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Grade:Difficult Location: Uttarakhand Altitude:5940 m Duration:15 Days Kalindi Khal Trek is an extremely challenging expedition-style traverse of the Kalindi Khal Pass in spectacular Garhwal Himalayas connecting Gangotri and Badrinath. The route involves a trek over rough glaciers, rocky screens, and crevassed snowfields. At times we need to rope up and require the use of ice axes and crampons. Kalindi Khal trek takes you halfway round Garhwal from the Bhagirathi Valley to the Alaknanda Valley. The journey en route Kalindi Khal unfolds views of some of the highest and most majestic peaks of the Indian Himalayan range - Shivling at 6,543 m, Meru at 6,630 m, Kedar Dome at 6,808 m, Bhagirathi group at 6,856 m, Nilkantha at 6,506 m, Chandra Parvat at 6,728 m, Avalanche Peak at 6,413 m, Kamet at 7,756 m Mana at 7,272 m and Abi Gamin at 7,355 m. Although prior climbing experience is not required, this trip is one of our most demanding treks suited to only those who want to join a reconnaissance style expedition. Additional note for Foreign Nationals - Due to ILP (Inner Line Permit) requirements, we need a minimum of 4 foreign nationals in the group. In case you are booking for yourself as an individual or in a group smaller than 4 and you are not Indian nationals, please consider the risk of batch cancellation in the event of less than 4 foreign nationals in the batch. We will wait till 2 months prior to departure and if we do not have a minimum of 4 foreign nationals’ booking in the group, we will cancel and issue refunds for all foreign nationals’ bookings. This does not apply to any Indian nationals.
The only way to reach Gangotri is by road. You should reach by 3 PM. One can start the road journey either from Dehradun or Rishikesh but with a new route open now, reaching Gangotri via Dehradun is the faster option (around 242 Kms). You will receive the detail of accommodation in Gangotri through an email from us. After reaching here, check into the Guest House/Hotel. Have some rest. The evening can be utilized to explore the local market, temples, etc.
Rest and Acclimatization in Gangotri.
We start in the morning, after breakfast to trek towards Chirbasa (3600 m). From Gangotri, you may move along the beaten track towards Chirbasa, which is on the tree line. The entire trek till Chirbasa is along the roaring Bhagirathi River. We can have our pack lunch in Chirbasa. From Chirbasa, we trek further to Bhojwasa today. The trek is going to be moderate for the day. The terrain, after Chirbasa, becomes really desolate and barren. In fact, it has been referred to as Arctic Tundra by many trekkers. The entire trail passes through the dense forest till Bhojwasa. There is a small temple and a potential campsite near the river. Good place to camp for the day. Excellent sunset on Bhagirathi group of peaks to delight you in the evening.
Early in the Morning enjoy the panoramic view of the Bhagirathi group of peaks. After breakfast trek to Gomukh (3890mt), the source of the Ganges. Gomukh is where the water of Ganga trickles down from the glaciers. The sages called it 'Gomukh' because, in the distant past, it probably appeared like a cow's mouth. Explore the area and trek to Tapovan, one of the finest high altitude alpine meadows in the area. The trek from Gomukh to Tapovan is ascent steep, and as we climb, the view of the surrounding peaks becomes clearer. Tapovan known for its beautiful meadows that encircle the base camp of the Shivling peak, Tapovan is a very pleasant surprised spot with a large meadow complete with bubbling streams, wildflowers, and campsites. Herds of Bharal (blue mountain goats) are a common sight from here on mountain ridges. On the far side of the glacier the Bhagirathi I, II, III (6454mt), provide an equally impressive backdrop. It is also the little wonder where Sadhus and saints choose this spot for extended meditation during the long summer month. Arrive Tapovan and camp. Dinner and overnight stay in camp.
On this day we start early & head to the great Meru Glacier. After a brief halt to explore Meru Glacier, we trace back to Nandanvan via Gomukh glacier. The route from Tapovan leads from the upper section of the meadow till down and onto the glacier. From Gomukh turn towards Nandanvan (4340m) and steering on right one will be on top of the Gangotri glacier. The glacier runs between two ranges and the landslides make a layer of rocky moraine on the ice which makes the walking easier. The glacier walk is very slippery and a slight lack of concentration would be dangerous. Huge crevasses gaped here and there. After walking for about a kilometer there is a vertical ascent. Big rocks en route offer grips and footholds but many of them are deceptive too. Dinner and overnight stay in tents.
Morning trek along with Chaturangi Glacier to reach Vasuki Tal, a beautiful base for Mt Satopanth and Mt Vasuki Parbat with a small lake. The trek is steady upward.
Rest and Acclimatization Day at Vasuki Taal
Today's trek is of 6 hrs duration. View of Mount Sathopanth makes the whole experience worthwhile. It is one of the only two 7000+ meter peaks in India.
Today's trek is of relatively short duration. The campsite is a moraine area filled with rocks and boulders, not an ideal campsite but is a must for acclimatization purpose.
We will start our day early today. It's a short walk but since most of the trek will be in moraine area it's always good to have time in hand. On the way is Chatrungi Glacier which got its name because of 4 colors (pink, yellow, brown, green) as are visible at this place. This glacial flow from this glacier forms major tributary for Gangotri Glacier. Camping site for today is Kalindi Bhamak which is close to the snout of Kalindi Glacier. Kalindi Khal/Pass is just up ahead an opening between Avalanche and Kalindi Peak.
Today's the D Day and everybody should be up and ready early in the morning. Climb to the pass is not easy by any standard and hence a continuous pace is required till we reach the pass. Once you reach the pass you will realize that all the toil and hard work was worth every second. You will get spectacular views of Mt Kamet, Mt. Mana, Chandra Parbat, Vasuki Parbat and on a clear day a view of Tibetan Plateau as well. We will camp at Raj Parav today after crossing the glacial terrain.
A long walk on glacier terrain leads to Arwa Tal.
After a long walk through the moraines we will reach Ghastoli today. On the way you will see terrain changing dramatically from grey to green a you get closet to Ghastoli. Ghastoli is a beautiful meadow and a treat for the eyes. Drive down the Mana Pass road to Badrinath.
We will board a vehicle for Dehradun. The drive to Dehradun is along the Alaknanda till Devprayag where it meets the Ganges. Board overnight Bus for Delhi from Dehradun.
This day will only be used if the need arises during the trek due to bad weather or unforeseen circumstances. You are advised to keep a buffer day in your travel plan. If the buffer day is used, you have to pay us Rs. 4500 per day (INR) +5% GST / per person. The amount will be collected by the Trek Leader.
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