Nagtibba Trek from Pantwari: Weekend Trekking with Camping

Summary

Beginner-Friendly Himalayan Trekking Adventure

If you want a quick Himalayan escape that doesn’t need much experience, this Nagtibba trek from Pantwari is perfect. You’ll get real mountain air, sunrise views from the summit, good food by a bonfire, and memories that’ll make Monday at work feel lighter.

What’s the experience like?

Friday night, we reached Pantwari just as the air started to cool down. The village was quiet except for a chai stall still open near the bus stop—locals sipping tea, chatting softly. After a short walk, our tents were set up on a patch of flat ground with a view of distant peaks. The sunset here isn’t loud or flashy, but you notice the sky turning pink behind the hills. Someone handed me a cup of hot tea and a plate of pakodas—honestly, after the bus ride, that hit the spot. If you’re craving something familiar, there’s always Maggi noodles bubbling away (INR 40, and yes, it tastes better in the mountains). Later, we gathered around a small bonfire for about an hour. The smoke mixed with the chilly air and the smell of pine. Dinner was simple but filling. I slept surprisingly well in the tent—maybe it was the double-layer sleeping bag or just mountain tiredness.

At 3:30 am, alarms went off. It’s early, but there’s something about waking up in the dark with everyone else rustling around that makes it feel like an adventure. We grabbed some fruit and biscuits for energy and started walking by torchlight. The trail winds through patches of forest; sometimes you hear nothing but your own breath and the crunch of boots on frost. If you’re lucky and it’s winter, snow covers everything in a soft layer—perfect for sliding around or making a quick snowman at the top. Reaching the summit right as the sun comes up is worth every step; there’s this hush over everyone as the first light hits the peaks. After some time to take it all in (and snap a few photos), we headed back down to base camp for a hot lunch. A bit of rest, then it was time to pack up and walk back to Pantwari. By late afternoon, we were already swapping stories about who slipped where on the trail.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Arrival and Camp Setup

• Settle in tents and enjoy sunset
• Bonfire and dinner
• Wake up at 3:30 am to prepare for trek

Day 2 — Summit and Return

• Early morning trek to Nagtibba summit
• Enjoy sunrise and snow activities
• Return to base camp for lunch
• Head back to Pantwari office and depart

Top questions

Is this trek suitable for someone with no trekking experience?

Yes! As long as you can walk around 20 km over two days, you’ll be fine. It’s designed for beginners.

What should I bring for camping?

You’ll get tents, sleeping mats, and double-layer sleeping bags with blankets. Just bring your personal essentials and warm clothes.

Is there snow on the trek?

If you come between December and March, there’s usually snow near the summit—great for playing around or taking photos.

Can I get vegetarian food?

Yes, meals are simple and vegetarian-friendly. Let us know if you have any dietary needs.

What’s included

Dinner is included along with tent accommodation (triple sharing), sleeping mats, double-layer sleeping bags with blanket lining, evening tea and snacks, bonfire (30-60 minutes), breakfast snacks before summit push, and hot lunch after returning from the top.