Name: Gangotri
Rating: 3.5

Kalindi Khal Trek, Gangotri Overview

Cradled amid the spectacular scenic beauty, Kalindi Khal is regarded as one of the most adventurous and challenging trek in the lap of Garhwal Himalayas in Uttarakhand. Perched at an altitude of 6000 m, the strenuous walk up to this sky touching peak is rewarded by enchanting views.

The entire excursion is an experience with various flavours of rustic and spiritual aspect of the region. What further enhances the beauty of the place is the fascinating sight of Tapovan. The trail you will be following during this trek also happens to be adorned with rolling alpine meadows, series of gushing streams, lush green valleys with a pristine backdrop of undulated Himalayan peaks and glaciers.
Combining the two holy Dhams, Kalindi Khal Trek commences from Gangotri and ends with a visit to the holy temple in Badrinath Valley. The camping tours nestled right at the foot of the Shivling Peak (6543m, called the Matterhorn of Garhwal) with the bewitching sights of the source of the sacred River Ganga, Gaumukh, this trek continues half way round Garhwal offering unmatched beauty of the Shivlinga peak and then proceeding towards the Alaknanda Valley.
Presenting the best of everything from pilgrimage to adventure and exquisite beauty of nature, this trek is full of all the right elements for a perfect trek. Suitable only for those with previous mountaineering or trekking experience, Kalindi Khal Trek is best enjoyed during the months from July to August.

Camping/Shelter

Since you are on a trekking trip, you will be carrying your own camping tents.

Food Availability

You will not find any place to eat while on the trek. So make sure to carry your own food with you.

Water Availability

Carry your own water as well during the trek. However, you will have the opportunity to refill your water stock.

General tips and tricks

1. Make sure you carry warm clothes irrespective of the fact that what season you are travelling in. 2. Carry your own trekking gear and equipments and be always prepared. 3. Carry a medical aid kit and your usual medicines for the way. 4. A good pair of trekking shoes is a must. 5. Carry raingear no matter if you are travelling during monsoon season. 6. Make sure you obtain all the permits well in advance required for trekking in the region. 7. Make sure you carry spare batteries and film roll for camera as there will be no electricity supply. 8. A well informed and trained guide is very important and do make sure to sought out all trivial things well in advance to avoid misunderstanding.

How to reach Kalindi Khal Trek

Rail: Haridwar serves as the nearest railway station to the base camp of the trek, Gangotri. It is situated at a distance of about 248 kms from the place which can be reached in about 8-9 hours. A cab or a bus can be arranged to further reach your final destination.
Road: There are frequent bus services from Delhi to Rishikesh, Haridwar and Dehradun both under private as well as state department. From here on one can easily get a bus or cab to transfer to Gangotri. You can also hire jeeps and tempos from Rishikesh till the base camp. Gangotri is about 466 kms from Delhi by road.

More about Kalindi Khal Trek

Base Camp: Gangotri

Difficulty: Challenging Gradient

Highest point of trek: 5,579 m

Nearest Airport: Jolly Grant Airport

Nearest Railhead: 248 km

Region: Rudraprayag District, Garhwal Himalayas

Snow: Expect heavy snowfall between thre months of January and March, when the trail is completely covered with snow. It may get diffcult to trek during winters when the snow is soft. It is usually April onwards that the routes get cleared of any traces of snow.

Starting point of trek: Gangotri

Itinerary for Kalindi Khal Trek

Day 1: Arrive at Gangotri, Gangotri to Bhojbasa

Distance: 14 kms, Duration: 5-6 hours

Arrive at Gangotri and rest for the night at Hotel. The following day commences the actual adventure of this trek. On first day of the expedition, trek along the right bank of River Bhagirathi. The gradual steep ascent for most of the part will be accompanied by bewitching sights of majestic snow capped Himalayan peaks flanked on all sides. A total trek of 14 kms and 4-5 hours later, you will arrive at Bhojbasa (3,658 m) with splendid views of Bhagirathi Peaks. Set up your camp here overnight and have a good rest.

Day 2: Bhojbasa to Nandanvan

Distance: 6 kms, Duration: 4-5 hours

Today, you will be heading towards Nandanvan (4500 m) enroute the source of River Ganga, Gaumukh. The morning trek of about 4-5 hours will finally take you to Nandanvan, the magnificent base of the Bhagirath peaks. The climb during the last section of the trek is over the Gangotri Glacier following the right bank of the river. The enchanting views of Kedar Dome, Meru Peaks, Karchkund and Shivling are a sight to behold. This is also the campsite for the day.

Day 3: Nandanvan to Vasuki Tal

Distance: 6 kms, Duration: 4-5 hours

The trek from Nandanvan is a steep climb along the Chaturangi Glacier. A steady trek of about 4-5 hours will take you to your destination of the day, Vasuli Tal, a mesmerizing base of Mt. Satopanth and Mt. Vasuki Parbat along with a small lake. Vasuki Tal serves as the campsite for the night.

Day 4: Vasuki Tal to Khara Pathar (Suraiya Bhamak)

Distance: 6 kms, Duration: 3-4 hours

The fourth day of the trek will take you to Khara Pathar or Suraiya Bhamak after a mixed trek of 3-4 hours covering a good distance of 6 kms. The trail is a gradual climb up till Satopanth Glacier and from there on a steep ascent on a ridge that will lead you to the destination of the day, the campsite of Khara Pathar.

Day 5: Khara Pathar to Kalindi Khal Base

Distance: 8 kms, Duration: 4-5 hours

It's time to depart from Khara Pathar and begin the day with a gradual climb towards the head of Sweta Glacier. The impeccable views of Avalanche Peak and Kalindi Peak while on your way will leave you spellbound by its pristine beauty. Ultimately you will reach the pass that is perched between the two peaks offering panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. The campsite for the day is at the base of Avalanche Peak. Pitch your tents for the night and have good rest.

Day 6: Kalindi Khal to Raja Parav

Distance: 12 kms, Duration: 6-7 hours

After breakfast begin yet another day of adventure with a climb over the snow towards the pass. Make sure to make an early start to reach the final stop on time. Today, you will be heading for the top of the pass by encountering the small glacier between Kalindi and Avalanche Peaks. The pass on the other side is heavily comprised of deep fissures, so you will descend all roped up to trek down towards Raja Parav, the campsite of the day.

Day 7: Raja Parav to Arwa Tal

Distance: 13 kms,

Commence your seventh day of the trek early in the morning for you will be traversing the Arwa Nulla today. Once you have crossed the Nulla, the trail will take you through several more moraines to finally lead you to the campsite of Arwa Tal.

Day 8: Arwa Tal to Ghastoli

Distance: 16 kms, Duration: 5-6 hours

Once you are done with the breakfast, proceed further by descending along side Arwa Nulla. The day will be tiring one yet exhilarating with lots of stream crossing, most being the small ones and few a tricky ones. A total trek of 16 kms will finally take you to Ghatoli (3796 m), the campsite for the day.

Day 9: Ghastoli to Mana to Badrinath

Distance: 18 kms, Duration: 5-6 hours

This is your last day of trek when you will be finally heading towards Badrinath from where you will ultimately be transferred back to Rishikesh. Begin your trek after breakfast to reach Badrinath situated on the bank of River Alaknanda flanked by the twin peak of Nar and Narayana. A further trek of seven hours will bring you to the last village before border, Mana Village where you can break for lunch. From there a drive of 2 kms will take you the town of Badrinath where you can rest at a hotel and also visit the famous temple. Transfer to Rishikesh marking the end of a thrilling trek.