Panwalikantha Trek in Uttaranchal
Monsoon flowers in the Himalayas seem valley of flowers to many. Those who love flowers, make sure that you do not miss the Panwalikantha trek during monsoons in order to admire the summer blossoms at Panwalikantha. Panwalikantha is situated on the south-western end of a ridge in the Kedarnath region. Trigunarayan is a temple town which holds great religious significance. It was at this place where Lord Shiva is said to have solemnized his wedding to Parvati.
Ideal season to trek Panwalikantha :It is during monsoons.
Location of Panwalikantha :It is located in Rudraprayag district in Garhwal Himalayas.
Trekking Panwalikantha
- Triyuginarayan- Maggu Chatti
High above Triyugi, off to south and west, the notch of Maggu can be seen. The path runs through the village and even a shoulder above it. From here, it takes a right and enters into the forest. It takes you progressively through vegetation world. On the way, you come across a nice picnic spot. As you step for 20 mins., the vegetation thins. Now Maggu Chatti (3,086m) is close. You can comfortably camp here.
- Maggu Chatti-Panwalikantha
The path moves south ascending out of Maggu Chatti. You come across to a vista of Great Himalayan Peaks-Meru, the Gangotri Range and the Kedar Dome. Shrubs and flowers dominate the slope from Maggu.
30 mins out of the camp, you find a series of switchbacks up to the Kinkhola pass. This place gives a refreshing stoppage. On return, it is a wonderful camping spot. You still have to march a long way to Panwali. So, head south. The trail takes many ups and downs throughout the day on the sharp edge of the ridge. After walking about half-way, you find the ridge widening into meadows, heading south-west always. Looking west, over the Bhilanagana valley, you can see the settlement of Gangi on the Khatling trail.
Early evening, you must be stepping in a gentle cleft under the ridge. You may be tempted to camp here but move up to the main meadow of Panwalikantha (3,963m). These meadows are cosmic, so there is ample space to camp pleasurably.
- Panwali-Kinkhola Khal
If you don't have much time in hand to explore the magnificent meadows, move back the ridge to Kinkhola Khal. You can camp on the level meadow. If you desire to see the exuberant sun-set of the Himalayas, step down to the pass and onto the opposite hill.
- Kinkhola-Triyugi
Move back to Triyugi.
Trekking options
Panwali lies on the old pilgrim trail from Kedarnath to Gangotri. From here you can map many routes. If you are interesting in retracing the previous route, you have to head south to Ghuttu. Then move west to Budha Kedar. Then keep veering north and enter the Ganga valley at Lata. You can also make a sharp turn from Ghuttu to the north and head for Khalting Glacier. The latter trail offers much potential. Shastru Tal (west) or an exit at Kedarnath by way of Masar Tal, Painiya Tal and Vasuki Tal.
Meadows in Panwalikantha have a short, progressing cycle of greenery between June and September and in mid of August, the velvety grass is all spread with wild flowers of every vibrant colour and fragrance. Going for Panwalikantha trek is like going for a meteor trail.