This trek is for the more adventurous; and for those with some fundamental knowledge of mountaineering. It is an extension of the Nandanvan Trek, eastward to Ghastoli and then to Badrinath via Kalindikal pass (5967m). The trek takes you from Nandanvan to Vasukital after due acclimatization. From Vasukital to Mana, the trek falls in the 'inner line'.
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The trek starts from Gangotri and takes you through Nandavan, the base of the Bhagirathi peaks, a place that offers an unparalled view of the Shivling peak. The trail moves on to Vasukital (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 Arwatal and to Mana the last village on the Chinese frontier. The trek fittingly ends at Badrinath with a visit to the holy temple.
ITINERARY (Kalindikhal Trek) :
Altitude : 5590 m
Grade : Tough
Time : July - August
Duration : 14 days
Average Walking time : 6-7 hours per day
Day 1 : (New Delhi, India):
On arrival you will be met by our representative and transfered to your Hotel. Afternoon half day city tour of Old & New Delhi. Evening free. Overnight in Hotel.
Day 2 : (New Delhi to Uttarkashi):
Early morning transfer to railway station to board superfast express train to Haridwar. Breakfast on board. Arrive Haridwar at 1130 hrs and transfer to waiting car for your onward trip to Uttarkashi 190 kms (1885m.Uttarkashi is the base of many trekking and mountaineering activities. Evening final inspection of trek gear, rations & logistics of the trek ahead. Dinner & overnight in hotel.
Day 3 : (Uttarkashi to Gangotri):
Morning after leisurly breakfast, drive down 95 kms to Gangotri. Enroute stop for "Chai" at Harsil (2623m), a beautiful sylvan hamlet, with its winding shady roads, swinging conifers, sun kissed mountains. Later drive onwards to Gangotri (3048m) - The place where mythological beliefs say Ganga came down from Heaven and flowed down the valley. The Gorge at Bhairav Ghati & the Temple of Goddess Gangotri is worth a visit. On arrival check into hotel. Dinner & Overnight in tents.
Day 4 : (Bhojwasa):
On day 4 of Kalindikhal Trek, after breakfast, start trek to Bhojwasa (3792m). We start 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 giagantic Gaumukh glacier, before reaching our camping site. From here one can see the mejestic view of Bhagirathi peaks. On arrival pitch tents. Dinner & overnight in Bhojwasa.
Day 5 : (Tapovan):
Morning after breakfast start trek to Tapovan (4500 M). Cross the Gangotri glacier, and the rocky face - an ascend of 300m verticle wall, before arriving in this vast plateau of lush green medows, from where rises the Shivling Peak (6543m) flanked by Meeru (6630m) and Kedar Dome (6808m). Tapovan is surrounded by
many named and unnamed peaks of the Garwal Himalayas. The peaks of Bhagirathi & Sudershan from the other side of the glacier. Suddenly all tiredness is forgotten as you walk on this vast spread of golden grass. A rivulet almost frozen, treds it's way through the middle of the plateau. Set up camp. Balance day free to photograph, wonder & marvel at what is really nature all about. Dinner & overnight stay in tents.
Day 6 : (Nandanvan):
On day 6 of Kalindikhal Trek, after breakfast start 8 kms trek to Vasukital. Decend to Nandanvan (4337 M). Traverse along the Gangotri & Chaturangi glaciers. This trek combines the experience of mountain & rock climbing besides boulder hopping and glacier traversing. Break for a quick brunch at the junction of the two glaciers
From here view the Shivling, Bhagirathi, Sudarshan, Thelu peaks and Kedardome. Carry on a steady uphill trek for another 4 hours to reach Vasyki - Tal (4898 M) a crystal clear pearl set in an unrivalled setting, a base for Mt Satopanth and Mt Vasuki Parbat from where originates the Vasuki Ganga which mingles with the Mandakini at Sonprayag. The Tal is about 1 km in radius and has clear glittering water. Paian Tal is about 1. km to the north-west. This lake is even more beautiful. At the bottom of it, you can see rectangular slabs of rocks, as if they have been placed there intentionally. The view of Chaukhamba peaks and Mandakini valley is breathtaking. Later on arrival pitch tents, situated by the side of this small lake. Dinner & overnight in tents.
Day 7 : (Khara Pathar):
After breakfast, start 6 kms trek to Suraiaya Bamak (Khara Pathar 5456 mts) with packed lunch. It will take about 5 hrs. Dinner and overnight in camp.
Day 8 : (Sweta Glacier):
Morning after breakfast, start 10 kms trek to Sweta Glacier (Kalindi base 5500 mts) with packed lunch. It will take about 5 hrs. Dinner and overnight in camp. Camping on glacier.
Day 9 : (Raj parav):
Morning after breakfast cross Kalindi pass (5947 mts), then trek down to Rajparav (4910 mts) 12 kms. It will take about 4 hrs. Dinner and overnight in camp.
Day 10 : (Arwatal):
On day 10 of Kalindikhal Trek, Morning after breakfast, start 13 kms trek to Arwatal (3910 mts) with packed lunch. It will take about 6 hrs. Dinner and overnight in camp.
Day 11 : (Ghastoli):
Morning after breakfast start 16 kms trek to Ghastoli (3796 mts) with packed lunch. It will take about 7 hrs. Dinner and overnight in camp.
Day 12 : (Badrinath):
Morning after breakfast start 16 kms trek to Badrinath, situated on the bank of Alaknanda, standing like twin sentinels over the valley are the Nar and Naryana peaks, and in the distance soars the resplendent Neelkanth peak. A 7 hrs walk brings you to Mana Village, the last village before the border, where you break for lunch. Later a 2 kms walk brings us to town of Badrinath. On arrival check into hotel. Afternoon visit the temple of Badrinath. Return to hotel for Dinner & Overnight.
Day 13 : (Riskhikesh):
On day 13 of Kalindikhal Trek, drive down 298 kms (7/8 hrs) to reach Rishikesh late afternoon. Lunch enroute in local restrauant. Later on arrival check into hotel. Banalce day free. Rishikesh Situated on the right bank of river Ganga and surrounded on three sides by Himalayan ranges, known from medieval time as celestial abode, is a great pilgrimage centre of India, It has been the abode of saints and sages from where they sojourn before undertaking 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 culstered with Ashram, Tourist Rest House and Dharamsalas. The Yoga centres of Rishikesh have enchanced the significance of the place, home and world wide tourist from all over the world visit this place to have lessons in Yoga and Meditation
Day 14 : (Delhi):
Morning after breakfast, proceed for half a day city tour, visiting the Ashrams, Laxman Jhoola (ancient rope bridge), temples, before returning to hotel for lunch. After lunch time free till departure transfer to Haridwar Railway Station to connect superfast experess train for Delhi. Later on arrival at 2210 hrs transfer to International airport to connect flight for onward destination.
