How to Book a Winter Pangarchulla Trek – Everything To Know
There’s something magical about the Himalayas in winter. I still remember the day I decided to take on the Pangarchulla Winter Trek—a decision that turned into one of the most thrilling experiences of my life. If you’re someone who dreams of snow-laden trails, challenging climbs, and views that take your breath away (literally), then let me walk you through everything you need to know to book and prepare for this beautiful winter trek.
My First Introduction to the Pangarchulla Trek
Before I ever booked it, I’d only heard of Pangarchulla in bits and pieces—mostly from Instagram reels and travel blogs. What grabbed my attention wasn’t just the snow-covered summit, but how different it looked compared to the usual crowded trekking routes.
So, Where Exactly is Pangarchulla?
Pangarchulla Peak sits quietly near Joshimath in Uttarakhand’s Chamoli district. It’s part of the Garhwal Himalayan range and lies within the Nanda Devi National Park. The altitude goes up to 15,069 feet, and believe me, standing at that height, with a 360-degree view of the giants like Nanda Devi, Hathi-Ghoda, and Kamet, made every step worth it.
Why I Chose Winter for This Trek
I could’ve done this trek in any season, but winter had its own appeal—less crowd, more snow, and crystal-clear skies. I chose March, which I found to be the perfect balance between extreme cold and accessible terrain. There was snow, but it wasn’t harsh. The summit climb was difficult but doable.
How Difficult Is It, Really?
If you’re wondering, “Can I do it if I’ve never trekked before?” — the answer is yes, but with a bit of work. I’d classify it as moderate to difficult. The summit day especially is intense because you start early (around 3 AM) and trek for 10–12 hours.
How I Trained for It
I gave myself a solid 30 days to prepare. Every day, I walked or jogged at least 5 km and climbed stairs with a backpack. On weekends, I went on local hikes just to get used to long hours on foot. I also did some yoga to keep my body flexible and my breathing under control—something that really helped me at high altitudes.
Getting to the Base Camp (Joshimath)
Once I booked the trek, the next big task was reaching Joshimath, the starting point. Here’s how I got there:
- Train to Rishikesh: From my city, I took an overnight train to Rishikesh.
- Cab to Joshimath: From Rishikesh, I shared a cab with fellow trekkers. It was a 10–12 hour ride, and the road was bumpy but scenic.
You can also fly to Dehradun and then drive to Joshimath. It’s a bit longer, but worth it for the views along the way.
Choosing the Right Trekking Company
I researched for hours before finalizing my trek operator. I looked at reviews, spoke with past trekkers, and compared itineraries. I finally booked with The Searching Souls, and I must say—they were professional, safe, and super well-organized in Pangarchulla Peak Trek.
When picking a trekking company, make sure they:
- Have certified trek leaders
- Provide crampons, gaiters, and safety gear
- Include accommodation, food, and permits
- Have good reviews online
Booking the Trek Online
Booking was super simple. I went to their website, selected the Pangarchulla trek, chose a date, paid online, and boom—I got an email confirmation along with a packing list and training guide.
Pro tip: Book at least 1–2 months in advance. Slots fill up fast, especially in peak season (Feb–April).
Here’s What My 6-Day Itinerary Looked Like
- Day 1: Arrive at Joshimath and rest
- Day 2: Drive to Dhak, then trek to Gulling (9,500 ft)
- Day 3: Trek to Khulara campsite
- Day 4: Summit day! Start early, reach Pangarchulla peak, return to Khulara
- Day 5: Trek back to Dhak, drive to Joshimath
- Day 6: Depart for Rishikesh
Summit day was the hardest but also the most rewarding. Watching the sun rise from behind snow-capped peaks while I stood freezing and sweating at the same time—priceless.
Permits and Documents I Needed
Thankfully, my trek company arranged all the permits. But I had to carry:
- Government ID (Aadhar)
- Medical certificate (you can get this from your doctor)
- Self-declaration form about my fitness
My Packing List – What I Carried
Clothing
- 2 thermal base layers
- 2 fleece jackets
- 1 heavy down jacket
- Waterproof gloves, beanie, and balaclava
- 3 pairs of woolen socks
- Quick-dry trek pants
Gear
- Trekking shoes (Quechua MH500 worked great)
- 60L backpack with rain cover
- Headlamp
- Trekking pole
- Sunglasses (trust me, snow glare is brutal)
- Reusable water bottles
- Basic toiletries and a small towel
Food and Stay During the Trek
We stayed in tents, usually on twin-sharing. The camp setup was clean, and sleeping bags were warm enough even in freezing temperatures.
Food? I was surprised. Every meal was hot, vegetarian, and super filling—think dal-rice, roti-sabzi, soups, noodles, and lots of chai. They even gave us snacks like peanut chikki and dry fruits for energy.
Staying Safe in the Mountains
I did feel a little breathless on Day 3, but drinking water regularly and resting helped. Here are a few tips that kept me safe:
- Layer up, but don’t overdress while trekking—you’ll sweat and then feel cold.
- Drink at least 3–4 liters of water daily.
- Tell your trek leader the moment you feel dizzy, nauseous, or have a headache.
- Use lip balm and sunscreen, even in cold weather.
Budget Breakdown – What It Cost Me
- Trek package: ₹15,500 (inclusive of food, tent stay, gear)
- Train to Rishikesh: ₹800
- Cab to Joshimath (shared): ₹1,500
- Gear rentals (gaiters, microspikes, backpack): ₹1,200
- Miscellaneous (snacks, tips): ₹1,000
Total Cost: Around ₹20,000 – ₹22,000
Totally worth every penny!
Capturing the Moments
If you love photography like I do, bring a DSLR or GoPro. I also used my phone camera with a wide-angle lens. The best shots? During golden hour at Khulara campsite and, of course, the summit ridge with the entire Himalayan range in view.
Final Thoughts – Was It Worth It?
Absolutely. The Pangarchulla Winter Trek challenged me, pushed me out of my comfort zone, and gave me memories I’ll never forget. If you’re even a little curious—just go for it. Prepare well, stay safe, and soak in every moment.
The Himalayas have a way of humbling you, yet filling you up at the same time. And trust me, once you’ve stood on that snowy summit, you’ll come back a little different—in the best way possible.
FAQs
Q1: Is prior trekking experience necessary for Pangarchulla?
No, but you should be physically fit. Do some prep hikes and build stamina beforehand.
Q2: Can I rent trekking gear?
Yes! Most companies offer rentals for shoes, jackets, poles, and more.
Q3: How cold does it get during the trek?
Temperatures drop to -10°C at night, so pack accordingly.
Q4: What happens if the weather is bad on summit day?
The guide will assess and may postpone or cancel the summit push for safety.
Q5: Will there be network during the trek?
Nope. You’ll have to go off-grid. The last reliable signal is at Joshimath.