Pindari Trek in Monsoon

Himalayan - I was thinking of moderate treks (4000m) which will have sure snow but cannot think of any. I think Rupin Pass and Roopkund but those are a bit higher. Maybe someone who has done some trek recently can help.

No acclimitisation required for Pindari or Kafni.

Thanks. I have finalised my trip to kafni and pindari from 28 sep . will the time be ok. any advisory on leeches? i am quite worried about them spoiling my trek.

Great - wish you all the best. Leeches are at their best in Monsoon and quite unavoidable but they aren't too bad - it is nothing to be feared. Three things which can help:

1. Rub Salt on your feet
2. Put oil on your feet
3. If you carry a walking stick - crush them through your shoes if you feel them (mostly people do not feel them but I mostly did).

Leeches can be irritating. I believe that there are anti-leech socks

Dear Rajat,

I tired the net for accommodation enroute to pindari/kafni. could not find online booking for KMVN for bageswar ,loharikhet, dhaukri , kati and purkhia. Please let me know how do i book. also from 28 sep to 10 oct am i likely to encounter heavy crowds ? would the booking be necessary ? in case i dont get booking can i pitch up my tent some where closeby to the KMVN guest houses ?

Himalayaneagle - we didn't book as we went in off-season but I had tried to find out from KMVN directly as well (their website has a few booking office contacts in Delhi, Mumbai, Nainital). This booking will be handled by KMVN Bageshwar so get their contact number from any of these offices.

In my estimate it will be rushed as it is season but pitching a tent should not be a problem - plenty of spaces out there. There are also PWD guesthouses enroute and village acco till Khati.

what does a village acco mean ? some sort of paying guest system ? i would prefer them instead of kmvn and pwd. if you know any contacts or address kindly let me know. it would add to the fun !

Thank You

Any body going or planning pindari /kafni starting 28 sep ?

Yes - it is known as homestay - you will have to ask once you get there (while sun is up). Though I think one is better off in a KMVN / PWD guesthouse.

As i had intimated iam planning trek to pindari and kafni (am a first time trekker) on 28 sep. In case i am not able to make it due to heavy rains in that area which other trek can i go for around 8 to 9 days easy to moderate(hp,sikkim other palces whcih are less than 4000 m . Please let me know

Rajat,

I saw a post of yours regarding you planning dzongri and goecha la. Could you do it ? Will it be ok for a second time trekker? . Can i go without a trekking agency as i see that they are charging a lot of money for a indian trek (around 60 thousand) .I am planning one in April next year. Kindly advice

Himalyaneagle - I planned that twice but had to cancel because of bad back and lack of leave on the two ocassions (finally did Rupin Pass instead). Some things are not meant to be - atleast for the time being.

April is a good season for Sikkim (it isn't as much snowbound as in Uttarakhand or HP) - it is a moderate trek but gains lot of height in first two days so be prepared for AMS. Infact, May-Sept is heavy rains there so trekking isn't as much fun.

You can fix up a guide by calling them (you will get a few names in IM threads itself) - the cost is generally Rs. 1000 per head per day for a group but if you are alone expect to pay upto Rs. 1500 per day per person. Rs. 60,000 is just not the right rate (although rates may have gone up a bit post the earthquake last year).

Rains should not be a problem in that region in September end.

Rajat,

Just trying to be over ambitious (though i am yet to do my first trek !). Will one be able to do kafni ,pindari and sunderdhunga in one trip. Do you know any sample itenary (couldnt find one on net). Pl suggest . Is it advisable or will it be stretching too much . Any acclimatisation required ?

Thanks