Trekking is one of those adventure activities that requires participants to have a lot of patience and energy. This is especially true for trekking trips that last several days, such as the hike to the Pindari Glacier. However, despite its exhaustive nature, trekking can be quite refreshing and enjoyable if participants follow the basic rules and love the company of nature. Also, they need to know some other basic but vital information listed below, to fully enjoy the hike up to the famous Himalayan glacier.
Mobile Network Availability – Most people today rely heavily on mobile devices to stay connected to the world and hope to do the same while enjoying the Pindari journey. However, participants need to understand that while they might get a strong signal from all service providers all the way to Bageshwar, the base camp of the trek, the signal gradually weakens as they move towards Loharkhet. From then on, only BSNL users can pick up the signal and that is also possible only for a few hours a day after reaching Kharkiya and Khati. However, in case of emergencies, a satellite phone can be used to make calls.
Accommodation Availability: Participants should make sure to bring a warm sleeping bag with them to use in places where they may have to camp for the night. Generally, places like Loharkhet, Dwali, Phurkiya and Khati have lodges and cabins in the forest where participants can spend the night. However, it is important to confirm the availability of these accommodations during the proposed travel time, with the local guide to avoid last minute hassles.
Transportation Availability: For people who don’t want to undertake the full hike up to the Pindari Glacier, finding local transportation to your convenient starting point can be a bit difficult. While they can take a shared jeep from Bhageshwar to Song and Song to Loharkhet, finding transportation for the trip is really difficult and therefore proper arrangements for the trip need to be made well in advance.
Availability of electricity: The absence of electricity in the regions past Bhageshwar should not surprise the participants. However, the local people of Loharkhet, Kharkiya, Khati and other camps depend on solar energy to generate electricity for the operation of necessary things. Participants can also recharge their cell phones, cameras and batteries for a fee during their stay at these campsites. However, it is important to understand that this expense is not included in the estimated cost of the Pindari Glacier hike offered by most tour operators.