Itinerary
Our trip starts at Rishikesh, from where we will drive you to Auli via Joshimath. The main trek starts from Auli. On the second day, we will trek to Khulara over the gorgeous meadows of Gorson. We will reach Pangarchula base camp via Kuari Pass on day 3. We will ascend the Pangarchulla Peak on Day 4. Next day, we begin the descent to Auli via Dhak.
Day 1: Drive from Rishikesh to Auli (2450 m)
On the first day, we will start early and drive from Rishikesh to Auli. We will drive along the Ganga & Alaknanda rivers. Enroute we will cross the holy towns of Devprayag & Rudraprayag. Overnight in Guesthouse.
Day 2: Hike to Khulara (3225 m)
After a short drive of 8 km, we will begin our Himalayan trek. A hike through the Auli meadows will bring us to clear views of the Nanda Devi and other Himalayan peaks, as they towers over a sanctuary of oak, rhododendron and holly which opens out on the meadows of Gorson. The area has a rich bird life. From here we will descend a short distance and enter reach a beautiful chase filled with oaks, deodars, maple and chestnut trees. The meadows of Khulara, our destination for the day, is a short distance away. Overnight in tents.
Day 3: Trek to Pangarchula base camp via Kuari Pass (3650 m)
Today, we will trek up the Kuari Pass. The trail winds up through wind-swept meadows of golden, green and other hues of grass. The area is rich in wildlife. Once atop the pass, you can climb up to a vantage point of the ridge before starting the descent to the Pangarchulla base camp. Himalayan peaks like Chaukhamba, Kedarnath, Neelkanth, Haathi-Ghodi, Kamet, Mana, Dronagiri, etc can be viewed from the Kuari Pass. Overnight in tents.
Day 4: Ascend Pangarchulla Peak (4700 m) & back
We will start early and trek up the Pangarchulla Peak today. The climb takes a good 4-5 hrs of walking on an uneven terrain of boulders, scree and rocks. In the early season (September to November), Kuari Pass and Pangarchulla peak trail is perfect for a winter trek. The views of the snowy Himalayas from here are said to be some of the most beautiful in the world. Some of the mountains seen here are Kamet, Nilkanth (7,141m), Dunagiri (7,067m) and Changabang (6,864m) among others. Nanda Devi is visible if you walk up the ridge a little. Overnight at our camps.
Day 5: Trek to Dhak & Drive to Auli
We will trek downhill for 4-6 hrs towards the road linking Joshimath to Niti-Malari valley to reach Dhak today. Enroute, we will pass the lovely villages of Tugasi & Karchi. From Dhak, a 45 min drive will bring you to Auli. Overnight at Guesthouse.
Day 6: Drive to Rishikesh, Departure
Today is our last day on the trip. After breakfast, we will drop you off at Rishikesh.