Kalindi Khal Trek
Traverse halfway around Garhwal, from the Bhagirathi Valley to the Alaknanda Valley
Uttarakhand
Advanced
Difficulty Level
18 days
Duration
5,950 m
Highest Altitude
8
Group Size
220,000
Price (excl GST)
64.9
kgCO2e/person
An epic journey through Garhwal’s most majestic landscapes, from glaciers to sacred peaks.
This exhilarating trek takes you halfway around Garhwal, from the Bhagirathi Valley to the Alaknanda Valley, offering thrills even for the most seasoned trekkers. Beginning at Gangotri, the journey winds through the iconic Gangotri Glacier to Nandanvan, the base of the Bhagirathi peaks, where an awe-inspiring view of Shivling Peak awaits. The trail then leads along the Chaturangi Glacier to Vasukital, a shimmering lake nestled amid towering peaks, serving as the source of the Vasuki Ganga, which flows into the Mandakini. Crossing the formidable Kalindikhal Pass reveals breathtaking vistas of Garhwal’s majestic giants—Mt. Kamet, Mt. Satopanth, Vasuki Parbat, and more. After the pass, the descent takes you to Arwatal and Mana, the last village near the Chinese frontier, before concluding at the sacred town of Badrinath with a visit to the revered temple.
Please Note: This trek is not recommended for beginners
Itinerary
1Arrive at Dehradun and drive to Uttarkashi.
2Drive towards Gangotri, with a picturesque stop at the charming village of Harsil, a historic "Butia" village where Tibetan settlers made their home centuries ago. Continue the drive, reaching Gangotri by late afternoon.
3Visit the Gangotri temple and proceed to start our trek for Chidbasa. Overnight stay ann camp at Chidbasa.
4Walk towards Bhojbhasa. See the group of Bhagirathi peaks and get a first glimpse of Shivling. Dinner and overnight stay in camp at Bhojbhasa.
5Trek to Tapovan. After walking for 4 km, reach Gaumukh, the glacier snout. Climb the Gangotri glacier and reach the alpine meadow of Tapovan. Dinner and overnight stay in camp at Tapovan.
6Rest day. Climb to the ridge top, soaking in stunning views of the Meru peaks and their glacier. From here, enjoy the expansive sight of the Gangotri Glacier, with the majestic Bhagirathi peaks towering across it. Dinner and overnight stay at camp in Tapovan
7Begin the trek to Nandanvan, descending from Tapovan to cross the Gangotri Glacier. After traversing the glacier, climb to the alpine meadows of Nandanvan at the base of the Bhagirathi peaks. Dinner and overnight stay at camp in Nandanvan.
8Rest day. Explore the meadows of Nandanvan.
9Follow a gentle trail along the edge of the Chaturangi Glacier, where the glacier's vibrant shades and emerald pools come into view. After crossing a side glacier from the Bhagirathi peaks and a short, steep ascent, reach the serene Vasukital Lake beneath Vasuki Parbat. Dinner and overnight stay at camp by the lake.
10Continue trekking along the Chaturangi Glacier, crossing two side glaciers with stunning views of Satopant, before reaching the Khada Pathar campsite, marked by a distinctive large rock. Dinner and overnight stay at camp.
11Start the day by descending into the glacier and trekking for 5-6 hours. Camp at the Y-shaped junction of the glacier. Dinner and overnight stay at Sweta Glacier camp.
12Continue along the left arm of the glacier to reach Kalindi Base Camp. On clear days, the Kalindi Khal is visible, marking the next day's challenge. After preparing, enjoy an early dinner and rest, hoping for good weather. Dinner and overnight stay at Kalindi Base Camp.
13After an early breakfast at 5:30 am, begin the steady ascent to Kalindi Khal, enjoying stunning views of Kamet, Abi Gamin, Mukut, and Mana from the pass. Then, descend to Rajparav camp for dinner and an overnight stay.
14After successfully crossing Kalindi Khal, the trail descends gradually along the river. Cross a side river and a small glacier before reaching Arwatal for dinner and an overnight stay.
15The trail improves as we leave the moraine and glacier behind, leading to the greener landscape of Ghastoli. Dinner and overnight stay in camp at Ghastoli.
16If fortunate, we may catch an army truck to Badrinath; otherwise, we'll walk down to Mana. Overnight stay in a hotel.
17After taking a Darshan at Badrinath temple we drive to Rudraprayag via Joshimath. Overnight stay hotel.
18After breakfast drive to Dehradun airport to take a flight back home.
Read our FAQs for more info.
What’s Included
Uttarkashi, Badrinath and Rudraprayag: In a hotel on twin sharing basis
Gangotri: In a guesthouse on twin sharing basis
All meals included. Breakfast and Dinner will be in hotels and lunch local restaurants
Travel arrangements in SUV/ MUV
Fully organized camping trek, small camping tents, dinning tent, kitchen tent, toilet tent, kitchen staff, 1 main guide, 2 assistant guide, required porters, medical kit. Sleeping bags on request
One experienced tour leader from Banjara Experiences with comprehensive medical kit
Oxygen cylinder
What’s Not Included
Goods & Service Tax as applicable
Travel to & from Dehradun
Any expenses of personal nature such as mineral water, laundry, etc
Any kind of insurance, such as accident, theft, medical, evacuation, etc
Tips to porters, camping team, driver, guide, etc
Any extra costs incurred due to extension / change of the itinerary because of natural calamities, flight delays, road blocks, vehicle breakdown etc. factors beyond the control of “Countryside Adventure Holidays Pvt. Ltd.” and its associates
Items not specified in the Inclusions
Is this for me?
The Kalindi Khal trek offers an exhilarating adventure for seasoned trekkers and mountaineers seeking a thrilling challenge in the breathtaking landscapes of the Indian Himalayas. With its high-altitude passes, majestic glaciers, and awe-inspiring vistas, this trek provides a truly unforgettable experience for those with a passion for exploration and a thirst for adventure. For experienced adventurers who are physically fit and well-prepared, conquering the Kalindi Khal trek promises to be a rewarding journey filled with unforgettable memories and a sense of accomplishment.
