Pankhu Top Trek

Life is unpredictable and we understand that sometimes you have to cancel or change your trip dates and we endeavour to make it as easy as possible for you. However, please understand that we plan everything including guide fees, permits, accommodation and rations in advance. Therefore, any cancellation means inconvenience and certain losses to the people involved in various stages of the programme. Keeping that in mind, our cancellation charges are as below -

• Cancellations before 30 days from the start of the event: Get a monetary refund with 15% of cancellation charges.

• Cancellations between 30 days and 15 days to the start of the event: 50 %refund.

• Cancellations less than 15 days to the start of the event: No refund.

• Cancellations will be accepted only by email.

Note: The Himalayan Daredevils reserves the right to cancel a program before departure in the event of logistical problems arising due to natural calamities, strikes, wars or any other circumstances that make the event inadvisable. In this case, we will refund 50% of the event fees.

Itinerary Changes &Trip delays:

We plan itineraries based on the information available at the time of planning and in rare circumstances, they are subject to change. If the itinerary is changed or delayed due to unforeseen circumstances such as bad weather, transportation delays, government intervention, landslides etc., we will always aim to give you the best experience possible. However, The Himalayan Daredevils not be held responsible for the cost of delay or changes.

For Bookings made from Third Party Websites:

• The client is responsible for communicating with a third party (booking website) for cancellation.

• Cancellation / Refund is done by a third party based on their policies. 

Pankhu Top Trek, because, honestly, this place is criminally underrated. Tucked away in Kumaon, Uttarakhand (yeah, the bit with all the jaw-dropping mountains), Pankhu Top is basically what you’d get if solitude, wild scenery, and local culture had a baby. You’re up around 10,000 feet, so, yeah, bring a jacket. We’re talking Nanda Devi, Trishul, Panchachuli, all those snow-capped legends just chilling in the distance. What’s wild is, hardly anyone comes here. The trail kicks off from Lohaghat or Champawat, tiny villages where you’ll spot more cows than tourists. The path snakes through pine and oak forests, across meadows that look like Windows XP wallpapers, and hamlets where Kumaoni life pretty much hasn’t changed in decades. Hit it in spring and you’ll get smacked in the face with rhododendron blooms; go post-monsoon and the sky’s so clear you’ll start questioning your city life choices. The trek isn’t Everest, but don’t show up in flip-flops expecting a cakewalk. It’s got enough punch to keep both newbies and seasoned hikers happy, without feeling like a Himalayan theme park. But here’s the real kicker, Pankhu Top isn’t just about the views or the hiking cred. The whole area’s got this low-key spiritual vibe. You’ll stumble on old temples, tiny shrines, and wooden houses that look straight out of a folktale. Locals still tell stories about sages meditating here and the forests being haunted by mountain spirits. When you finally make it to the top, it’s like, hey, welcome to the heart of the Himalayas, enjoy your 360-degree panorama, no filter needed. Camping up there under a sky so starry it almost feels fake. It’s pure magic. The only thing breaking the silence is the wind or maybe a distant animal grumbling. Forget phone notifications; this is the kind of peace you can’t download. If you’re over the Insta-famous trails and want something real, something with soul, Pankhu Top is your jam. It’s unplugged, it’s raw, and it’s got enough history and heart to make you feel like you’ve discovered something.

History of Pankhu Top’s

Pankhu Top’s been around way longer than any of us. The name “Pankhu” probably comes from the local lingo, maybe describing the way the land looks, or how it feels underfoot. Ask around in Lohaghat or Champawat and you’ll hear tales of shepherds and cattle herders using these meadows forever. Summers meant green pastures, happy cows, and, I guess, a break from the lower-altitude heat. Way back in the day (like, medieval times), this whole stretch belonged to the Katyuri dynasty. Those folks were temple builders and Himalayan hustlers, and their fingerprints are all over the place. Champawat, just down the road, used to be the capital for the Chand dynasty, the next crew to rule Kumaon and the templestherer., Still standing, pulling in pilgrims and history nerds. Some say sages and holy men used to disappear into these hills to meditate, away from the grind. You’ll see little shrines and random stone piles that locals say are leftovers from those days. The forests Locals reckon are home to spirits and gods, so don’t go messing around if you spook easily. British officers poked around here too, back when “hill stations” were all the rage and hunting was considered a sport (ugh). Some of their old bungalows and paths are still clinging on, half-eaten by the jungle. These days, a few adventure junkies and nature geeks have started finding their way to Pankhu Top, but mostly it’s still just locals, shepherds, and the occasional lost trekker. The upside? The place is as wild and unspoiled as it gets. No plastic, no crowds, just you and the mountains. Pankhu Top isn’t just a trek. It’s like a living museum, part nature, part history, and a whole lot of mountain magic. The locals are starting to get in on the sustainable tourism game, too, so by trekking here, you’re helping keep those old traditions alive. Pankhu Top is a story that’s still being written. Go before everyone else catches on.

Nearby Places of Pankhu Top Trek

• Champawat: Used to be the Chand dynasty’s capital, so yeah, it’s got some serious old-school cred. Ancient temples are everywhere, but the Baleshwar Temple pretty much steals the show. If you’re into legends, history, or just want to wander around somewhere dripping with myth and culture, you gotta check it out when you’re near Pankhu Top.

• Lohaghat: Lohaghat’s like that chill hill station you see in movies, pines everywhere, air so fresh you feel like you’re in an ad. People usually start their Pankhu Top trek from here, but it’s more than just a pit stop. The Advaita Ashram’s here too, Swami Vivekananda himself founded it, so yeah, it’s got some gravitas. Good place to find your zen, if you’re into that.

• Abbott Mount: You want a spot that feels totally out of a British novel? Abbott Mount’s your answer. Old colonial cottages, killer Himalayan views, and just a general “I could nap here all day” energy. Only a short drive from Lohaghat, so it’s easy to swing by after your trek and just, you know, exist for a bit.

• Mayawati Ashram (Advaita Ashram): Right outside Lohaghat, tucked away in the woods, you’ve got this super peaceful ashram. Swami Vivekananda hung out here back in the early 1900s—so there’s some major spiritual street cred. Great for meditation, or if you just want to ghost the world for a while.

• Patal Rudreshwar Cave: This one’s a cave temple near Gangolihat. It’s all limestone inside, and yeah, the locals link it to Lord Shiva. Creeping around underground in a sacred cave? Pretty rad, honestly. Plus, it’s got that “hidden adventure” thing going for it.

• Devidhura: Welcome to Devidhura, home of the wild Bagwal festival. It’s not just the festival, though the village itself hums with culture, and the Barahi Devi Temple sits right in the centre of it all. You’ll never forget this place, trust me.

• Pancheshwar: Picture this: two rivers crashing together, mountains all around, and a temple dedicated to Shiva right at the border of India and Nepal. That’s Pancheshwar. People come here for fishing, soul-searching, and just soaking in the whole dramatic scenery. It’s got that “photo doesn’t do it justice” thing going on.

Best Time to Visit Pankhu Top Trek

• Spring (March to May): The whole trail explodes with rhododendrons and every wildflower you can think of. Temperatures? Super chill, not too hot, not cold enough to regret your life choices. The skies are usually crystal clear, so those Himalayan peaks look unreal, like something out of a National Geographic cover.

• Summer (June to early July): Early summer’s all about rolling in those lush, green meadows. Seriously, it’s so photogenic it almost feels illegal. The weather’s nice, the grass is fresh, and the vibe is perfect for lazy picnics or just lying around stargazing. Just don’t push your luck. You want to finish up before monsoon rolls in and everything turns into a muddy slip n’ slide.

• Monsoon (mid-July to August): Yeah, nah. Monsoon trekking here? Not the move. The rain’s relentless, trails get sketchy and slippery, leeches are out living their best lives, and landslides? Not exactly a vibe. Visibility tanks, too, so unless you’re dying for a challenge (or want to star in your survival documentary), maybe skip these months.

• Post-Monsoon (September to November): Now we’re talking. After the rains clear out, everything looks kinda magical. Green, fresh, and those mountain views? Insane. The air’s got that crisp, clean snap, and the trails are safe. If you want the best mix of beauty and comfort, this is your window.

• Winter (December to February): Winter’s a whole different beast. Pankhu Top turns into a snow globe, which sounds dreamy, but, man, it gets tough. Hiking through snow and dealing with freezing temperatures isn’t for the faint-hearted. But if you’re into that hardcore, frozen-adventure stuff (and have the right gear), you’ll love it. Otherwise, maybe stick to the warmer months and just admire the winter pics from your couch.

How to Reach Pankhu Top Trek

• By Airport: Pantnagar Airport is the move, though, honestly, it’s not exactly around the corner. We’re talking like 180 km away from Lohaghat, so get ready for a bit of a trek after you land. Just snag a taxi or hop on a bus, nothing fancy. Pantnagar’s got regular flights outta Delhi, so that’s a win.

• By Train: Tanakpur Station is your spot. Way closer, about 90 km from Lohaghat. You can catch a train from Delhi or Lucknow, no biggie. Once you get to Tanakpur, just flag down a taxi or hop on a local bus to Lohaghat or, if you’re feeling wild, shoot over to Champawat.

• By Road: Now, if you’re all about that road trip life, Lohaghat and Champawat have solid highway links. Roll in from places like Haldwani, Nainital, Almora, or Kathgodam. Get ready for a 10 to 12-hour haul (roughly 450 km), so maybe bring some snacks and a killer playlist. Don’t want to drive? State and private buses run this route all the time, so you’re not stuck.

Why Book with escape2explore

When exploring the Pankhu Top Trek from Bengaluru and beyond, escape2explore stands out as a trusted name in adventure and experiential travel. Here’s why hundreds of travellers choose us for their getaways:

• Trusted, Well-Reviewed Local Operator: escape2explore has gained the trust of thousands of content tourists all over India. With persistent positive feedback and an unblemished reputation for delivering quality experiences, we assure you that your experience will be hassle-free, memorable, and value-packed. Our insider local knowledge guarantees that you will always be in safe hands.

• Seasoned Guides: Our trips are led by friendly, trained, and professional guides who are passionate about the outdoors and your safety. Whether it's a beach trek, a cultural tour, or a spiritual walk through temples, our team knows the terrain, the stories, and how to make each moment count.

• Safe & Curated Itineraries: Your safety is our number one priority. Our tour packages are thoughtfully crafted with safety measures, researched accommodations, and easy travel arrangements. We take care of the details so you can have the experience hassle-free and worry-free.

• Unique Experience That You Won't Find Anywhere Else: With escape2explore, you discover more than the tourist attractions. We go off the beaten track with hidden beaches, unusual treks, offbeat cultural destinations, and true interactions.