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Over the last 100 years, the Pindari Glacier has been attracting mountaineers and trekkers from far and wide. Lying in the Bageshwar district, it is among the most readily accessible of all the Himalayan glaciers. Pindari has amazing rugged beauty and breathtaking sights. A trekker’s paradise, Pindari is the place where you get to see nature at the height of its pristine glory.
Location
Terminating at an altitude of 3627 meters, the glacier stretches between the Nanda Devi and Nandakot peaks in the Pindar valley. The Glacier measures 5 km in length with a snout that is about 6 m high and 2.5 m wide. Above the snout, the glacier is spread over an area about 3 km in length and 300 - 400 m in breadth. The altitude ranges between 3600 m and 5000 m. and the total surface area of the glacier is 339.39 sq kms.
The Pindar River
The river flows through sedimentary rocks in the initial stages of its descent towards the plains. Towards the south, it meanders through quarts schist and Granite is found abundantly in the area. The river has carved out a gorge in the thick glacial deposits which is almost 10 kms long. Glacial terraces have been formed on both sides of this gorge as a result.
The trek
Saung serves as the base-camp for the famous trek to Pindari glacier. The route, with halts at different places, is as follows:
Saung to Loharkhet (3 km)
Lohaekhet to Dhakuri (11 km)
Dhakuri to Khati (8 km)
Khati to Dwali (11 km)
Dwali to Phurkia (7 km)
And, finally,
Phurkia to Pindari Glacier (5 km)
En route, one witnesses the immense beauty Pindari possesses which is further enhanced by the numerous waterfalls, hanging valleys and rolls cliffs like the one at Dwali. The Glacier is pure white in color with hints of light blue and brown thrown in to add that mercurial effect.
Treks are regularly arranged by several agents and professional to suit all budget packs.
Getting there
To reach the glacier itself (zero point), one has to trek 45 km from Saung. The base-camp of Saung can be easily accessed from Almora, Bageshwar and Kathgodam.
The nearest airport is in Pant Nagar, 206 kms. away and the nearest railhead is in Kathgodam, 180 kms. away.
As for the road transport, the best junction is Bageshwar which is well-connected by road with all the big cities of the region.
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