Itinerary

Day 01: Kathgodam - Gogina

It is advisable to commence your journey early in the morning and take a bus to Bageshwar. From Bageshwar, look for a shared cab that will take you directly to Gogina. The initial part of the journey takes you through the well-known cantonment town of Almora. After traveling for approximately 6 hours, you will reach Bageshwar. Bageshwar is a temple town and the last major town in the district. In the market lanes of Bageshwar, you will find everything you need. The climb starts towards Baradi, followed by the village of Sama.

Day 02: Gogina - Namik

Around 2.2 km from the beginning of the trail, there is a sudden drop-off from the mud trail that a jeep could possibly navigate. The descent is through loose mud and stones. There are a few tricky sections with large rocks, and the trail leads to a narrow ledge that you need to cross. You will also see the Balchan temple arch and some initial temples above the village.

Day 03: Namik - Bajimanian Kharak

Today’s journey to Bajimanian Kharak or Baji Kharak (to keep it brief) is a moderate climb. After 250 meters, you come across another clearing with many huts. When you cross about 800 meters from the diversion, you cross a cement bridge. Your next big Kharak, the Parava Thor, is about 1 km from here. The atmosphere is alive with birds chirping all around, and sun rays passing through the trees like pillars of light, hitting the pondy marsh.

Day 04: Bajimanian Kharak - Chophu Camp

The day's hike begins with a gentle uphill march on a rocky path, with frequent opportunities to take in the scenery and smell the Alpine flowers. Along the way, you might spot some grazing sheep and their herders. There is a small cairn marking the spot where the path really begins to wind upward. You are now in the heart of the pass, where the winds howl across the mountain slopes. The climb from the pass to the Chophu campsite is a strenuous one, zig-zagging back and forth up the mountain. If you can make it to the top, the view is breathtaking.

Day 05: Chophu Camp - Parava Thor

The trail takes a good ascent, providing you with stunning views of the mountains. They return until Thal Tok follows the same trail of descent, through the ridge and ledge first. Parava Thor Kharak can be divided into three layered clearances. The upper two layers are usually taken up by shepherds for grazing their cattle. In the event that these levels are covered with animal dung and faeces, you can go to the lowermost one, which is empty, and enjoy the good open space with a nice view.

Day 06: Parava Thor - Gogina

The day will mostly be a descent through the forest section until you reach Namik village. If you missed out on exploring the village of Namik, this is a good chance to do so. Take a small break for about half an hour before continuing on the last stretch to Gogina. Once you reach the mud trail, it will be very straightforward to reach the place where you started.

Day 07: Gogina - Kathgodam

There are only a limited number of cabs that operate between Gogina and Bageshwar during the day, so you may have to share a ride. The journey will take you along the same route as your onward journey. You can expect to reach Kathgodam by 6 pm.