Regions- GarhwalAltitude- 5946m/19500 ft. Duration- 15 DaysSeason- Mid June- July & AugustGrade- ToughThe Kalindikhal Pass
Trek is one of the toughest treks in the Garhwal region. The entire stretch covers a total distance of 99 Kms and is a very high altitude trekking route from Gangotri Badrinath. The trek isnt an easy one, therefore you require basic knowledge of mountaineering. It is a once in a lifetime experience with an adventure that fills your soul and thrills your body. The trek starts from Gangotri across the Kalindi Khal. The strenuous 99 km stretch begins from Gangotri (3048 m), Nandanvan (4500 m), Vasuki Tal (5300 m), Kalindi Base (5590 m), and then slides down towards Arwa Tal (3980 m), Ghastoli (3600 m) and finally the destination ends at Badrinath (3100 m). It is needless to say that at such heights and amidst the Garhwal the hills the views breathtakingly beautiful and chilling cold too. You shall cross some of the famous peaks of Garhwal - Bhagirathi II, III & I, Shiblinga, Basuki, Chandraparbat, Satopanth etc. This entire trail of mountains is covered with snow, glaciers, and screen. The trek is a trip around Garhwal as it stretches from the Bhagirathi River Valley to the Alaknanda river Valley. It is strongly recommended that only the experienced ones must take this trek. The trek is uneven and highly risky at some points, even the mountaineering veterans have to think twice before gearing up for this enthralling yet dangerous trek.
Note- Before you start the trek you must understand that the hilly terrains are dangerous and you must have a local guide who is also an expert at trekking to help you through the trek.Day 01: Arrive at Delhi
You will have to arrive at Delhi to start for your journey or you may reach Dehradun, Rishikesh, Haridwar whichever location suits you.
Day 02: Delhi Rishikesh (225kms/6-7 hrs)
From Delhi, you can board a train to Haridwar. Then further you can book a taxi for Rishikesh, it is an hour drive. You can also take a bus from Delhi to Rishikesh or a flight from Delhi to Dehradun. Whatever suits you best! If you take a flight from Delhi you will reach the Jollygrant Airport located at the Dehradun Rishikesh Highway. From there you can take a taxi to Rishikesh. It is half an hour drive. You must spend the night in a hotel to start the journey further the next day. Also explore the ghats and the temples around.
Day 03: Rishikesh Uttarkashi (170 kms/5-6 hrs approx)
Start early morning towards Uttarkashi (1150 m), which will take 5-6 hrs. Book a taxi, on hilly terrain buses, are rather uncomfortable. Upon arrival book a comfortable stay at a Hotel. You must visit the Nehru Institute of Mountaineering (NIM) and gather the necessary information and tips for your trek. Also, take a medical checkup. In the evening you can explore the markets or visit some of the renowned temples in the area.
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This beautiful hilly region is situated at a distance of 170 km from Rishikesh, at a height of 1158 m. Uttarkashi is a small town in the wide Bhagirathi valley, and has been a seat for learning since the Vedic times! This sacred place has been the dwelling place to some very famous sages and saints. The name of the town has its origin from its northern location to the city of Kashi and hence Uttar which means North of Kashi. The town of Uttarkashi lies next to a mountain named Varunavrat Parvat, and is situated along the banks of river Bhagirathi at a height of 1158 meters, Uttarkashi also has the famous Vishwanath temple which is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The front area of the temple has a unique Mahadev-ka-Vishal Trishul made of eight metals (Astadhatu). It is supposed that Lord Shiva killed Vakasur with this Trishul. There are other temples to explore here that are dedicated to Lord Parashuram, Lord Ekadash Rudra and Goddess Kali.
Day 04 : Uttarkashi to Gangotri (3048 m/10,000 ft)
Start with a road trip to the sacred township of Gangotri via Harsil by covering approx 95 km in 4-5 hrs. This is the place of the very origin of river Ganges and hence has high religious values for the Hindus. The town is filled with religious vibes and has also been a meditating place for many sages in ancient times. The main place to visit here is the Ganga Mandir.
Day 05: Gangotri to Bhojwassa (3792m/12440 ft)
On day 5 you must start with the trek to Bhojwassa, walking on the path along the river Bhagirathi on the right, covering approx 14 kms in 4-5 hrs of the easy climb. The trek has fascinating views all around with the
Himalayan peaks covered in snow. On arrival at Bhojwassa (the last populated place till the entrance of Ghastoli at the end of the trek). Set up a Camp and enjoy the night.
Note- Carry all essentials, easy to cook food, fire lighting equipment, torches, Camp setups, Extra warm clothes etc.Day 06: Bhojwassa to Nandavan (4337 M/14230 Ft) Trek- 6 Kms / 4-5 Hrs
Morning trek 4-5 hrs to reach the beautiful base of Nandanvan. The trek crosses the Gangotri Glacier. You can view the Shivling, Bhagirathi, Sudarshan, Thelu peaks and Kedardome peaks from here. Organize for an overnight stay in tents.
Day 07: Nandanvan to Vasuki Tal (4880 mts/16000 ft)
Stride along the Chaturangi Glacier. The walk along the stream will enable a clear view of mountains such as Meru and Bhrigupanth. After around 4 Kms bypass the valley heading towards the Bhagirathi valley and reach a gorge shaped by the receded glacier. A descent across the glacier gets one to the Vasuki Tal (possibly named after the famous Vasuki serpent from our prehistoric scriptures). Camping under the Northern ridge of Vasuki Parbat. This striking half froze the lake, at the foot of Mt Satopanth and Mt Vasuki Parbat is very remarkable to look at. Overnight stay in the tents.
Day 8: Vasuki Tal to Khara Pathar (5480 m/17975 ft)
Now begins the trek to Suraiaya Bamak (Khara Pathar) with almost 5 km of steep climb over the moraine. Pack your lunch along. Then the track shall diagonally across the glacier to traverse it to the leftover loose moraine! An early start is suggested for a safe 5 6 hrs of the mount. Camp on the Moraine and completely mesmerizing close-up views of the Kalindi pass, Gangotri, the Bhagirathi, Shivlinga mountain, and the rear of Tapovan. Dinner and followed by an overnight in camp.
Day 9: Khara Pathar to Kalindikhal Base (5500 M/18040 Ft)
Start the trek to the Kalindikhal base camp, a quest to reach to the top, over the ice-covered ground. One needs to be careful as the effects of the elevation can be felt by the starving lungs and running out of breath. Set up camp at the point known as the Kalindi base camp. Overnight stay.
Day 10: Kalindikhal to Raja Parav (4910 m/16105 ft)
This is a 10 hr descent to the lower points. Caution is recommended at this point as the exhausted bodies make an easy target to slippery slopes and risk of injuries increases. Trek down to Raj Parav. Set up camps and enjoy nature.
Day 11: Raja Parav to Arwa Tal (3910 m)
Proceed early on the last tough part of the trek to Arwa Tal (3910 m). The glacial river boosts its flow after the melt by 10 11 am, and one must not cross after this time due to the torrential waters. The 14 km trek takes a total of 6 7 hrs, finishing at the banks of a river. Overnight stay in camps.
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A relatively easy 14 15 km of rising and falling grounds towards Ghastoli (3796 m), The path is still risky and one may witness several rocks falls on the route. The first signs of habitation, flat grounds and dips are seen here. You can see the Indo Tibet Border Patrol (ITBP) camps very close to the China border. Shepherds, their animals, and green patches of grass appear to be a relaxing sight to the eyes. You can organize a camp stay.
Day 13: Ghastoli to Mana to Badrinath (3096 m/10155 ft)
The day begins with the trek to Badrinath positioned on the bank of river Alaknanda, with a sight of Nar and Narayan peaks. A seven hrs walk shall bring you to Mana Village and here you break for lunch. And the one-way route ends with a 2 km drive to the sacred Badrinath town. Check in to any hotel. Visit the temple of Badrinath.
Day 14: Badrinath to Rishikesh
Book a taxi and have a safe drive (290 km) down to Rishikesh. On arrival, an overnight has a stay in the hotel. In the evening you can explore Laxman Jhula, Thirteen storied temples, Geeta Ashram, Parmarth Niketan and later do witness the Aarti at Triveni Ghat.
Day 15: Rishikesh to Delhi
You can reach Delhi from Rishikesh through Bus or Train. For the flight, you will have to travel towards Jollygrant Airport at the Rishikesh Dehradun Highway.
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