Panwali Kantha is one of those rare treks which gives you a zoomed in view of the entire Gangotri, Yamunotri, Badrinath and Kedarnath ranges. This trail which is part of a larger route previously used by pilgrims to get to Kedarnath from Gangotri is like a pleasant walk in jungles overflowing with rhododendrons of burning colours which are perfect to balance the chill of the clear air at the altitude. Being a shepherd trail, the entire path is dotted with elegant-looking shepherd huts. An off-beat trek, the route is uncrowded - the only beings you are likely to come across are curious, four-legged and often times unaware of the concept of personal space! The landscape offers its views only to the very few who make it to this exquisite trail.
If you are new to trekking, Panwali Kantha is a perfect introduction to the awe-inspiring splendor of the mighty Himalayas. The trek is teeming with exceptional beauty which is best experienced first-hand but here are a few of the trek’s highlights if you need convincing that, whether you are a beginner or not, you have to get yourself here at least once.
Highlight 1: A Bouquet of high Himalayan peaks
When it comes to grand views, you are likely to run out of fingers when trying to count and name the prominent peaks visible throughout the trail. No principal peak of the Garhwal Range of Himalayas remains hidden from the trail of this haven of colours. Surrounded on all sides by walls of big mountains from the Gangotri, Yamunotri, Badrinath and Kedarnath ranges, their blurred ridges keep getting sharper as you climb higher. The daunting glacial slopes of prominent peaks like Meru, Kedar Dome, Nilkanth, Chaukhamba, Thalay Sagar and much more are giants you can look forward to making an acquaintance with on this trek.
Panwali Kantha is a crash course in the high-rise forms of the Garhwal Himalayas and all its mountainous splendor. The high ranges are at their best-adorned self from Panwali Top early in the morning when the skies are clear and all these peaks in the sky, come fully into view as the sun hits its first ray of light on the highest of the mountains leaving a deep golden crown over their heads. The massive meadows we cross to get to the top are nothing short of magical. Each side presents a different set of high peaks, each equally splendid. You can spend hours trying to name each one of them accurately and studying their many forms - their crags, ridges and slopes, each one so distinct, it is hard not to see that each peak has a unique personality.
