Panwali Kantha Trek – A Hidden Bugyal Trail

 What is Panwali Kantha?

Panwali Kantha is a beautiful alpine meadow (locally called bugyal) situated in the Rudraprayag district of Uttarakhand. It lies on the ancient Char Dham route which was once used by saints and locals to reach Kedarnath on foot.

Located at around 3,368 metres (11,050 ft) above sea level, the place offers mind-blowing views of the Gangotri, Yamunotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath mountain ranges — all four dhams visible from one place!

 Route Options to Reach Panwali Kantha

There are three main routes to do this trek. All are equally scenic:

1. Ghuttu to Panwali Kantha

• Base Village: Ghuttu (in Tehri Garhwal)

• Trek Distance: Around 10 km one way

• Duration: 2 days

• Trail Type: Forests, streams, and meadows

2. Triyuginarayan to Panwali Kantha

• Base Village: Triyuginarayan (also famous for Shiva-Parvati wedding temple)

• Trek Distance: Around 8 km

• Special Thing: This route also lets you cover both pilgrimage and adventure.

👉 Read more about Triyuginarayan Temple here – Triyuginarayan Temple – The Eternal Wedding Site of Shiva-Parvati (interlink if already published)

3. Mastura (Kedarnath highway) to Panwali Kantha

• Base Village: Mastura or nearby

• Trek Distance: Around 11-12 km

🧭 Trek Itinerary (Via Ghuttu)

Day 1: Reach Ghuttu village. Stay overnight in a homestay or camp.
Day 2: Start trek early. It takes around 5–6 hours to reach Panwali Kantha. Pitch tents and enjoy sunset.
Day 3: Sunrise view + Return trek to Ghuttu.

 Why You Should Do This Trek?

• Less Crowd: Peaceful trail, no rush like famous treks.

• Open Bugyals: One of the widest alpine meadows in Garhwal.

• Panoramic View: Rare location from where you can see all four Char Dham peaks.

• Perfect for Beginners: Not too tough, not too easy – great first Himalayan trek.

• Rich Forests: Rhododendron, oak, and pine trees welcome you.

 Best Time to Visit Panwali Kantha

• Spring/Summer (April to June): Full green meadows, rhododendron bloom.

• Autumn (September to November): Clear skies and golden grass fields.

• Winter (Dec to Feb): Trek becomes snow-covered. Only for experienced trekkers.

Avoid monsoon (July-Aug) due to slippery trails and leeches.

 Stay and Food Options

• No hotels at Panwali Kantha – only camping option available.

• In Ghuttu or Triyuginarayan, you can find homestays and basic lodges.

• Carry packed food, dry fruits, and energy snacks for the trek.

 Network and Safety

• Mobile Signal: Only available in base villages. No signal on trek route.

• Guide is Recommended: Because the route is not well marked.

• Permission: No official permit needed, but inform local forest check-post.

 What Will You See?

• Himalayan peaks – Kedarnath, Chaukhamba, Neelkanth, Trishul, and more.

• Char Dham range from one viewpoint

• Wildflowers and seasonal herbs

• Birds, butterflies, and sometimes barking deer

 Things to Carry

• Trekking shoes

• Warm clothes (even in summer)

• Raincoat

• Water bottles (at least 2L)

• Sunscreen & sunglasses

• Torch and power bank

• Light snacks and dry fruits

 FAQs – Panwali Kantha Trek

Q. Is Panwali Kantha good for first-time trekkers?
Yes, if you are fit and can walk 10–12 km a day. It’s perfect for beginners.

Q. Can we do it without a guide?
Locals do it without guide, but for tourists, guide is highly recommended.

Q. Is camping allowed?
Yes. Just make sure you clean the area and follow eco-tourism rules.

Q. Is it safe for solo female travellers?
If with local guides or group, yes. Solo without support is not recommended.

 Final Thoughts

Panwali Kantha is not just a trek, it’s a hidden treasure. It’s one of those peaceful bugyal trails where you walk among clouds, sleep under stars, and wake up with Himalayan peaks staring at you.

If you want to explore a lesser-known trek in Uttarakhand which gives you everything — views, meadows, and peace — then this is your call.

Also Read

• Trekking to Satopanth Tal – A Himalayan Spiritual Trek

• Planning your first Himalayan trek? Read this checklist

You can also explore more on Himalayan treks like Darma Valley, Adi Kailash, and others on my website mohitbangari.com, where I share full guides, routes, permit tips and cultural info.

Do you know about Ramman festival of Salud-Dungra village? It’s one of the intangible world cultural heritage of India in UNESCO. You can read a detailed article on this topic here.