Difficulty
Moderate | Level 2
Duration
7 Days
Highest Altitude
12,887
Age
12 to 62 years
Duration
7 Days
Age
12 to 62 years
Difficulty
Moderate | Level 2
Highest Altitude
12,887
Ranthan Kharak Trek
Trek to the Heart of Kumaon Himalayas
For a long time at Indiahikes, we wanted to explore and bring out the hidden treks in our Kumaon region of Uttarakhand. We knew about trails of Kumaon with hidden gems and treks that can be equally rewarding as the Garwhal region.
After many months of research, we discovered Ranthan Kharak Trek which starts from the Bageshwar district and enters into the Pithoragarh district. The trek meanders on the borders of the districts. With the help of the forest department, we explored and stitched together this unique journey that all trekkers must take.
This trek takes you to the heart of the Kumaon region.
When you talk about Kumaon, only two famous hotspots of the Pithoragarh district come to everybody’s mind. One is at the eastern end of Munsiyari, other is towards the Pindari side, closer to Garhwal. You notice this even on the dainty streets of Bageshwar.
In this region, the only trek people have heard about is the Pindari Glacier Trek. Everyone knows about it. But that’s an identity of the bygone era.
That’s not the case with the Ranthan Kharak trek. When you mention Ranthan Kharak, not even the locals of this region are aware of this treasure trove.
The exploration team set out on this trek, not only once but two times in different seasons. Both times, the team came back with a jaw-dropping experience. In most of our treks, the highlight is of reaching a summit or crossing over a pass. However, on the Ranthan Kharak trek, the highlight is the entire journey that trekkers get to experience.
The journey starts right from the drive through the mammoth pine forest sections to reach Gogina, to the glaciers hanging around the base. The trek takes you through the lush distinctive forests and the multiple beautiful clearings which the trek name has been derived from. It later goes to the meadow region followed by the climb to the moraine section where the snow-capped mountains are standing tall like cathedrals.
Since the trek is not known to the rest of Kumaon or the trekking world, until this gets enough attention, you will be trekking through the secluded trails that are well marked out. What strikes the most is the Panch Footiya trail (5-feet trail) laid out by the forest department throughout the entire trek.
This experience on the Ranthan Kharak trek is so enthralling that the trek will leave you with visions of the trek even after you are back to your daily life.
Ranthan Kharak Video
Quick Itinerary
Elevation map of the Ranthan Kharak Trek
Day 1
Drive from Kathgodam to Gogina
Drive distance: 235 km | Duration: 10-11 hours | Pick-up point for Indiahikes trekkers: Kathgodam Railway Station
Altitude gain: 1,818 ft to 6,415 ft
Transport will be organised from Kathgodam Railway Station at 6.30 AM. The cost of the cab for a 5-6 seater will be Rs 8,000 per vehicle and Tempo Traveller will cost Rs 11,000
Day 2
Trek from Gogina to Namik Campsite
Trek distance: 6.5 km | Duration: 6 hours | Altitude loss and gain: 6,415 ft to 5,938 ft to 7,390 ft
An Easy-moderate day with sharp descent from Gogina to Ramganga river followed by a steep ascent through the forests to reach Namik village.
Day 3
Trek from Namik Campite to Bajimanian Kharak
Trek distance: 5.4 km | Duration: 6-7 hours | Altitude gain: 7,390 ft to 9,690 ft
Another day which is of Easy-Moderate. Gradual ascent through some lovely forest sections and the Kharaks or clearings through the day
Day 4
Trek from Baji Kharak to Chophu Camp via Thal Tok
Trek distance: 5.9 km | Duration: 7-8 hours | Altitude gain: 9,690 ft to 11,752 ft
Gradual ascent on the trail followed by a ledge walk towards the meadows. The climb picks up from the meadow towards the moraine region of Thal Tok and Chophu.
Day 5
Trek from Chophu Camp to Parava Thor via Ranthan Top
Trek distance: 9.2 km | Duration: 8-9 hours | Altitude gain and loss: 11,752 ft to 9,210 ft via 12,887 ft
A day with Rocky and bouldery terrain with steep ascent until Ranthan Top. Decent back the same way to reach Parava Thor.
Day 6
Trek from Parava Thor to Gogina
Trek distance: 10.7 km | Duration: 5-6 hours | Altitude loss: 9,210 ft to 6,415 ft
A gradual descent till you reach Namik village. From Namik, its the reverse of steep descent until Ramganga and then ascent to Gogina
Day 7
Drive from Gogina to Kathgodam
Drive distance: 235 km | Duration: 10-11 hours
You are expected to reach Kathgodam Railway Station by 7.00 pm. Cost will be Rs 8,000 per vehicle and Tempo Traveller will cost Rs 11,000
Please note: The distance between campsites may vary by 100 meters depending on the weather conditions and the route you take. The altitude may also vary by 100 feet for similar reasons.
IMPORTANT POINTS
- It is mandatory for trekkers to carry a copy of their photo id along with the mandatory documents of the Medical Certificate and Disclaimer form. This is required for trek permissions.
- There are no facilities at Gogina village. Do not leave things till the end.
- The stay at Gogina will be in a lodge
- We have a Cloak Room facility at the base camp for excess luggage. Do not leave behind any valuables in the cloakroom.
Please note: Twin-sharing tents may not be available this year. This is because raw materials for making tents are sourced from different countries. But their export has been affected due to international unrest. This has led to a global shortage of tents. Having said that, you'll still have comfortable space as these tents have been designed to accommodate three trekkers.
Elevation map of the Ranthan Kharak Trek
PRO-TIPS
Book flexible flight tickets:
You are going on a Himalayan trek, where there are several unpredictable factors. It's best to book flexible flight tickets, which you can reschedule if required. These are available for a small added cost with most travel companies.
Ranthan Kharak is Best Discovered Through Pictures
Trekking down on the vast meadow of Thala Kharak and entering into the forest section.
Picture by: Nitesh Kumar
The Thala Kharak
Highlights on the Ranthan Kharak Trek
What I Like About Ranthan Kharak Trek
Know Your Trek
We have always wanted trekkers to be well-informed before they go on a Himalayan trek. Knowledge is the difference between a safe trek and a dangerous one. It’s also the difference between a wholesome experience and a superficial experience.
Use this section to learn about the Ranthan Kharak trek. It has in-depth information about each day of the trek, what to expect, and how you need to prepare for it. Many years of expertise have gone into this content. Trekkers find these extremely useful.
PRO TIPS
Available Dates
Sign up for our much loved Weekly Mailer
We have terrific trekking tips, trek updates and trek talks to look forward to