Panwali Kantha Trek: A Backpacking Adventure in the Garhwal Himalayas

Panwali Kantha Trek Distance

• Total Trek Distance: ~45–50 km (round trip)

• Average Walking Time: 5–6 hours per day

• Trail Type: Forest paths, alpine meadows, mountain ridges

➡️ This makes Panwali Kantha a perfect moderate Himalayan trek for fit beginners and experienced trekkers alike.

Day-wise Itinerary: Panwali Kantha Trek

Day 1: Ghuttu to Reeh

• Altitude: 1,500 m → 2,200 m

• Distance: ~12 km

• Time: 5–6 hours

The trek begins from Ghuttu village and passes through terraced fields and forest trails to reach the quiet village of Reeh.

Day 2: Reeh to Ghuttu Base Camp

• Altitude: 2,200 m → 2,800 m

• Distance: ~9 km

• Time: 4–5 hours

Walk through dense oak and rhododendron forests, with occasional mountain views opening up along the trail.

Day 3: Ghuttu Base Camp to Panwali Kantha Bugyal

• Altitude: 2,800 m → 3,500 m

• Distance: ~9 km

• Time: 4–5 hours

This is the most scenic day. The forest gives way to Panwali Kantha Bugyal, a massive high-altitude meadow with 360° Himalayan views.

Day 4: Panwali Kantha to Maggu Chatti

• Altitude: 3,500 m → 2,400 m

• Distance: ~11 km

• Time: 5–6 hours

Descend through forests and ridges to reach Maggu Chatti, a peaceful campsite surrounded by nature.

Day 5: Maggu Chatti to Ghuttu

• Distance: ~12 km

• Time: 5–6 hours

Return to Ghuttu village, marking the end of this rewarding Himalayan backpacking adventure.

Panwali Kantha Bugyal (Alpine Meadow)

Panwali Kantha Bugyal is the highlight of the trek. During summer, it turns into a lush green carpet, while post-monsoon months offer clear views of snow-clad Himalayan peaks.

✔️ Ideal for camping, stargazing, photography, and sunrise/sunset views
✔️ One of the largest unexplored meadows in Uttarakhand

Panwali Kantha Weather & Best Time to Visit

Best Time for Panwali Kantha Trek

• May to June: Pleasant weather, blooming meadows

• September to October: Clear skies, crisp air, best mountain views

Weather Conditions

• Summer: 10°C to 18°C (day), cold nights

• Autumn: 5°C to 15°C

• Winter: Heavy snowfall (trek not recommended)

🚫 Avoid monsoon (July–August) due to slippery trails and leeches.

Accommodation on Panwali Kantha Trek

• Tents at campsites

• Basic guesthouses in villages (Ghuttu & Reeh)

Facilities are simple, so trekkers should be prepared for basic mountain living.

Essential Packing List

• Sturdy trekking shoes

• Warm layers & down jacket

• Rain jacket & quick-dry clothes

• Sleeping bag (for sub-zero nights)

• Trekking poles & headlamp

• First-aid kit & personal medicines

Why Choose Panwali Kantha Trek?

• ✔️ Offbeat & less crowded Uttarakhand trek

• ✔️ Huge alpine meadows (bugyals)

• ✔️ Perfect for backpacking & solitude seekers

• ✔️ Rich flora, forests, and mountain views

Conclusion

The Panwali Kantha Trek in Uttarakhand is a hidden gem for trekkers who crave untouched Himalayan landscapes. With its vast Panwali Kantha Bugyal, peaceful campsites, and moderate difficulty level, this trek offers a perfect blend of adventure, solitude, and scenic beauty.

If you’re looking for an offbeat Himalayan trekking experience in Uttarakhand, Panwali Kantha deserves a top spot on your trekking list. 🏔️✨