Kalindi Khal Trek Most Challenging Trekking in India
Kalindikhal is the most challenging expedition style touching across the great heights of almost 600 m high pass in the Himalayas rewarded by spectacular views. Trekking across Kalindikhal ranges is actually bringing the high adventure in a very remote and spiritual region. Kalindikhal trekking adds an interesting flavor to the beauty of the Tapovan while exploring the undulating alpine meadows, network of gurgling streams and the almost next to you the presence of some of the renowned Himalayan peaks.
Kalindikhal Trekking Tour brings the most frilled camping tour right at the base of the Shivling peak 6543m, called the Matterhorn of Garhwal) along with the sightings of Gaumukh, the source of Ganges- the most revered river in the world. The trek takes you half way round Garhwal from the Bhagirathi Valley takes you through Nandanvan, the base of the Bhagirathi peaks, a place that offers an unparallel view of the Shivlinga peak and then towards the Alaknanda Valley. After gaining suitable acclimatization the trekkers can find the opportunity to ascend to Vasukital Lake, a stunning place to camp surrounded by towering snow-covered peaks. From here steeping across Sweta Glacier will begin the challenging crossing of the Kalindikhal Pass which is a tough climb from where the trekkers can feel that there is little else left to be seen. Finally, the Kalindikhal 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.
Trek type: Hard
Trek Distance: 90 kms
Best time: May-June, September- October
Day 1: Delhi-Rishikesh
Morning after breakfast drive (227 km) to reach Rishikesh. Stop at Haridwar for sightseeing of Ganga Ghats & Temples then proceed to Rishikesh. Arrive & check in at the hotel. Evening free in Rishikesh. Dinner and overnight stay at Hotel.
Day 2: Rishikesh - Uttarkashi
Morning after breakfast proceed for Uttarkashi (1150 mt), which takes 5-6 hrs. Upon arrival check-in at Shikhar Nature Resort. After lunch visit NIM (Nehru Institute of Mountaineering Institute) & Museum.
Day 3: Uttarkashi - Gangotri
Morning after breakfast drive to reach Gangotri via Harsil (approx 25 km before Gangotri (3048 mt) by covering approx 95 km in 4-5 hrs. On arrival check-into Hotel / Tourist Banglow.
Day 4: Gangotri - Bhojwasa
Today you will be crossing the highest and the last village of this trek. Plus the trail will be continuous ascent for 4-5 hours. So embrace all the energy before beginning on the jaunt on the zig-zag mixed trail.
After a moderate ascent till Jiskun there will be a slight descending trail. You can find a wooden bridge between the dense forest. The route magically gets ascending in zig-zag fashion from the bridge. Refill your bottles at Selwan Khad as this is the last water point of today. Do not worry, there are many tea shops on the way for more water. Rest in your peaceful tents at night.
Day 5 Bhojwasa - Nandanvan
Morning trek 4-5 hrs to reach the beautiful base of Bhagirathi group of peaks, Nandanvan. The trek crosses Gangotri Glacier. From here view the Shivling, Bhagirathi, Sudarshan, Thelu peaks and Kedardome. Overnight stay in tents.
Day 6: Nandanvan - Vasuki Tal
Morning trek along with Chaturangi Glacier to reach Vasukital, a beautiful base for Mt Satopanth and Mt Vasuki Parbat with a small lake. The trek is steady upward. Arrive in 5-6 hours and overnight stay in tents.
Day 7: Vasuki Tal – Khara Pathar (Suralya Bamak)
Morning after breakfast start trek to Suraiaya Bamak (Khara Pathar) with packed lunch. Dinner and overnight in camp in Moraine .
Day 8: Khara Pathar – Kalindikhal Base
Morning after breakfast trek 10 Km to reach Kalindikhal Base (Sweta Glacier) (5500 mt). Dinner and overnight stay in the camp.
Day 9 : Kalindikhal Base – Raja Parav
Morning after breakfast proceed your trek (12 km) to Kalindi Pass (5947 mt). Spend some time at the spot and then trek down to Rajparav for dinner and overnight stay in the camp.
Day 10: Raja Parav - Arwatal
Morning after breakfast proceed your trek to reach Arwatal (3910 mt) 13 km from Rajparav. Overnight stay in the camp.
Day 11 : Arwatal – Ghastoli
Morning after breakfast proceed your trek to reach Ghastoli (3796 km), which is 16 Km from Arwatal. Dinner and overnight stay in the camp.
Day 12: Ghastoli - Mana – Badrinath
Morning after breakfast start 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 seven hrs walk brings you to Mana Village, the last village before the border, where you break for lunch. Later a 2 kms drive brings us to town of Badrinath. On arrival check into hotel. Afternoon visit the temple of Badrinath. Return to hotel for Dinner & Overnight. Badrinath, Badrinath Temple is the abode of Lord Vishnu. It is situated at an altitude of 3130 m at the banks of Alaknanda. In the backdrop, is the Neelkanth mountain peak situated between the twin peaks of Nar and Narayan. The name is derived from wild berries called Badri. Adi Shankarcharya established the idol of Vishnu in the temple. Near the temple is a hot water sulphur spring, Tapt Kund.
Day 13: Badrinath - Joshimath
Early in the morning visit the temple. After breakfast drive to Joshimath. Morning after breakfast drive down to reach Joshimath 44 Km from Badrinath. Overnight stay in the Hotel.
Day 14: Joshimath - Rishikesh
Early in the morning visit the temple. After breakfast drive to Joshimath. Morning after breakfast drive down to reach Joshimath 44 Km from Badrinath. Overnight stay in the Hotel.
