How to Trek, Sundardhunga Glacier in Uttarakhand, India.
Introduction:
Himalayan high-altitude range is rich in Bugyals and Glaciers. Sundardhunga Glacier is situated in district Bageshwar, Uttarakhand, (India), at an altude of 4320 meters. Sundardhunga literally knon as the Valley of beautiful stones.The trekking route up to Khati village is prevalent among Pindari, Kafni and Sundardhunga Glacier.The snow -capped peaks distinctively visible during this trek are Mrigthuni (6856mts),Maiktoli (6803mts), and Tharkot (6100mts).Ssundardhunga Glacier lies over Sundardhunga valley and situated west of Pindari valley.Devikund and Nandakund are the religious places to worship goddess Nanda, a form of Parvati.
Trekking Route Overview:
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| Sundardhunga Glacier/ the valley of beautiful stones. |
Sundardhunga is a popular trekking destination which offers soul refreshing views of the beautiful glaciers, the blood- red rhododendrons, dense pines and old cedar trees making it a surreal place to visit.The trek to Sundardhunga Glacier goes through Jaitoli, Dudhia Dhaung, and Kathalia. Sundardunga is one of the most-visit trekking place in the Kumaon region as the trek offers a variety of natural splendors. The Sundardhunga trek literally spans 8-10 days, taking trekkers through picturesque villages, dense forests and rugged terrains culminating at the Sundardhunga Glacier.The route is moderately difficult, demanding good physical fitness and acclimatization to high-altitude.
How to Reach Sundardhunga Glacier
1- Reaching Kathgodam / Haldwani;
- By Train: Kathgodam / Haldwani are well connected by train from with several trains from major cities like Delhi, Lucknow. Kolkatta and Jammu. The journey from Delhi to Kathgodam takes around 6-7 hours by train. The distance from Haldwani to Kathgodam is only 6 km.
- By Road: Regular buses and taxies are available from Delhi and othe nearby cities' Distance - 300 km. (ISBT- Anand Vihar)
2- Kathgodam to Khati:- Distance: Approximately214 km
- Travel Time: 9-10 h0urs by bus or taxi/jeep
Bus Jeep/ Taxi Services in Practice
Several trans port options are available from Kathgodam / Haldwani to Khati. There is no direct bus service for Khati fro Kathgodam / Haldwani. So, it is advised to hire a taxi or Jeep for Khati.
- Private Jeeps / Taxis: You can hire a private jeep / taxi from Kathgodam. This is convenient option for groups or those looking for more comfort. The rent is appriximately5 to 6 thosand.
- Shared Jeep / Taxi: Shared jeep are available and are a cost- effective option. These usually move from Kathgodam / Haldwani early in the morning. Perhead charge is approximately Rs 800 to 900.
- Bus Service: There is no direct bus service from Haldwani to Khati but KMOU Buses go up to nearby stations via Bageshwar / Kapkot. You can manage taxi from Bageshwar or Kapkot. Taxi and Jeeps are available from these stations. Do remember, move from Haldwani / Kathgodam in the morning. This is very convenient to connect further and arrival at the destination at right time before dark. These days the leopards are in abundant wandering near the villages along the forests.
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Travel Route |
| Sundardhunga Glacier Trek |
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- Kathgodam to Almora: The journey starts with a drive to Almora via Bhimtal, Bhawali,and Kainchidham, Almora, a beautiful hill stationknown for its scenic beauty covering a distance of 100 km and offering stunning views of the Himalayas...
- Almora to Bageshwar: The route then takes you to Bageshwar, a town situated at the confluence of the Saryu and Gomati rivers The road leads via Someshwar, Kausani and Baijnath- Garur market and then arrives Bageshwar covering a distance of 75 km.
- Bageshwar to Khati: From Bageshwar, the road leads to Khati via Kapkot, offering mesmerizing views of the surrounding valleys and mountains covering a distance of 54 km.
Essentials Tips for Journey:- Travel Early: Start your journey early in the morn ing to ensure you reach Khati village before dark. The journey during night in hills is not safe. These days the leopard wander in the surrounding of the villages. So, avoid night journey.
- Booking in Advance: During peak trekking season, it is advisable to book in advance to secure a spot, guest house, home stay or hotel.
- Carry Essential kits: Remote areas in hills are deprived of medical facilities, supply of rare food items, fruits but local fruits and essential food items are easily available. So, arrange necessary items like water bottle, snacks, dry fruits and a first - aid kit for the journey. The remote areas may not have frequent stops for supplies.
- Road Conditions: The road conditions in some places is not good especially in rainy season. So, it's a good idea to check the road conditions and weather before setting out a journey.
Essential Tips for the Trek
1- Best Time to Trek:
The best time to undertake the Sundardhunga Glacier Trek is from May to Octoberweather is most favourable during these months, although it can get quite cold in higher altitudes. But we should avoid trekking in rainy season in the months of July and August. The heavy rain may cause landslides.
2- Physical Fitness: Make a time-table for morning walk and jogging regularly for at least for six months or the whole year.as it gives you activeness, energy and healthy lungs.Engage in regular cardiovascular exercises and strength training to buildup stamina and endurance.
3- Packing Essentials: Health is wealth, knowing this fact, why not you vibrant yourself.Invest in good quality trekking gear, including sturdy hiking boots, a waterproof backpack or a raincoat,warm clothing, and a sleeping bag in a rucksack.
4- Acclimatisation: Make a short distance trip from Khati to acclimatize to the altitude before starting the trek If you run fast and try to reach Sundardhunga in a short period, It could make you sick and nervous. So, try taking rest after a short trip before reaching your destination, Sundardhunga Glacier. It would keep you away from altitude sickness and offer you an opportunity to relish the trip.
5- Hydration: Stay hydrated throughout the trek to prevent altitude sickness. Drink sufficient water and proper meal. Ascend gradually enjoying the natural beauty in surrounding. Keep fruits and dry-fruits for the camping site.
6- - Local Guide & Porters : Hiring a local guide is recommended as they are familiar with the terrain and can provide valuable insights about the region, They are good in conversation to villagers en route in local dialects and can provide valuable insights about the region,.
7- Permits / Permission: Though, it doesn't require Inner-line permit, but Forest department as well as the tourism department keeps a record of trekkers and tourists ascending high -altitude to a risky zone. So, register yourself for the permission at the forest check post either in Loharkhet or Khati. In case of accident or natural calamity, it provides help from the authority.
How to Reach from Kathgodam to Loharkhet Base Camp. (Old but Traditional)
India is a vast country. People from all parts of India visit the glaciers mainly Pindari, Kafni and Sundardhunga Glacier, in Bageshwar district in Uttarakhand.The journey begins from the last rail head Kathgodam, a gateway to the Kumaon region, well connected by rail and road. From kathgodam you can hire a taxi or jeep or share taxi or jeep to Loharkhet Base Camp.Mostly the trekkers prefer trekking from Loharkhet, at present, the road leads to Khati. The distance is mentioned above.Now, most of trekkers prefer Loharkhet as Base Camp.
Base Camp: Loharkhet: (Old but Traditional)
Loharkhet is located at an altitude of 1760 meters (5774ft). It is a small village that provides basic amenities and serves as the starting point for the trek in place of Khati. Trekkers can find simple guest houses, home-stays and small shops for last-minute supplies.This place is for those, who are interested to enjoy the old traditional route, in place of Khati.They spend two more days in this expedition.
Detailed Itinerary for Sundardhunga Glacier Trek, 2024
Day-1: Loharkhet to Dhakuri
- Trek through dense forests and ascend to Dhakuri.
- Overnight stay in Dhakuri rest house /Homestay or camp.
Day-2: Dhakuri to Khati- Decend to the village Khati.
- Overnight stay in local guest houses/homestays or camp.
Day-3: Khati to Jatoli- Trek through dense forests and meadows
- Overnight stay in camp or shephered huts.
Day-4: Jatoli to Kathaliya- Continue trekking through alpine meadows to Kathaliya.
- Overnight stay at the campsite.
Day-5 Kathaliya to Sundardhunga Glacier and back to Kathaliya- Trek to Sundardhunga Glacier, explore the surroundings, and return to Kathaliya.
- Overnight stay atthe campsite or shepherd huts
Day-6 Kathaliya to Jatoli- Comeback on the same route descending to Jatoli
- Overnight stay at the campsite.
Day-7 Jatoli to Khati- Continue the return journey to village Khati
- Overnight stay in local guest houses/ homestays or campsite
Day-8 Khati to Dhakuri- Ascend back to Dhakuri
- Overnight stay in Dhakuri rest house/homestay or campsite.
Day-9 Dhakuri to Loharkhet- Trek back to Loharkhet, the old base camp.
- Overnight stay at Loharkhet for acclamitization.
- Next morning, drive to Bageshwar, and then to Kathgodam.
Conclusion:.jpg) |
| Sundardhunga Glacier site |
The Sundardhunga Glacier trek offers a unique blend of natural beauty, adventure, cultural and traditional immersion. Never hurry in expedition nor waste your energy in campsite. Ensure a safe and enjoyable experience in trekking.Sundardhunga glacier trek is a real Emerald gem of the Kumaon Himalayas Sundardhunga Glacier valley is rich in flora and fauna. This trek assures an unforgettable journey through one of the most beautiful and unspoiled regions of the Himalayas.
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