Large chunks of ice moving down the slopes, floating downstream in their icy magnificence lead one, not only to marvel at these creations of nature, but also to ponder over their broader function in influencing the existence of life since they are essentially water in frozen form. Spectacular and magnificent, the glaciers have a life and beauty of their own and feed the perennial rivers originating from the Himalayas. They are an integral part of the mountain landscape and are found in all parts of the world, where the rate of precipitation is greater than the rate of melting of snow, a condition exclusive to mountainous regions. The snow line however depends upon the altitude and the latitude and accordingly varies from 4500 m to 5400 m in the Himalayas to the sea level in the polar regions. The Himalayan glaciers are called temperate valley type and are much smaller in size as compared to polar glaciers. Glaciers are of special interest to mountaineers as they often provide the easiest approach to a peak.

Pindari Glacier

The Pindari Glacier is a glacier found in the upper reaches of the Kumaon Himalayas, to the southeast of Nanda Devi. This world famous glacier is situated in the Pindari Valley at an altitude of 3353 m between the Nanda Devi and Nanda Kot mountains. The glacier is a trekker's paradise, as it is one of the most easily accessible of all the Himalayan glaciers. The rugged beauty of the glacier presents an aweinspiring site. The glacier is 5 kms long, the snout is about 6m high and 2.5m wide and above the snout, the glacier extends for about 3kms in length and 300- 400m in width, between an altitudinal range of about 3600m to 5000m. The colour of Pindari Glacier is very white and Pinder river emerging from it is a sight to behold.

The base camp is at Saung which can be reached by road from Bageshwar (36 kms), Almora (109 kms), and Kathgodam (199 km).

TREKS

 

Pindari Glacier (9 nights and 10 days)

Pindari - Day 1 : From Almora and then move to Song (110kms) via Someshwar Valley , Kausani and Katyur valley stopping at famous Baijnath temple .After Baijnath move to Bageshwar junction of Saryu and Gomti rivers . Moving along the banks of river Saryu via Bharari and Kapot reach Song in the evening .From Song to Loharkhet is a 03km trek which is covered with backpacks. Over night stay at Loharkhet (1750 Mtrs) in rest house, tent or tea house.
Pindari - Day 2 :A 11km uphill trek to Dhakuri (2690Mtrs). Evening at Dhakuri . Overnight stay at rest house or tent.
Pindari - Day 3 : Trek from Dhakuri to Khati , 9km , through the forest and mountain villages . Over night stay at Khati in rest house , tent or tea house.
Pindari - Day 4 : Trek from Khati to Dwali , 11km . Over night stay at Dwali .
Pindari - Day 5 : After lunch leave for Phurikia 05km . Stay overnight.
Pindari - Day 6 : Very early morning departure to Zero Point - Pindari Glacier 6km (3820 Mtrs) and back to Phurakia 6km. Overnight stay.
Pindari - Day 7 : A down hill trek to Khati . Overnight stay .
Pindari - Day 8 : Khati to Dhakuri . Stay overnight .
Pindari - Day 9 : Depart for Song and from Song to Almora. Stay overnight at Almora.
Pindari - Day 10 : Almora to Kathgodam.

Bandarpunch Glacier

Bandarpunch is an important glacier of Yamuna river basin. The glacier is 12 kms. long situated on the northern slopes of Bandar punch peak (6316 m), Bandarpunch west (6102m) and Khatling peak (6387m). The glacier is formed by three cirque glaciers and later join the Yamuna river. The glacier lies on a gentle slope and is bounded by lateral moraines, which indicate the last surface level of the glacier.

The glacier can be approached from Dehradun to Sankri-Saur by bus and from Sankri-Saur to Taluka, 11 kms. by jeep or car, then Osia, 14 kms. From Osia Ruinsara Tal, located just below the glacier snout, is the best camping site. From Ruinsara one can visit the glacier and surrounding area.

 

Horbari Bamak Glacier

Chorbari Bamak glacier is situated in Rudraprayag District of U.P. The glacier is 6 kms. long and originates from the outhern slope of Kedar-dorne, Bhartekhunta and Kirti Stambh and this hill range is the water divide which separates the Gangotri group of glaciers and the Chorbari glacier. Several hanging glaciers and avalanche chutes feed the glacier. The lower part of the glacier is covered by thick debris and bounded by huge deposits of lateral moraines. The glacier starts from its accumulation zone (600 m) and terminates at an elevation of 3800 m, from where a snow/ice melt stream originates, called Mandakini and merges into the Alaknanda at Rudraprayag.

The glacier is approachable by roa(upto Gaurikund via Rudraprayag Guptkashi and Soneprayag. Fron Gaurikund, a foot trek runs over the hill slopes upto Kedamath Temple From Kedamath temple, there is a 3km. footpath to the glacier snout. Between the rock face and right latera moraine of the glacier, there is a lak formed by glacier melted water called Ganghi Sarovar.

Dokriani Glacier

Dokriani Bamak (Bamak is the local name of the glacier) is another well developed medium-sized glacier of the Bhagirathi basin. The glacier is formed by two cirques, originating at the northern slope of Draupadi-Ka-Danda and Jaonli peak, 5600 m and 6000 m respectively. The glacier is 5 km. long and flows in the northwest direction terminating at an elevation of 3800 m. The stream originating from the glacier's melted water is called Dingad which later joins many other snow/ice melted streams and finally merges into Bhagirathi river near Bukki village. There are several well-developed meadows and Proglacial lakes located 2 kms. below the snout of the glacier. These meadows, lakes and other formations themselves tell us the past history and behavior of the glacier and also provide good camping sites.

The glacier is easily approachable from Uttarkashi. Nearly 56 kms. from Uttarkashi on the road to Gangotri, Bukki village is 2 km from the bus terminus situated on the right bank of Bhagirathi river. On way to Dokriani glacier, one has to walk 23 km from the road (Bukki village). After crossing the Bhagirathi river a footpath flows along the steep mountain slopes up to Tela camp (2500 m). From Tela to Gujjar Hut a 12 km run along the Dingad stream is a route offered to cross the several up and down ridges, many small and big streams and dense mixed forests of Deodar, Rhododendron, Oak, Pine etc. provide an atmosphere of perfect peace and tranquility. Overwhelmed by such heart-touching beauty one crosses the way without difficulties. Gujjar Hut (a summer camp ofGujjars with their buffaloes) is located at a height of 3500 m, just 5 km below the Dokriani Glacier. Gujjar Hut is the gateway of the valley. The valley has a gentle slope with different land features formed by the glacier and surrounded by snow- covered peaks. This place is good for camping and one can walk up to the glacier and adjoining areas and climb the small peaks. Only Gujjar huts and a base camp (near the glacier snout) of Wadia Institute of Himalayan Geology, Dehradun lie on the way. One visiting the area has to make his own arrangement for food, tents and light warm clothes. The best season to visit is throughout summer and autumn. Besides the above two glaciers, Kedar, Rudugaira and Jaonii are some other glaciers which are approachable by the same way.

Doonagiri Glacier

Doonagiri glacier is one of the important glaciers of Dhauli Ganga system of glaciers where more than 500 glaciers, of different shapes and sizes lie in the dee and narrow valleys. The important glaciers here are: Changbang, Girthi, Hoti and Niti glaciers, Doonagiri glacier is 5.5 kms. long, extending between an elevation from it head 5150 m to the snout 4240 m, which is the terminal point of the glacier. A stream originating from the glacier merges into Dhauli Ganga near the Jum
village.


The glacier is approachable from Juma on the way to Joshimath- Malari road. 8 kms. from Juma lies the Doondgiri village. From Doonagiri village a 12 kms. long foot-trek runs along the Doonagiri stream to reach the glacier snout. Bagini is another glacier in this valley. Doonagiri is the last village in the valley. Near the vicinity of the glacier tliere is a good place for camping. The best time to visit the olace is mid Mav to mid October.

Gangotri Glacier

Gangotri glacier is a well-known glacier in Garhwal Himalaya, situated in Uttarkashi district. The glacier originates at the northern slope of Chaukhamba range of peaks. This is not a single valley glacier, but a combination of several other glaciers that are fed to it and form a huge mass of ice. Bhrigupanth (6772m), Kirti Stambh (6285), Sumeru Parvat (6380)  respectively and Ratavana Bamak, Chaturangi Bamak and Swachand Bamak lie on the northeast slope of Srikailash, Man parvat, Satopanth and an un-namec group of peaks. 

The glacier lies within a span of 28 kms. and terminates a Gaumukh (4000m). The glacier flows at a gentle slope except for a few ice walls and crevices developed in the upper regions of the glacier where, as in the lower part (above the snout), the glacier is covered by debris which imparts a mudd appearance to its surface. 
The glacier is easily approachable is well connected by motorable road upto Gangotri temple and from there a 17 kms. long bridle path follows along the right bank of the Bhagirathi river to Gaumukh, the snout of the glacier.
 

Khatling Glacier

This lateral glacier situated in Tehri district is the source of river Bhilangna. The glacier is surrounded by snow peaks of the Jogin group (6466 m), Sphetic Pristwar (6905 m), Barte Kauter (6579 m) Kird Stambh (6902 m) and Meru. The moraines on the side of the glaciers look like standing walls of gravel mud.

The trek which starts from Ghuttu is easily approachable by motor from Dehradun, Tehri, Mussorie and the Rishikesh railhead. One has to trek about 45 kms. and pass through remote villages with thick Kharsao forest and wide open beautiful lush grassy meadows. The entry to the Bhilangna Valley provides excellent spots for camping. Tents and adequate provisions need to be arranged in advance from Rishikesh, Tehri and Dehradun.

Satopanth, Bhagirathi - Khark Glacier

The Satopanth and Bhagirathi-Kharak are Trek important glaciers in upper Alaknanda BASE CAMP BADRINATH basin and are a source of the river MANA VILLAGE Alaknanda. These glaciers are located Mana to Satopanth Bhagirathi 10 Kms. 17 kms. from the famous temple of Khark Glacier Badrinath, in Chamoli District. The By Road Satopanth glacier is possibly derived from two words; Sato meaning Heaven and Panth stands for path or way. 

Tiprabamak Glacier

Tiprabamak (Bamak is the local name for the glacier) is a 6 km long glacier of Bhiundhar Ganga basin in the Alaknanda catchment. Nearly 16 glaciers of various sizes and shapes exist in the basin, out of which only Tiprabamak and adjoining Ratanban glaciers are of significance. The melted water discharge of these glaciers emerges from a single ice cave at the snout of the Tiprabamak. 

The glacier surface is covered by a thick deposit of debris and the upper part of the glacier is approachable through Joshimath - Badarinath road upto Govind-Ghat. From Govind-Ghat is a 18 km bridle path which runs via Bhiundhar village upto Ghangaria. Further 4 km from Ghangaria, the famous Valley of Flowers is located at base of Kagbhusndi range of peaks. Ghangaria is the only place for staying in this vicinity. The best time to visit the glacier is mid June to mid October.

Trek
Base Camp Govind Ghat
Govind Ghat to Tipra Bamak Glacier 20 km

Nanda Devi

Nanda Devi north and Nanda Devi south are two important glaciers, each with a length of approximately 19 lems. located in the Rishi Ganga river catchment. These glaciers originate on the southern slope ofNanda Devi peak (7108 m). Other important glaciers in the vicinity are Trishul, Kururntoli, Nandakna, Bartoli and Ramani. These glaciers are well developed and are large in size and length. Several melted-water streams originate from these glaciers and form the river Rishi Ganga, which later joins the Dhauli Ganga at Raini, 25 km from Joshimath. These glaciers are approachable from Joshimath, on the way to Malari road. Lata, about 25 kms from Joshimath, is the last roadhead. From Lata, a bridle path follows through a dense forest of Pine, Bhoj and other trees and alpine meadows upto Lata Kharak. From Lata Kharak the route passes through narrow gorges, steep mountain slopes and sometime through snow patches, to reach the glaciers snout.

External links

• Badrinath
• Kedarnath
• Gangotri
• Yamunotri

Sources