Panwali Kantha Trek – Best Trek to Explore during Summers
The Panwali Kantha trek is a popular trekking route in Uttarakhand, India situated at an elevation of 3,368 m above the sea level. It is a moderate level trek that takes around 6-7 days to complete, covering a distance of approximately 40 kilometers. Trek is named after Panwali Kantha Bugyal or Meadow, located in Tehri Garhwal District of Uttarakhand State.
The trek begins from Sonprayag in Rudraprayag Ditrict and goes through the beautiful meadows of Panwali Kantha before ending at Ghuttu Village in Tehri Garhwal District. The trek offers a unique opportunity to explore the beautiful landscape of Uttarakhand, including dense forests of oak and rhododendron, several streams and rivers, beautiful meadows, and stunning views of the Himalayan peaks. Panwali Kantha is one the few treks that connect two district boundaries includes Rudraprayag and Tehri Garhwal District. The trek also offers a chance to interact with the local people in remote villages and witness rare Himalayan wildlife such as the musk deer and the Himalayan black bear. The highlight of the trek is the Panwali Kantha meadow, which is surrounded by peaks such as Swargarohini, Bandarpoonch, and Kala Nag.
The trek is suitable for both beginners and experienced trekkers and offers a perfect combination of adventure and spirituality, making it an unforgettable experience for all. Panwali Kantha Trek is also known for old trek route that joins Gangotri – Yamunotri to Kedarnath and further Badrinath (Char Dham Old Trek Route) when roads were not there.
Places to explore near Panwali Kantha Trek | Famous Tourist Attractions near Panwali Kantha Trek
Panwali Kantha trek is a popular trekking route in Tehri Garhwal District, Uttarakhand. The trek begins from Sonprayag in Rudraprayag Ditrict and goes through the beautiful meadows of Panwali Kantha before ending at Ghuttu Village in Tehri Garhwal District. Here are some famous tourist attractions near Panwali Kantha trek:
Triyuginarayan Temple: It is a popular Hindu temple located at a distance of about 12 km from Sonprayag. The temple is believed to be the place where Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati got married, and it is a significant pilgrimage site for Hindus.
Kedarnath Temple: It is one of the four sacred shrines of the Hindus, and it is located at a distance of about 35 km from Sonprayag. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is believed to be over 1,000 years old.
Rudraprayag: It is a beautiful town located at the confluence of the Mandakini and Alaknanda rivers. The town is known for its scenic beauty, and it is a popular stopover for tourists traveling to the Char Dham Yatra.
Deoria Tal: It is a beautiful lake located at an altitude of about 2,438 meters, and it offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains. The lake is located at a distance of about 70 km from Sonprayag, and it is a popular trekking destination.
Chopta: It is a picturesque hill station located at an altitude of about 2,680 meters, and it is famous for its beautiful meadows and stunning views of the Himalayan peaks. The town is located at a distance of about 50 km from Sonprayag, and it is a popular tourist destination.
Tungnath Temple: It is the highest Shiva temple in the world, located at an altitude of about 3,680 meters. The temple is located at a distance of about 36 km from Sonprayag, and it is a significant pilgrimage site for Hindus.
Activities to do near Panwali Kanthi Trek | Things to do while on Panwali Kanthi Trek
Here are some of the activities that you can do near the Panwali Kantha Trek:
Trekking: The Panwali Kantha Trek is a popular trekking route, and it offers an opportunity to explore the beautiful landscape of Uttarakhand. You can also opt for other trekking routes such as Deoria Tal Trek or Tungnath Chandrashila Trek, which are located nearby.
Camping: The Panwali Kantha Trek offers several camping opportunities, and you can pitch your tent near the Panwali Kantha meadow or at Deoria Tal. Camping is an excellent way to enjoy the serenity of the Himalayas and the starry night sky.
Wildlife watching: Uttarakhand is home to several rare species of wildlife, and you can spot them on your trek or during a jeep safari. Some of the wildlife species that you can see are musk deer, Himalayan black bear, and bharal (blue sheep).
Spiritual tourism: Uttarakhand is known for its spiritual and religious significance, and there are several holy places located near the Panwali Kantha Trek such as Triyuginarayan Temple, Kedarnath Temple, and Tungnath Temple.
Adventure sports: Uttarakhand is also famous for adventure sports such as white water rafting, bungee jumping, and paragliding. You can try these activities in Rishikesh, which is located at a distance of about 100 km from Sonprayag.
Photography: The Panwali Kantha Trek offers several opportunities for photography, and you can capture stunning landscapes, wildlife, and the local people and culture.