Uttarakhand
Destination
Trekking
Adventure
The Darma valley in Pithoragarh district is endowed with abundant scenic grandeur. Nestling snugly in the lap of the snow capped peaks of Panchachuli, the route to glacier abounds in exotic scenery, snowcapped mountains, gushing streams, Alpine meadows and a rich variety of flora and fauna.
| Total Duration |
10 Nights / 11 Days
|
| Grade |
Moderate
|
| Maximum Altitude |
3,850 m/12,6320 ft
|
| Best Season |
May to June; September to November
|
| Accommodation |
Hotel/Guesthouse– 4; Organized Campsite – 6
|
| Food |
Almora, Dharchulla, Mukteshwar and On trek– All meals included
|
| Travel |
In small Non AC vehicles/coach depending on the group size
|
WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT FROM THIS ADVENTURE TRIP
The Darma valley in Pithoragarh district is endowed with abundant scenic grandeur. Nestling snugly in the lap of the snow capped peaks of Panchachuli, the route to glacier abounds in exotic scenery, snowcapped mountains, gushing streams, Alpine meadows and a rich variety of flora and fauna.
1
DAY 1: ARRIVAL KATHGODHAM. DRIVE TO ALMORA (3 hrs drive)
Arrive at Kathgodam railway station, drive 3 hrs to Almora. Evening visiting market and stay in a hotel.
2
DAY 2: ALMORA TO DHARCHULLA (206 km, 8 hrs drive)
After breakfast drive to Dharchula via the picturesque Kumaouni valley. We cross Jouljibi; At Jouljibi there is the confluence of river Gori with Kali that crosses into India from Nepal at Dharchula.
3
DAY 3: DRIVE TO SOBLA (2 hrs drive). TREK FROM SOBLA TO DAR (2,134 m / 7,001 ft, 2 hrs)
Drive from Dharchulla to Sobla. The route now travels northwards past Dharchula and Tawa Ghat and diverts westward into a gorge following the Dhauli Ganga river up to Sobla. Sobla is the entry point to the Darma Valley and is the starting point of our trek. Our destination is Dar Village which is 5 kms away. Overnight at campsite.
4
DAY 4: DAR TO SELA (2,500 m / 8,202 ft; 12 kms; 5 to 6 hrs)
Today’s walk is long but easy. The mule track from Dar to Sela goes through hill sides of green pastoral land. The campsite is on the outskirts of Sela.
5
DAY 5: SELA TO BALING (2,743 m / 8,999 ft; 11 kms; 5 to 6 hrs)
It is another relatively easy, trouble-free day. The trail to Baling goes up and down the hillsides but the altitude gained is moderate. The views of the distant glaciers are exciting and the temptation to push ahead is high. Nevertheless we camp here for the night.
6
DAY 6: BAALING TO DUKTU (3,210 m / 10,532 ft; 6 kms; 3 hrs)
Duktu and Dantu are two adjacent villages which are the last centres of human habitation in this part of Darma valley. The view of the Panchachulli peaks from here is just magnificent. On the outskirts of Duktu is a huge meadow that provides a perfect setting for viewing the Panch Chulli glacier with the backdrop of the Panchachulli peaks. This particular spot is almost picture perfect. We pitch up here for the night.
7
DAY 7: PANCHACHULI EAST BASE CAMP AND BACK (4 kms. each way; 5 hrs.)
Today is a momentous day when we set out to explore the Panchachulli glacier from our base camp at Duktu. The glacier projects outwards from the East face of Panchachulli. Trek from the campsite along the Yuli river leads to the massive glacier itself. The place itself provides an incredible scenery of a sprawling meadow bordered by tall oak and birch trees with the Panch Chulli (6,904 m/22,652 ft.) looming in the background.
8
DAY 8: DUKTU TO NAGLING (2,743 m/11 kms, 7 hrs)
We start on return trek today. The trail from Duktu to Nagling is a gradual descent. Overnight at campsite.
9
DAY 9: NAGLING TO BUNGLING (12 kms). DRIVE TO DHARCHULLA
This is the last day of our walking. We arrive at Bungling by noon. From here after a brief rest we get on to the waiting jeeps that drive us back to Dharchulla. Stay in a guesthouse.
10
DAY 10: DHARCHULLA TO MUKTESHWAR (8-9 hrs drive)
Today we board a vehicle that drives us to Mukteswar. We check in for the night at a hotel. Mukteswar is a beautiful place and popular for its amazing views of Himalayas.
11
DAY 11: MUKTESHWAR TO KATHGODHAM (80km). FINAL DEPARTURE
Today is a day when we can chill out and relax. Late in the afternoon we board a vehicle that drives us to Kathgodam. There is also the option of leaving Mukteswar after breakfast and driving to Nainital, visiting the Mall, high altitude Zoo and boating on Naini Lake. The train to Delhi departs from Kathgodam at 20.40 hrs.
