Overview
Panchachuli Base Camp, located at 4,260 meters (13,976 feet) in the Darma Valley of Uttarakhand, is a stunning trekking destination offering mesmerizing views of the Panchachuli Peaks—a group of five majestic snow-capped mountains. This trek is ideal for nature lovers, adventure enthusiasts, and photographers seeking an offbeat Himalayan experience.
The trek to Panchachuli Base Camp begins from Dugtu Village, passing through lush meadows, dense forests, glacial streams, and remote Himalayan hamlets. Covering a total of 40 km (round trip), the trek is moderate in difficulty and takes 5-7 days to complete. Along the way, trekkers witness breathtaking landscapes, vibrant alpine flora, and serene rivers.
Panchachuli Base Camp is a must-visit for those seeking serenity, adventure, and natural grandeur. With its majestic peaks, untouched landscapes, and cultural richness, this trek offers an unforgettable Himalayan experience.
Itinerary
Pickup from Kathgodam Railway Station early in the morning.
Scenic drive through Almora, Pithoragarh, and Jauljibi, passing through lush forests, rivers, and remote villages.
Lunch en route at a local dhaba.
Arrive at Dharchula, a historic trade town on the India-Nepal border.
Evening briefing session about the trek, permits, and safety measures.
Overnight stay in a hotel in Dharchula.
After breakfast, complete Inner Line Permit formalities for restricted area entry.
Drive through Tawaghat, Dar, and Nangling, experiencing deep valleys, rivers, and waterfalls.
En route, witness the beautiful Chialekh Meadows, known for their vibrant alpine flowers.
Reach Duktu/Dantu Village, surrounded by the towering Panchachuli Peaks.
Overnight stay in a homestay or tents in Duktu/Dantu.
Early morning trek from Dantu to Panchachuli Base Camp, following the Dhauliganga River.
The trail passes through glacial streams, alpine meadows, and dense forests.
Reach Panchachuli Base Camp, offering breathtaking views of the five Panchachuli peaks.
Lunch at Base Camp (packed or prepared by trek staff).
Explore the glacier-fed streams, meadows, and surrounding mountain ridges.
Overnight stay in tents at Panchachuli Base Camp.
Morning sunrise view at Panchachuli Base Camp, followed by breakfast.
Start the descent back to Duktu/Dantu, retracing the scenic alpine meadows and riverbanks.
Reach Dantu Village and relax with local cultural experiences and traditional meals.
Overnight stay in a homestay or tented camp in Dantu.
Morning drive from Dantu to Dharchula, enjoying the scenic Himalayan landscapes.
Lunch en route in a local restaurant.
Evening explore Dharchula, including the Kali River Bridge and local markets.
Overnight stay in a hotel in Dharchula.
Early morning departure from Dharchula back to Kathgodam.
Breakfast & Lunch en route at roadside cafes.
Drop-off at Kathgodam Railway Station for onward journeys.
Includes/Excludes
The Trip Cost Includes
- Pick-up or Drop-off service from and to Airport(in our own vehicle)
- Transportation to and from!!
- Food all along the trip(Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner and a cup of coffee or tea) and accommodations during the trip in hotels with family environment
- Transportation, food, accommodation and insurance of Guide during the trip
- Down jacket, all-season sleeping bag, duffel bag and trekking map(in case if you don’t have your own. Down jacket, sleeping bag and duffel bag must be returned after completion of the trip)
- First Aid Medical Kit(Your guide will carry the Medical Kit but we also advise to bring yourself for your own use, as far as possible)
- All the required permits and paperwork
The Trip Cost Excludes
- International Airfare
- Visa Charges
- Hotel Expenses(In Kathmandu, some packages do include hotel expenses)
- Your travel and medical insurance
- Personal Expenses such as shopping, bar bills, hot shower, telephone, laundry, titbits etc
- Food and accommodations in Kathmandu
- Services not mentioned or not promised by the agent/agency
- Emergency expenses such as expenses on chartered helicopter.
FAQs
So any fit person can do this trek, even if you do not have any previous experience. You should be aware of what to expect and mentally prepare for it. Then, as long as you will to, you can.
On average, you walk about 4 to 6 hours per day. One or two days can be as less as 3hrs and one or two days can be as long as 7hrs.
The highest altitude reached is 4190m. This is the elevation of Annapurna Base Camp. ABC is the highest we will climb in this trek.
Yes, you can charge batteries en route. Charger should be brought. There are hot shower facilities as well. You may have to pay certain amount for both ($1-$2). Negotiate. Also, hot water facility could be free at lower elevation.
No. There are no ATMs on this trek route. You will have to draw enough cash in Pokhara or Kathmandu. There are a number of ATMs in these cities. Everything is paid in Nepali rupees. So money should be exchanged before the start of the trek.
Yes. Internet can be accessed in most places. Sometimes, there might be some technical problems. Internet in Nepal is not as fast as you are used to and at times you can just lose connection.
Not really. It depends on you. If you want, ABC trekking can be done independently. You could hire a guide and a porter by yourself instead of going through an agency or not hire a guide at all. Although, not having a guide can be a little problematic during off season.
It really depends on you. Is it your first time in Nepal? How confident are you of being able to find your way around? How pressed on time are you? If you go through an agency, it will be costlier but everything will be planned. You will only have to come, trek and return.
For Annapurna region, pay for guides range from $20 to $30 per day and porters take $15 to $25 per day.
