Panwali kantha trek
Panwali Kantha Trek is one of the less frequented high altitude meadows of Garhwal Himalayas. Apart from its exhilarating landscape, it is also known for a variety of flowering herbs. Not only that; during months of April and May, the trail is decked with red and pink rhododendrons.
However, a huge bonus of the trek is that, it offers few of the most captivating views of Himalayan ranges. You get to see rarest views of the complete range of Yumnotri- Gangotri- Kedarnath- Badrinath mountain peaks. Prominent snow peaks like Thalay Sagar, Meru, Kirti Stambh, Kedar Dome, Kedarnath, Chaukhambha, Nilkanth, etc. are all visible during the trek. These look especially beautiful at sunset from Panwali Kantha.
Short Itinerary
- Panwali Kantha is a trek that offers unique visual treats in every season – right from lush green meadows after monsoon, to gentle slopes of snow-covered meadows in winter.
- The moderate altitude and easy access make it a fantastic winter trek.
- The Panwali Kantha, situated at 10826 ft., commands a magnificent view of the Himalayan peaks. It is known for its excellent sun set views.
- Apart from the exquisite peaks of the Garhwal Himalayas on one side, trekkers pass through dense woods and beautiful alpine meadows (bugyals).
Day 1: Sonprayag – Triyugi Narayan – Maggu Chatti
- Altitude: 5,673 ft to 10,631 ft
- Distance: 13 km
- Time taken: 9 hours
The trek starts from Sonprayag, which is a village located 5 km before Gaurikund. Gaurikund is the base of Kedarnath. There are a few grocery shops and dhabas in Sonprayag, which serve delicious food to the yatris; you can replenish your supplies here.
There are two ways you can go about this trek. You can either take a shared jeep (13 km) till Triyugi Narayan or trek up 5 km.
If you choose to do the latter, take the shepherd trail on the left, going along the mountain ridge. It appears just before the Kedarnath entry barricades. The trail climbs up rather steeply through the sheds built for khachhars and horses. In a couple of minutes, you’ll be across the sheds and a few metres above the village.
Day 2: Maggu Chatti – Campsite below Kyunkhola Khal
- Altitude: 10,631 feet to 10,015 feet
- Distance: 5 km
- Time taken: 8 hours
Today is going to be challenging. It mainly involves traversing snow slopes with hard ice patches. It is advisable to carry an ice axe and a trekking pole if you decide to do the trek in winter or early summer.
Kyunkhola pass is around 2 km from Maggu. When there is no snow, it is a pleasant walk that takes hardly an hour.
From the Maggu’s dharmshala, get onto the trail on the left. The dharmshala must be to your right. You can see Kyunkhola Pass right ahead of you. The trail gradually ascends as the valley gets deeper on your right. If there is snow, the trail might not be visible. From the trail, the green meadow below Kyunkhola Khal is clearly visible.
Day 3: Kyunkhola Khal camp site to Panwali Kantha
- Altitude: 10,015 feet to 10826 feet
- Distance: 8 km
- Time taken: 5-6 hours
Start early in the day, so that maximum distance can be covered before snow starts to melt. Reaching Panwali Kantha in winter requires certain equipment like ice axes, crampons, gaiters and micro spikes.
Take the trail that you descended on Day 2, all the way back to the Kyunkhola ridge. After a series of switchbacks, the laborious climb concludes at the top of Kyunkhola Pass at 10,905 feet.
Day 4: Panwali Kantha – Ghuttu Village
- Altitude: 10826 feet to 4,658 feet
- Distance: 20 km trek
- Time taken: 7 – 8 hours
Today is a long day for trekking. The day starts with an ascent to the top of Panwali Kantha ridge. This may take 45 to 50 minutes, depending upon the level of snow. You can see the highest point of the ridge, where a small temple sits. The ridge stands at 11,500 feet.