At a glance
Kafni Glacier Trek – Standard 8D/7N is a 8-day / 7-night plan reaching up to 3895m. It starts and ends at Lokharkhet, following the route: Kathgodam → Loharkhet → Dhakuri → Khati → Dwali → Khatia → Dwali → Kharkiya → Kathgodam.
Key facts
- Duration: 8 Days / 7 Nights
- Start: Lokharkhet
- End: Lokharkhet
- Nights split: Camp: 5 night(s), Hotel: 2 night(s)
- Includes: –
Terrain
ForestGlacial moraineMeadowRavine
▲ Day 1 Arrive in LoharkhetArrival Day
Arrive In Loharkhet
Overnight In: Loharkhet (1834m )
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Evening Tea Snacks, Soup, Dinner, Dessert, Hot Drinks
Early morning we board our cabs to take a picturesque mountain drive to reach the remote settlement of Loharkhet, passing by Almora, Bagheswar, Suong.
We reach by evening. One of our staffs receives you and guides you to your hotel room. After freshening up, we meet over a light snacks and tea and share few updates on the trek.
We have early dinner and go to bed. Tomorrow's gonna be a hard day right away. So we prepare ourselves mentally for the game
- Day 1
- 555 - Kathgodam
- Day 1
- 1645 - Almora
- Day 1
- 1005 - Bagheshwar
- Day 1
- 1835 - Loharkhet
225Km, 8 - 9hrs.▲ Day 2 From Loharkhet to Dhakuri Trekking Day
From Loharkhet (1834m ) To Dhakuri (2650m ), Via - Dhakuri Pass (2940m ) - 5-6 Hrs. 11 Kms
Overnight In: Dhakuri (2650m )
Accommodation: Camping
Meals Included: Morning Tea, Breakfast, Lunch, Evening Tea Snacks, Soup, Dinner, Dessert, Hot Drinks
Starting in the morning, we trek on a steep route, through the forest to climb up the Dhakuri Pass. On the top of the pass, be ready to be greeted by the aura of the Himalayan Peaks. The beautiful peaks of the Sunderdhunga valley - Maiktoli, Mrigthuni and Devtoli stands on the left slowly easing-in to the peaks surrounding the Pindar Valley, namely Nandakhat, Changuch, Nanda Bhanar. Nanda Kot. The panorama further extends towards your right with the peaks of Rajrambha and Ngalaphu near the Dharma Valley. Peaks as far as those bordering Nepal are visible too, namely Api, Jethibahurani, etc.
After s good rest on the pass top, we descend down to the Dhakuri campsite, which is just few kilometers away. A lovely campsite with flat green meadow, surrounded by the beautiful snow cladded peaks.
Its indeed a Himalayan luxury here, and one of the best campsite in the entire route. All the pain we took in climbing the Dhakuri Pass pays off. It helps us acclimatize well too !
- Day 2
- 1835 - Loharkhet
- Day 2
- 2940 - Dhakuri Pass
- Day 2
- 2650 - Dhakuri
11Km, 5 - 6hrs.▲ Day 3 From Dhakuri to KhatiTrekking Day
From Dhakuri (2650m ) To Khati (2230m ), Via - Kharkiya (2186m ), Jaikuni (2120m ) - 4 Hrs. 8 Kms
Overnight In: Khati (2230m )
Accommodation: Camping
Meals Included: Morning Tea, Breakfast, Lunch, Evening Tea Snacks, Soup, Dinner, Dessert, Hot Drinks
Trek through the forest and open meadows to the village of Khati. The route descends down most of the part while climbing up few stretches, passing by the villages of Bagdanu, Kharkiya, Umula, Jaikuni and Dau.
Khati is a small village staged perfectly with a background of few elegant Himalayan peaks. It has quite a few huts, private guest houses and tourist rest house as well
- Day 3
- 2650 - Dhakuri
- Day 3
- 2190 - Kharkiya
- Day 3
- 2120 - Jaikuni
- Day 3
- 2230 - Khati
8Km, 4hrs.▲ Day 4 From Khati to DwaliTrekking Day
From Khati (2230m ) To Dwali (2632m ) - 5-6 Hrs. 12 Kms
Overnight In: Dwali (2632m )
Accommodation: Camping
Meals Included: Morning Tea, Breakfast, Lunch, Evening Tea Snacks, Soup, Dinner, Dessert, Hot Drinks
A long trek through the forest, following the Pindar river upstream. Dwali is a common campsite located at the confluence of the Pindar and Kafni rivers emerging out of the respective glaciers. From here, the trail on left goes to the Pindari Glacier and the once on the right goes to Kafni Glacier. It is marked by a PWD rest house
- Day 4
- 2230 - Khati
- Day 4
- 2635 - Dwali
12Km, 5 - 6hrs.▲ Day 5 From Dwali to KhatiaTrekking Day
From Dwali (2632m ) To Khatia (3314m ) - 3 Hrs. 6 Kms
Overnight In: Khatia (3314m )
Accommodation: Camping
Meals Included: Morning Tea, Breakfast, Lunch, Evening Tea Snacks, Soup, Dinner, Dessert, Hot Drinks
Follow Kafni river to camp on Khatia today
- Day 5
- 2635 - Dwali
- Day 5
- 3315 - Khatia
6Km, 3hrs.▲ Day 6 From Khatiya to DwaliTrekking Day
From Khatiya (3314m ) To Dwali (2632m ), Via - Kafni Glacier (3895m ) - 6-7 Hrs. 18 Kms
Overnight In: Dwali (2632m )
Accommodation: Camping
Meals Included: Morning Tea, Breakfast, Lunch, Evening Tea Snacks, Soup, Dinner, Dessert, Hot Drinks
Today we trek till the snout of the Kafni glacier, which is the source of Kafni river, a tributary of Pindar. The trek offers promising views of Nanda Kot. We return to Dwali for the night
- Day 6
- 3315 - Khatiya
- Day 6
- 3895 - Kafni Glacier
- Day 6
- 2635 - Dwali
18Km, 6 - 7hrs.▲ Day 7 From Dwali to KharkiyaTrekking Day
From Dwali (2632m ) To Kharkiya (2186m ), Via - Khati (2230m ) - 5-6 Hrs. 16 Kms
Overnight In: Kharkiya (2186m )
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Morning Tea, Breakfast, Lunch, Evening Tea Snacks, Soup, Dinner, Dessert, Hot Drinks
Retrace back on the same trail to reach the village of Khati, and then to the roadhead of Kharkiya
- Day 7
- 2635 - Dwali
- Day 7
- 2230 - Khati
- Day 7
- 2190 - Kharkiya
16Km, 5 - 6hrs.▲ Day 8 From Kharkiya to KathgodamTrekking Day
From Kharkiya (2186m ) To Kathgodam (554m ), Via - Baghehwar (1004m ), Almora (1642m ) - 7-8 Hrs. 220 Kms
Overnight In: Kathgodam (554m )
Accommodation: None
Meals Included: Morning tea, Breakfast
We end our beautiful trek today and drive back to Kathgodam for our onward journey to home
- Day 8
- 2190 - Kharkiya
- Day 8
- 1005 - Baghehwar
- Day 8
- 1645 - Almora
- Day 8
- 555 - Kathgodam
220Km, 7 - 8hrs.
Other Customizable Variations of the Kafni Glacier Trek
We are NOT just limited to these options. These are our most commonly requested and well planned customizations.
If you have a different requirement, talk to us.
We only organize lesser done, uncrowded, customizable & personalized, small group private trekking tours in the Himalayas with full safety protocol in place. All customizations will be guided by this principle only.
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Kafni Glacier Trek - A Detailed Overview
Venturing out in the outer reaches of the Nanda Devi National park in the Kumaon region of the Himalayas. this trek probably offers you one of the easiest opportunity of viewing the beautiful and mighty peaks guarding the Nanda Devi.
Here the beautiful peaks of Changuch, Maiktoli, Mrigthuni, Nanda Khat, Nanda Kot, Panwali Dwar, Sunanda Devi ( Nanda Devi East), Tharkot, Nanda Bhanar, Nanda Khani, Bauljuri, Lapsa Dhura present themselves in full glory. The village and local dwellers of Khati is a good opportunity the experience and understand the rural settings of Kumaon. Right from its start, this trek takes you through a dense forest of the outer Nanda Devi National Park consisting of fir, birch and rhododendrons. From Khati, the trail separates from the Sunderdhunga and follows the Pindar river until Dwali, where it further forks - one on your left goes to the Pindari Glacier and the other on your right goes to the Kafni Glacier following the Kafni river.
This trek curretly start at Kharkiya from where its just about 5 kilometers of gradual trek to Khati because of the newly built jeep able road. It helps you skip the 'good climb' to Dhakuri crossing the Dhakuri pass right in the first day. However, Dhakuri is a picturesque and a special campsite with a wide panorama on a beautiful meadow, so skipping it might not be a good idea unless you are on a time crunch.
Top Reasons to Choose the Kafni Glacier Trek
- Days of wonder in the lap of one of the very beautiful valley in the Kumaon
- The beautiful peaks of Changuch, Maiktoli, Mrigthuni, Nanda Khat, Nanda Kot, Panwali Dwar, Sunanda Devi ( Nanda Devi East), Tharkot, Nanda Bhanar, Nanda Khani, Bauljuri, Lapsa Dhura
- Understand the Himalayan geography and river systems by taking yourself closer to its glaciers. Also witness the effect of Global Warming and the receding of a glacier which is highly affecting the ecology not just locally, but throughout our country
- An opportunity to experience some of the most remote villages of Kumaon - namely Khati which also offers a unique way to experience the Himalayas of Kumaon through the locals
- Walking through the dense forest of rhododendrons, birch and fir and the meadows
Altitude and Acclimatization Profile For The Kafni Glacier Trek
- Day 1
- D1Kathgodam
- Day 1
- Almora
- Day 1
- Bagheshwar
- Day 2
- D2Loharkhet
- Day 2
- Dhakuri Pass
- Day 3
- D3Dhakuri
- Day 3
- Kharkiya
- Day 3
- Jaikuni
- Day 4
- D4Khati
- Day 5
- D5Dwali
- Day 6
- D6Khatia
- Day 6
- Kafni Glacier
- Day 7
- D7Dwali
- Day 7
- Khati
- Day 8
- D8Kharkiya
- Day 8
- Baghehwar
- Day 8
- Almora
- Day 9
- Kathgodam
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best time to do the Kafni Glacier Trek?
Best months: May, Jun, Sep, Oct
Is mobile network available on the Kafni Glacier Trek?
Quick answer: BSNL till Khati
Is internet available on the Kafni Glacier Trek?
What type of trek is this?
Return Type Trek
In this type of trek, the entry point and exit point is same. You trek to a particular destination and return back to the same point
What is the accommodation type on this trek?
Camping
Camping treks are those where nights are spent in tents pitched at designated campsites. Camps are chosen for safety and practicality (stable ground, water availability, weather exposure, and minimal ecological impact). This style offers the most raw mountain experience and flexible route planning, but comfort depends on terrain and conditions.
What kind of toilet facilities can I expect on this trek?
Toilet tents are used at campsites (dry-pit / cat-hole system as per terrain and local regulations). Some camps may have basic fixed toilets near village camps, but do not expect permanent facilities.
How is food served during the trek?
Fresh meals are cooked by the trek staff at camp. Food is served hot in a common dining setup (dining tent or open area). Meals are generally simple, nutritious, and high-energy; menu depends on package and logistics.
How is human waste managed on this trek?
Human waste is handled using toilet tents and designated pits/cat-holes at safe distance from water sources. Sites are selected and managed to reduce contamination; toilet paper and hygiene waste are carried out where feasible or disposed as per local guidelines.
How is food waste managed on this trek?
Food waste is minimized through planned portions. Biodegradable waste is disposed responsibly away from water sources or carried down where required. Leftovers are avoided; nothing is dumped into streams.
How is plastic waste handled on this trek?
Plastic waste is segregated and carried back to the roadhead for proper disposal. Trekkers are encouraged to use refillable bottles; single-use plastics are discouraged/controlled.
How do you follow Leave No Trace principles on this trek?
Camps are left cleaner than found. Waste is segregated and carried out, trails are respected, water sources are protected, and noise is kept low. No littering, no washing with soap near streams, and no disturbance to wildlife or local culture.
What type of terrain can I expect on the Kafni Glacier Trek?
Forest, Meadow, Ravine, Glacial moraine
Is cloakroom / luggage storage available for the Kafni Glacier Trek?
No. Cloakroom or luggage storage is not available for this trek.
What kind of food is served on the Kafni Glacier Trek?
Indian, Garhwali, Kumaoni
We serve a mix of continental-style trek meals as well as simple, freshly cooked home-style food.
The exact menu and style of meals may vary depending on the trek itinerary, region, and the package you are booked on.
Meal inclusions typically cover:
- Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner (BLD)
- Two tea breaks daily (morning and evening)
- Soup in the evening
- Fresh salads where feasible
- Dessert on select days
- Hot night beverage / tonic before sleeping
Please note that detailed, day-wise meal information is mentioned in the respective day’s itinerary wherever applicable.
Where does the Kafni Glacier Trek start?
Where does the Kafni Glacier Trek end?
What is the grade / difficulty of the Kafni Glacier Trek?
Moderate
The trek duration each day may span from 4 - 5 hours, but on some days, it may push up to 8 - 9 days. The trail might involve steep ascents or descents on occasions This kind of treks demand good fitness, and trekkers must involve themselves in cardio exercises regularly to do these treks comfortably. Sleeping altitude are below 4000 meters or little above it, but the trail might go as high as 4500 - 5000 meters. The trek is bit remote and evacuation might be possible from almost all, but not all campsites
What is the duration of the Kafni Glacier Trek?
8 Days, Kathgodam to Kathgodam
Is the Kafni Glacier Trek inside or near a national park?
Nanda Devi Outer Sanctuary
Friday, January 23, 2026 6:50:45 PM
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