DAY 01: DEHRADUN – HARSIL (2600M) DRIVE/280 KMS/8 HRS :
We begin the drive from Dehradun to Harsil, passing Uttarkashi on the way. Harsil is a small hamlet and is considered to be one of the most scenic places in the Indian Himalayas. Here we will stay at the beautifully located Himalayan Eco Lodges Check into the lodge and relax. Overnight at the lodge.
DAY 02: HARSIL (2600M) – GANGOTRI (3050M) – CHIRBASA (3550M) DRIVE/20 KMS & TREK/3 HRS :
We will drive for a short distance in the Bhagirathi valley through stunning landscape to reach Gangotri, a revered temple town bestowed with exceptional beauty. This small town is situated on the banks of Ganga, the holiest river in the world. We will visit the temple here and the holy ghat at Gangotri and seek blessings for a safe and successful adventure ahead. Our trek starts from Gangotri as we enter into the Gangotri National park. Every step from here on is a pleasure for mountain lovers. Few minutes into the trek we get great views of the Bhagirathi peaks. It's a short stage today and we will make it to our campsite at Chirbasa in about 3 hours or so. This stage has been planned to help us acclimatize well before we get into high altitude region. Overnight in tents.
DAY 03: CHIRBASA (3550M) – BHOJWASA (3850M) TREK/2 HRS :
We start our hike getting fantastic views of Bhagirathi, Shivling & Bhrigu parbat. This is again a short stage and we hope to be properly acclimatized after spending a full day here. We will set up our camp here, have lunch and then trek up to Gaumukh to gain altitude. After spending some time at Gaumukh we will head down to the campsite at Bhojwasa. Gaumukh, means Cow's mouth which is with reference to the shape of the glacier snout. Today you are quite likely to see Bharals, variety of mountain antelope. These animals generally are comfortable around humans and might come visiting the campsite. Overnight in tents.
DAY 04: BHOJWASA (3850M) – GAUMUKH (3890M) – TAPOVAN (4463M) TREK/4 HRS:
After breakfast we trek up to Gaumukh again and from there walk on moraine for quite some time before climbing a steep section to reach Tapovan, a place of exceptional beauty. We will camp at the edge of Shivling peak and will face the famous Bhagirathi I, II & III peaks. Also visible from our campsite is the Meru peak. Overnight in tents.
DAY 05: TAPOVAN (4463M) REST /ACCLIMATISATION/EXPLORATION DAY :
Kalindikhal trek takes you to almost 6000m and for us to be able to do this we need to be acclimatized very well and our body should have energy required to take on the climb. Keeping this in mind we spend another day at Tapovan. You are sure to enjoy every minute spent here. Do your own thing today - explore the meadows of Tapovan, or attempt a short climb towards the Shivling base camp or hike up till Kirti glacier or just relax. Overnight in tents
DAY 06: TAPOVAN (4463M) – NANDANVAN (4337M) TREK/3-4 HRS :
Today we will crossover to the other side of the Gangotri glacier to reach the meadows of Nandanvan. It's going to be an interesting hike today as you traverse a glacier full of moraine, scree and small pools with turquoise glacial water. There are going to be several ups and downs. It's a short stage and should take about 3 hours. From Nandanvan there are super views of Shivling, Bhagirathi, Sudarshan, Thelu and Kedardome peaks. Overnight stay in tents.
DAY 07: NANDANVAN (4337M) – VASUKI TAL (4880M) TREK/4-5 HRS :
There is no drastic change in the scenery today and we basically climb up to the lake with the gradient being moderate. We will for most climb up along the Chaturangi Glacier. Just like yesterday this is also a small stage with one trick crossing just before the lake. This might require the guides to set up a rope for safe passage. Once at the lake relax and soak in the beauty. We might come across teams scaling Satopanth and Vasuki Parbat at Vasuki tal as most teams set up their base camp here. Overnight stay in tents.
DAY 08: VASUKI TAL (4880M) REST & ACCLIMATISATION DAY :
Our next campsite is going to be at an altitude of almost 5500m so we take rest at Vasuki Tal and get acclimatized properly. The setting is perfect for relaxation and exploratory hikes. Overnight in tents.
DAY 09: VASUKI TAL – KHARA PATHAR (5480 M) TREK/3-4 HRS :
The scenery changes a little as mountains start seeming to be much closer and moraine all around. The network of mountains all around is mesmerizing. To stay in good shape for the pass climb we do short stages. Khara Pathar is a small camping area with moraine all around. Overnight in tents.
DAY 10: KHARA PATHAR – SHWETA GLACIER (5500M) TREK/4-5 HRS :
You will surely feel the difference in landscape today. There is moraine, glaciers and very big mountains all along the trek. The route is short and is fine with no technical patches anywhere. There are no grassy meadows for camping and we will need to create space on moraine to camp with the glacier being under us. One can clearly feel a lot of glacier movement in the area. Overnight in tents.
DAY 11: SHWETA GLACIER (5500M) – KALINDI BASE CAMP (5600M) TREK/4-5 HRS :
As we move up to the base camp it becomes pretty evident that we are entering a beautiful terrain with an intricate network of mountains and glaciers and one which requires careful navigation and passage. It is yet again a short hike of about 4 hours to the base camp. Base camp is a completely wild place and from here you can see the route almost till the top of the pass if weather is clear. We will rest and prepare for the big day tomorrow. Team of guides will go on a recce hike and decide on the route to be taken the next day. In the evening there is going to be a final briefing by the lead guide on the climb for tomorrow and safety measures that team members need to adhere to. We have an early dinner as we will be departing very early tomorrow morning. Overnight in tents.
DAY 12: KALINDI BASE (5600M) – KALINDIKHAL (5950M) – BEYOND ARWATAL (3980M) TREK/8-13 HRS DEPENDING ON CONDITIONS :
We will wake up very early and get ready to start the climb when we get the signal from the lead guide. A lot depends on the snow and weather conditions and keeping this in mind the climb will be planned by the team of guides accompanying the group. It's a challenging climb to the top of the pass with the gradient being pretty steep almost throughout. We will be roped up for almost the whole climb and descent as there are crevasses and tricky sections along the route. In case of fresh snow we will need to be extra careful about the crevasses which get hidden also the effort to climb increases as one sinks into the snow. More than the views it's the sense of achievement; having scaled a difficult 6000m Himalayan pass in a very remote location. Pat yourself on the back soak in stunning views, take a few pics and get back to business. Half the job is still left, we need to descend carefully to the campsite. We trek down to Rajparav (4910m) and then further to Arwatal and beyond. It's a very long descent and we take breaks in between. On reaching the camp we have a celebratory drink , Tiredness would be forcing you to sleep and the excitement of having crossed one of the most difficult passes in the Indian Himalayas will keep you up. Overnight in tents.
DAY 13: ARWATAL (3980M) – GHASTOLI (3796M) TREK/5-6 HRS :
We have some more adventure waiting for us in the form of 3-4 river crossings that we need to do today but nothing in comparison to what we have tackled the previous day. Other than this it's a beautiful walk today. At Ghastoli we will see first signs of inhabitation in the form of army establishment here. This area is very close to Tibet/China border and hence sensitive from security point of view. Today we will camp on a beautiful campsite by the Arwa river. Overnight in tents.
DAY 14: GHASTOLI – BADRINATH – AULI TREK/5-6 HRS & DRIVE/2 HRS :
There's a fully constructed road till Ghastoli now and we will be walking on it most of the time. It's a long downhill walk and if we get lucky we might get to hitch a ride on an army truck. We go down to the Mana village which is the last settlement before the Tibet border on the Indian side. It's a very scenic and cultural village. At Mana we get into the waiting vehicle and drive to the scenic temple town of Badrinath. From Badrinath we drive for another 90 mins to reach the famous skiing destination, Auli. Here we stay at the scenically located Himalayan Eco Lodge. In the evening after a hot shower and change of clothes we celebrate our achievement. Overnight in a hotel.
DAY 15: AULI – HARIDWAR/DEHRADUN DRIVE/8-9 HRS :
After breakfast, we drive down to Haridwar/Dehradun. Trip ends here.
• 13 Night's Accommodation in Tents, or Similar (Standard Tents)
• 1 Night Accommodation in hotel , or Similar (Standard Room )
• 14N Accommodation provided as well maintained rooms / Tents
• Daily Breakfast, lunch and dinner at respective place of stay
• All the sightseeing and transfers includes as per the itinerary
• All the expenses related to the vehicle
• Professional Guide
• Forest entry charges (if Any)
• Bonfire in the night
• First aid kit (our guides are certified in handling first aid situations
• Good Quality Of Camping Arrangements
• Good quality of alpine tents
• Fresh and clean Sleeping bags of good quality
• Comfortable camping mattresses
• Mess Tent
• There will be 2 toilet tents (Separate for Gents and Ladies) having portable toilet seats
• GST @ 5%
• Guide & Entrance Fees
• Excluding Surcharges, if Applicable
• Rates are not applicable during Exhibition and Peak Periods.
• Hotels and Rooms rates are subject to availability at the time of booking.
• Any expenses of personal nature such as tips, laundry, telephone &etc Standard Hotel Check- in: 1400 and Standard Hotel check out: 12:00
• Peak Season & Festival Season Surcharges are Applicable; It will be changed based on the Destination
