Sunderdunga Base Camp Trek

Detail Itinerary

• Day 01:Delhi – Kathgodam (300 kms by train)Board Ranikhet Express for Kathgodam from Old Delhi railway station to reach Kathgodam early next morning . Overnight journey.
• Day 02:Kathgodam to Loharkhet via Bageshwar , Bharari & Saung :In the morning arrive at Kathgodam and drive towards Loharkhet via Bageshwar , Almora , Binsar . Bageshwar is the base for all treks towards Sunderdhunga, Pindari and Kafni region.
• Day 03:Loharkhet to Kharkiya (5 hrs by Jeep) & further Trek to Khati (5 kms, 2 hrs) Runing along river Saryu this road leads to Kharkiya in these days , leaving only 5 kms to trek to Khati. Before the extension of this route Loharkhet used to be the starting point of trekking for both Sunderdunga & Pindari region. Infact this extended route from Loharkhet to Kharkiya eliminates the need of tiring climb to Dhakuri on the very first day. The remaining 5 km trails to Khati follows a well laid out path through Rhododendron & Oak trees.
• Day 04:Khati (7216 ft ) to Jatoli (8036 ft) – 8kms, 6-6.5 hrsSituated at 7216 ft, Khati is the last major village which bifurcates the routes to Sunderdhunga & Pindari and Kafni glacier. The village ends into the construction site of a much needed PHC of this region. The trail further leads into thick forest roaring Pindar on your right and further subdued in comparison Ghat Gad, a small tributary of Pindar, on your left.
  
  After crossing Pindar bridge you get the first view of the Sunderdhunga river further rises into the narrow valley . You can have your first tea break at Ritang village which is 2 kms from Khati. While walking with relatively easy gradient you will reach Jatoli village after crossing a small stream.
• Day 05:Jatoli (8036 ft ) to Kathaliya (10660 ft ) -13 kms ; 7-8 hrsThe trail gets more challenging from Jatoli , the terrain more rugged and rises steeply from here. After crossing the first bridge the trail gets steeper than before and almost on the half way the valley suddenly opens up with the first clear view of Panwali Dwar and Maiktoli ridges while crossing through through the boulder area along the bank of the river.
  
  A shepherd hut from the far side of the river makes you comfortable to reach Kathaliya.
  
  The place is surrounded by the ridges of Panwali Dwar and Maiktoli . The confluence of two streams making Sunderdhunga Gad is a breathtaking site and a perfect place to get some well earned rest.
• Day 06:Kathaliya (10660 ft ) to Baluni Top (12513 ft ) to Debi Kund Baluni Top is the best place to view all mountain ranges of Sunderdunga & Maiktoli basin . You have to start very early from Kathaliya to have a spectacular view of Vanoti , Durgakot , Tent Peak , Tharkot ,Maiktoli , Panwalidwar & Baljuri from left to right.The altitude gain is sudden and one can easily feel the altitude difference on the way to Baluni Top and further to Debi Kund which is almost another 3 hrs tiring walk from Baluni Top.
  
  Although the trail is easy after the initial ascend finishes and the more than 180 degrees of peak view welcomes you at the top.
• Day 07:Debi Kund to Kathaliya : Start early morning to reach Kathaliya by the same uneventful downward trail which will take significantly less time to reach at Kathaliya by 4-5 hrs .Enjoy photography while watching the change of colors over the mountains and Himalayan birds near water or close by any small shrubs.
• Day 08:Kathaliya- Maiktoli Base Camp( 12628 ft )- 8 kms, 10660 ft : You have to start the morning while trekking down to the river side and have to cross the river over huge bolders . Maiktoli will be on your left and you can have a clear view of Baluni Top .The trail is continuous uphill from the river following and while covering almost 30 min you will face a large section of glacier zone. After crossing the glacier zone through muddy terrain you will find Panwali Dwar infront of you . The trek from heer is quiet enjoyable for another 1-1.5 kms to reach the valley of maiktoli. Maiktoli is on your left now ,and the massif of Panwali Dwar in your front.
  
  The route back to Kathaliya will be same but you have be cautious on the down trail while crossing the glacier.
• Day 09:Kathliya-Jatoli ( Distance – 13 kms )The return journey to Jatoli follows the same route which will obeviously take less time that of uphill trail to cover 13 kms which is not too daunting and can be covered very leisurely, while enjoying the surroundings and taking photographs.
• Day 10:Jatoli – Khati – Kharkiya to Dhakuri : The return journey from Jatoli to Kharkiya via Khati will take 3.5 hours and further 2 hours which is another 3 km gradual uphill trail to Dhakuri through Rhododendron & Pine trees.
• Day 11:Dhakuri to Loharkhet : 9 km , 5 hrs Early morning start with uphill trek to Dhakuri top through deep Rhododendron and pine forests from here it will a complete downhill journey to Loharkhet which may take 5 hrs.
• Day 12:Loharjhet to Kathgodam via Bageshwar , Almora : By road it will take 7 hours to reach Kathgodam.
• Day 11:Kathgodam – Delhi ( Overnight ) to Internationa Airport : Reached Delhi by early morning and transfer to hotel for a comfortable stay. Remaining day is free for shopping and sightseeing in Delhi. Late evening transfer to International Airport for onward destinations.