Trek difficulty
Moderate - Difficult
Trek duration
7 Days
Trek altitude
15,069 Ft
Group size
6-12
Trek distance
35Km
Basecamp
Karchi
Best Time
April–May & December–March
Pickup Point
Dehradun
Standing tall at 15,069 feet in the Garhwal Himalayas of Uttarakhand, Pangarchulla Peak is a trekker's dream come true. This magnificent summit offers the perfect blend of challenging terrain, breathtaking landscapes, and the unparalleled thrill of standing atop a Himalayan peak with 360-degree views of India's most iconic mountains.
Unlike many high-altitude treks that take you to a ridge or pass, Pangarchulla offers a true summit experience. From the top, you're rewarded with jaw-dropping views of Nanda Devi, Chaukhamba, Hathi-Ghodi Parvat, Kamet, Neelkanth, and Dronagiri—a panoramic spectacle of snow-capped giants that stretches as far as the eye can see.
What makes this trek special is its accessibility combined with genuine mountaineering challenge. The journey takes you through pristine oak and rhododendron forests, expansive alpine meadows, and finally to a demanding summit push that tests both your physical stamina and mental resolve.
Day 1- Dehradun to Joshimath
Day 2- Joshimath to Dhak to Gulling
Day 3- Gulling to Khullara
Day 4- Khullara to Kuari Pass Back to Khullara
Day 5- Khullara to Pangarchulla Peak Summit (4,700 m) and back to Khullara
Day 6- Khullara to Dhak and Joshimath
Day 7- Joshimath to Dehradun
Winter (December to March): Experience the peak in full winter glory, blanketed in deep snow. This season is perfect for experienced trekkers seeking the challenge of winter mountaineering with stunning white landscapes.
Spring/Summer (April to June): As snow begins to melt, trails open up and the weather becomes more stable. This is ideal for first-time summit aspirants and those wanting to combine the trek with a visit to the nearby Valley of Flowers.
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Fitness and Preparation:Pangarchulla Peak trek is considered as easy to moderate level trek but summit climb is steep. The last push will test your fitness and patience level both at same time. Cardio, stair climbing, and light strength training at least 3 to 4 weeks prior is recommended.
Essential Gear Checklist: Your trek leader from Thin Air Expedition will share a complete gear checklist to you before the trek begins. However, here is complete trekking essential gear list for the winter season trek.
Safety and Acclimatization: Local guides not just accompany you as navigation but they ensure safety and share native knowledge. They might ask you to keep one day as buffer for the proper acclimatization ultimately changing the itinerary for the weather delays or other unavoidable reasons.
Responsible Trekking: Be a responsible guest of Himalayas and help preserving its beauty and freshness. The alpine ecosystem is fragile, hence avoid littering and carry a bag to keep your waste until you find a trash bin. Also, stick to designated trails and follow the guidelines by your trek leader.
Day 1: Dehradun to Joshimath
Drive distance: 250 km drive (10-11 hours) | Altitude covered: 6150 ft | Meals included: Evening Snack, and Dinner | Accommodation: Guest House
The journey to Joshimath is spectacular in itself. Drive through the confluence points of Devprayag, Rudraprayag, and Karnaprayag, where sacred rivers meet amidst dramatic mountain scenery. Arrive in Joshimath by evening for acclimatization and a detailed trek briefing.
Day 2: Joshimath to Dhak to Gulling
Drive distance: 4 km, 4-5 hours | Altitude covered: 6,150 ft to 9,200 ft| Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Evening Snack, and Dinner Accommodation:Alpine camps
After a 45-minute drive to Dhak village, your trek officially begins. The trail winds through dense forests of oak and rhododendron, with the occasional stream crossing. The gradual ascent gives your body time to adjust to the altitude. Reach Gulling campsite by afternoon, where you'll spend the night under the stars.
Highlights: Enchanting forest trails, Himalayan birdlife, pristine mountain springs
Day 3: Gulling to Khullara
Drive distance: 5 km, 6-7 hours | Altitude covered: 9,200 ft to 11,500 ft| Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Evening Snack, and Dinner | Accommodation: Alpine camps
Today's trek takes you through the magnificent Tali forest—a magical stretch of oak, birch, and rhododendron trees. As you reach Tali Top, the views open up spectacularly with your first clear sights of Nanda Devi, Dronagiri, and Hathi-Ghodi peaks. Descend briefly into meadows before the final climb to Khullara, your base camp for the summit attempt.
Evening Preparation: Pack your summit bag, check all gear, attend the summit briefing, and get to bed early. Tomorrow begins before dawn.
Day 4: Khullara to Kuari Pass Back to Khullara
Drive distance: 6-7 km, 11-13 hours | Altitude covered:11,500 ft to 15,069 ft and return| Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Evening Snack, and Dinner | Accommodation: Alpine camps
* Acclimatization & big scenic day. Trek to iconic Kuari Pass (3,650 m). Return to Khullara for the night and Final summit briefing.
Day 5: Khullara to Pangarchulla Peak Summit (4,700 m) and back to Khullara
Drive distance: 12 km (10-12 hours) | Altitude covered:Descend to 9,200 ft| Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Evening Snack, and Dinner | Accommodation: Alpine camps
Start early at 3 AM.Technical snow ridge and long summit day (10–12 hrs).Witness 360° Himalayan panorama: Nanda Devi, Chaukhamba, Hathi Ghoda, Dronagiri, Neelkanth.Return to Khullara for rest.
Day 6: Khullara to Dhak and Joshimath
Drive distance: 4-5 km trek + 12-16 km drive Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Evening Snack, and Dinner |
A leisurely day with a gentle trek down to Dhak village followed by a drive to Joshimath. Check into a hotel, enjoy a proper hot shower, and celebrate with your team over a farewell dinner. You've earned it.
Day 7: Joshimath to Dehradun
Drive distance:250 km drive (10-11 hours) Meals included: Breakfast |
After breakfast, begin the long but scenic drive back through the mountains. Arrive in Dehradun by evening where your trek officially concludes.
Inclusion
During The Trek
Exclusion
Pangarchulla Peak is located in the Garhwal Himalayas of Uttarakhand, India. It stands at an altitude of 15,069 feet (4,593 meters) and is accessible from Joshimath, which serves as the base town for the trek.
The trek is rated as moderate to difficult. While the first few days involve comfortable forest and meadow walking, summit day is genuinely challenging with steep ascents, snow navigation, and high altitude. It requires good fitness levels and some prior trekking experience, preferably at high altitude.
Winter Season (December to March): Deep snow conditions, ideal for experienced winter trekkers
Spring/Summer (April to June): More stable weather, melting snow, perfect for first-time summit aspirants
Avoid the monsoon season (July-September) due to heavy rainfall, landslides, and poor visibility.
Mobile connectivity is available in Joshimath and Auli. Once you start trekking from Dhak village, network becomes sparse and unreliable. BSNL has the best coverage in this region. Don't expect internet connectivity during the trek.
Testimonials
Radandi Shashank
“You are not just a mountain trek guides, but a true guardian of the journey. Your unwavering loyalty to our team, the mountains, and safety itself is extraordinary. Every step felt secure because of your dedication, integrity. And stayed committed to every trekker, through every challenge, with patience, care, and honesty. Huge respect to Subodh Jii n Aditi Mam!! Thank youu @thinairexpedition It was wonderful experience!!❤️❤️
67D3_KALYAN
Completing the Kedarkantha trek at an altitude of around 12,500 feet was not just a trek for us, it was a life-long memory, and a major reason for this unforgettable experience is our guide Shubhod Sir. From the very first day till the summit, Shubhod Sir guided us with immense patience, discipline, and genuine care. At every difficult patch, when our legs were tired and breathing became hard, his calm words, constant motivation, and confident leadership gave us the strength to keep moving forward. He never rushed anyone and always made sure that every member of the group was safe, comfortable, and mentally strong. Shubhod Sir’s knowledge of the mountains, weather, and high-altitude conditions was truly impressive. More than a guide, he felt like a protector and mentor who treated everyone like family. His positive attitude and humble nature created a sense of trust and confidence among all of us. We are also thankful to Atidhi Madam for her support and cooperation during the trek, which added to the smooth experience. Because of Shubhod Sir’s guidance and dedication, we successfully reached the summit with confidence and joy. We will always remember this trek with gratitude and respect. Truly blessed to have a guide like him. 🙏⛰️
Arvind Sahu
Wonderful experience totally worth it. At those price they provided services that no one could provides really enjoyed ❤️🎉
Kolanu Anirudh
This is my first trek in Uttarakhand(Kedharkanta) and Thin Air Expedition made it a memorable one Thanks for everything subodh bro you made it so special.
kanica kandpal
Completed the Gaumukh–Tapovan trek with Thin Air Expedition, and it was an exceptional experience from beginning to end. Instead of opting for a fixed-departure model, we chose a personally curated itinerary, as this was our first trek—and it turned out to be the perfect decision. The team was extremely thoughtful in planning each day’s distance, ensuring we were comfortably challenged without ever feeling overtired or exhausted upon reaching the campsites. Every campsite was carefully selected, offering not just safety and comfort but also breathtaking views that made each halt truly memorable. What stood out most was the level of personalization. The itinerary was clearly tailored to our pace and comfort, and the trek leader constantly shared insightful facts about the region, its geography, and cultural significance, adding depth and meaning to the journey. Overall, Thin Air Expedition delivers a highly personalized, well-paced, and enriching trekking experience. I would highly recommend them, especially for first-time trekkers looking for a safe, informative, and thoughtfully curated adventure.Sen
Raj Bahadur
I booked my trek with Thin Air Expedition on a friend’s recommendation, and it turned out to be a great decision. They managed travel and accommodation very smoothly, and everything was well organized throughout the journey. The team stayed in regular coordination, ensuring that stays and drivers were properly arranged each day. The entire trip was timely, hassle-free, and also pocket-friendly. I would definitely recommend Thin Air Expedition—you can trust them completely with your travel and trekking plans.
sachin aulakh
I recently completed the Kedarkantha Trek with ThinAirExpedition, and the entire experience was outstanding. The coordination, communication, and arrangements were excellent. The trek leaders were experienced and friendly, the support staff was humble, the stay was comfortable, and the food quality in such high altitude conditions was truly impressive. Their focus on safety and responsible trekking made the journey even better. I would definitely choose them again for my next Himalayan adventure! 🏔️✨
Aman rai
I recently completed a trek with the help of ThinAirExpedition, and the entire experience was very comfortable. From stay arrangements to travel from Rishikesh to Rishikesh, everything was well managed. The driver was extremely polite, supportive, and made the journey smooth and stress-free. Overall, a great experience and I would definitely recommend them.
Nitya Jaiswal
Kedarkantha was not just a trek, it was an experience that helped me reconnect with myself. Thanks to Thin air expeditions , I felt safe, cared for and encouraged at every step. The sunrise at the summit, the laughter around the campfire and the kindness of the guides will stay with me forever. If you're looking for a company that treats you like family on the mountains, this is the one.
Biswajit Sahoo
Subodh Sir making the trek so much of fun and intresting .. Awesome Experience with Subodh Sir
Anmol Verma
Overall trekking and accommodation was a very smooth experience. Our trek leader Mr. Ramesh was amazing and very helpful. He managed to make the trek look easy. Overall experience was 10/10. Would highly recommend.
Rishabh Singh Rana
Trek Guide Mr. Ramesh Ji is a very cool & good person. Trek journey became beautiful with the group and overall it became my one of the best experience.
aditi vaidya
I recently went on a trek with Thin Air Expeditions, and I can't get over the experience I had! I did the Phulara Ridge trek with Subodh sir, and it was an incredible experience. What made it even more special was that Subodh sir made sure I could bring my dog, Flake, a toy pom. His team and him took such great care of us, and it was clear that they truly care about their guests, human or canine! The group was amazing too. I met some wonderful people along the way, and we formed lifelong bonds. The whole experience was beautiful – from the breathtaking views to the friendly, supportive environment. I’ll cherish these memories forever! If you're looking for a SAFE, well-organized, fun, and caring trekking company, Thin Air Expeditions and Subodh sir are the ones to go with!
Anuja Vaidya
It was a wonderful experience with TAE on Phulara ridge trek, everything was on point the gears, food, trek guides and Subodh sir himself was an amazing leader who is the founder of TAE, he made sure the experience was amazing even for the first timers keeping safety the first priority. Also I took my Dog, Flake along with me for the trek and it was a great experience for her as well and her food and safety was well taken care of . 🐾 Would love to go back again with Thin air expedition. Thank you so much 🤗
Simran Samal
Phulara Ridge Trek – A Memorable Experience for me !!! Someone once told me, “Trips aren’t just about travel — they become a part of you.” I never really believed it, but this time, Phulara Ridge became exactly that for me. Our first campsite — the forest trail, the tents, the whole setting — gave me the first taste of what was to come. Everything was so thoughtfully arranged, it felt like nature itself had prepared that space for us. All thanks to our trek leader, Subodh bhai 🙌🏻. The next stop was magical in its own way. The campsite was picture-perfect, and we even ended up learning a bit of the local Uttarakhandi dance from Dev bhaiya (well… I tried to! 😄). In the evenings, we played games and spent such a good time that we forgot the weight of city life for a while. And finally, the Ridge: Honestly, we thought the weather would block the views, but Subodh bhai timed it so perfectly that the skies cleared for us. Walking on the ridge — one valley on the right, another on the left, clouds passing beneath us — felt surreal. We sat there for hours, just soaking it all in. It was pure peace. And yes, we even made tea there!!! 🫶🏻 (Of course, we made no mess, cleaned it all up, and left the space exactly the way it should be 😌). For me personally, trekking has always been like meditation — a way to quiet the noise and reconnect with myself. This trek with Subodh bhai and the team gave me exactly that: peace, perspective, memories for a lifetime, and inspiration. #SoGrateful 🙏🏻 Thank you, Subodh bhai and team, for making this such a soulful and unforgettable journey! Lastly Just one note for all: “In the end, we don’t conquer mountains; they help us discover who we truly are.” To anyone even considering it: please go with #ThinAir Expeditions to experience the rawness of trekking, the beauty of nature, and the joy of escaping city life for a while. You’ll come back not just with pictures, but with stories, stillness, and a piece of the mountains in your heart. All the best !!! ✌🏻
Netra Sharma
It was a wonderful experience with ThinAir Expedition. I went on my first trek to Phulara Ridge, and it was truly amazing. Our guide, Subodh ji, managed everything so well and remained patient throughout the trek. I enjoyed every moment and every spot. The place, the cook, and the helpers were all wonderful. The food and camps were awesome. I highly recommend joining ThinAir Expedition to experience the best of “pahadi” life!
Vaibhav Srivastava
Thin Air Expedition gave us the best experience while trekking. Everything was finely arranged and properly taken care of whether it was travel, food. Staff availablity. But the best part was free hand while trekking. Subodh led us beautifully taking in note that everyone reaches the base camp and everyone is doing well. Consulting our next phase keeping in mind the safety and gears. It was collectively very amazing. He gave us full free hand additionally it is our responsibility as well to take care of each other. We did so many activities had games and fun and he even taught us how to camp. How to set up it was fun. If it would've given me option I'll rate it 10. Thanks subodh and team and thin air expedition for such a memorable trip.
Somya Chaturvedi
I recently did the Phulara Ridge Trek with Thin Air Expedition, and it was my first trek ever truly an unforgettable experience! Everything was so well managed from safety arrangements and equipment to food and stay, I never had to worry about a thing. Our trek leader, Subodh, was extremely supportive, patient, and motivating, which made a huge difference for a first-timer like me. The food was simple, homely, and very satisfying after long trekking hours. Most importantly, safety was always the top priority. For anyone planning their first or next trek, I’d highly recommend Thin Air Expedition. Professional, caring, and passionate about making the experience memorable!
We're always ready for adventure
Trekking comes with uncertainty. Weather, terrain, and setbacks are part of the journey. We embrace them with resilience and openness—each challenge makes us stronger and more appreciative of nature's beauty.
We embrace low-noise trekking
We blend into nature, not the other way around. We avoid shouting, loud music, and noisy games. In silence, we hear birdsong, streams, and the wind—inviting peace, reflection, and a deeper connection with nature.
We protect the environment
We protect the environment by minimising waste, reusing resources, and picking up litter. We carry eco-bags, segregate waste, and inspire others to preserve trails. Sustainable trekking ensures these mountains remain beautiful for future generations.
We are self-sufficient
We carry our load as much as possible, manage our gear, and stay prepared for all situations. Self-sufficiency builds confidence, independence, and respect for fellow trekkers, support staff, and the trail itself.
We support each other
Trekking is not a solo act. We wait for each other, share burdens, and uplift teammates. By putting the group first, we build strong bonds and help everyone complete the trek joyfully.
We are fit and prepared
We train well before our treks. This helps us walk longer, handle emergencies, and contribute to the team. Fitness ensures we are never a burden and always ready to help when needed.
