Man Singh Pimoli

Badrinath

The high altitude trekking route from Gangotri - Badrinath, via Kalindikhal is popularly known as Kalindikhal Pass Trek. The trip is more adventurous and requires some fundamental knowledge of mountaineering. The trek starts from Gangotri heading eastward, via Gomukh, Tapovan, Nandanvan, Vasuki Tal, Kalindikhal, Gashtoli and then onwards to Badrinath The speciality of this trek is that it takes one half way round Garhwal, starting from the Bhagirathi Valley, all the way to the Alaknanda Valley. The trip is advised only for those who have a prior experience of high altitude treks ; and its very mention gives a thrill to even the most seasoned of climbers.

The trek starts from Gangotri and takes one through Nandanvan- the base of the Bhagirathi peaks, that offers an unparalleled view of the Shivling peak. The trail moves on to Vasuki Tal (4900 M), with towering peaks all around the lake. The lake surface shimmers like a pearl and acts as the source of the Vasuki Ganga that later drains into river Mandakini. One proceeds to cross the Kalindikhal pass (5968 M)- a tough climb from where one feels at the top of the world. The trail finally descends to Arwa Tal lake and Mana- the last Indian village towards the Chinese border. The trek fittingly ends at Badrinath with a visit to the holy temple.

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Badrinath Trek

Brief Itinerary

Region :- Uttarakhand
Duration :- 18 Days
Grade :- Moderate to Difficult
Max Altitude :- 19,500 Ft.

Day 1: Delhi - Rishikesh
Day 2: Rishikesh - Uttarkashi
Day 3: Uttarkashi
Day 4: Uttarkashi - Gangotri
Day 5: Acclimatize at Gangotri
Day 6: Gangotri - Bhujbasa
Day 7: Bhujbasa - Gaumukh - Tapovan
Day 8: Tapovan - Nandan Van
Day 9: Nandanvan -Vasukital
Day 10: Vasukital - Khara Pathar
Day 11: Khara Pathar - Kalindikhal Base
Day 12: Kalindikhal Base - Kalindi pass - Rajparav
Day 13: Rajparav - Arwatal
Day 14: Arwatal - Ghastoli
Day 15: Gastoli - Mana to Badrinath
Day 16: Badrinath - Joshimath (Visit Auli)
Day 17: Joshimath - Rishikesh
Day 18: Rishikesh - Delhi

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Delhi - Rishikesh

(230 kms, 6-7 hrs drive.)

Morning breakfast, afterwards drive to Rishikesh 6 hrs approx... Rishikesh the most famous meditation and spiritual centre. Situated on the banks of river Ganges. Surrounded by Shivalik range of lower Himalayas on three side. Also it’s the starting point of all four sacred shrines. Check into hotel evening visit surrounding of RishiKesh: Laxman Jula and Ashrams. Overnight hotel.

Day 2: Rishikesh - Uttarkashi

(148 kms)

Morning after breakfast drive to Uttarkashi (1885 M) by covering approx. 148 kms in 7 hrs. The road climbs up steadily to Srinagar and then onwards steeply. Overnight stay in Hotel.

Day 3: Uttarkashi

(Innerline permit)

Day 4: Uttarkashi - Gangotri

(101 kms, 5 hrs.)

Morning after breakfast drive to reach Gangotri (4038 M) by covering approx. 101 kms in 5 hrs. En-route visit the Gangotri hot springs. There is a beautiful Gorge at Bhairav Ghati. Overnight stay at Tourist Bungalow.

Day 5: Acclimatize at Gangotri

With its famous Goddess GANGA, temple at Gangotri only inhabits during summer time. A boulder mark the spot where King Bhagirathi beseeched the goddess to descent to Earth. Temple dedicated to Ganga rises above the river. We explore around Gangotri.

Day 6: Gangotri - Bhujbasa

(14 kms, 5 hrs.)

Today we start the 2nd part of our trek to the source of Ganges. And follow a well-defined trail of this pilgrimage route to Gangotri glacier. Enroute we stop for lunch at Chirbasa was once a heavily forested area of Chir tree. Later continue trek Bhujbasa following the river Bhagirathi. Now we cross on a loose boulder a descent to Bhujbasa which named after a Bhuj tree. Enroute a magnificent view of Shivling and Meru peak. Overnight stay in camp.

Day 7: Bhujbasa - Gaumukh - Tapovan

(12 kms. 4-5 hrs.)

Today a fascinating day of trek to Gaumukh the source of river Ganges. After Rajghat we will have the glimpse of Bhagirathi massif rising above 6500 mtrs. While the scene around is fascinating to see a Sadhu meditating half naked, pilgrims praying all around. Arrive at Gaumukh (cow mouth ) than cross the Gangotri glacier , climbing steadily arrive a meadows at Tapovan.Tapovan an open grassland and base camp of Mount Shivaling (6450m), Meru (6660m) and Gaumukh peaks . Overnight camp at Tapovan.

Day 8: Tapovan - Nandan Van

(10 kms.)

After breakfast, ascent towards Nandan Van along the left side of Gangotri glacier. The trek is little steep and challanging. Overnight camp.

Day 9: Nandanvan -Vasukital

Today we trek along Chaturangi Glacier to Vasukital (4898 MT) 3-4 hours. The trek is steady upward. Overnight stay in camp situated by the side of the small lake.

Day 10: Vasukital - Khara Pathar

(4-5 hrs.)

Today after breakfast we start trek to Khara Pathar (5456 m) which is named after sheer rock face of the slope. 4-5 hours from Vasukital. Overnight stay in the camp.

Day 11: Khara Pathar - Kalindikhal Base

An exhausting days of trek 10 Km to Kalindikhal Base -Sweta Glacier- (5500 m). Enroute a view of Satopanth (7075 m), Chandra (6739 m) and other groups. A good view of Chandra Parvat. Overnight stay in the camp.

Day 12: Kalindikhal Base - Kalindi pass - Rajparav

(5/6 hrs.)

Trek to Rajparav (4910 m) in 5-6 hours spending some time at the Kalindi Pass (5947 m). Cross the icefall and then climb the Kalindi slopes and finally descend. Overnight stay in the camp.

Day 13: Rajparav - Arwatal

(6 hrs. )

Trek to Arwatal (3910 m) 13 km 5-6 hours. Overnight stay in the camp.

Day 14: Arwatal - Ghastoli

(6/7 hrs.)

Trek to Ghastoli (3796 km), 16 Km in 6-7 hours. On the way there is an ITBP (Indo Tibetan Border Police) check point existed for inner line permission check post Overnight stay in the camp.

Day 15: Gastoli - Mana to Badrinath

Trek to Mana village 14 Km in 5-6 hours on a good pony trail. Drive 2 Km to reach Badrinath. Overnight stay in the Hotel.
Badrinath is one of the four secred shrine (char Dham) of Hindu, situated at 3133 mtrs. Nar and Narayan mountains are on both sides with Neel Kanth peak providing a splendid back drop. Facing the back of temple by Alaknanda River. Where there is a hot water spring known as TaptKund. Badri Van forest of berries was once carpeted with wild berries. Badrinath temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu, the temple of Badrinath ji built in a 15 mtrs height in a form of cone. Overnight stay at hotel or camp. Visit the holy shrine of Badrinath.

Day 16: Badrinath - Joshimath

(Visit Auli)

Drive down to reach Joshimath 44 Km from Badrinath. Visit Adi guru Shankracharaya temple, Narsimha temple. Visiting these places a trip to Auli (winter sports centre and hill station of Kumoun region. There is a lift way car at Auli. Overnight stay at hotel in Auli.
Auli the most popular ski resorts in India and winter sports destination of Garhwal hills of Uttranchal. It provides an excellent panoramic view of the giant mountain peaks like Nanda Devi, Kamet and Dunagiri..

Day 17: Joshimath - Rishikesh

Drive through Nandprayag, Karanprayag, Rudraprayag, Devprayag to reach Rishikesh 253 kms. Overnight stay at the hotel.

Day 18: Rishikesh - Delhi. fly home

Morning after breakfast drive to Delhi by covering 230 km. 6/7 hrs.