Name: Rishikesh
Rating: 3.5

Jadh Ganga Trek, Rishikesh Overview

Since past many years, the region and the trail has been able to maintain its raw beauty accompanied by virginity and tranquility of the place. The gushing streams, pristine glaciers and splendid landscape adds charm to the beauty of this already beautiful place.

Regarded as one of the most strenuous and difficult trek of north Uttarakhand, the route of Jadh Ganga Trek was taken by Heinrich Harrer and his companions during May 1944 while escaping the prison in Dehradun. They traversed the Aglar valley followed by going over Nag Tibba ridge, they ultimately arrived at Nelang in Jadh Ganga. From there on, they proceeded further towards Naga, Sonam, Dosindhu, TIrpani and finally Pulamsunda. They, then ascended upwards along the first tributary of Jadh, the Mendi, to reach Tsangchok La, which they crossed seven after leaving Dehradun.
Another kind of adventure awaits you if you decide to go further towards Mana Pass and Saraswati Tal and finally terminating the trek at Badrinath Temple. Tiring yet exhilarating, the trek is an experience you will cherish throughout your life.

Water Availability

Carry your own water as well during the trek.

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.

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 Jadh Ganga Trek

Rail: Haridwar serves as the nearest railway station to the base camp of the trek, Bhairon Ghati The railway station is well connected to almost all the major cities of north.
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 your base camp. You can also hire jeeps and tempos from Rishikesh till the base camp.

More about Jadh Ganga Trek

Base Camp: Bhairon Ghati

Difficulty: Moderate Gradient

Highest point of trek: 5230 m

Nearest Airport: Jolly Grant Airport

Nearest Railhead: Rishikesh, Haridwar

Region: North Uttarakhand, Garhwal Himalayas

Starting point of trek: Bhairon Ghati

Itinerary for Jadh Ganga Trek

Day 1: Bhairon Ghati to Karmoli

Distance: 15 kms, Duration: 7 hours

On your first day of trek, you begin your journey by driving a few kilometers from Bhairon Ghati. Soon you will be trekking along the left banks of Jadh Ganga River, the trail going upwards amid a beautiful dense forest of Deodar. During the trek, you will be crossing a number of brooks finally arriving at the campsite near the Chaudhar Stream for the night. A spectacular view of ice wall in form of Chaudhar Ridge is breathtaking.

Day 2: Karmoli to Naga

Distance: 12 kms, Duration: 7 hours

The second day of the trek is fascinating enough to lure you back to the place. After a steady trek of three hours, you will arrive at Dhumku. On the other side, a thrilling sight of Chor Gad nalla joining the Jadh Ganga with great roar is a treat the eyes. From here, a path goes up to reach the source of Bapsa River, where you can cross the Yamrang La to reach Tibet. After trudging along for few kilometers, a beautiful view of Kalidhang (6375 m) will welcome your sights while passing along Neelang. Another 2 km in to the trek and you will arrive at Log Bridge, which you will be crossing in order to avoid vertical rock cliffs. Soon you will encounter Guli gad merging with Jadh on to the left side of the bank. Traverse the river just before Naga where Jadh and Nilapani fuse together.

Day 3: Naga to Sonam

Distance: 11 kms, Duration: 6 hours

Today, from the valley loaded with vegetation you enter a region with very scant vegetation, land being dry and familiar to Tibet landscape. After a steep ascent of 3 kms, you will finally reach a place from where begins descent through vast grazing fields leading to the left banks of River Jadh; the river here if quite wide and is referred to as Sonam. After covering this thrilling track, you have finally reached your campsite offering enticing views of Chibas Parbat (6252 m).

Day 4: Sonam to Pulamsunda

Distance: 20 kms, Duration: 8 hours

On your fourth day of trek, the trail will pass through a rocky terrain alongside the left bank of river. Make sure you cross the river before the Jadh merges with Rongmach gad towards the right bank and then cross again 2 kms after Tirpani, this time towards the left bank. Here, the river is much calm and clear. You will also encounter a huge ITBP. After trudging for some time you will finally reach the campsite near Baregudda Stream, about 8 kms ahead of Pulamsunda.

Day 5: Trekking options to the nearby peaks

The fifth day of the trek is a strenuous one with lots of options on the way. Begin the trek with a climb or a trek towards small glacial lake perched at an altitude of 5770 m through several 6000 m or more peaks in the proximity. Some of the many nearby peaks include Tsangchok la (5350 m), from where Harrer escaped into Tibet; Thag La (5030 m), Tsangchok La, Kinnaur Raniso La (4055 m), Khimokul La (4557 m), Kinner kailash (6474 m), Reo Pargial (6791)- Muling La (5584 m) ,Sri Kaila (6932 m) and Mana Parbat (6794 m) etc. The pace is flanked by the triangle of Kamet (7756 m) on the Southern East along with its neighbours Mukut Parbat (7244 m) and Abi Gamin (7357 m). Savour the beauty of the magnificent landscape all around before heading for the campsite of Pulamsumda.

Day 6: Pulamsunda to Sumla

Distance: 3 kms, Duration: 2 hours

Today you will be heading towards Sumla Village from Pulamsunda trekking for about 3 kms. Being the trek along the river side till you reach the place where the stream of Mendimerges with Jadh. This also your campsite for the day. However make sure to pitch your tents on to the right side of Mendi.

Day 7: Sumla to Tsangchokla back to Pulamsunda

Distance: 20 kms, Duration: 9hours

This is your last day of the trek when you will ultimately be heading back towards Pulamsunda in the end. Commence the last day with trudging along the Mendi Stream right up to its source climbing steadily. Continue travelling until you reach pass, 200 m below at the site of ruined walls. Ascend steadily from here on towards the pass marked by cairns over the pass itself where you will come across a 2 m high chorten. The view all around is awe inspiring with coloured mountains, screes and schist. You will be able to enjoy a better view by descending about a hundred meters. The verdant grazing ground of village adds charm to the raw beauty of the place. Make sure you have relished the panoramic surrounding and captured its essence in your camera to its best. Soon it's time to retrace your steps back to Pulamsunda and then to Karmoli.