The Panwali Kantha trek is a rewarding trek for everyone but especially for beginners taking their first steps into the world of Himalayan trekking. The expansive meadows on the trail are oriented perfectly to provide a rare panorama of most major summits above Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath and Badrinath. On a clear day prominent mountains like the Thalay Sagar, Meru, Kirti Stambh, Kedar Dome, Kedarnath, Chaukhambha, Nilkanth, etc. are all visible during the trek in a spectacular arc on the horizon. The route we take above the village of Gwana Malla goes through Oak and Rhododendron forests before arriving at the summer settlement of Gwana Manda. Continuing past the abandoned huts at Paubhagi the trail leads to Dophand, the start of the meadow country. The main trail then goes through a series of high-altitude meadows; the Matiya and Panwali Bugyals with spectacular views in almost all directions.
QUICK ITINERARY
Day 1: Arrive at Dehradun. Drive to Ghansali
Day 2: Drive to Gawana Malla. Trek to Gawana Manda.
Day 3: Trek to Panwali meadows
Day 4: Explore the meadows
Day 5: Trek to Gawana Manda
Day 6: Trek to Gawana Malla. Drive to Dehradun.
Day 1: Arrive at Dehradun. Drive to Ghansali
The drive from the airport to Ghansali takes around 4-5 hours (130km). Overnight at a hotel near Ghansali.
Day 2: Drive to Gawana Malla. Trek to Gawana Manda.
Drive to Gawana Malla (1.5 hrs, 35 km) from where we start to ascend fairly steeply to Gawana Manda, a forest clearing with a few shepherd huts. The campsite offers views of the valley below.
Day 3: Trek to Panwali meadows
We ascend gently and past the abandoned shepherd huts of Paubhagi and Dophand before arriving at the beautiful campsite of Panwali bugyal past the Panwali Kantha (top).
Day 4: Explore the meadows
We spend the day exploring and absorbing the beauty of these vast meadows to observe the peaks above the snowline in the fading sunset light. These meadows are home to a number of flowering plants and animals and with some luck we get to view some these rare species.
Day 5: Trek to Gawana Manda
We retrace our steps to Gawana Manda campsite after visiting the Jagdi Top, with stunning panoramic views of the bugyals, valleys and the peaks above the snow line.
Day 6: Trek to Gawana Malla. Drive to airport.
A couple of hours’ hike bring us to Gawana Malla from where we return to Dehradun airport for the onward journey.
Cost Details
Price on request
INCLUSIONS:
- AntHill Adventures Trek Leader supported by an experienced service-team; local guides, cook, helpers and muleteers
- 1 Night Stay at a hotel in Ghansali with meals
- Dehradun to Ghuttu (and return) transfers via INNOVAS or similar
- Meals, snacks and beverages during the trip
- Trekking equipment including certified sleeping bags, 3 season tents (2 trekkers in a 3 person tent) and ground mattresses
- Group-camping gear including Kitchen Tent, Dining Tent and kitchen equipment, toilet tents and camp furniture.
- Personal Porterage (Upto 1 rucksack/ duffel bag of upto 12Kgs per person)
- Ground transfers in SUVs like BOLERO or similar
- Camping charges and forest permits
- GST (5 percent)
EXCLUSIONS:
- Hotel in Dehradun upon return
- Tips for guides, cooks & porters
- Any meals not mentioned above
- Any costs arising out of unforeseen circumstances such as bad weather, landslides, road conditions and any other circumstances beyond our control
- Insurance (Medical, Personal, Evacuation)
By Air:
Dehardun is well connected by air to all the major metropolitan cities of the country. Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun is at a distance of approx 30 km from the city centre.
By Rail:
To reach Dehradun there is a choice of overnight air-conditioned sleeper trains or day-time chair car trains from Delhi.
By Road:
Dehradun is approximately 280 km from Delhi.