Pindari Glacier

The Pindari Glacier flows down the southern flank of the Nanda Devi sanctuary rim in Kumaon, feeding the Pindar river from a snout reached at a viewpoint known as Zero Point, around 3,660 metres. It is among the most classic and approachable glacier treks in the Indian Himalaya.

Its charm is the deep valley journey rather than any single summit: the trail follows the Pindar through oak and rhododendron forest, past the herders' hamlets of Khati and the pilgrim rest-house at Dwali, with Nanda Kot and the Nanda Devi wall closing in ahead. A small ashram at Zero Point marks the turnaround.

On the trail the trek runs about six days round trip from the roadhead near Loharkhet or Kharkiya, with steady but non-technical walking on good paths and simple rest-house or camp accommodation. Graded easy to moderate, it is a fine first Himalayan glacier trek, the main demands being distance and gradual altitude gain rather than difficulty.

Practical notes: the route lies on the edge of the Nanda Devi biosphere, so a small forest permit applies, arranged locally; basic KMVN rest houses and teahouses line the way. May to June and September to October are the reliable seasons, with clear mountain views; monsoon brings landslides on the approach roads and winter closes the upper valley under snow.