KHALINDI KHAAL


One of the most challenging treks in the Himalayas. The trek takes you half way around Garhwal starting from the Bhagirathi Valley and ending in the Alkananda valley. The trek starts from Gangotri and takes you through Nandavan, the base of the Bhagirathi peaks; the place also offers good views of the peak Shivling. After gaining suitable acclimatization we ascend to Vasukital Lake, a stunning place to camp surrounded by towering snow-covered peaks. From here we climb on to Sweta Glacier and begin the challenging crossing of the Kalindikhal. It is as if you are a part of this majestic setting of snow peaks. The trail then descends to Arwatal and to Mana the last village on the Chinese frontier. The trek fittingly ends at Badrinath with a visit to the holy temple and then travel via Rishikesh to Delhi.

SEASON: June - September

MAX. ALTITUDE: 5947m

NUMBER OF DAYS: 13 days

HIGH PASSES: Kalindikhal

TREK GRADIENT: Challenging

Day 01: Arrive in Gangotri (3048m) and spend the day wandering around the Gangotri town. The evening puja at the temple is beautiful and not to be missed.

Day 02: Acclamatization Day
Duration: 4 hours

The plan is to cross the Bhagirathi at Surajkund and hike for 4-5 hrs on the Kedar Tal route. Return to Gangotri by 4 PM.

Day 03: Gangotri - Bhojbasa (3700m)
Duration: 5 hours

Walk along the well laid out trail to Bhojbasa, the last camping point before Gaumukh and Tapovan. It's a pony trail for the piligrims, dotted with occasional dhabas and water points. Enroute, you will get some fabulous views of the Bhagirathi peaks and Shivling.

Day 04: Bhojwas - Nandanvan (4370m)
Duration: 6 hours

Today's trek is through Gaumukh, the snout of the Gangotri glacier and the point of origin of the river Ganga. There are fabulous views of Shivling, Kedar Dome, Karchkund and Meru peaks. Nandanvan is also the base camp for climbers attempting the Bhagirathi peaks.

Day 05: Vasuki Taal (4890m)
Duration: 6 hours

It's a steady, steep climb through upper Nandanvan. Vasuki Taal camp also serves as base camp for climbers attempting Mt Satopanth, one of the more technical peaks in the Garhwal Himalayas.

Day 06: Acclamatization day at Vasuki Taal

Spend the day exploring the area around the lake.

Day 07: Vasuki Taal - Khada Patthar (5000m)
Duration: 6 hours

It's a steady, gradual climb upto the Satopanth Glacier and from there a steep ridge climb takes us to our camp at Khada Patthar.

Day 08: Khada Patthar - Sweta Galcier Camp (5200m)
Duration: 6 hours

The trail climbs gradually climbs towards Sweta Glacier and we get good views of Mt. Satopanth and Chandra Parvat.

Day 09: Sweta Glacier - Base of Kalindikhal (5450m)
Duration: 5 hours

A gradual climb take us to the head of Sweta Glacier and you get views of Avalanche peak and Kalindi peak. The pass is between these two peaks. Our camp today is at the base of Avalanche peak.

Day 10: Base of Kalindikhal - Kalindikhal (5947m) - Raj Padav (4900m)
Duration: 8 hours

With an early start we begin our climb to the pass over snow. We negotiate the small glacier between Kalindi and Avalanche peaks to get on top of the pass. The other side of the pass is heavily crevassed and we descend roped up.

Day 11: Raj Padav - Arwa Taal (4500m)
Duration: 6 hours

We start early, as we need to cross the Arwa nulla. After the crossing the trail continues through more moraine until we reach our camp at Arwa Taal.

Day 12: Arwa Taal - Ghastoli (3800m)
Duration: 5 hours

We descend along side the Arwa nullah. Today's trail involves lots of stream crossing, most of them small and a few tricky ones.

Day 13: Ghastoli - Mana (3400m)
Duration: 3 hours

Today is the last day of our trek and the road to Mana village is gradual. We find a jeep at Mana that will take us to the town of Badrinath, from where you will be able to find transport to Rishikesh.

Know more
Terms and conditions to sign up for a trek
Risk Management on treks

Have more questions about what you need to carry, how to get to the roadhead etc? Check out our FAQ section

More Treks >>