Sunderdhunga Glacier Trek
Sunderdhunga literally means the valley of beautiful stones (Sunder meaning beautiful and Dhunga meaning stone) . The eminent glaciers of this valley are Maiktoli and Sukhram. Sunderdhunga valley is on the right side of Pindar valley. Trek to Sunderdhunga valley is tough as compared to Pindari and Kafni Glacier trek.
The trekking route up to village Khati is prevalent among Pindari, Kafni and Sunderdhunga Glacier. The snow-capped peak distinctly visible during this trek offers a spectacular scenic view. Mrigthuni (6856mts), Maiktoil (6803mts) and Panwalidwar (6663mts) Tharkot (6100mts) are clearly visible during the trek. Sunderdhunga is approximately 24 km beyond the village Khati. After Khati one has to go to village Jatoli, which is 7 km away. Jatoli to Dhungia Dhaun is a tough trek of about 8kms. One should spend the night in Dhungia Dhuan either in shepherd huts or in tents. Beyond Dhungia Dhuan, it is necessary to take a guide even for experienced and professional trekkers but it would be better if you book a guide and porter from the very beginning of the trek. The next halt is Kathalia, which is 6 to 7kms beyond Dhungia Dhaun. Kathaliya is a beautiful place with lots of waterfalls. From Kathalia one can go to both Sukhram and Maiktoli glaciers. They are in opposite directions, 7 km from Kathalia.
Sunderdhunga Glacier Trek Itinerary
Day 1 (New Delhi - Bageshwar)
442kms | Drive
Traveling starts from New Delhi to Bageshwar. Bageshwar is 442kms away from Delhi but the drive is smooth and tiresome is detained. Bageshwar is situated at the confluence of river Saryu, Gomati and the latent Bhagirathi. Overnight in Bageshwar. Book a guide next morning as it is important for you to book a guide even if you are professional trekker.
Day 2 (Bageshwar - Saung – Loharkhet - Dhakuri)
12km | Trek | 6-7hrs
Level: Easy-Moderate
Departure from Bageshwar to Saung, a 38km drive. Trek commences from Saung village to next destination Loharkhet situated 3km from Saung under the majestic Kumaon Himalayas. One can make a night halt at Loharkhet as KMVN rest houses are build there, but the one who has made to Loharkhet before noon can proceed the trek to Dhakuri(2680). Trek from Loharkhet to Dhakuri is quite easy but is exhausting at the same time. Overnight in Dhakuri.
Day 3: (Dhakuri – Khati - Jaitoli)
15km | Trek | 6-7hrs
Level: Easy
The trek to Khati descends down and 8km trek can comfortably be accomplished. From Khati snow-capped peaks of Mighty Himalayan Range are distinctly visible. Khati is the biggest village enroute Pindari. The pet dogs here have metal collars so the wild animals don't grab them by the throat. If you look up in the sky in middle of the night you will see that every star in the sky is distinctly visible. Overnight in Jaitoli.
Day 4 (Jatoli – Dhungia Dhaun – Kathalia)
13km | Trek | 7hrs
Level: Moderate
The distance that you have to cover today is 13km through thick alpine forest for more than half the journey and today’s trek will be quite tough. Jatoli to Dhungia Dhaun is a tough trek of about 8kms. One should spend the night in Dhungia Dhuan either in shepherd huts or in tents. Beyond Dhungia Dhuan, it is necessary to take a guide even for experienced and professional trekkers but it would be better if you book a guide and porter from the very beginning of the trek. The next halt is Kathalia, which is 6 to 7kms beyond Dhungia Dhaun. Overnight in Kathalia.
Day 5 (Kathalia – Maiktoli Top / Sukhram cave )
7km Each | Trek | 5hrs
Level: Moderate
Kathaliya is a beautiful place with lots of waterfalls. From Kathalia one can go to both Sukhram and Maiktoli glaciers. They are in opposite directions, 7 km from Kathalia. Trek to Maiktoli top is a steep climb and when you reach there you will feel that you have touched the peak. The day is memorable for all those who are in love with nature and its pristine glory. You have to come back to Kathalia for night halt, and if you want then you can trek to Sukhram cave the very next day. Sukhram cave is 7km away from Kathalia in the opposite direction of Maiktoli top. Sukhram cave is a beautiful place to watch out for and you can view Sunderdhunga view-point from there. If you are abandoning any one of the place from these two then you can trek back to Kathalia for night halt, but if you are willing to explore the beauty of mighty Himalayas and want to see both the places then you must stay one more day in Kathalia. Overnight in Kathalia for both cases.
Day 6 (Kathalia – Jaitoli)
13km | Trek | 4hrs
Level: Moderate – Easy
As the trek descends down from Kathalia to Jaitoli, one can complete this task easily even if walking slowly and enjoying every moment of beautifully enriched scenic pulchritude of Sunderdhunga valley. Overnight in Jaitoli.
Day 7 (Jaitoli – Khati - Dhakuri)
15km | Trek | 5-6hrs
Level: Easy - Moderate
Departure from Jaitoli will lead us to Khati. Trek to Khati from Jaitoli is quite easy but the trek goes moderate from Khati to Dhakuri as it is quite enervating. Overnight in Dhakuri.
Day 8 (Dhakuri – Loharkhet – Saung - Bageshwar)
12km| Trek | 3-4hrs
Level: Easy
9km trek from Dhakuri to Loharkhet and 3km trek from Loharkhet to saung can be easily accomplished. If one wants then he/she can make a night halt in Saung, but most of the people prefer to drive to Bageshwar and stay there.
Day 9 (Bageshwar – New Delhi)
442kms | Drive
After praising the beauteousness of majestic Himalayas return back to Delhi.
Excursions from Sunderdhunga Glacier Trek
Pindari Glacier: Pindari Glacier has invariably lured mountaineers and trekkers since the last century as it is one of the most easily accessible of all the Himalayan glaciers. Pindari Glacier lies on the edge of Nanda Devi, which is one of the highest Himalayan peaks in India. Pindari is a big and steep glacier measuring 3.2km in length and 1.5km in breadth and is situated at a breathtaking height of 3353mts above sea-level. Pindari Glacier is 12kms away from Dwali. Trekking guide to Pindari Glacier
Kafni Glacier: Kafni Glacier is an exquisite and untouched place situated on the east side of Pindar valley and at the footsteps of Nanda kot peak. This region has its own charm and allure with the solitude terrain it presents. This region is very rich in wildlife. Trek to Kafni glacier is visually captivating and ends at the footstep of enchanting Nandakot parbat which is set at an elevation of 6860mts above sea-level. Trekking guide to Kafni Glacier
How to reach Sunderdhunga Glacier Trek
Air: Nearest airport is Pant Nagar, 206 km.
Rail: Nearest railhead is Kathgodam, 180 km.
Road: Bageshwar is well connected with all the major towns of the state. Taxis are available for local transport.
