Panpatia Col Expedition

This Expedition is really tough and takes place in a very remote area of the Indian Himalayas , it is located in the Garhwal region and connects Badrinath to Kedarnath.The route involves glacier crossings, steep snowfields, and very technical mountain terrain.It is known as the “Mother of All Treks” because of how difficult it is.Participants need to be very fit, strong, and experienced in high-altitude trekking or mountaineering.The route offers views of major Himalayan peaks like Neelkanth, Balakun, and Chaukhamba.Climbers must deal with extreme conditions and continuous glacier travel.

The Panpatia Col trek connects the holy pilgrimage sites of Kedarnath and Badrinath and is one of the most complicated and challenging treks in the Garhwal Himalayas. This high-altitude pass sits at a staggering altitude of 5,260 m (17,260 ft), sandwiched between two unnamed peaks that climb to 5,500 m+.

A myth holds that priests used this route to travel between Kedarnath (Lord Shiva's place) and Badrinath (Lord Vishnu's place) in a single day — hence it was seen as a divine shortcut known only to saints. Over time, the path was forgotten and turned into legend.

British explorers like Tilman and Eric Shipton first set foot here in 1934, entering through the Satopanth glacier, but got trapped in the dense bamboo forest of Gondharpongi valley. Harish Kapadia attempted it in 1997 but was stopped by the icefall. In 2000, English mountaineer Martin Moran successfully negotiated the Panpatia icefalls, completing Shipton's route.

In 2007, a Bengali team led by Tapan Pandit and Debabrata Mukherjee successfully crossed the crevasse-laden icefields of the Panpatia, creating history as the first Indian success on the route. Their use of Google Earth helped plan a safer path, and this route became the template for modern trekkers.

Key Highlights

Terrain & Landscape The trek spans approximately 76 kilometers and traverses rugged terrain, glaciers, and a high mountain pass. The Panpatia snowfield is a vast expanse of snow and ice offering an otherworldly landscape.

Glacier & Snowfield The path passes by huge glaciers, crevassed snowfields, rugged moraines, and a never-ending 7-kilometer-long Panpatia snowfield — a delight for aspirational trekkers.

Panoramic Peak Views The expedition offers unparalleled views of prominent peaks such as Neelkanth, Balakun, Sri Parvat, Kunaling, Hathi Parvat, and Dhauliganga Peaks. On clear days, the mighty Chaukhamba and even Nanda Devi are visible.

Parvati Gully & Col Climbing up the Parvati Gully is perhaps the trickiest section of the whole trail — a steep rocky climb with melting ice trickling off the rocks offering little purchase. From Parvati Col, trekkers veer off towards the Panpatia icefield.

The Col Itself Panpatia Col is actually a series of two passes — a col "up" that leads into the snowfield, and a col "down" for exit.

Sujal Sarovar & Spiritual End After crossing the col, trekkers descend to camp near the small lake of Sujal Sarovar. The route then continues toward Madhyamaheshwar, one of the sacred Panch Kedar temples.

Inclusions

Transport Pickup Time: Prince Chowk, near Dehradun Railway Station.
From the scheduled pick-up point to the base camp, we arrange transportation in vehicles like Bolero, Innova, Dzire, or Tempo Traveller (12-seater). This is shared by trekkers at a pre-decided cost. All vehicles are non-AC for mountain travel safety.
Accommodation Base Camp Stay: 1-night accommodation in a local homestay or guesthouse, offering a glimpse of authentic Himalayan lifestyle. (Single-sharing available at INR 5,000 extra per person for the entire trek)
On-Trek Stay: Twin-sharing tents (Vango Halo Pro / A-Shape) built to handle extreme weather while keeping you comfortable after a long day’s trek.
Camping Equipment High-quality sleeping bags rated for sub-zero temperatures.
Foam mattresses for added comfort.
Safety gear including microspikes, gaiters, helmets, and ice axe (where required).
Medical Support Our team carries an extensive medical kit and is trained in high-altitude first aid.
Oxygen cylinders (checked before every trek) are available at campsites and with the team at all times.
Permissions & FeesAll forest entry permits and camping fees for Indian nationals are included. (Additional charges apply for foreign nationals)
Meals Nutritious veg meals (with eggs) — Breakfast, packed lunch (on trek days), evening snacks, and dinner.
Jain and vegan meals available on prior request.
Dedicated kitchen tent and dining tent with tables and seating.
Our Team Certified Trek Leader (AMC/BMC/NIM-trained) for safety and smooth execution.
Local Guides with deep knowledge of the trail, culture, and biodiversity.
Support Crew including cook, helpers, porters, and mules for common equipment.
Cloakroom Facility You can leave extra luggage safely at our base camp free of charge.

During The Trek Exclusion

Personal expenses like tips, medicines, and phone calls.
Travel from your hometown to the pick-up point.
Personal trekking gear (jackets, shoes, backpacks, cutlery) — available for rent at affordable rates on prior request.
Backpack offloading (optional) – INR 400 per bag/day (up to 12 kg).
Trek insurance (mandatory) — to be arranged separately.
Buffer day cost (if used) — to be paid directly to the trek leader.
Any items not mentioned in the inclusions list.