Detailed Route
Kafni Glacier Trek Itinerary — Day by Day Route & Camps
Shares the route with the Pindari glacier trek initially, diverting from Dwali towards the scenic Kafni valley.
Standard RouteThis is the standard mountain pacing for this trek. Specific operators may add an acclimatization day or alter the starting point. Check individual operator schedules for their exact logistics.
Duration
8 Days
Total Distance
87 KM
Max Altitude
12,795 FT
Trek Type
linear
Altitude Profile
👆 Interactive Route: Tap map to explore segment insights
Points show end-of-day camp altitude. Summit days show peak altitude reached.
Permits Required Before You Go
Permit Cost
Where to Get
Loharkhet Checkpost
Documents
Aadhar Card, Medical declaration
Foreign Nationals
Standard passport log check. Usually no issues.
Foreigner Process
Standard registration at Loharkhet.
Nearest Embassy Hub
New Delhi
Day by Day Breakdown
Drive Kathgodam to Loharkhet
A massive 10-hour drive plunging deep into the Kumaon hills. The drive passes through the historic temple town of Bageshwar. Loharkhet is a small, quiet settlement where the trail begins.
Key Landmarks
Staying At
Trek Loharkhet to Dhakuri
A steep, continuous uphill climb through thick oak forests to top out at the 9,300 ft Dhakuri Pass. Right at the pass, a legendary, staggering view of the Pindar valley and towering peaks suddenly reveals itself. A short descent brings you to Dhakuri camp.
Key Landmarks
Staying At
Trek Dhakuri to Khati
A highly relaxed downhill day. The trail widens and descends into Khati, the last permanently inhabited village on this route. Khati is deeply atmospheric, featuring wooden Kumaoni houses and fields of amaranth.
Key Landmarks
Staying At
Trek Khati to Dwali
You walk deeply into the gorge, tracing the thundering Pindar river. The forest canopy is dense. You cross numerous streams. Dwali is a crucial junction right at the confluence of the Pindar and Kafni rivers.
Key Landmarks
Staying At
Trek Dwali to Khatia
Here, the heavy Pindari crowds go left; you go right. The trail follows the Kafni river upwards. The trees thin out into dwarf rhododendrons, and altitude is gained quickly. The valley opens up spectacularly.
Key Landmarks
Staying At
Trek Khatia to Kafni Glacier Zero Point & Return to Dwali
The summit day. You hike 7km ascending the pristine alpine meadows to Zero Point right beneath the snout of the glacier. Nanda Kot towers vertically above. After absorbing the staggering isolation, hike all the way back down to Dwali.
Key Landmarks
Staying At
Trek Dwali to Dhakuri (via Khati)
A long return day involving a major descent to Khati followed by the steep re-ascent toward Dhakuri Pass. The final climb is physically demanding after multiple days on trail.
Key Landmarks
Staying At
Trek Dhakuri to Loharkhet, Drive to Kathgodam
A fast morning 11km descent from Dhakuri back to the roadhead at Loharkhet, immediately followed by the 10-hour drive back to the Kathgodam railhead in the plains.
Key Landmarks
Trek Extensions & Add-ons
Pindari Dual-Glacier Extension
+2 DaysAt Dwali, branch left up the main gorge to hit the Pindari Glacier zero point before returning.
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This encyclopedia entry for Kafni Glacier Trek is curated from a mix of public survey records, first-hand climber accounts, and official permit logs. However, mountains are dynamic. If you have been on this route recently and noticed a change in terrain, water availability, or local regulations, we want to hear from you.
Community Vetted
Last Verified: May 2026
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