Panpatia Col
The ultimate Himalayan traverse — Kedarnath to Badrinath
Expedition Brief
The Panpatia Col trek is one of the most challenging and demanding treks in the Garhwal Himalayas, connecting the holy pilgrimage sites of Kedarnath and Badrinath. This high-altitude pass sits at a staggering 5,260 m (17,260 ft) between two unnamed p...
About The
Expedition
The Panpatia Col trek is one of the most challenging and demanding treks in the Garhwal Himalayas, connecting the holy pilgrimage sites of Kedarnath and Badrinath. This high-altitude pass sits at a staggering 5,260 m (17,260 ft) between two unnamed peaks exceeding 5,500 m. Being one of the least traversed passes in the Indian Himalayas, it is reserved for experienced trekkers and aspiring mountaineers with prior knowledge of ice axes, crampons and roping-up procedures. The trail takes you through massive glaciers, crevassed snowfields, rocky moraines, and the legendary 7 km Panpatia snowfield — an enormous plateau of snow surrounded by lofty peaks including Nilkantha, Balakun, Hathi Parvat, Chaukhamba, and even distant Nanda Devi.
Guide Note
One of the least traversed passes in India. Demands very high fitness, mountaineering skills, and experience with technical equipment (ice axes, crampons, roping).
Expedition Price
Key Highlights
Cross the legendary 5,260 m Panpatia Col — one of India's rarest passes
Traverse the epic 7 km Panpatia Snowfield plateau
Connect the holy dhams of Kedarnath and Badrinath on foot
Stunning views of Nilkantha, Chaukhamba, Balakun & Hathi Parvat
Technical mountaineering skills on glaciers and crevassed terrain
Visit sacred Sujal Sarovar and Madhmaheshwar Temple
Expedition Data
Day by Day .
12 days of traverse through changing landscapes. From dense forests to alpine meadows and snow-capped passes.
Dehradun to Joshimath
Report early morning at 7 AM. Drive from Dehradun to Joshimath through the scenic Alaknanda valley. Overnight stay in guesthouse.
Joshimath to Alaknanda Camp via Khirao
Drive to Hanuman Chatti and cross a suspension bridge over the Alaknanda River. After a short walk above the confluence of Khirao Ganga, establish camp at a clearing. The journey into the wilderness begins.
Alaknanda Camp to Shepherd Camp
Make your way to Khirao village after a gradual ascent. In summer, villagers tend terraced farms or move to higher meadows. A steep climb through the treeline and grassy slopes brings you to the shepherd campsite.
Shepherd Camp to Snout Camp
A short walk brings you to the snout of the Panpatia Glacier. The massive ice formation is visible from camp — an awe-inspiring first encounter with the glacier.
Snout Camp to Moraine Camp
A long uphill walk on seemingly endless moraines, weaving across patches of snow. Views of Neelkanth and Parvati loom on one side, with a heavily crevassed glacier dropping vertically on the other. First glimpse of Chaukhamba appears.
Moraine Camp to Parvati Gully Base Camp
A short but steep trek to the base of Parvati Col, bringing you closer to the vast Panpatia snowfield. Camp at the threshold of the high-altitude glacial world.
Parvati Gully Base → Parvati Col → Panpatia Snowfield
The crux of the expedition. A steep climb through snow and rock gullies, with fixed ropes for safety, leads to the vast Panpatia snowfield — a massive plateau of snow surrounded by some of the most dramatic peaks in the Himalayas. Chaukhamba rises in all its glory, and with luck, you may see Nanda Devi.
Panpatia Snowfield → Panpatia Col (5,260 m) → Sujal Sarovar
The summit day. Traverse the massive Panpatia snowfield and climb to the majestic Panpatia Col at 5,260 m — a vertigo-inducing vantage point offering views of glaciers, snowfields and towering mountains stretching to the horizon. A steep descent leads to the sacred Sujal Sarovar.
Sujal Sarovar to Kachni
A small pass followed by a steep descent through snowy slopes and boulder zones takes you to Kachni. The meadow overlooks the Madhmaheshwar Ganga valley — a welcome sight after the high-altitude intensity.
Kachni to Nanu Chatti
Descend to Madhmaheshwar temple through ancient oak forests, then follow a paved trail to Nanu Chatti — a small settlement of summer homes for people from Gaundhar village.
Nanu Chatti to Ransi; Drive to Rudraprayag
Walk to Ransi on the Madhmaheshwar Temple trail and drive onward to Rudraprayag. The expedition concludes with a sense of immense achievement.
Reserve Day
Buffer day held in case of bad weather, altitude sickness, or other delays. Safety is always the top priority on this extreme trek.
Inclusions & Exclusions
What's Covered
- All meals on the trek (as per menu)
- Forest permits & camping charges
- High-quality alpine tents, sleeping bags & mats
- Safety equipment — static rescue rope, seat harness, carabiners, pulleys
- Experienced trek guide, cook, helpers & porters for common supplies
Not Included
- Portage of personal bags during the trek
- Transportation
- Travel insurance of any kind
- Expenses of a personal nature
- Meals during road journeys
- Any expense not listed in inclusions
Essential
Gear Check
We don't compromise on equipment. This curated checklist ensures you are prepared for every condition the mountain presents.
Essential Trekking Gear
6 Items RequiredPolicies &
Need-to-Knows
Transparency is key to a safe expedition. Please review these terms carefully before booking your slot.
Important
All cancellations must be communicated in writing. Refunds are processed within 7-10 working days.
- Cancellations made 15–30 days before departure: 50% of total cost charged as cancellation fees.
- Cancellations made within 0–15 days of departure: 100% of total cost charged as cancellation fees.
- In unforeseen weather or government restrictions, the operator will try to provide an alternate. Cash refund will not apply.
- Cancellation policies apply irrespective of the date of booking.
Begin Your
Ascent
The summit of Panpatia Col awaits. Don't just dream of the view—stand there. Secure your place on our next expedition team.
Enquire
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Schedule
Choose dates that align with your goals and our departures.
Secure
Confirm your spot with a deposit. We handle the rest.
