Kafni Glacier Trek 2024: Itinerary And Best Time To Visit

Kafni Glacier Trek

satopanth trek

Embark on a blissful journey with the Kafni Glacier Trek, a 6-day expedition starting from the tranquil village of Loharkhet situated on the banks of the Saryu River. Passing through varied terrain, experiencing rocky paths and vast grasslands, you will head towards picturesque places like Dhakuri, Dwali and Khati. Enjoy the beauty of Pindar River and Nanda Khat Mountains on the way. The highlight of the trek is the visit to the stunning Kafni Glacier surrounded by snow clad mountains. 

This adventure is designed for those who enjoy a moderate challenge, making it accessible to a wide range of nature lovers. The trek also offers an opportunity for overnight stays at attractive places like Dwali and Khati, which offer a glimpse of the local lifestyle. Concluding with a peaceful walk to Loharkhet, the Kafni Glacier Trek combines natural beauty, cultural experience and a manageable level of difficulty, making it an ideal adventure for those seeking a balanced and enriching mountain experience.

The ideal time to undertake this exhilarating trek is during the months of May to June and September to October, ensuring favourable weather conditions and an unforgettable journey through this captivating part of the world.

Important Highlights Of Kafni Glacier Trek

  • Starting point:Loharkhet, Bageshwar
  • Destinations- Bageshwar, Loharkhet, Dhakuri, Khati, Dwali, Khatia, Kafni glacier, Wachum
  • Trekking distance (Total): (50 km)
  • Duration- 6-7 days of Trek
  • Experience – Trekking (moderate to difficult)
  • Maximum Altitude– 3859.9 m (Approx)
  • Best Time To Visit– May to June and September to October 

Kafni Glacier Trek Itinerary

BAGESHWAR TO LOHARKHET

  • Starting Point: Bageshwar, Base Camp: Loharkhet
  • Travel Time from Bageshwar to Loharkhet: Approximately 1 hour
  • Alternate Routes:
    1. From Kathgodam: About 6 hours
    2. From Almora: About 3.5 hour
  • Accommodation Options at Loharkhet: Kumaon Mandal Vikas Nigam (KMVN) Guest House and Forest Rest House nearby
  • Location: Situated on the banks of the Saryu River
  • Connectivity:
    1. Well-connected by motorable road from Bageshwar
    2. Closest Railhead: Kathgodam (Approximately 108 km away)
    3. Nearest Airport: Pantnagar (Approximately 206 km away)
Kafni Glacier Trek

LOHARKHET TO KHATI

  • Departure Time from Loharkhet: Early morning, around 6 am
  • Destination: Khati
  • Route:
    1. Steady uphill walk towards Dhakuri pass.
    2. Path starts with a rock-strewn terrain, progressing to expansive meadows with small boulders
  • Timing Goal: Reach Dhakuri pass by noon
  • Midday Break:
    1. Lunch break at Dhakuri pass
    2. Enjoy the breathtaking views of surrounding snow-capped mountain ranges
  • Terrain Description:
    1. After Dhakuri pass, descent for a few kilometers with a clear but occasionally unmaintained path
    2. Locals frequently use this downhill section
  • Key Point: Khatariya, the last motorable point
  • Further Journey:
    1. Cross a few bridges
    2. Trek uphill for a couple of kilometers
    3. Pass through Wachum, a small settlement approximately 2 km before Khati
  • Option: Rest in Wachum before the final stretch to Khati
  • Night Halt: Khati for overnight stay
Kafni Glacier Trek

KHATI TO KHATIA via DWALI

  • Distance: Approximately 10 km
  • Departure Time from Khati: Early morning
  • Terrain:
    1. Initial path runs downhill on the side of the mountain
    2. Some forest cover along the way
    3. Pindar river accompanies the trail, with pale blue foaming water over grey boulders
    4. Passes through a forest with beautiful views of the surrounding landscape
  • Pace Goal: Reach Dwali by noon
  • Dwali Features:
    1. Collection of humble huts
    2. KMVN guest house with three or four rooms
  • Midday Break: Lunch break at Dwali
  • Options at Dwali: Stay overnight at the KMVN guest house. Alternatively, push on another 5-6 km to Khatia.
  • Further Stretch (Dwali to Khatia):
    1. Uphill climb for most of the stretch
    2. Views from Khatia worth the effort
  • Night Halt:
    1. Dwali KMVN guest house
    2. Push on to Khatia and retire for the night at the Gram Panchayat rest house

KHATIA TO KAFNI GLACIER TO DWALI

  • Departure Time from Khatia: Early morning after a quick breakfast
  • Terrain:
    1. Steady uphill walk on the exposed mountainside
    2. Paths with bushy grasses leading to trails bordered by expansive meadows
    3. En route, view of the Nanda Khat mountain
      Scenic
  • Highlights:
    1. Panoramic views of the surrounding mountains.
    2. Nanda Khat mountain visible along the way.
  • Major Point of Interest:
    1. Reach the Zero Point of the Kafni Glacier.
    2. Exercise caution while crossing the snow field to reach the glacier.
  • Experience:
    1. Take in the beauty of the glacier and the surrounding mountains.
    2. Embrace the silence of the mountains.
  • Return Journey: Head back to Khatia, Descend further to Dwali
  • Night Arrangements: Ensure a good night’s rest in Dwali

KHATI TO WACHUM

  • Morning Start: Enjoy a leisurely start to the day
  • Departure Time from Dwali: After a hearty breakfast
  • Destination: Khati
  • Travel Time:
    1. Few hours to reach Khati
    2. Additional time to reach Wachum, a small settlement about two km outside Khati
  • En Route Experience: Embrace the cool breeze and natural beauty along the way
  • Options at Khati:
    1. If you are titred you cab rest in Khati
    2. If you have energy the you can continue trekking – an uphill journey with a few descents – towards Dhakuri
  • Highlight: Wachum, a small settlement before Khati
  • Recommendation: If energy permits, consider continuing the trek to Dhakuri, but prioritize enjoying the trip and consider making a halt at Wachum for a fulfilling experience.

WACHUM TO DHAKURI

  • Duration of Hike: Approximately three hours
  • Difficulty Level: One of the easiest days of the trek
  • Accommodation Options:
    1. Check into a KMVN guest house
    2. Alternatively, for the adventurous, consider renting a tent

DHAKURI TO BAGESHWAR

On the last day of the trek, start early to reach Loharkhet before noon. The trek from Dhakuri to Loharkhet takes about 3 to 4 hours. Grab a quick meal in Loharkhet, then arrange for a cab or jeep to Bageshwar. Say your goodbyes, thank the guides, and reflect on the trek’s memories. Finally, head back to Bageshwar, wrapping up this memorable adventure.

NOTE:- In this article, we cover all the important details regarding trek route, the best time to visit, and how to reach, Still If you have any other queries you can visit the gov official website of Uttarakhand Tourism. If you want to know the best places to visit in Uttarakhand then visit our website uttarakhandeyes.com.

Related Posts

Scroll to Top