Trek difficulty
Difficult
Trek duration
11-12 Days
Trek altitude
17257 Ft.
Group size
6-12
Trek distance
61 km
Basecamp
Joshimath
Best Time
May to June & September
Pickup Point
Dehradun
The Panpatia Col 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.
Day 1: Dehradun to Joshimath (300 km Drive)
Day 2: Joshimath to Alaknanda Camp (8,530 ft) via Khirao
Day 3: Alaknanda Camp to Shepherd Camp (11,745 ft)
Day 4: Shepherd Camp to Snout Camp (12,860 ft)
Day 5: Snout Camp to Moraine Camp (14,107 ft)
Day 6: Moraine Camp to Parvati Gully Base Camp (15,091 ft)
Day 7: Parvati Gully Base Camp to Panpatia Snowfield Camp (17,125 ft) via Parvati Col (16,732 ft)
Day 8: Panpatia Snowfield Camp to Sujal Sarovar (15,551 ft) via Panpatia Col (17,257 ft)
Day 9: Sujal Sarovar to Kachni (13,648 ft)
Day 10: Kachni to Nanu Chatti (10,695 ft)
Day 11: Nanu Chatti to Ransi (6,397 ft) – Drive to Rudraprayag
Day 12: Reserve Day
The expedition , should be attempted only when the weather is stable and calm.
Recommended Months:
These months provide a good balance of stable weather and accessible routes.
Mountaineering Gear
High-altitude mountaineering boots
Crampons
Ice axe
Climbing harness
Helmet
Ropes, carabiners, and safety devices
Gaiters
Clothing
Heavy down jacket
Thermal base layers
Insulated gloves
Woolen cap and
Personal Essentials
Backpack (70–80 L)
Sleeping bag
Headlamp
Sunglasses
Sunscreen
Personal medical kit
Day 1: Dehradun to Joshimath (300 km Drive)
Participants assemble at Dehradun early in the morning by 7:00 AM.. Then we start our drive to Joshimath. This drive is pretty long. From here we start a long but beautiful drive towards Joshimath, via Rishikesh, Devprayag, and along the Alaknanda River. The landscape slowly changes from plains to deep mountain valleys.. We see plains and then deep valleys in the mountains. We get to Joshimath in the evening. We check into a guesthouse. Have dinner, at Joshimath. We stay overnight at Joshimath.
Day 2: Joshimath to Alaknanda Camp (8,530 ft) via Khirao
Distance: 3 km
We have breakfast. Then we drive from Joshimath to Hanuman Chatti. When we are near Khirao we come across a suspension bridge that goes over the Alaknanda River. We walk for a bit from where the road ends. We get to a really nice clearing. This clearing is above the place where the Khirao Ganga and the Alaknanda River meet. The Hanuman Chatti trip is going great far. This place is so peaceful that we decide to set up our tents , we have the dinner at the campsite and stay overnight near the alaknanda river.
Day 3: Alaknanda Camp to Shepherd Camp (11,745 ft)
Distance: 7 km
The day starts with a climb up to Khirao village. In the summer time you will see the people who live in the village working in the fields that are made like steps on the side of the mountain or taking their animals to the fields.
After we go through the village the path gets really steep as we keep going up past the trees. We walk on the hills and open spaces and then we get to Shepherd Camp. The people who live around here use Shepherd Camp when they take their animals out to eat the grass.
We have dinner, at Shepherd Camp and we sleep in tents.
Day 4: Shepherd Camp to Snout Camp (12,860 ft)
Distance: 4 km
Today we do not have to walk far. We are getting closer to the Panpatia Glacier. We start from Shepherd Camp. It only takes a little while to get to the glacier. The glacier is really close a few minutes away from us.
We put up our tents near the Panpatia Glacier. The Panpatia Glacier is surrounded by mountains that are very rocky.
The rest of the day we just. Get used to the high altitude. We have dinner. Then we sleep in our tents, near the Panpatia Glacier.
Day 5: Snout Camp to Moraine Camp (14,107 ft)
Distance: 4 km
Today we are going on a trek that involves climbing over long stretches of moraine. The terrain can feel a bit boring at times because it is the thing over and over.. Then we get to cross some snow patches and that makes it more interesting and the best part of the trek is the views of the mountains. We can see peaks like Neelkanth and Parvati on one side and a big glacier with lots of cracks on the other side. We can also see Chaukhamba from away. We will set up our camp on the moraine for the night. We will have dinner, in the tents. Stay there overnight.
Day 6: Day 6: Moraine Camp to Parvati Gully Base Camp (15,091 ft)
Distance: 4 km
From Moraine Camp we keep going up towards the base of Parvati Col. This part of the climb is not very long. It is very steep. It takes us to the Panpatia snowfield region. We set up our camp below Parvati Col. The place is really beautiful. It is very high up. We have dinner and sleep in our tents, at the Parvati Col campsite.
Day 7: Parvati Gully Base Camp to Panpatia Snowfield Camp (17,125 ft) via Parvati Col (16,732 ft)
Distance: 6 km
This day of the expedition is really tough. We have to climb up a steep hill and then we get to a narrow part where we can only move forward through a path that is filled with snow and rocks , we use ropes that're already in place to help us get through this difficult part. After we get past this section the land opens up. We see big areas of snow. When we cross Parvati Col we get to the Panpatia Snowfield, which is a huge flat area of white snow surrounded by big mountains in the Himalayas. The mountain called Chaukhamba is very easy to see. If the day is clear we can also see Nanda Devi. We set up our camp on the snowfield. Dinner and overnight stay in tents.
Day 8: Panpatia Snowfield Camp to Sujal Sarovar (15,551 ft) via Panpatia Col (17,257 ft)
Distance: 9 km
The day starts with a long walk across the Panpatia Snowfield. This walk is very long. It is not too steep. We have a climb and then we get to Panpatia Col. Panpatia Col is the highest point of the expedition. From Panpatia Col we can see beautiful views of glaciers and snowbound peaks that seem to go on forever , after that we go down carefully because the slopes are steep and we do not want to fall.
We keep going down until we reach Sujal Sarovar. Sujal Sarovar is a beautiful lake that is very high up.
We set up our camps near Sujal Sarovar for the night. We have dinner, near Sujal Sarovar. We sleep in our tents.
Day 9: Sujal Sarovar to Kachni (13,648 ft)
Distance: 7 km
When we leave Sujal Sarovar, Sujal Sarovar we have to cross a pass and then the path goes down really steep. The way down is covered in snow. There are lots of big rocks so it is a bit tough.. As we keep walking the scenery starts to change and we see nice green fields. We get to Kachni and Kachni is in a spot it looks out over the Madhmaheshwar Ganga valley. It is nice to stop for a while because we have been walking on glaciers for a long time then we have dinner, at Kachni and we sleep in tents.
Day 10: Kachni to Nanu Chatti (10,695 ft)
Distance: 5 km
Today our trek is really easy. We are going to walk through some alpine meadows and oak forests to get to the Madhmaheshwar Temple area. From here, a well-defined trail leads toward lower settlements. from the Madhmaheshwar Temple area there is a path that takes us down to the lower villages.
We will be stopping at a place called Nanu Chatti. Nanu Chatti is a village that people from Gaundhar use, during certain times of the year. We will set up our tents at Nanu Chatti for the night. Stay there.
On the day we went from Nanu Chatti to Ransi. Ransi is at a height of 6,397 feet. After that we had to drive to Rudraprayag. The trip from Nanu Chatti to Ransi was the part of the day. Then the drive, to Rudraprayag was next. We were going to Rudraprayag from Ransi.
Day 11: Nanu Chatti to Ransi (6,397 ft) – Drive to Rudraprayag
Distance: 12 km
The last day of walking is on the path as the Madhmaheshwar Temple trail. We go to Ransi village. When we get to the road we get in the car. Drive to Rudraprayag. This is where the walking part of the trip ends. We are done with the trekking section of the expedition, at Rudraprayag.
Day 12: Reserve Day
This day will be used in case of bad weather or other delays.
During The Trek Exclusion
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.
