Kalindikhal Expedition in Garhwal Himalaya

• Famous Temples at Haridwar, Rishikesh, Uttarkashi, Gangotri & Badrinath, Confluences, Crystal Clear Lake, lots of Glaciers, Snow clapped Himalayan Peaks and many more.
• High altitude tough trek with cavernous gorges, spacious views, vibrant colors. Dazzling variation in scenery
• Murmuring Waterfalls, lush green meadows & Mountain Goats (Himalayan Ibex)
• Rare glimpses of an ancient culture of local people
• Sweeping views to Mt. Shivlinga, Gangotri Group of Peaks, Bhagirathi Groups of peak, & Kedarnath Peak. Possible sightings of some wildlife,
• Nights in Hotel, Guest House and Tents

The high altitude trekking route from Gangotri – Badrinath, via Kalindikhal is generally known is Kalindikhal Pass Trek. It is more adventurous with requirement of some fundamental knowledge of mountaineering. The trekking starts from Gangotri eastward, via Gomukh, Tapovan, Nandanvan, Vasuki Tal, Kalindikhal to Gashtoli and then to Badrinath Here is a trek that takes you half way round Garhwal from the Bhagirathi Valley to the Alaknanda Valley. A trip only for those who have done high altitude treks before; its very mention gives a thrill to even the most seasoned of climbers.

The trek starts from Gangotri and takes you through Nandanvan, the base of the Bhagirathi peaks, a place that offers an unparallel view of the Shivling peak. The trail moves on to Vasuki Tal (4900 M). With towering peaks all around the lake, its surface shimmers like a pearl and is the source of the Vasuki Ganga that drains into the Mandakini. We proceed to cross the Kalindikhal pass (5968 M), a tough climb from where you feel that there is little else left to be see. It is as if you are a part of this majestic setting of snow peaks. The trail then descends to Arwa Tal and to Mana the last village on the Chinese frontier. The trek fittingly ends at Badrinath with a visit to the holy temple.

You may also be interested in :

• Kalindikhal Expedition in Garhwal Himalaya
• Audens Col's Expedition in Garhwal Himalaya
• Zanskar Trekking Expedition in Ladakh Himalaya

Region : Garhwal Himalayas of Uttrakhand
Style of Trek : Indian Leader
Altitude : 5946 m/19500 ft
Duration : 20 Days
Season : Mid June - July & August
Grade : Challenging - Tough
Group size : Maximum: 12 clients plus leader
Minimum : 4 clients plus Indian Leader

Day 01 : Arrive Delhi

Upon arrival at Delhi airport met our representative and then transfer to pre booked hotel. Overnight in the hotel.

Day 02 : Delhi – Rishikesh (225 kms/6-7 hrs approx)

In the morning after breakfast drive to Rishikesh via Haridwar. On arrival transfer to hotel. Evening free to explore the nearby area by your own. Overnight stay at hotel.

Day 03 : Rishikesh – Uttarkashi (170 kms/ 5 -6 hrs)

Morning after breakfast proceed for Uttarkashi (1150 mts), which takes 5-6 hrs. Upon arrival check-in at Hotel. After lunch visit NIM (Nehru Institute of Mountaineering) Institute & Museum. Later come back to hotel. Overnight at hotel.

Day 04 : Uttarkashi

Spare day for medical test, permit verification and visit the Nehru Institute of Mountaineering (NIM) etc. Overnight at hotel.

Day 05 : Uttarkashi - Gangotri (3048 m/10,000 ft) Drive (100 kms/4-5 hrs)

Morning after breakfast drive to reach Gangotri via Harsil (approx 25 km before Gangotri (3048 mts) by covering approx 95 km in 4-5 hrs. On arrival check into Hotel/Guest house.

Day 06 : Gangotri – Bhojwassa (3792 m/12440 ft) Trek (14 kms /5-6 hrs).

In the morning met our trekking crew and brief introduction with entire crew. Later after breakfast start first days trek to Bhojwassa following the river Bhagirathi on right bank by covering approx 14 kms in 4-5 hrs. Trek is full of fascinating Himalayan sights and you can have beautiful views of snow clapped peaks around. Upon arrival at Bhojwassa, set up camp for overnight stay.

Day 07 : Bhojwassa - Gomukh (3890 mts/12760 ft) - Tapovan (4463 mts / 14640 ft)

Early in the Morning enjoy the panoramic view of 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. The appear to be just a stone's throw away. 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.

Day 08 : Tapovan - Nandanvan (Trek 4-5 hrs)

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 a walking for about a kilometer there is a vertical ascent. Big rocks enroute offer grips and foot - holds but many of them are deceptive too. Dinner and overnight stay in tents.

Day 09 : Nandanvan – Vasuki Tal (4880 m/16000 ft) Trek (6 kms / 4-5 hrs).

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. Arrive in 5-6 hours and overnight stay in tents.

Day 10 : Vasuki Tal – Khara Pathar (Suralya Bamak) (5480 m/17975 ft) Trek (6 kms/3-4 hrs).

Morning after breakfast start trek to Suraiaya Bamak (Khara Pathar) with packed lunch. Dinner and overnight in camp. Camping on Moraine.

Day 11 : Khara Pathar – Sweta Glacier (8 kms / 4-5 hrs).

Morning after breakfast trek 10 Km to reach Sweta Glacier) (5500 mts). Dinner and overnight stay in the camp.

Day 12 : Sweta Glacier - Kalindikhal Base

Morning after breakfast set out for Base camp. Overnight stay in tent.

Day 13 : Kalindi Base – Kalindi Peak

In the morning after breakfast set out for Kalindi peak summit. Overnight stay in tent.

Day 14 : Kalindikhal - Raja Parav (4910 m/16105 ft) Trek (12 kms / 6-7 hrs).

Mornings after breakfast proceed your trek (12 km) to Kalindi Pass (5947 mts). Spend some time at the spot and then trek down to Raj Parav for dinner and overnight stay in the camp.

Day 15 : Raja Parav - Arwa Tal

Morning after breakfast proceed your trek to reach Arwa Tal (3910 mts) 13 km from Raj Parav. Overnight in the camp.

Day 16 : Arwa Tal – Ghastoli (3796 m/12450 ft) Trek (16 kms / 5-6 hrs).

Morning after breakfast proceed your trek to reach Ghastoli (3796 km), which is 16 Km from Arwa Tal. Dinner and overnight stay in the camp.

Day 17 : Ghastoli - Mana – Badrinath (3096 m/10155 ft) Trek (18 kms / 5-6 hrs)

Morning after breakfast start trek to Badrinath situated on the bank of Alaknanda, standing like twin sentinels over the valley are the Nar and Narayan peaks, and in the distance soars the resplendent Neelkanth peak. A seven hrs walk brings you to Mana Village, the last village before the border, where you break for lunch. Later a 2 kms drive brings us to town of Badrinath. On arrival check into hotel. Afternoon visit the temple of Badrinath. Return to hotel for Dinner & Overnight.

Day 18 : Badrinath – Rishikesh

Morning after breakfast drive (290 km) down to reach Rishikesh. On arrival check-in the Hotel for overnight stay. In the evening after wash and change visit Laxman Jhula, Thirteen storied temple, Geeta Ashram, Parmarth Niketan and later join the Aarti ceremony at Triveni Ghat. Latter return back to the Hotel for overnight stay.

Day 19 : Delhi – Rishikesh (225 kms)

In the morning after breakfast drive to Delhi. By evening dinner with Himalayan Adventure Tours Manager. Overnight stay at Delhi.

Day 20 : Delhi Departure

Departure for airport to catch onward flight according to your flight schedule.

Trip & Services Ends Here

Cost Includes :

• Transport : All road transfer by AC Car from Delhi to Delhi. (AC will not run on the hills)
• Accommodation : Hotel/Guest House at all the places according to itinerary.
• Meals : All meals on trek. At the hotel/guest house only breakfast will be serving. Meals will be mix of Indian Chinese and Continental.
• Camping equipment like tents, mattresses, mess tent, dining tent, camping stools, table etc
• Professional and experienced English speaking local trekking guide who knows the area very well
• Cook and High altitude porters
• All necessary Permits
• Inner Line Permit

Cost does not includes :

• Enroute meal
• Any meals / service not mentioned above
• Liquor, soft drinks, bottled water, beverages, etc
• Personal expenses like tips, telephone calls, laundry, etc
• Any costs arising out of unforeseen circumstances like landslides, road blocks, bad weather, etc
• Travel insurance
• Evacuation expenses, etc
• Camera fee

Visa

You Need to have Indian Visa for entry to India on your holiday. To apply for Indian Visa you have to contact your nearest Indian consulate or you can call on 09057570045 or visit http://in.vfsglobal.co.uk/ for more information.

Indian Embassy in London

Address : Indian Embassy
India House, Aldwych,
London WC2B 4NA.
Tel: 020 7836 8484
Site URL : http://www.hcilondon.net/

Money

There is no limit to the amount of foreign currency that visitors can bring.

Banks

Banks are open in the major cities & the nearest towns of the sanctuaries for transaction from 10.00 to 14.00 hrs on all days except Sunday.

Best time to visit

High season: October to April - Monsoon.

Travel wear

Cotton outfits, hats, sunglasses, sunscreen lotion etc. Some woolen clothes require, during winter.

Credit cards

Main hotels, restaurants and shopping centers honor major credit cards.

Currency

Indian Rupee (INR)

Drugs

Heavy punishments including imprisonment are imposed for possession of narcotic drugs.

Food

All standard restaurants offer a variety of cuisines including Continental, Chinese, Indian & local.

Water

It is always better to drink bottled drinking water or drinking water from restaurants. It is not advisable to drink water from slow moving streams, lakes or dams. Mineral water is available in sealed bottles.

Trekking Equipments List :

• Duffel bag
• Sunglasses
• Sleeping bag & Air Mattress
• Sleeping bag liner
• Daypack
• Trekking Boots
• Camp shoes/sneakers
• Tevas and/or sandals
• Cotton socks
• Gore-Tex jacket
• Light wind jacket
• Down jacket/vest
• Fleece jacket/vest
• T-shirts
• Underwear
• Trekking pants
• Thermal tops
• Thermal bottom
• Warm hat
• Sun hat/baseball cap
• Swiss Army Knives (Classic pocket tool)
• Two cotton shirts/T-Shirts

• One pair cotton trousers or shorts
• Down/synthetic camp booties
• Light gloves
• Flashlight/Headlamp with extra batteries
• Camera
• One liter water bottles wide mouthed
• Water purification/filter
• Pee bottle
• Film
• Note book with pens and pencils
• Lip balm
• Sunscreen / Moisturiser
• Camp towel/towel/sarong
• Personal toiletries
• Personal medicines
• Money pouch/belt
• Energy bars
• Vitamin tablets
• Extra passport photos
• Bandana/scarf
• Wind- and rain-gear with hood
• Neoprene Supports
• One warmer (jacket with hood)
• Walking stick / Trekking pole

Private Departures

Did you know that we can also arrange private departures on the vast majority of our small group tours? So if you can’t find a date to suit you or if you want to have your very own adventure just with your friends or family then we can help you.

Private departures will follow the same itineraries as our usual group tours, but on a date to suit you, with no minimum numbers.

Customised Private Groups

For a group of 6 or more people we can organise a customised private group tour where we design the itinerary and activities especially for you, according to your requirements.

To enquire about booking a private departure of this tour or about organising your own private group tour, please fill in the form below and our Private Tours Team will be in touch shortly.

Frequently Asked Questions

May i ask for tailormade itinerary ?

What is Indian Time zone ?

Can I use British pound there in India ?

What type of plug sockets use in India ?

Who will Meet us at the Airport ?

Does monument fees included in the cost ?

Can I join a group trek ?

Is previous hiking experience necessary to go on a trek ?

What equipment should I bring ?

Is a Trekking permit required ?

What happens if I get sick ?

What is the maximum weight allowed on domestic flights ?

Is communication to home possible while on trek ?

What is the weather & temperature like ?