Kalandikhal Trek

96 Km 15 Days 3-7 Grade : Difficult 6000 Meters. Rishikesh Rishikesh

Kalandikhal Trek

Kalindi Khal is indeed one of the most offbeat and challenging trekking destinations in India, offering a thrilling and adventurous experience. This trek borders on a proper expedition, requiring prior knowledge of technical and mountaineering skills due to its high altitude, exceeding 6,000 meters. The initial leg of the trek follows the Gomukh trail, passing through Chidbasa, Bhojbasa, Gomukh, Nandanvan, Vasuki Tal, Mana, and concluding at Badrinath. Commencing from Gangotri, the trek exposes trekkers to breathtaking views of the majestic Bhagirathi peaks and the imposing Mount Shivling, which rises dramatically from base to summit. The journey from Gomukh onward takes place on a stunning glacier, adorned with numerous crevasses. These glaciers are dynamic, constantly shifting and breaking, adding to the trek's challenging nature. Due to the ever-changing glaciers, the route is not well-defined and requires careful navigation. The trail is treacherous, and without a keen sense of direction, there's a risk of getting lost. The trek to Vasuki Tal involves traversing an extremely narrow ridge with steep inclines. The highlight of the journey is climbing a daunting ice wall with a 60-degree incline, descending to glaciers filled with crevasses on the other side. This demanding ascent adds an extra layer of excitement and challenge to the trek, making it a memorable and formidable adventure for those seeking the thrill of high-altitude trekking in the Indian Himalayas.

Day 1 Arrive in Uttarkashi and check-in hotel an altitude - 3900 ft.

Uttarkashi, a district in northern Uttarakhand, is often called northern Kasi for its position on the right banks of River Bhagirathi. It is renowned for its temples devoted to Rishi Parasurama, Dattatreya, Goddess Annapurna Devi, Goddess Kali, and Bhairon.

Day 2 Drive from Uttarkashi to Gangotri 99 km drive an altitude - 10,200 ft.

Gangotri, one of Uttarakhand’s four major Hindu pilgrimages, is where Bhagirath is said to have brought the River Ganga from the heavens to Earth. The goddess’s idol is situated at Mukhba village, near Harsil, while Gomukh, the source of Ganga, lies 18km upstream from Gangotri.

Day 3 Rest day & Acclimatization day in Gangotri.

Explore Gangotri, visit Surya Kund, and spend time by the Bhagirathi river in the evening. The climb to Cheerbasa is easy, with breathtaking scenery along the way. Enjoy the magnificent views as you trek and camp amidst the pine forest.

Day 4 Trek from Gangotri to Bhojwasa 14 kms,5-6 hrs. trek max. altitude - 12400 ft.

The day commences with a gentle uphill trek spanning approximately 14 km and lasting 4-5 hours to reach Bhojbasa. Here, a small temple stands amidst a grove of birch trees, adding to the scenic charm of the area.

Day 5 Bhojwasa to Nandanvan/Base Camp 5-6 hrs. trek, an altitude - 15,600 ft.

After Gomukh, the trail becomes less defined, often requiring passage over boulder-strewn icy terrain. Upon crossing the moraine and glacier, we ascend steeply to Tapovan. Here, Shivling Peak (6543m), Meru (6630m), Kedar Dome (6808m), and numerous unnamed peaks dominate the skyline.

Day 6 Rest day & Acclimatization day in Nandanvan camp.

Spend the day exploring the Nandanvan camp, taking advantage of a rest and acclimatization day. Enjoy the surrounding scenery and allow your body to adjust to the altitude, ensuring readiness for the journey ahead.

Day 7 Trek Nandanvan base to Vashuki Tal 5-6 hrs trek an altitude - 15,900 ft.

Depart from the Nandan Van meadow, encountering Bharal (Mountain Goat) along the way. Traverse high ridges and spot Lammergeyer before reaching Vasuki Tal, a serene glacial lake nestled in the tranquil Chaturangi Bhamak surroundings, with Bhagirathi Bhamak to its left.

Day 8 Trek Vashuki Tal to Khara Pathar Camp 5-6 hrs trek an altitude - 17,800 ft.

The 6-hour trek to Khara Pathar is truly rewarding, offering views of Satopanth, one of the only two 7,000 m high mountains of the Gangotri glacier. Enjoy dinner and spend the night in camps, soaking in the majestic surroundings.

Day 9 Trek from Kharapatar Camp to sweta Glacier 4-5 hrs.trek an altitude - 18,200 ft.

Today, we trek approximately 10 km to reach Sweta Glacier, although it’s not an ideal camping spot due to its rocky and moraine-filled terrain. However, proceeding further is not recommended, necessitating a short trek for acclimatization as we ascend higher.

Day 10 Trek from Sweta Glacier to Kalandi base 5-6 hrs trek an altitude - 18,700 ft.

After crossing numerous boulders, you’ll arrive at the Chatrungi glacier, a significant tributary of the Gangotri glacier. The term “Chatrungi” signifies four colors, reflecting the moraines’ hues ranging from pink to yellow to brown. With Chandra Prabat towering above at 6728 m, we reach the Kalindi Bhamak camp, near the Kalindi glacier’s snout.

Day 11 Trek from Kalandibase to Rajparaw across the Kalandi pass 5-6 hrs trek max. altitude - 19,900 ft.

Ascending Kalindi Khal is challenging, so an early start is recommended. While the summit camp for Kalindi Peak lies below the pass, reaching the pass offers breathtaking views of Mt. Kamet (7756 m), Mt. Mana (7272 m), Abi Gamin (7355 m), and Mana Parbat (6797 m).

Day 12 Trek from Rajparaw to Arwatal camp 4-5 hrs trek an altitude -13,100 ft.

Leaving Raj Parav early morning, we trek to Ghastoli via Arwatal, traversing moraine fields of the Arwa Glacier. Following the Arwa stream, the terrain undergoes a dramatic transformation from glacial moraines to streams, with patches of vegetation emerging nearer Ghastoli.

Day 13 Arwatal camp (Gastoli) to Badrinath via mana village 4-5 hrs trek then an altitude -10,400 ft.

The route, currently a dirt road under construction, follows the Saraswati River downstream to Mana and Badrinath. Vehicles await us at Mana to drive to Badrinath for lunch and a visit to the renowned temple. Badrinath, one of the four dhams, exudes a palpable sense of devotion among pilgrims.

Day 14 Badrinath to Rishikesh 9-10 hrs drive and depart.

With nothing left but to drive back to Rishikesh, our immensely satisfying and thrilling trek comes to a close.

Day 15 One day is extra with bufferday.

Bufferday for trek.

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The Trip Cost Includes

All meals along the trek only veg.(Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner and a cup of coffee or tea) and accommodations during the trek tents, home stay.
Transportation, food, accommodation.
Sleeping bag, duffel bag and trekking map.
First Aid Medical Kit (Your guide will carry the Medical Kit but we also advise to bring yourself for your own use, as far as possible)
All the required permits and paperwork

The Trip Cost Excludes

International Airfare
Visa Charges.
Personal clothing and gears required for climbing (Personal Climbing equipment)
• Personal expenses such as table drinks, room’s services items, laundry, telephone calls at hotels or tip etc.
Personal high altitude porter
Any additional expenses caused by or liability for a disturbance in the trip program due to our circumstances, weather conditions, sickness, natural disasters, riots etc.
Liability for or insurance against injury, loss of life, accidents or loss of goods.
Any Cargo and Shipment Charges (Import and Customs Clearance Personal Belongings such as, walking sticks etc.