Panchachuli History

Panchachuli, the name is derived from Mahabharata as Pandavas cooked their last meal before leaving their home, thus panch means five and chuli means stove. The Panchachuli range lies from northwest to southeast. Panchachuli trek was first climbed by an Indo-Tibetan Border Police expedition which was led by Mahendra Singh on 26th May 1973. Panchachuli is popular for peak climbing and trekking adventure activities and is one of the considerably admired mountaineering destinations in Uttarakhand. It is also exhibited from most of the hill stations of the Kumaon district. This place is a convenient motorable road from major cities of Uttarakhand and other states. Day by day majestic peaks of Panchachuli grow interested among adventure enthusiasts. The trek starts from the wonderful Dar village and goes through the Darma valley, the alpine grassland, wildlife, dense deodar, breathtaking glaciers, and the River Dhauliganga escorting you throughout the trekking. It also holds special importance for spiritual people.

Panchachuli Geography

Panchachuli is located in the Darma Valley, Pithoragarh, Uttarakhand. It is a series of five impressive snow-capped cliffs with an altitude of 6,904m. The five peaks are Panchachuli 1, at an elevation of 6,355mt, Panchachuli 2 has the highest elevation at 6,904mts, 3rd at 6,312mts, 4th at 6,334mts and 5th at 6,437mts. Panchachuli 2 is the highest among all the peaks.

Plan My Package Recommends: Places To Visit in Panchachuli

Kali River

Kali River also called the Sharda River or Mahakali river, originates from the Himalayas, in the Pithoragarh district of Uttarakhand. Being a matter of dispute between India and Nepal, Kali River is a hot topic and that makes tourists want to see what the fuss is about. Kali river, standing at an elevation of 3600mt is famous for its religious and cultural significance and there is a story behind it mentioned in the Mahabharata epic. The source of this river is Kalapani, also called the Vyas Valley because it is believed that a sage or Vyasa meditated here, hence the name Vyas Valley.

Places Near Panchachuli

Adi Kailash

Standing at an elevation of 6191m in the Dharchula district of Uttarakhand, Adi Kailash has a resemblance with Mount Kailash and that is why it is also called the ‘Chota Kailash’. Trekkers start their trek from the Dharchula district to Adi Kailash and it takes approximately 12 days to reach. This is one of the oldest places for Hindu pilgrims and also the resting place of Lord Shiva. An interesting fact behind Adi Kailash is that Ravana, also visited the place as he was a big devotee of Lord Shiva. Adi Kailash is a part of the Kailash trilogy that is Adi Kailash, Kailash Mansarovar, and Kinnaur Kailash. You can get a glimpse of the Darma Valley and at the bottom of the majestic peak is the Gaurikund lake with crystal clear water.

Om Parvat

Om Paravat is a famous destination among trekkers and devotees, for its spiritual environment, natural beauty, culture, and tradition of villages, view of Pandav Paravat, Kunti Paravat, Panchachuli group of peaks, Kali River, and tributary water streams. There is a belief that India has eight mountains with the OM symbol impression, out of which only one has been discovered that is Om Parvat. Located near Nabidang on the Indo-Nepal border, Om Parvat is the gem of the Kumaon region. To get to this majestic mountain, one has to travel to Dharchula which is about 83km from the Pithoragarh District. 

Darkot Village

About 7km from Munsiyari is the Darkot Village in the Pithoragarh district of Uttarakhand. Surrounded by the Himalayan peaks and panoramic views, Darkot Village displays the culture and traditions of the Kumaon region. The village, not only being known for its beauty but also because it houses centuries-old rustic ancient houses and one can also find the very famous and high-quality pashmina shawls reared from sheep and rabbits. The locals take part in all the cultural activities to keep their roots intact and their culture alive.

Kathgodam

Located in the foothills of the Himalayas, Kathgodam serves as the hub for trade and commerce in Nainital. Despite being a small village, Kathgodam has several attractions to see such as the Corbett Falls, Kalichaud temple, Hedakhan Ashram, Sheetla Devi Temple, and the Gola River where several migratory birds are found. One very famous picnic spot among tourists is Gaula Barrage, situated on the Gaula River. Gaula Barrage has a mesmerizing view. Kathgodam is also known as the ‘Gateway to Kumaon’

Dharchula

Standing at an elevation of 915m, Dharchula is an important place in the Kumaon region of Uttarakhand that lies between the routes of Kailash Mansarovar and Adi Kailash. Being surrounded by various peaks, one can also spot the famous Panchachuli peaks from here. The place is rich in culture and traditions. One can also get fresh dry fruits trees here. Wildlife spotting may include deer, leopards, foxes, bears, and so on. Kangdali Festival is celebrated in Dharchula and there lies an interesting story of a boy, who applied the paste of Kangdali on his boil and died because of that. Her mother, devastated by her son’s death, cursed the Kangdali shrub and asked the woman of the Shauka tribe to uproot the flower whenever it blooms, which happens after every 12 years. Thus, the Kangdali festival is celebrated. With very welcoming and polite locals, you are likely to have a very good time in Dharchula.

Berinag

From producing the finest tea in the region to providing the finest views of the Panchachuli peaks, Berinag is the perfect destination to open your mind and soul. The mesmerizing view of the Panchachuli peaks, Nanda Devi peaks, Trishul and Rajrambha will bless your eyes. As the name gives a hint, Berinag is related to the ancient Nag Devta Temple which is very popular among tourists. Photographers and nature lovers are in for a treat as Berinag provides clear views of various peaks so it offers plenty of opportunities to capture the most amazing view of the valley.

Best Time To Visit Panchachuli

Panchachuli Weather

Panchachuli In Summer

• Mid-March till mid-June is the best time to trek to Panchachuli Base Camp Trek. The sun warms up the cool region and trekkers find it easy to adjust to the climate. The maximum temperatures in summers rise up to 22℃ and the minimum temperature drops to 2℃.

Panchachuli In Monsoon

• During monsoon season, the route gets very slippery and trekkers find it very problematic to make it through the route. The temperature of Panchachuli in monsoon rises up to 22℃ and the minimum temperature drops to 11℃.

Panchachuli In Winter

• November marks the onset of winters that lasts until February. During this time, the entire place gets covered with a sheet of snow that makes it a perfect place for activities like skiing. Some tourists plan their honeymoon during this time just to witness the region get covered in snow. The maximum temperature in winters rises up to 17℃ and the minimum temperature drops to -1℃. Know More

How To Reach Panchachuli

Panchachuli By Air

• The nearest airport to Dharchula is Pantnagar Airport located at a distance of approximately 335 km or you can get a taxi from the airport to Dharchula. 

Panchachuli By Rail

• The nearest railway station from Dharchula is Tanakpur Railway Station at a distance of approximately 239 km or Kathgodam at a distance of approximately 270 km. You can easily get buses or taxis from Tanakpur to Dharchula. 

Panchachuli By Road

• There are well-connected roads with major cities from Pithoragarh and the Kumaon region through Dharchula, which is the nearest town. Buses or taxis are easily available for the Pithoragarh district from Delhi and the major cities of Uttarakhand. Pithoragarh is 92 km from Dharachula, you can easily book a taxi or bus to Pithoragarh, Tanakpur, Almora, or other cities in Pithoragarh and then hire a taxi to reach Dharchula. 

Places To Stay In Panchachuli

Milam Inn

Located in Munsiyari, Milam Inn is one of the best hotels in Munsiyari, offering an infinite number of facilities while giving you jaw-dropping glimpses of the beautiful Panchachuli peaks with mesmerizing view of the valley. The hotel provides a doctor on call, wifi, a free parking facility, snow skiing, trekking support, comfortable and quality stay, and some top-notch services. Staying in Milam Inn will make you prolong your stay.

Glamping Retreat Munsiyari

Munsiyari, being covered with snow peaks has only small homestays but Glamping Retreat is providing tourists, the ultimate luxury among the mountains offering bounteousness of nature, evergreen forests, and breathtaking views of the valley. The resort provides luxurious cottages that too in a tent style. Despite its location in the mountains, the resort does not fail to provide anything that a city hotel does.

Places To Eat In Panchachuli

Himalayan Bistro

Located in Munsiyari, this restaurant provides some mouth-watering delicacies at an affordable price. How often do you get good food at good prices? The answer is rarely. So do check out this restaurant and fill your tummies with some absolute delight.

Igloo Restaurant

Igloo Restaurant offers a reasonable price, a happy tummy, and an even happier mouth filled with the absolute best delicacies, and to add more fun and adventure to your dining experience, you can dine in an igloo-shaped restaurant and have an experience of a lifetime. 

Do’s & Don’t in Panchachuli

Do’s​

• Do keep some dry fruits and biscuits, that will provide you with the energy.
• Do carry thermal wear and an extra pair of shoes. Make sure you have cash with you.
• Do carry a medical kit containing essential medicine headache, stomach ache, wounds, and cut.
• Do carry a permit for the trek.

Don’t 

• Do not litter on the way to your trek. Always put garbage in the dustbin or keep it in the bag only.
• Do not argue with the trek leader.
• Do not take a heavy diet while you are on a trek.
• Do not disrespect the local villagers.