Pangarchulla Peak — Local services in Uttarakhand

Adorning the Lord Curzon circuit- one of Garhwal Himalaya’s most fabled trails, Pangarchulla- the chimney peak soars to vision. Perched at 14, 700 ft., for mountaineering enthusiasts, the peak offers a perfect test of non-technical climbing skills. Though this Uttarakhand trek is accessible all though the year, it is the winter snow that makes it truly unsurpassable. If thrill is directly proportionate to the gauge of challenge, Pangarchulla Peak Trek in the winters would be a journey brave hearts just cannot afford to miss!

Spanning over 7 days, the trek will take you along the pilgrim vein of Uttarakhand, from Haridwar to Joshimath, where we have our base camp. A little further away, from Dhak village, starts our walking trajectory up the rocky tracks. With ascent, the horizons open up to cliff side villages characterized by terraced farmland and slant roofed houses, moving on to green meadows surrounded by the signature peaks of Garhwal Himalayas. Notable are—Nanda Devi, Chaukhamba, Hati-Ghori, and Barmal among others. Part of the Nanda Devi Sanctuary, the trail to Pangarchulla never loses sight of these celebrated peaks and culminates finally at the summit with a gala of...

This trek is one of the most difficult trek that can be done within a span of 6-7 days. What makes this trek strenuous is its height and inaccessibility. The base camp is about 8 km away from the peak and so it takes about 6 hrs to reach summit. Also, as the snow starts melting during the daytime at the summit, it gets difficult to either climb or return. Hence, the best time to summit is when you start from your base camp at about 12-2 AM in the morning. It gets ridiculously cold while trekking in early morning (easily -5 to -10), but that is the only way you can reach the summit safely.

As regards to best time of the year, I strongly suggest to book first slot of the season, that is in the month of April. If you are part of the first batch that summits the peak, you will find the snow to be loose enough to climb that will make the summit effort relatively easy than any part of the year. Yes, it will also be most cold comparing to other month slots, but that is...

I'm excited to share a fresh review of the Pangarchulla Peak Trek from a new trekker's perspective.

The Pangarchulla Peak Trek is an exhilarating adventure that pushes you to your limits, but the rewards are well worth the challenge. As a relatively new trekker, I found the trek to be moderately difficult, with steep ascents and rugged terrain that tested my physical and mental endurance. The trek takes you through stunning landscapes, including dense forests, picturesque meadows, and rugged mountain trails. The views of the surrounding peaks are simply breathtaking, and witnessing the sunrise from the summit was a truly unforgettable.

Overall, the Pangarchulla Peak Trek was an incredible adventure that left me with lifelong memories. If you're looking for a challenging yet rewarding trekking experience, I highly recommend adding this trek to your...