Regain: Garhwal Himalayas
Duration: 13 Nights 14 Days
Destination covered: Rishikesh - uttarkashi - Gangotri - Gaumukh - Tapovan - Vasuki Tal - Suralya Bamak - Kalindi Pass - Arwa Tal - Mana Village - Badrinath - Joshimath - Rishikesh
Altitude: 6002 m above sea level
Grade: Alpine Trek
Best Time: May to June and Mid August to October
Kalindi pass is a quite a popular trekking route. It divides the valleys of Chamoli and Uttarkashi. The trek gifts some really nice experience to a trekker trying to get a taste of all round terrains from rocks to ice to moraine fields and snow. The Kalindi peak named after the pass does not need a permit to climb. The height of the peak is approx 20000 feet and if the snow condition is good the trekkers prefer climbing the peak first and then climbing up the pass.One comes across many peaks around Satopanth and also a high altitude lake. En route one also crosses the Arawa valley and there are a lot of unclimbed peaks here. You will find many towering rock faces and the Tibet border is very close. There are many passes leading into Tibet from here and you also come across an ITBP check point on the way.
Kalindi Pass Trek Itinerary
Day 01: Rishikesh - Uttarkashi
In the morning drive (182 km) to Uttarkashi (1150 m). Uttarkashi is the base of many trekking and mountaineering expeditions in Gangotri valley. Also India's premier Mountaineering institute 'Nehru Mountaineering Institute' is situated at Uttarkashi. In the afternoon proceed for sightseeing tour of Uttarkashi. Overnight stay at Hotel.
Day 02: Uttarkashi - Gangotri
In the morning drive (100 km) to Gangotri (3048 m). Gangotri is the place where the Goddess Ganga descended on earth from heaven. Its also the road head for the trekking in Gangotri valley. Visit the temple of Goddess Ganga. Overnight stay in tourist lodge.
Day 03: Gangotri - Bhojbasa
Trek 14 km to Bhojbasa (3658 m) following the river Bhagirathi on right bank. The trek is gradual ascent for most of the part. From Bhojbasa you can have majestic view of Bhagirathi group of peaks. On arrival set-up camp for overnight stay.
Day 04: Bhojbasa - Nandanvan / Tapovan
Trek to Nandanvan (4500 m) via Gaumukh - the source of river Ganges. From Gaumukh climb over to Gangotri glacier and trek along it following right bank. Nandanvan is the base camp for climbing Bhagirathi group of mountains.
Day 05: Nandanvan - Vasuki Tal
Morning trek (11 km) along Chaturangi Glacier to reach Vasukital (4898 mts) Vasuki Tal is base camp for Mt Satopanth and Mt Vasuki Parbat with a small lake. The trek is steady ascent till Vasuki Tal. On arrival set-up camp for overnight stay.
Day 06: Vasuki Tal - Khara Pathar (Suralya Bamak)
Morning after breakfast trek to Khara Pathar (5456 mts.) (Suralya Bamak) 8 Km from Vasukital. Overnight stay in the camp.
Day 07: Khara Pathar - Kalindikhal Base
Morning after breakfast trek 10 Km to reach Kalindikhal Base at Sita Glacier (5500 mt). The trek follows Chaturangi glacier. On arrival set-up camp for overnight stay.
Day 8: Kalindikhal Base - Rajaparav
Todays trek is most challening with steep climb to Kalindi Pass (5947 mt). Spend some time at the spot and then trek down to Rajparav (4910 mt). The descent from the pass is very steep over glacier and ice walls. On arrival at Rajparva, set-up camp for overnight stay.
Day 9: Rajparav - Arwa Tal
Morning after breakfast trek (13 km) to reach Arwa Tal (3910 mt). The trek follows Arwa Bank glacier for most of the time before reaching Rajparva. Overnight stay in tented camp.
Day 10: Arwa Tal - Ghastoli
Trek (16 km) to reach Ghastoli (3796 km). The trek is gradual descend following Arwa Nala. Overnight stay in tented camp.
Day 11: Ghastoli - Mana - Badrinath
Morning after breakfast trek (16 km) to reach Mana village. Mana is last village in this valley. From Mana drive 3 km to Badrinath. Badrinath is one of the most important Hindu pilgrimage place. One of the four Dham in the Himalayas, the temple at Badrinath is dedicated to lord Vishnu. On arrival check-into hotel for overnight stay.
Day 12: Badrinath
Witness the puja (prayer) at Badrinath Temple in the morning. Rest of the day at leisure. Overnight stay in hotel.
Day 13: Badrinath - Joshimath
In the morning drive to Joshimath (46 km). On arrival check-into hotel. In the afternoon, proceed for excursion to Auli. Auli is a large high altitude meadow and a famous ski resort during winter. it offers excellent view of Nanda Devi mountain range. Return back to hotel for overnight stay.
Day 14: Joshimath - Rishikesh
Morning after breakfast drive (257 km) down to reach Rishikesh. Trip End.