About Panwali Kantha Trek
Panwali Kantha is a nice trek route that remains with different
beauties in various seasons. Excellent flowery view is there in the
winters, while the extraordinary panoramic snow white beauty can be
experienced in the winters. Since the altitude of the place is not that
much, it is going to give you a perfect experience for the next treks.
Excellent green grasses and meadows of alpine and deodar are there for
you in the monsoon, whereas the hilly surface laments itself with snow
envelop in winter to give your eyes a different type of pleasure. This
is the trek spot, where routes are not definite. You can reach the place
from Ghuttu and from Sonprayag too. If you start it from Ghuttu, the
route will end at Triyugi Narayan. However, excessive snowfall in the
route during winter indicates to avoid this route for that time.
The trek route is a short one and you will not have to prepare
yourself so essentially, if the snow layer is average. There is need to
plan a second way. Heavy snow fall can block the routes at any time; a
contingency plan can be called into action at times. The valley region
is having excellent flowery show for you with reddish and pinkish
rhododendrons, blooming at all sides. April and May are two ideal
months, where the flowery show can be seen, just after the snow layer
melts down, washing the valley with fresh mineral water. The superb view
of the Greater Himalayan peaks is a bonus gift from nature for you. In
fact, a part of this route is to be covered, while trekking from
Gangotri to Kedarnath. The complete view of Kedarnath, Badrinath and
even Gangotri with Yamunotri in this trek route will generate a feeling
in your heart that nature is showing her best four kids. Snow peaks of
Thalay Sagar, Kirti Stambh, Kedar Dome, Neelkanth and Meru peeps behind
the four best children, saying you that the full family is there,
awaiting to pay you their homage.
In the monsoon, you will find the lush Bugyals, excellently green.
The greenery is so prominent in the hue that you will feel that no other
colors are reaching your eyes. Birds and multiple colored flowers are
ready to make the environment even more charming and enthusiastic. The
distant white peaks under the blue sky will seem to you as a picture
drawn by your favorite artist over the canvas. From April to November,
the trek becomes a little more challenging with snow covering the ridges
in Kyunkhola pass. From June to September, winter trek at the route is
best. Fauna in the land is also great. You must have to be lucky to find
the regular habitats of the place. Himalayan Bears, Ghoral and
Rare-musk deer are the most renowned among them. You will listen from
the local people that the land is the wedding place of Lord Shiva and
Devi Parvati. Looking at the outside solace, you will not be able to
deny that in your mind even.
Area : Garhwal Himalayas
Duration : 08 Days (3 days travel/5 days trekking)
Best Season : May - October
Grade :Moderate
Altitude : 4000 mts
Total Trekking : 65 K.M
Panwali Kantha Trekking Tours Highlights
- Ramble over the velvety Panwali Kantha meadows and explore the flora of the region.
- Make your way to the camping site through the dense forests of flowering rhododendrons.
Best Time to Visit
Best time to travel to Panwali Kantha Trek is in summers (May – June) and Post Monsoon (September – mid October).
Summer: The weather of Panwali Kantha Trek remains salubrious
and pleasing during summers. The Himalayas are distinctly visible and
the cool breeze adds charm to the vacation. Carry woolens with you.
Post Monsoon: Serenity and solitude are at its best during
post monsoon at Panwali Kantha Trek. The region is blessed with snowfall
during winters and the accommodation options also remain few. But you
can see the best of Panwali Kantha Trek during post monsoon as it looks
like Heaven on earth.
Where is the Panwali Kantha?
One of the most expansive alpine meadows of Garhwal Himalayas,
Panwali Kantha is known for its variety of flowering herbs, wildlife,
and scenic landscape views. The meadow is at an elevation of 10827 ft,
right between Mandakini & Bhilangana rivers and the Himalayan zone
of Tehri & Rudraprayag district of Uttrakhand. High altitude animals
like Bharal, Ghoral, Himalayan Bear, and the rare musk deer are also
spotted here.
How to Reach?
By Airways: Jolly Grant is the nearest airport, around 160 km from Ghuttu.
By Railway: Haridwar Railway Station, 145 km from Ghuttu, is the nearest railway station.
By Road: Taxis and buses (both public and private) are available from Rishikesh (186 km), Haridwar (206 km), and Dehradun (225 km).
Panwali Kantha Trek (Detailed Itinerary)
Day 01: Delhi – Haridwar – Rishikesh
In the morning catch AC train for Haridwar at 06:50 hrs. Arrival at Haridwar by 11:25 hrs, here meet our guide and transfer to Rishikesh by road. On arrival check in to hotel. The day is for relaxed. By evening one can walk nearby places. Overnight stay at hotel.Day 02: Rishikesh – Ghuttu (5-6 hrs)
In the morning, we will drive to Ghuttu, which is a small Garhwal village also the starting point of the trek. We will drive through the forest and beautiful villages. We will stop to have lunch. En route we shall also view Tehri Dam and lake. On arrival in Ghuttu, we shall stay for meal and overnight camping.Day 03: Ghuttu – Panwali Kantha (6-7 hrs)
Today, we shall start our trek for Panwali. It will be a steep trek and would require walking for about nine kilometers. On arrival in Panwali, we shall camp in the meadow near a stream. Meals and overnight stay in the camp.Day 04: Panwali Kantha – Maggu Chatti (4-5 hrs)
After the breakfast today, we will start descending towards Magguchatti. Our trek today will require of us to walk on rocky terrain. Arrive in Magguchatti and camp. Meals and overnight stay in the camp.Day 05: Magguchatti - Trijuginarayan – Sonprayag (5-6 hrs)
Post breakfast, we shall trek to Trijuginarayan, which is believed to be the place Lord Shiva and Parvati got married. We shall visit the temple and after it trek to Sonprayag. Today, we will little before Gaurikund, near the river. Meals and overnight stay in the camp.Day 06: Sonprayag - Gaurikund - Kedarnath (5-6 hrs)
In the morning, we will visit the Gaurikund temple and the hot springs. After it, we shall proceed to Kedarnath. The entire trek today is a gradual ascent till we reach Kedarnath. Arrive in Kedarnath and camp. Meals and overnight stay in the camp.Day 07: Kedarnath – Gaurikund - Rudraprayag
We shall visit the Kedarnath Temple in the morning and after the Darshan, we will trek back to Gaurikund. Post lunch, we will be driving to Rudraprayag and check-in to a hotel. Overnight stay in the hotel.Day 08: Rudraprayag – Haridwar – Delhi
Post breakfast, we will drive down to Haridwar and from here catch AC train for Delhi at 18:05 hrs. Arrival at Delhi by 22:45 hrs.Tour & Services End.
Things to Carry for Panwali Kantha Trek
- Windproof jacket
- Warm and thick Fleece / Full-sleeve
- Woolen sweater
- Thermal inner wear (upper & lower)
- Woolen cap, Woolen gloves
- Woolen socks and regular socks (3-4 pairs)
- Scarf/muffler (optional)
- Comfortable Trekking/Hiking shoes
- Lightweight floaters/sandals/slippers
- Raincoat / Poncho
- Small light weight towel
- Sturdy Water bottle
- Cap / Hat
- Sun glasses
- Walking stick / Trekking pole
- Sunscreen Lotion
- Lip Balm
- Torch / Flashlight (with extra batteries)
- Personal medications
- Personal toiletries
