Bageshwar is also known as the 'Trekker's Paradise' that offers a plethora of scenic brilliance and awe inspiring Glaciers which is a must visit to believe and be able to admire the true beauty of nature. It is located 39 km from Kausani and is the main base or starting point of your trek and the last village you come across before reaching any of the three Glaciers is the Khati village. The base camp of the world famous Pindari Glaciers is at Song situated 36 km from Bageshwar.
From Song you trek 3 km to Loharkhet where you can have some snacks or breakfast and continue trekking 11 km through valleys and a moderate climb to reach Dhakuri [2680 mts]. Rest here over the night in tents or the rest house. The next day continue 8 km downhill to Khati [2210 mts] which is the largest village along the banks of Pinder River of the Ganges. This village is famous for having sheltered the Pandavas of the Mahabharata fame during their 14 year exile. After a fine Dinner, rest in Tents or the hospitable huts of this village.
From Khati you can detour to Jatoli [2000 mts] following the Pinder River up to 'Warbham', the intersection point of Sunderdhunga Stream and Pinder River from where you cross boulders that takes a total of 8 km and 5 hours to reach. Stay overnight at Jatoli and the next day you start on a tough trek of 8 km to Dhungia Dhaun where you spend a night in shepherd huts or tents. If you are trekking on your own, it is mandatory to take an expert trekker and guide from Dhungia Dhaun, even for professionals as it is a rough and confusing path of 7 km via Alpine forest and Saria River to reach your next stop at Kathalia [3206 mts], the last village inhabited by people. From here you can trek to Maiktoli [6804 mts] and Sukhram Glaciers of the Tharkot Peak [6100 mts], Mrigthuni Peak [6856 mts] and Pawali Dwar [6663 mts]. Both Glaciers lie on opposite directions about 7 km away from Kathalia. After spending time there, trek back to Kathalia and spend a night of rest after 5 hours of walking.
The next day proceed through a 10 km path taking up to 5 hours towards the spectacular Sunderdhunga Glaciers [3900 mts], which means 'Valley of Beautiful Stones' also situated in the Pinder valley and a much rougher trek compared to the Pindari and Kafni trek routes. It spans over an altitude of 3200 mts to 6050 mts. You can also visit the Sukhram Caves enroute to the Sunderdhunga view point.
After spending time here, tour back to Khati village and continue 11 km through numerous waterfalls crossing over wooden log bridges to arrive at Dwali [2575 mts]. From Dwali you can detour to the wonderful Kafni Glaciers which is a part of the Pinder region and situated south of Nanda Kot Peak [6860 mts] rich with fauna. You also get a view of the Nandabhanar Peak elevated at 6104 mts. After exploring the Kafni Glaciers trek back to Dwali. This total journey of Dwali - Kafni - Dwali takes 7-8 hours covering 24 km.
After a long walk of 6 hours from Khati to Dwali, rest overnight and continue next day to Phurkia elevated at 3206 mts which is a short walk of 5 km. Accompanied with only barren iced peaks, this is where you stay overnight in tents.
The next day hike on your last stretch of 7 km to 'Zero Point' from where you get a wide view of the enchanting Pindari Glaciers situated amidst the Pinder Valley nestled between the Nandi Kot and Nanda Devi peaks. The Glaciers are 5 km in length and 2.5 mts wide with a 6 mts high snout and over this it extends 3 km in length and approximately over 400 mts in width between altitudes of 3600 mts to 5000 mts above sea level. These Glaciers emits pure whiteness against the lush green Pinder Valley with the river flowing through that is just breathtaking to watch. After spending awhile trek back to Phurkia for an overnight stay. The total journey covered from Song is 45 km to 'Zero Point' [This is the highest point from where you cannot ascend further].
The total days covering the Bageshwar - Pindari Glaciers - Bageshwar trek route is 14 - 16 days, so make sure you have all that time to spend in your hands. From Bageshwar, you embark on your next journey to Chaukori which takes 2 hours by car or alternatively you can trek 60 km to Chaukori.
Important Note: Just a reminder since the trekking paths get more serious, trekking routes above 5,250 mts will require greater physical strength including sustainability due to less oxygen and prior trekking experience with basic mountaineering skills; hence, the route is allowed mostly for professionals only. Any altitude below or up to that height is ok but recommends a skilled escort.
