KALINDIKHAL TREK
Altitude: 5960m
Total no. of days: 14 days/13 nights
Type of Trek: Tough
Total no. of trek days: 6days
Fixed Departure dates: Minimum 4 member group
Starting point of trek: Gangotri
End point of trek: Badrinath
Location Chart: New Delhi - Rishikesh - Uttarkashi
- Gangotri - Bhojwasa - Tapovan - Nandanvan - Khara
Pathar - Sweta Glacier - Raj parav - Arwatal - Ghastoli
- Badrinath - Riskhikesh - New Delhi
Average Walking time : 6 - 7 hours per day
Best time to Visit: July - August
This trek is for the more adventurous and for those with
some fundamental knowledge of mountaineering. The trek
falls in the 'inner line'. It starts from Gangotri and
takes you through Nandanvan, the base of the Bhagirathi
peaks, a place that offers an unparalled view of the Shivling
peak. The trail moves on to Vasukital (4900m ). With towering
peaks all around the lake, its surface shimmers like a
pearl and is the source of Vasuki Ganga that drains into
the Mandakini. We proceed to cross the Kalindikhal pass
(5968m), a tough climb from where you feel that there
is little else left to be seen. It is as if you are a
part of this majestic setting of snow and ice. The trail
then descends to Arwataal and to Mana the last village
on the Chinese frontier. The trek fittingly ends at Badrinath
with a visit to the holy temple of Lord Vishnu - the ruling
deity of the kings of Garhwal.
Itinerary:
Day
1
New Delhi
On arrival our representatives meet you and escort you
to your hotel. Afternoon, half-day city tour of Old and
New Delhi. Evening is free. Overnight at a hotel.
Day 2
New Delhi - Uttarkashi
Early morning we take you to the railway station to board
a superfast express train to Haridwar. Breakfast on board.
Reach Haridwar at 1130 hrs and into the waiting car for
your onward trip to Uttarkashi 190km ( at 1885m ). Uttarkashi
is the base of many trekking and mountaineering activities.
During the evening, we have a final inspection of the
trekking gear, rations and logistics for the trek ahead.
Dinner and overnight in hotel.
Day 3
Uttarkashi to Gangotri
In the morning after a relaxed breakfast, drive towards
Gangotri which is 95km from Uttarakashi. En route stop
for "Chai" at Harsil ( 2623m ), a beautiful
sylvan hamlet, with its winding shaded roads. Later drive
onwards to Gangotri ( 3048m ) - the place where according
to Hindu mythology the sacred Ganga came down from the
Heavens and continued down the valley. The gorge at Bhairon
Ghati and the temple of Goddess Gangotri is worth a visit.
On arrival check in at a hotel. Dinner and overnight in
tents.
Day
4
Bhojwasa
After breakfast, proceed on a trek to Bhojwasa ( 3792m
). Starting with an easy climb the route is filled with
breathtaking sights as the magnificent scenery unfolds
itself at every step. Stop for lunch at Chirbasa ( 3600m
), clothed in the greenery of pines with stunning glimpses
of the gigantic Gaumukh glacier, before reaching our camping
site. From here one can see the majestic view of Bhagirathi
peaks. On arrival we pitch tents. Dinner and overnight
stay in Bhojwasa.
Day 5
Tapovan
Morning, after breakfast, proceed towards Tapovan ( 4500m
). Cross the Gangotri glacier, and the rocky face - an
ascent of 300m ( a verticle wall ), before arriving on
this vast plateau of lush green meadows. From where rises
the Shivling Peak ( 6543m ) flanked by the Meru ( 6630m
) and the Kedar Dome ( 6808m ). Tapovan is surrounded
by many named and still unnamed peaks of the Garhwal Himalayas.
The peaks of Bhagirathi and Sudarshan flank the other
side of the glacier. All the accumulated lactic acid (fatigue!)
is suddenly lost in the vast expanse of these golden meadows.
A rivulet almost frozen, meanders through the middle of
the plateau. Set camp. After this the traveller is free
to photograph, wander and marvel at the beautiful creations
of nature. A freshly prepared dinner and overnight stay
in tents.
Day 6
Nandanvan
After breakfast proceed on a 8km trek to Vasukital. Decend
to Nandanvan (337m). Traverse along the Gangotri and Chaturangi
glaciers. This trek combines the experience of mountain
and rock climbing besides boulder hopping and glacier
traversing. Break for a quick brunch at the junction of
the two glaciers.From here one can view the Shivling,
Bhagirathi, Sudarshan, Thelu peaks and the Kedar dome.
Carry on, on a steady uphill trek for another 4 hours
to reach Vasukital ( 4898m ) - a crystal clear pearl of
a lake set in an unparalleled setting, a base for the
treks to Mt. Satopanth and Mt. Vasuki Parbat from where
originates the Vasuki Ganga which meets the Mandakini
at Sonprayag. The Tal (lake) is about 1km in radius and
has clear glistening water. Paian Tal is about 1km to
the northwest. This lake sets even higher standards of
natural beauty. At the bottom of it are visible rectangular
slabs of rocks, as if they have been placed there purposefully.
The view of Chaukhamba peaks and the Mandakini valley
is breathtaking. Later, on arrival, pitch tents, by the
side of this small lake. Dinner and overnight stay in
tents.
Day
7
Khara Pathar
After breakfast, proceed on a 6km trek to Suraiaya Bamak
( Khara Pathar 5456m ) with packed lunch. It involves
a trek of about 5 hrs. Dinner and overnight stay in camp.
Day 8
Sweta Glacier
After a morning breakfast, start on a 10km ( 5 hrs ) trek
to Sweta Glacier (Kalindi base 5500m ) with carried lunch.
Dinner and overnight stay in camp set on the glacier.
Day 9
Raj paraav
Morning after breakfast cross the Kalindi pass ( 5947m
) and then trek down to Raj paraav (4910m ); (12km; 4
hrs ). Dinner and overnight stay in camp.
Day 10
Arwatal
After breakfast, start a 13km ( 6 hrs ) trek to Arwatal
( 3910m ) with packed lunch. Dinner and overnight stay
in camp.
Day 11
Ghastoli
After breakfast start on a 16km ( 7 hrs ) trek to Ghastoli
( 3796m ) with packed lunch. Dinner and overnight stay
in camp.
Day 12
Badrinath
After sunrise and breakfast start a 16km trek to Badrinath,
situated on the banks of the Alaknanda. Standing like
twin sentinels over the valley are the Nar and Narayana
peaks, and in the distance soars the resplendent Neelkanth
peak. A 7-hour walk brings you to Mana Village, the last
village before the Chinese border, where you break for
lunch. Later, a 2km walk brings us to the town of Badrinath.
On arrival check in at a hotel. During afternoon, visit
the temple of Badrinath. Return to the hotel for dinner
and overnight stay.
Day 13
Riskhikesh
Drive down 298km ( 7 - 8 hrs ) to reach Rishikesh in the
late afternoon. Lunch en route in local restaurant. Later,
check in at a hotel. Rest of the day is free for local
sightseeing. Rishikesh is situated on the right bank of
river Ganga and is surrounded on three sides by Himalayan
ranges. From times immemorial the Himalaya is known as
the celestial abode and a great pilgrimage centre of India.
It has been the abode of saints and sages from where they
began the arduous pilgrimage that lay ahead on the distant
Himalayan peaks.This gateway to the kingdom of Gods and
pilgrimage to Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri and Yamunotri
is dotted with Ashrams, Tourist Rest Houses and dharamshalas.
The Yoga centres of Rishikesh are well known and have
enhanced the spiritual significance of this region worldwide.
Tourists from the world over visit this place to take
lessons in Yoga and meditation.
Day 14
Delhi
In the morning, proceed for a half-day city tour of Rishikesh,
visiting the Ashrams, Laxman Jhoola (ancient rope bridge)
and other renowned temples, before returning to the hotel
for lunch. After lunch free till departure to the Haridwar
Railway Station to meet the superfast express train for
Delhi. Arrival at 2210 hrs and escort to International
airport to connect to flights for onward journey.
