Key Highlights
Altitude
5260mtr
Days
13D - 12N
Exp. Leader
10+ Year
Location
Uttrakhand
Group Size
5 - 10 Max
Transport
Delhi
Overview
Panpatiya Col Expedition
Between two of the most haloed pilgrimage sites in the Himalayas lies a land that nurtures a legend worthy of difficult discovery and extreme exploration. A tale that has drawn feted explorers of the likes of Meade, Shipton and Tilman, Martin Moran, Harish Kapadia, and countless other intrepid souls.They were all drawn by the lore that a priest from Badrinath would trek to Kedarnath in a day. The explorations, which began as early as 1934, have mostly come a cropper, with weather, terrain and nerves beating each party back. The prize of the exploration is the crossing of the Panpatia col, a pass that hides its approach within drifts of moraines, crevasses and massive icefalls. But a route across it exists, and we know that from the many reports submitted by the mountaineers, and the final successful crossing by a duo from West Bengal, in 2007. After extensive research and reading, we made the crossing of this legendary pass for the first time in 2012 (it was probably the first time when the trip was offered commercially by any operator). We at White Magic have since successfully crossed the pass 8 times. Join us in the upcoming summer as we unravel the mythical "Panpatia Col Trek" bit by alluring bit.
Key Highlights
Altitude
5260mtr
Days
13D - 12N
Location
Uttarakhand
Group Size
5 - 10 Max
Exp. Leader
10+ Year
Transport
Dehradun
Complete
Itinerary of expedition
Arrive Dehradun airport latest by noon and drive to Rudraprayag. One could take the morning Shatabdi train to Haridwar and then a taxi to the Dehradun airport too. We load our stuff and hit the road; it is a fairly long drive in the mountains. We have lunch enroute and stay overnight at the hotel in Rudraprayag.
We drive to Khirao road head (5 hrs) and trek for another 3 hours to reach to our campsite. Overnight in Camp
We gain altitude to reach Khirao village. From the village it is a steep climb up to the tree line, which is marked by some flags on the boulders. Our campsite — a little above that offers views of splendid snowcapped peaks in the distance. Overnight in Camp
A short day where we tackle a combination of terrain — from gentle uphill walks to steep inclines — all the way to the snout of the Panpatia glacier. Overnight in Camp
This will be a relatively long day of gradual height-gain — ideal to spruce up the lungs for the days ahead. We cross never-ending moraines and weave across patches of snow to ease our march but then will be rewarded by magnificent views of mountains. Overnight in Camp
We take it easy though. High altitudes are tricky places, and we rest a day to prime ourselves physically and also try out our snow boots. Overnight in Camp
A day short on time and steep on inclines brings us closer to the Panpatia snow field. We camp just below the Parvati Col. Overnight in Camp
A steep climb from our camp brings us to the edge of the terrace from where the only way up is through a steep gully encase in snow and rock. We see Chaukhamba in all its glory and, with some luck, may also be treated to a different view of the mesmerizing Nanda Devi. Our campsite is in the snowfield. For those willing to put up with a little more of the bracing cold, the night sky offers a grand view of stars. Overnight in Camp
We traverse the snow plateau and a short climb from the camp brings us to the col. Ahead is a steep downhill descent that leads to the Madhyamaheshwar watershed. We camp near the small lake of Sujal Sarovar. Overnight in Camp
A few metres above Sujal Sarovar is a small pass from where it is a steep descent through snowy slopes and boulder zones to Kachni. The camp overlooks the Madhmaheshwar Ganga, and one can see the temple below and the lights of Guptkashi far below. Overnight in Camp
It takes about 3-4 hrs to get to Madhmaheshwar temple. We visit the temple and have hot lunch at a nearby tea-shops. Post lunch we walk lazily through the forests to camp at Nanu chatti which is a small settlement of summer homes for people from the villages of Gaundhar. Overnight in Camp
On the last leg of the trek we descend through the pine forests to get to the floor of Madhmaheshwar Ganga. We finish the trek at Ransi and drive to a hotel in Rudraprayag. Overnight in Hotel
We have 5 hours drive to airport and one could board any flight leaving after 4PM. People can also consider boarding the Shatabdi Express from Haridwar (6:10PM) to reach Delhi by 10:45 PM
Guidelines
Things to carry
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- Footwear: Trekking Boots (snow and water proof), normal walking boots, and floaters.
- Few pairs of warm/woolen socks.
- Luggage: Backpack (50 liters), Daypack (20-30 ltr), Duffel bag.
- Clothes: Waterproof breathable jacket & pants, Jacket (synthetic or fleece of down feather), insulated pants (Synthetic), Poncho, Sweatshirt, inner thermal (upper & lower), fleece, t-shirts, cotton trekking pants, shorts. * clothing as per the season
- Gear for Hand & Head: Liner glove, Bandanna, Sun hat, Woolen caps, Face mask etc. Accessories: Sunglasses/Goggles, anti-glare glasses, water bottle, hydra pack, Headlamp with spare bulb and extra batteries.
- Trekking Gears: Emergency tool kit.
- Protection and First-Aid: Sunscreen, toiletry kit, water purification tablets, Zip-lock bags, ear plugs, first-aid and all essential medicines.
- Camping Equipment: Sleeping bags (extreme -5 to +5 Celsius) with liner, trekking poles, etc.
- Shirts / T-shirts – 2/3, Warm shirt/light micro fleece pullover/full sleeve T shirt
- Trekking Pants that are water resistant/repellent and having inside lining for extra warmth- 2
- Windproof/water resistant outer shell (jacket) of good quality with a proper hood
- Down jacket with min 600 fill power rating, Thick Fleece / Full-sleeve Woollen sweater Thermal inner wear (upper and lower)
- Woollen cap, Inner fleece gloves, Outer water proof gloves
- Thick woollen socks and regular socks (4 – 5 pairs), Scarf/muffler (optional)
- Comfortable waterproof Trekking/Hiking shoes that come with a thick sole and high ankles
- Camp shoes such as sneakers/sport shoes
- Raincoat / Poncho
- Small light weight towel
- Insulated water bottle and hydration pack (optional)
- Cap / floppy hat to keep the strong sun away from your face, Sun glasses with UV protection and ability to cut the glare (important when traversing through snow) Sturdy walking stick / Trekking pole
- Sunscreen Lotion, Lip Balm
- Torch / Flashlight (with extra batteries)
- Medicines, if requiring any specific medication
- Personal toiletries
- Day pack/small bag which you will carry on your back every day and keep your essentials in it
- Carry rain cover for your bags
- Keep a few poly bags or waterproof bags in your bag in which if required you can put your belongings in case of heavy rain
Mandatory Personal Medical Kit
- Diamox – 10 tablets (to prevent AMS)
- Dexamethasone – one strip
- Nifedipine – 5 tablets
- Crocin – 6 tablets (fever)
- Avomine – 4 tablets (motion sickness)
- Avil 25mg – 4 tablets (allergies)
- Combiflam – 4 tablets (Pain killer)
- Norflox TZ & Lomofen– 6 tablets each (diarrhea)
- Digene – 10 tablets (acidity)
- Omez/ Rantadine – 10 tablets (antacids)
- Crepe bandage – 3 to 5 meters
- Gauze – 1 small roll
- Band aid – 10 strips
- Cotton – 1 small roll
- ORS – 10 packets
- Betadine or any antiseptic cream
- Moov spray (aches, & sprains)
- Knee cap, if you are prone to knee injury
- Anti fungal powder
During The Trek
Inclusion
All Permit & fees
Accommodation
Meals
Transportation/Travel
Mountain Staff: Cook, Helper, Porters, Mules & other support staff
Guide
During The Trek
Exclusion
Any services not mentioned in the inclusions
Any insurance, emergency evacuation or rescue charges, any cost of hospitalization.
Any change in itinerary, cost arises due to road blockage, natural calamity, sudden halt or any cost beyond our control to be borne by climber/you
Expenses personal in nature like mountain tips, mineral water, drinks, snacks/meals, refreshments not mentioned in the inclusions
Insurance or liability for injury, death, accidents, or loss of property.
Taxes
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