advisable to make your train bookings a month in advance.
By Air
The Jolly Grant Airport is the airport in Dehradun. There are multiple flights from New Delhi to Dehradun. Make your booking well in advance for economic fare.
Nearby attraction: What are the nearby attractions that I can explore?
Dehradun is located in Uttarakhand. Robber's Cave is a river cave formed in the Himalayas about 8 kilometres from Dehradun. Sahastradhara is a ‘thousand fold spring’ which is famous for its aesthetic beauty. Mindrolling Monastery, the largest Buddhist Vihara of India is another attraction. Lacchiwalla, Malsi Deer Park, Tapkeshwar Temple are a few other to name.
Equipment and facilities: What kind of tents and sleeping bags will be provided to us?
We provide 4 seasons tents by Gipfel for higher altitudes which can easily withstand heavy snowfall and storms. They are spacious enough to accomodate 3 people at once with a vestibule to place the backpacks. Our sleeping bags are made up of Heatseeker Pro synthetic insulation that can provide you comfort in -10 degrees celsius. We also use additional fleece liners to have thermal efficiency even in the extreme temperatures of -17 degrees Celsius. If you carry your own sleeping bag, you will get a cashback reward provided that you inform us as soon as you have booked your trek.
Equipment and facilities: Are there any washroom/toilet facilities on the trek?
Toilet tents will be provided to you on the trek.These are portable toilets tents where a deep pit will be dug. A shovel will be provided inside the tent to cover the waste after you have made your business. You can take a toilet roll inside. Make sure you dig used toilet paper along with the waste. Though water is recommended in place of toilet paper. Please refrain from using wet wipes as they are non-biodegradable.
There will be no facility for bathing on the trek. Go through our blog section for tips on how to maintain personal hygiene on treks.
Equipment and facilities: If we trek in snow, what equipment will you provide?
You will be provided with good quality of gaiters and microspikes from us depending upon the situation of the snow. Our trek leaders will also be carrying ropes and ice axe.
Equipment and facilities: What kind of food will be provided for the trek?
Vegetarian food will be served throughout the trek. The only non-vegetarian item served on our treks are eggs. Our kitchen staff follows a proper menu for breakfast, lunch and dinner which has been designed in order to fulfil the nutritional requirements of the participants.
There will be milk, poha, eggs, muesli/corn flakes, bread and butter served for breakfast. Rice or simple roti sabzi will be packed for lunch. In dinner, you will have dal, egg curry or any other vegetarian dish along with rice, roti, and a dessert item.
Packed lunch will be provided to you on the days you are trekking. You are requested to carry your own tiffin box and a mug to consume food.
The meals consumed on journey and arrival day are not included in our cost.
Equipment and facilities: What equipment can I rent from you?
You can rent following items from us- Trekking Pole, Trekking Shoes, Fleece Jacket, Rucksack
Weather conditions: What will the temperatures be like during this trek?
In winters, during the day, the temperature will range from 10-15 degrees celsius. The nights will get cold dropping the temperature to 0 to -8 degrees celsius. Higher the altitude you gain, the colder it gets.
Weather conditions: When will there be snow on this trek?
You can expect snows from December to March. It is difficult to expect snow during summers or monsoons.
Miscellaneous : Is there an option to offload my backpack?
If you want to offload your rucksack, you will have to make a request for offloading a few days prior the trek through an email so that arrangement can be made in advance. You will be charged per day for offloading your rucksack. In case you decide to offload on the spot, you may have to pay a higher price than usual. However offloading your rucksack is not recommended since it is not a safe practice.
Miscellaneous : Who will lead us on the trek?
A team of participant will be led by a course certified trek leader and a local guide. All participants are requested to abide by what their leader says. There will also be a team of kitchen staff and porters on the trek.
We maintain 1:8 ratio of trek leader and participants. All our trek leaders and staff have a certified training in first-aid and rescue operation.
Miscellaneous : Is the trekking pole necessary?
Yes, trekking pole is necessary. If you don’t want to buy one, you can rent it from us on minimal daily basis charges. You can request the renting link from us.
Miscellaneous : Are there any local stores/shops from where I can shop trekking necessities?
Dehradun has a reasonable size market. However you will have no time in hand for shopping as you have to head to Ghuttu.
Ghuttu is a small village with a very small market. Please do not leave anything for last minute buying.
Miscellaneous : Is it safe for a solo woman traveller to trek in Fixed departures?
Yes, it is absolutely safe for solo woman to travel in fix departures. Women on the trek will be sharing tent with each other. In case you are the only woman on the trek, you will be given a separate tent.
Miscellaneous : Will you give certificates on completion of trek?
Yes, e-certificates will be given at the end of each trek provided that you completed it. It will bear your name, the trek, and the maximum altitude you achieved on the trek.
Transport: In case we opt for the transport with you, where will you pick us from and where will you drop?
We have one pick-up point: Dehradun ISBT
The dropping point remains the same.
Transport: What time will you drop us at the end point on last day of the trek?
Expect to reach Dehradun in the evening. Make sure your bookings from this point to your respective destinations are late in the night, post 2100 Hrs.
Why Bikat
Why Bikat
Learning Experience
- We are an Adventure Learning Organisation first.
- We want you to not just complete a trek safely but also pick up some basic trekking knowledge and skills along the way.
- To achieve this we have integrated learning modules into our itineraries.
- These modules will help you build the necessary skills to progress from trekking to mountaineering over time.
Loyality Programs
Our community is an integral part of us and we take pride in our trekkers and climbers. When you complete at least three days on any trek or expedition with us, you become eligible for our membership and referral programs.
- Currently we have three levels:
- Basic Membership
- Summiteer Membership
- Leader Membership
Personalized Attention
- Our group sizes on treks don’t exceed 15 members in order to maintain a healthy Participants : Leader Ratio of 8:1.
- Over time we have found this number to be optimum when it comes to ensuring personalised attention to every member of our group.
- On mountaineering expeditions this number is even smaller. Our group sizes are capped at 12 members ensuring a Participants : HAP Ratio of 2:1.
Best Expedition Leaders
- Our Expedition leaders are advanced mountaineering course qualified, specially trained in rescue procedures from NIM and certified first-aid responders.
- Even our local guides are certified first-aid responders.
Eco-friendly Practices
- Group sizes are capped at 15 people.
- Batch sizes are capped at 250 people per trail per season.
- We follow a rolling campsite model.
- We are constantly exploring and introducing new trails to reduce the burden on existing ones.
Safety
For us, a successful summit is not about reaching the highest point of a mountain but about making it safely back to base.
- To ensure this:
- Every region of ours is mapped with an emergency evacuation plan.
- The equipment we use is UIAA certified.
- Our trek leaders are AMC certified with specialisation in rescue procedures.
- Our support staffs are trained in first aid as well.
Reviews
What's Included
Whats Included
- Meals during the trek. Three Meals a day
- Forest Permits/Camping Charges/Permits, Trek Permit Fee/IMF Permission (Upto the amount charged for Indian nationals)
- Camping tents, Temp rated sleeping bags, mattress
- Safety Equipment includes static rescue rope, seat harness, carabiners, pulleys
- Mountaineering course certified Trek Leader with Wilderness Emergency Responder & Rescue. course from NIM Uttarkashi
- First Aid Certified Local guide, cook, helpers
- Porters or mules for carrying common Supplies
Whats Not Included?
- Meals during road journeys, if any
- Any kind of Insurance
- Any expense of personal nature
- Any expense not specified in the inclusion list
- Carriage of personal rucksack
- Meals during Hotel Stay, if any
- Transportation from Dehradun to Ghuttu and back to Dehradun
Cancellation Policy
Cash Refund
Cancellations up to 30 days prior to departure date
5% Deduction
Between 30 days to 15 days prior to departure
50%
deduction
Less than 15 days of departure
No Cash Refund
Voucher Refund
Cancellations up to 5 days prior to departure date
No Deduction
Cancellations less than 5 days prior to departure
No Refund
Please note
- Cash refund is applicable only in case of bookings made without using any promotional offer code or vouchers.
- This is only a brief of cancellation terms. For finer details please refer Detailed Cancellation Policy.
Blog Posts
How To Pack Your Backpack
Bikat Adventures 31 March 2015
All of us pay a lot of attention in selecting a rucksack or for that matter any specialized item like hiking boots, ice axe etc etc. When we have done so much research on internet to get that awesome ruck sack its time we learn how to use a rucksack
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