PANGARCHULA & KUARI PASS

4570 Meters | Uttarakhand

14th Mar 2026

DIFFICULTY

Easy – Moderate

DURATION

7 Days

BEST TIME

Apr – May
Sept – Dec

COST

INR 20,000 + 5%
GST

overview

The Pangarchula & Kuari Pass Trek is a powerful combination of classic Himalayan trekking and a thrilling summit attempt. This journey delivers some of the best panoramic views of Nanda Devi, Dronagiri, and Kamet, along with a serious physical challenge.

The trek builds gradually through forests and alpine meadows before reaching Kuari Pass (4,320 m) — a historic trail once used by explorers. The real adrenaline rush comes with the Pangarchula summit climb at around 5,050 m, involving steep ascents, exposed ridges, and often snow-covered terrain.

Cold winds, early summit starts, and sustained uphill climbs test both physical and mental strength. This trek is not just scenic — it demands preparation, resilience, and determination.

Ideal for trekkers looking to push beyond moderate trails, Pangarchula & Kuari Pass offers a true sense of summit achievement combined with classic Himalayan beauty.

 

Note: Prices mentioned are applicable for Indian passport holders. For foreign passport holders, the cost may vary. Please connect with the Boots & Crampons team for clarity.
Note: An indemnity document will be shared before the trek. Signing it is mandatory.

ITINERARY

Day 1

Haridwar/Rishikesh to Joshimath ~ 280 km, 11/12 hours. Night stay in lodge.

Day 2

Drive to Karchi village (7,500 feet) via Dhak – 15 km, 45 minutes. Trek to Gulling Top – 4 km, 3-5 hours.

Day 3

Trek from Gulling Top to Khullara (11,000 feet) – 8 km, 6 hours.

Day 4

Khullara to Kuari Pass (12,300 feet) and back to Khullara (Acclimatization for Pangarchulla) – 10 km, 7/8 hours.

Day 5

Khullara to Pangarchulla Peak (15,000 feet) – Summit push starts at 12 AM or 2 AM depending on team fitness. Long day, 12-14 hours. Packed lunch.

Day 6

Khullara to Auli via Gorson Bugyal – 10 km, 6 hours. Night stay in lodge.

Day 7

Drive from Auli to Haridwar/Rishikesh.

INCLUSIONS

  • Transportation

    • Pick-up and drop-off from the designated reporting point to the trek start and end points.

    Accommodation

    • Stay in guesthouses, lodges, or homestays where available.
    • Comfortable camping in high-quality expedition tents on twin sharing basis during trekking days.

    Meals

    • All meals DURING THE TREK, starting from Dinner on Day 1 until Breakfast/Lunch on the final trekking day, as per itinerary.
    • Nutritious vegetarian meals including breakfast, lunch, evening snacks/soup and dinner.
    • Hot beverages such as tea served in the morning and evening.

    Trek Leadership & Support Staff

    • Experienced and certified Boots & Crampons trek leaders and guides.
    • Dedicated support staff including:
      • Expedition cook
      • Kitchen helpers
      • Camp setup team
    • Porters or mules for carrying camping equipment and group logistics.

    Equipment & Safety

    • Expedition-grade tents, sleeping mattresses, and dining tents.
    • Kitchen equipment and cooking supplies.
    • First aid medical kit and emergency oxygen support where required.

    Permits & Fees

    • Forest permits, national park permits, and camping fees.
    • All applicable government charges.

    Additional Benefits

    • Exclusive participant discount on Fast&Up nutrition products.
    • Trek completion certificate (for applicable trekkers).

     

EXCLUSIONS

  • Travel & Transportation Outside Trek Itinerary

    • Travel expenses from hometown to the trek reporting location and return.
    • Any transportation not mentioned in the itinerary.

    Personal Equipment & Gear

    • Personal trekking gear, including:
      • Trekking shoes
      • Sleeping bag (unless specifically included)
      • Trekking poles
      • Personal clothing and equipment

    Personal Expenses

    • Porter services for carrying individual luggage (can be arranged at additional cost).
    • Bottled water, snacks, beverages, and personal purchases.
    • Personal toiletries and medication.

    Insurance & Medical

    • Personal travel insurance.
    • Emergency evacuation costs if required.

    Miscellaneous

    • Tips and gratuities for guides and support staff (optional but customary).
    • Any additional expenses arising due to:
      • Weather delays
      • Natural disasters
      • Personal early exit from trek

PREPARATION GUIDE

  • Please read carefully before registering

    At Boots & Crampons, preparation is not optional. The level of training required depends on the duration, altitude, and technical difficulty of the trek or expedition you are signing up for.

    • Prior trekking experience is strongly recommended.
    • You must be exercising regularly for at least 3–4 weeks before the trek.
    • Build cardiovascular endurance—jogging is the best way to improve stamina.
    • Train your body with uphill walking or stair climbing while carrying a weighted backpack.
    • Focus on lower body and core strength using squats, lunges, planks, crunches, and cycling.
    • High altitude demands patience—listen to your body and respect acclimatization days.
    • Strong legs are essential to comfortably handle long ascent and descent days.
    • A disciplined routine around hydration, nutrition, and rest is expected.

Proper preparation increases not just your chances of success, but also your safety and enjoyment in the mountains.

THINGS TO PACK

For Your Head:

  • Woolen warm cap to protect against cold winds
  • Balaclava for extra warmth
  • Bandana (can be used as a sweatband or to cover your face from dust)

For Your Feet:

  • 4-5 pairs of regular socks
  • 1-2 pair of thick woolen socks for warmth
  • Trekking boots with ankle support and good grip
  • Extra pair of comfortable sneakers or shoes to wear at the Tea House

For Your Hands:

  • 1-2 pairs of warm inner gloves
  • 1 pair of waterproof gloves to keep your hands dry
  • Hand warmers (optional, but useful in very cold weather)
  • A pair of fleece gloves for extra insulation

Clothing: The Armor of the Adventurer:

  • 1 pair of thermal innerwear (top and bottom) for base warmth
  • 2 pairs of lightweight, quick-dry trekking pants
  • 1 pair of windproof and waterproof Gore-Tex trousers
  • 1 Gore-Tex or waterproof jacket for wind and rain protection
  • 1 poncho (optional) for sudden rain
  • 1-2 fleece jacket for light warmth
  • 3–4 full-sleeve dry-fit T-shirts for layering
  • 1 heavy down or padded jacket (800-900 Fills) for extreme cold

Navigational & Survival Gear:

  • 20-30L Backpack (for water, snacks, fleece, etc.)
  • 50-60L Backpack / Duffle Bag
  • 1 trekking pole (or 2 for better balance)
  • Filter water bottle (2 bottles of 1 Ltrs)
  • Thermos flask (for warm water or tea)

Personal Care Compact:

  • Toothbrush & toothpaste
  • Face towel, tissues & wet wipes
  • Hand sanitizer & lip balm
  • Moisturizer (optional but helpful in dry climate)
  • Personal medication kit
  • Sunscreen (SPF 50+)

Illumination & Eye Protection:

  • Headlamp with extra batteries – a must-have for night treks and early morning starts
  • Sunglasses – Polarized, Category 4 with 100% UV protection and a wrap-around fit to guard your eyes from harsh sun glare and snowy reflections. Carry a backup pair just in case.

Soul Nourishment:

  • Camera – capture the beauty and magic of the mountains
  • Music player or earphones – enjoy peaceful moments with your favorite tunes
  • Books or playing cards – perfect for downtime and relaxing at camp
 

*Rental Gears Required*
Visit our Contracted Business Partner website – Summit Yak
for details on trek-specific rental gears and rates.

Frequently asked questions

Ama Dablam involves steep rock sections, exposed ridgelines, snow and ice slopes, fixed

You’ll traverse a mix of forests, alpine meadows, rocky trails, moraine fields, and high-altitude cols. The Kuari Pass involves a steady climb over ridgelines, while the Pangarchulla summit section has steeper snow/rock terrain and a rewarding ridge line view.

ropes, ladders, and glacier travel. This is a highly technical Himalayan expedition requiring confident movement on mixed terrain.

  • Pangarchulla peak: approx 5,050 m (16,568 ft)
  • Kuari Pass: approx 4,320 m (14,173 ft)
    Both include significant elevation gain and high-altitude exposure.

This itinerary is moderate to hard:

  • Kuari Pass involves sustained uphill walks and high elevation
  • Pangarchulla includes steeper, exposed terrain near the summit
    Both require fitness and confidence in high-altitude walking.

The best trekking windows are:

  • March to June (pre-monsoon)
  • September to October (post-monsoon)
    These months offer clearer weather and scenic views.

You should be:

  • Comfortable walking 5–8 hours per day
  • Able to handle uphill and downhill terrain at high altitude

➡️ For detailed fitness expectations and training guidance, see the Preparation Guide.

Essentials include:

  • Good trekking shoes
  • Warm layers and rain/wind gear
  • Water bottle + purification tablets/filters
  • Trekking poles and sun protection

➡️ A complete packing checklist is included in the Preparation Guide.

Water from on-route sources should be treated or purified before drinking. Carry purification tablets or a filter and follow team guidance on safe water points.

Preparation should focus on:

  • Cardiovascular endurance (walking, jogging, hill hikes)
  • Strength training (legs & core)
  • Practice hiking with a daypack

➡️ Detailed preparation guidance is available in the Preparation Guide.

Water is obtained from glacial streams and snow melt. The expedition team treats water, but climbers should carry personal purification tablets or filer water bottles as backup

  • A WhatsApp group will be created for all participants to post queries on preparation, logistics, and trek-related questions.
  • Zoom briefing sessions will be conducted to:
    • walk through the detailed itinerary
    • explain what to expect each day
    • answer your questions live during a Q&A

The Pangarchulla + Kuari Pass trek offers a combination of dramatic ridgelines, expansive Himalayan views, and classic alpine scenery. With thoughtful preparation and the right pacing, it’s an exhilarating and rewarding trek for fit adventurers.

WHY CHOOSE US

01

Trustworthy​

Proven expedition company with transparent processes, certified leaders, and strong participant safety standards.

02

Success Rate

Consistently high summit and completion rates through careful planning, acclimatization, and expert leadership.

03

Customized

Flexible itineraries tailored to participant fitness, goals, timelines, and expedition objectives.

04

Experience

Led by seasoned mountaineers with extensive Himalayan and international expedition experience.

05

Eco-Friendly

Committed to responsible trekking, Leave No Trace principles, and environmentally conscious expedition practices.

06

Variety of Destination

Wide range of treks and expeditions across Himalayas and iconic global mountain destinations.

SAFETY MEASURES

Boots & Crampons staff of highly trained professional guides is here to make your journey as safe and secure as possible. All of our trekking guides are medically certified and have abundant experience using their training in mountainous environments.

Our safety standards are based on the experiences of our founder, managing risk in some of the world’s most hostile environments.

While we advise our trekkers to carry light, our guides are always prepared with:

  • Medical Kit containing High Altitude Emergency Medicines and Life Saving Drugs
  • Oximeter to measure pulse rate and oxygen saturation in blood while on the trek
  • Oxygen Cylinders ONLY for climbs above 6000 Mtrs.

Still have questions?

Be it queries about the trek, customization or anything else, our team is eager to assist you.

Need your questions answered right away?

Get in touch with us at

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