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Title:
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Kalindi Pass
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Duration:
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14 Days
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Location:
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Uttaranchal
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Dates:
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July 13th - 27th |
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Grade:
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Demanding
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Connecting the two holy Hindu shrines of Gangotri and Badrinath, this route traverses from one glacier to another to cross the high pass of Kalindi at just under 6000 m. The Ganges is formed by two rivers, the Alaknanda and the Bhagirathi. The shrines of Gangotri and Badrinath are at the sources of these two rivers, and are therefore highly significant in Hindu religion.
The walk is mostly over moraines and snow fields with deep crevasses and gives great opportunities to view the high altitude wildlife and camp by some small glacial lakes. Walking at an average altitude of 4500 m for ten days and sleeping at freezing temperatures, this trip is a lot more than a trek.
This is a high altitude trip (max. height 5967 m). Please contact us to discuss the implications of this and your own personal fitness.
On arrival to India you will be met at the airport. Depending on your personal itinerary you will be transferred to the train station or hotel.
Day 1: Delhi to Camp Kuflon (1550 m): 12hrs
Board the train to Dehradun leaving Delhi at 6:55 a.m. Arrive into Dehradun and transfer to Camp Kuflon. Located on the banks of the Bhagirathi river it is a beautiful fixed camp and a great fishing spot. Overnight Camp.
Day 2: Camp Kuflon Basics to Chirbasa (3600 m): 4 hrs drive & 4 hrs walk
Drive four hours to reach the holy shrine of Gangotri (3000 m). Visit the temple and the begin the four hour walk up towards Gaumukh, the spiritual source of the river Ganges. The trail keeps following the river and just short of Chirbasa one gets the first views of the Bhagirathi Peaks. Chirbasa (3600 m), literally meaning the home of pine, is now a cluster of shops and some pine trees. We walk down from the main trail and set up camp close to the river.
Day 3: Chirbasa to Bhojbasa (3800 m): 3 hrs
A relaxed day with only about three hours of walking. We reach the campsite of Bhojbasa (3800 m), the home of birch, and set up camp. An evening walk to one of the high points close by is recommended for better acclimatisation. Don't forget to carry your camera along, as you may chance upon a herd of ibexes or a beautiful sunset.
Day 4: Bhojbasa to Tapovan (4450 m): 5 hrs
After a hearty breakfast we move across the Gangotri glacier, and ascend a steep rocky face. After this we reach a vast plateau of lush green meadows, with breathtaking views of the surrounding peaks: Shivling Peak (6543 m), Meeru (6630 m), and Kedar Dome (6808 m). We arrive to a high grassy plateau near Tapovan in time for some great photo opportunities as the sun begins to set. Overnight camp.
Day 5: Tapovan to Nandanvan (4505 m): 5 hrs
Traverse the Gangotri glacier and cross the Raktaban stream after walking for about one hour. Another two hours walk brings us to the head of the Chaturangi Valley. We traverse the icy glacier to reach the top. Make camp on a green meadow at the junction of the Gangotri and Chaturangi glaciers.
Day 6: Nandanvan to Vasukital (4900 m): 6/7 hrs
We walk along a stream with views of Meru (6670 m) and Bhrigupanth (6670 m). After five km, we bypass the outlet of the valley leading towards the Bhagirathi river and come to a deep gorge formed by the glacier. Descend diagonally towards the snout of the lateral glacier to reach Vasukital. Camp near the lake at the foot of the north-west ridge of Vasuki Parbat (6792 m).
Day 7: Vasukital to Kharapathar (4450 m): 4/5 hrs
The terrain changes again today and offers a new challenge. The walk is over stony rubble and crosses rough moraines. Overnight camp at Kharapathar.
Day 8: Kharapathar to Kalindikhal Base Camp (5500 m): 4/5 hrs
Today we have a height gain of over 1000 m up the Kalindi Pass base camp. We make camp beside the Sweta Glacier, and settle down for the evening. At 5500 meters sleeping can be a struggle, but after tomorrow it’s all downhill.
Day 9: Kalindikhal to Kalindi Pass (5967 m) to Rajparav (4910 m): 4/ 5 hrs
Start early in the morning to climb the Kalindi Pass (5967 m). We climb almost 500 m to reach the pass. On arrival enjoy the views but don’t delay too long as lower altitude awaits us all. We continue down the other side through snow fields to reach our camp at Rajparav. A well earned meal and a good night’s sleep to be enjoyed by all.
Day 10: Rajparav to Arwatal (3900 m): 4/ 5 hrs
Moving on the side of an icefall, the route descends to a small lake, called Arwatal. Great views of Kamet (7756 m) and its neighbours are visible. Camp overnight.
Day 11: Arwatal to Ghastoli (3900 m): 7 hrs.
After a filling breakfast we begin the 16 km trek to Ghastoli, stopping for lunch en route. It usually takes about seven hours. Overnight camp.
Day 12: Ghastoli to Mana (3135 m) to Badrinath (3100 m): 6 hrs
A six hour walk brings us to Mana where we jump aboard awaiting vehicles and drive two hours to Badrinath. The picturesque Badrinath on the banks of the Alaknanda River lies in the shadow of the looming Narvana and Neelkanth (6597 m) peaks.
Day 13: Badrinath to Pipalkoti (1330 m): 4/5 hrs
Visit the temple of Badrinath (3100 m) and see the worshipping Sadhus (Hindu pilgrims). After lunch we drive four hours to Pipalkoti. Overnight hotel in Pipalkoti.
Day 14: Pipalkoti to Delhi: 12hrs
After an early morning breakfast set out on the eight hour drive to Haridwar. Board the train leaving at 6:10 p.m. Arrive in Delhi by 10:30 p.m. Trip ends.
Note: Please contact us for sightseeing in Delhi, or a trip to the Taj Mahal at the start or end of this trip. We can also tailor this trip with a rafting expedition or wildlife safari.
All itineraries exclude international flight days. The duration of this trip is calculated from Delhi back to Delhi again.
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