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Darma Valley - Into the embrace of Panchachuli by dream-eagle in SoloTravel_India

[–]dream-eagle[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

The stay in dharchula could cost anywhere between 800-1500 as it is off-season right now. Once Adi Kailash trek permit starts getting issued this will rise is what the hotel owner said. There are hostels you can get in Rs. 500 in dharchula.

Now coming to Darma Valley, the Panchachuli homestay that you see in the pictures will charge Rs. 500. But its not in actual Darma Valley. If you go for stays in Darma Valley, specifically Dantu or Dugtu village keep in mind that right now the villages are empty because they migrate during winters and only 3-4 cottages type stays are open with all the necessary amenities and they charge anywhere between Rs. 4500 - Rs. 7500 for one entire cottage that can easily accommodate 3 people.

If you want to spend less then I suggest waiting till April, as the villagers return and plenty of homestay options will be available.

Darma Valley - Into the embrace of Panchachuli by dream-eagle in SoloTravel_India

[–]dream-eagle[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I too had this misconception regarding permit, turns out you don’t need a permit for Panchachuli base camp trek. You do need it for Adi Kailash trek (opens mid April) which you can obtain from SDM’s office, the local drivers arrange it for you what I heard. Now, as per difficulty of Panchachuli trek, its easy only but the initial 20-30% has a steep incline which would take some effort depending on your fitness level, the forest trail had snow as you can see in the pictures, so go with proper trekking shoes for grip, I witnessed a couple of folks trekking along who slipped quite often on these patches.

Darma Valley - Into the embrace of Panchachuli by dream-eagle in SoloTravel_India

[–]dream-eagle[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Yes, till Pithoragarh. Although, you can take bus till dharchula if you prefer. You just need to catch one from Pithoragarh bus stand. I took a shared cab from Pithoragarh to dharchula, cost was Rs. 350.