Panwali Kantha Trek Overview

If you are looking for an offbeat trekking journey filled with calming views of nature, Panwali Kantha Trek is the perfect destination for you. With a short duration of 4 days and an easy-to-moderate ranking on the trek difficulty scale, Panwali Kantha is for the busy adventurer in you.

Along with the classic Himalayan activities like trekking and camping, the Panwali Kantha trek also offers the unique opportunity of village tourism. Explore the stunning landscape and greenery of the Himalayas as you cover the 24-kilometre distance between the base camp at Ghuttu and the highest point of the trek at Panwali Kantha (3500 metres). As you trek through vast meadows, lush green forests, and quaint villages, spot the snow-capped mountains of popular pilgrimage destinations like Kedarnath, Badrinath, Gangotri, and Yamunotri.

While the weather is pleasant during the summer and autumn months, the Panwali Kantha trek in December and other winter months is covered in snow. Admire the local wildflowers and unique plants as you spot Himalayan wild animals and witness the sunset at Panwali Kantha.

Quick Facts of Panwali Kantha Trek

Quick Facts of Panwali Kantha Trek

Maximum altitude: 11500 feet

Grade: Moderate

Duration: 4 days

Trekking distance: 40 kilometers

Rail head: Rishikesh Railway Station

Airport: Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun

Snow Season: January and February

Service from: Rishikesh

Base camp: Gaurmanda

Best season: April- June & September- October

Region: Uttarakhand

Panwali Kantha Trek Itinerary

Day 1
Day 2
Day 3
Day 4
Day 1

Rishikesh - Ghuttu – Gaurmanda

Start early in the morning at 5:00 AM from the Rishikesh bus stand towards Ghuttu village, which is the base camp of the Panwali Kantha trek. The 187-kilometre-ride crosses numerous villages, meadows, and forests, and takes approximately six hours. The trekkers reach the base camp located at an altitude of 1,524 metres by noon, and after a short break head out for the day’s trekking journey. The trek from Ghuttu to Gaurmanda is ranked as easy, and it takes approximately five hours to cover the ten-kilometre distance. Rest for the night at Gaurmanda, which stands at 2,733 metres and is among the best-camping destinations.

What to Pack for Panwali Kantha Trek?

What to Pack for Panwali Kantha Trek?
  • Mandatory documents: Carry the originals and photocopies of your identity proof as well as the various important documents detailed in your Panwali Kantha Trek itinerary.Quick edibles: It is highly recommended that you carry light snacks like energy bars, chocolates, biscuits, nuts, and hydration packs (ORS) so you can have a quick bite whenever you feel low or hungry.

  • Medical kit: Pack your regular medication along with essentials like paracetamol, vomistop, combiflam, Digene, band-aid, cotton, antiseptic cream, Volini/Moov spray, and crepe bandage.

  • Personal kit: Toiletry items like toothbrush, toothpaste, sanitiser, sunscreen, cold cream, lip balm, and tissues need to be a part of your customised personal kit for the Panwali Kantha trek.

  • Essentials: Items necessary for the Panwali Kantha trek includes a 50-60 litre backpack with rain cover, trekking shoes, a water bottle, a torch, rainwear, and warm clothing like thermal inners, socks, scarves and gloves.

Know Before You Go for Panwali Kantha Trek

How To Reach
Trekking Routes
Important Tips For Trekkers
How To Reach

The base camp for Panwali Kantha trek is Ghuttu village in Tehri Garhwal, which is easily accessible from Rishikesh by bus or car. To reach Rishikesh, one can take the air route or the train route.

By Train: The nearest railway station from Rishikesh is Yoga Nagri Rishikesh Station and is connected to various Indian cities. From here you can take a bus or taxi to Ghuttu.

By Air: The nearest airport from Rishikesh is the Jolly Grant Airport, which is 21 km away and is well-connected to many Indian cities. Take a taxi to reach Rishikesh, and then board a bus to Ghuttu.

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FAQs of Panwali Kantha Trek

Where is Panwali Kantha trek located?

    The Panwali Kantha Trek is located at Bhinlgana Range, Garhwal Himalayas, Uttarakhand. Situated along a now-abandoned pilgrimage route from Gangotri to Kedarnath, the trek starts at Ghuttu village and covers the scenic locations of Gaurmanda and Panwali Kantha.

How difficult is the Panwali Kantha trek?

What is the best time to do Panwali Kantha trek?

What is the highest altitude of the Panwali Kantha trek?

Are there horses available for offloading at Panwali Kantha trek?

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