KALINDI KHAL TREK

Duration

15 Days

Max Atitude

5,947 meters

Trek Grade

Extremely Difficult

Region

Garhwal, Uttarakhand

Photo Gallery

"The Ultimate Himalayan Traverse"

SHORT ITINERARY

Day 1: Dehradun to Gangotri (3,048 m)
Drive through scenic Himalayan roads via Uttarkashi. Overnight stay at guesthouse.

Day 2: Acclimatization at Gangotri
Visit Gangotri temple. Short hikes around to aid acclimatization.

Day 3: Trek to Bhojwasa (3,800 m) – 14 km
Trek along the Bhagirathi River through Chirbasa to reach Bhojwasa.

Day 4: Trek to Tapovan (4,463 m) – 10 km
Cross Gaumukh glacier snout. Camp at Tapovan beneath Mt. Shivling.

Day 5: Trek to Nandanvan (4,400 m) – 8 km
Crossing across the Gangotri glacier to reach the meadows of Nandanvan.

Day 6: Trek to Vasuki Tal (4,880 m) – 7 km
Steep climb to a glacial lake with stunning mountain reflections.

Day 7: Acclimatization and Training Day
Gear check, ropework, and glacier travel training.

Day 8: Trek to Khara Pathar (5,400 m) – 10 km
Tough day over snow and moraine. Campsite on a snow field.

Day 9: Trek to Sweta Glacier Base Camp (5,500 m) – 8 km
Trek through glacier and crevasse-prone area. Ropework essential.

Day 10: Cross Kalindi Khal Pass (5,947 m) to Raj Parav (5,000 m) – 14 km
The grand crossing day. Stunning views. Technical descent to Raj Parav.

Day 11: Trek to Arwa Tal (3,910 m) – 13 km
Descending through moraine and rugged landscape.

Day 12: Trek to Ghastoli (3,800 m) – 16 km
Exit the high mountains, walk along the Saraswati River.

Day 13: Drive to Badrinath – Overnight stay
Holy town of Badrinath. Relax and visit the famous temple.

Day 14: Drive back to Dehradun
Journey ends with lifetime memories.

DETAILED ITINERARY

Day 1: Dehradun to Gangotri (3,048 m)

Drive through scenic Himalayan roads via Uttarkashi. Overnight stay at guest house.

Day 2: Acclimatization at Gangotri

Visit Gangotri temple. Short hikes around to aid acclimatization.

Day 3: Trek to Bhojwasa (3,800 m) – 14 km

Trek along the Bhagirathi River through Chirbasa to reach Bhojwasa.

Day 4: Trek to Tapovan (4,463 m) – 10 km

Cross Gaumukh glacier snout. Camp at Tapovan beneath Mt. Shivling.

Day 5: Trek to Nandanvan (4,400 m) – 8 km

Crossing across the Gangotri glacier to reach the meadows of Nandanvan.

Day 6: Trek to Vasuki Tal (4,880 m) – 7 km

Steep climb to a glacial lake with stunning mountain reflections.

Day 7: Acclimatization and Training Day

Gear check, ropework, and glacier travel training.

Day 8: Trek to Khara Pathar (5,400 m) – 10 km

Tough day over snow and moraine. Campsite on a snow field.

Day 9: Trek to Sweta Glacier Base Camp (5,500 m) – 8 km

Trek through glacier and crevasse-prone area. Ropework essential.

Day 10: Cross Kalindi Khal Pass (5,947 m) to Raj Parav (5,000 m) – 14 km

The grand crossing day. Stunning views. Technical descent to Raj Parav.

Day 11: Trek to Arwa Tal (3,910 m) – 13 km

Descending through moraine and rugged landscape.

Day 12: Trek to Ghastoli (3,800 m) – 16 km

Exit the high mountains, walk along the Saraswati River.

Day 13: Drive to Badrinath – Overnight stay

Holy town of Badrinath. Relax and visit the famous temple.

Day 14: Drive back to Dehradun

Journey ends with lifetime memories.

Highlights

Kalindi Khal Pass – 5,947 m
Gomukh glacier tapovan NandanVan vasuki tal
Close view of Mount sibling Meru Bhagirathi peaks
Spiritual rotate from Gangotri to Badrinath
Expedition style glacier travel and rope technique

Inclusions – What’s Included in the Expedition

1. Accommodation:

Guesthouse/Hotel in Gangotri and Badrinath (twin/triple sharing).
Comfortable high-altitude tents with insulated ground mats during the trek.
Separate kitchen and dining tents for expedition members.

2. Meals:

All meals included from Day 1 dinner to Day 15 breakfast.
Nutritious, high-calorie meals (veg/non-veg) tailored for high-altitude performance.
Morning tea, breakfast, lunch, evening snacks, soup, and dinner.
Energy bars, dry fruits, glucose provided during trekking days.

3. Expert Support Team:

Highly experienced Expedition Leader certified in mountaineering.
Qualified trek guides, porters, and technical climbing staff.
High-altitude medical support staff with oxygen cylinders and first aid kit.
Technical crew for rope-fixing and glacier crossings.

4. Permits & Documentation:

All necessary permits, forest entry fees, and expedition clearances.
Environment and camping charges included.

5. Equipment & Logistics:

Expedition-grade sleeping bags, tents, ropes, crampons, ice axes, gaiters.
Emergency oxygen cylinder, pulse oximeter, and stretcher for safety.
Load ferry for group equipment, food, and logistics.
Mules/porters to carry personal rucksack (limited weight allowed per person).

6. Transportation:

Transport from Dehradun to Gangotri (start) and Badrinath to Dehradun (end) by Tempo Traveller/Jeep.

7. Communication:

Walkie-talkies/radios for internal communication in remote zones.
Satellite phone available (emergency use only – chargeable).

8. Certificate of Completion:

Official expedition completion certificate for successful participants.

Exclusions – What’s Not Included

1. Personal Trekking Gear:

Trekking shoes, personal jackets, thermals, gloves, poles, etc. (Available on rent if needed)

2. Insurance:

Travel, trekking, and evacuation insurance not included (mandatory to purchase separately).

3. Emergency Expenses:

Cost arising due to weather, landslides, natural calamities, or evacuation.
Helicopter evacuation/rescue charges (if required).

4. Meals During Transit:

Any food/snacks during travel from Dehradun to Gangotri or return.

5. Tips & Gratitude:

Tips to guides, porters, kitchen staff, etc., are not included and left to your discretion.

6. Personal Expenses:

Camera fees, extra baggage charges, laundry, hot showers, or phone calls.
Charges for personal mules/porters beyond allocated load.

7. Anything Not Mentioned:

Anything not explicitly mentioned under “Inclusions”.

FAQ

Best Time to Visit

The best time to undertake the Kalindi Khal Trek is from mid-June to mid-September. This is when the snow has receded enough to make the pass accessible, and the weather is relatively stable with clear skies and mesmerizing views of Himalayan giants.

What is Special About Kalindi Khal Trek?

Highest Trekking Pass in India: At 5,947 meters (19,520 ft), Kalindi Khal is one of the highest and most challenging trekking passes in the Indian Himalayas.

Massive Glacier Crossings: You’ll walk across glaciers, moraines, and snowfields with stunning views of peaks like Shivling, Meru, Bhagirathi group, and Chandra Parvat.

Spiritual Journey: The route begins from Gangotri, a sacred Hindu site, and ends in Badrinath, another pilgrimage town—blending adventure with spirituality.

Raw Himalayan Wilderness: This trek takes you through remote regions, where few have walked, making it a true expedition-style experience.

How Difficult is Kalindi Khal Trek?

Difficulty Level: Extremely Difficult

Requires Experience: Prior experience in high-altitude trekking (above 5,000 meters) and good physical fitness is essential.

Involves technical sections, crevasse zones, and use of equipment like ropes, ice axes, and crampons.

How to Reach the Starting Point (Gangotri)

By Air: Nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport (Dehradun).
By Train: Nearest railway station is Dehradun or Rishikesh.
By Road: From Dehradun or Rishikesh, hire a taxi or take a shared vehicle to Gangotri (10–12 hrs).

Why Choose Kalindi Khal Trek?

Ultimate Test of Endurance: For true adventurers looking to push their limits.

High-Altitude Beauty: Traverse through glaciers, alpine meadows, moraine fields, and snow passes.

Less Crowded: Unlike other treks, Kalindi Khal sees very few trekkers, making it a raw and unfiltered Himalayan experience.

Cultural Depth: From holy towns to remote shepherd settlements—it’s a journey through the heart of Garhwal.

Why You Should Do Bhrigu Lake Trek

To witness nature’s masterpiece — the high-altitude Bhrigu Lake.

For the thrill of trekking above 14,000 ft in just 2 days.

To enjoy serene campsites and picture-perfect landscapes.

To connect with ancient myths and Himalayan spirituality.

Is it Safe for Beginner?

No. Kalindi Khal is not suitable for beginners. It is a high-altitude expedition meant for seasoned trekkers with prior experience and proper acclimatization. Specialized gear and trained guides are essential.

Why You Should Do Kalindi Khal Trek?

To witness the true grandeur of the Garhwal Himalayas.

If you’re seeking a life-changing challenge, this trek offers the adventure of a lifetime.

A chance to walk from one pilgrimage town to another, through some of the most remote and surreal landscapes on Earth.