Kalindi Khal Trek

duration Duration 16 Days / 15 Nights
altitude Maximum Altitude 18,520 ft.
Pickup Pickup Point Delhi
Camp Thrill Level Extreme

Located in Uttarakhand, Kalindi Khal Trek is the most famous trekking pass of the Garhwal Himalayas. Kalindi Pass or Kalindi Khal is a high-altitude mountain pass that connects Gangotri and Gastoli. The expedition is filled with thrilling adventures and passes through several historic spots and peaks from Indian mythology, including Gaumukh (origin point of Ganga), Vasuki Parvat, and many more.

The expedition starts from Delhi and reaches the Khalindi Pass height of 19521 ft. The Kalindi Khal itinerary crosses some of the scenic destinations of Uttrakhand. Including Dehradun, Mussoorie, Harsil, Gangotri, and plenty more. It is one of the most scenic road trips accompanied by the great Himalayan views alongside lush natural settings. 

Notice how the terrain changes since the starting of the trek. As the nature of the road changes from plains to a little curvy mountain view roads. Cross through Harshil, the hidden gem of Uttarakhand. The village name, Harsil has a beautiful mythological tale. According to the local legend, once the river Bhagirathi and the Jalandhari argued over their significance. Vishnu, also known as Hari, was summoned and transformed into a massive stone (shila), absorbing their rage. Even now, the waters of the two rivers have become less tumultuous since Hari-Shila (or Harsil).

Throughout the trek, you will hike through glaciers, mountains, and moraines. Hence, adventure is guaranteed. And don't worry about your safety. You will be roped, carefully while you cross the crevasses and tricky patches. Not to mention, guided under the supervision of highly trained professionals. Besides, you will be journeying alongside a spellbinding network of mountains, circled by moraine and setting camps at some of the most serene & stunning mountain backdrops.

Another mythological spot in the trek is Gangotri. It is one of the most popular Hindu pilgrim sites, which is also one of the four sites in the Chota Char Dham pilgrimage circuit. According to Hindu folklore, it is at this spot where Goddess Ganga descended on the earthly plain when the almighty Shiva released the mighty river from his dreadlocks. Take a small tour of beautiful temples around the town, inhabited by sadhus and pilgrims. Later, start your trek to Chirbasa.

Hike through various river streams, gradually ascending on the way forward. En route, you will also make a short trek to Gaumukh, the holiest place of Hindus worldwide. In 1972, Mauritius' then-Prime Minister, Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam, transported holy Ganga water from Gomukh and combined it with water from Grand Bassin in Mauritius, renaming it Ganga Talao for Mauritian Hindus. You can now appreciate the significance and effect of this location.

The Kalindi Pass is located at an astonishing height and is majorly covered in snow. This is why you will be hiking with proper acclimatization breaks throughout the route. Apart from this, capture the glimpse of Bhagirathi, Bhrigu Parbat, Kedar Dome peak, and other magnificent peaks. In addition to that, you will spend a day camping and acclimatizing beside the charming Vasuki Tal. 

Also See: Brahmatal Trek

Lastly, enjoy the jaw-dropping views from the Kalindi Khal peak and head back to Mana Village via Arwatal and Ghastoli. Mana is the last settlement before the Mana Pass and is situated just 26 kilometers from India and Tibet border. Later take a driveway to the Hindu Pilgrimage Badrinath, followed by visiting a popular skiing point- Auli. Retire in a comfortable lodge, since the next day marks the end of the Kalindi Khal expedition.

Also See: Popular Treks in Uttarakhand

Wake up on the last day of the trek, have your breakfast and start your forward journey to Delhi. The kalindi khal trek ends at reaching Delhi.

KALINDI KHAL 16D/15N

 

Day 1: Delhi to Dehradun


Drive: 280 km (6 Hours)

Meal: Light snacks + Dinner

Stay: Hotel on sharing basis

  • Reach Delhi, meet our team and enjoy some snacks and tea/coffee during the meet and greet.
  • Post the snacks on board your cab and get transferred to Dehradun.
  • During the journey you will gain some of the elevation, the nature of the road changes from plains to a little curvy Mountain View roads.
  • Reach Dehradun, check in to your hotel, have your hot dinner and retire for the day.

 

Day 2: Dehradun to Harsil


Drive: 220 km (8 Hours)

Altitude: 8530 ft

Meal: Breakfast + Lunch + Evening snacks + Dinner

Stay: Lodge on a sharing basis.

  • Wake up to a fresh morning, enjoy your morning tea with early mountain views from the property.
  • Have your breakfast and get ready for a journey to Harshil.
  • During the drive you will pass through Mussoorie (known as Queen of hills) and Uttarkashi.
  • Being a charming small village, Harsil is the hidden gem of Uttrakhand with striking views of the Himalayas.
  • Reach Harshil, check into your Lodge and with a hot meal retire for the day,

 

Day 3: Harhil to Gangotri, Trek to Chirbasa.


Drive: 26 km (45 min)

Trek: 9 km (6 hours)

Altitude: 10006 ft, 11646 ft

Meal: Breakfast + Lunch + Evening snacks + Dinner

Stay: Stay in tents on sharing basis

  • Wake up to striking Himalayan views, have your breakfast and get ready for a drive to Gangotri (trek start point).
  • Reach holy town of Gangotri, inhabitat by many sadhus and pilgrims. Take a small tour of beautiful temples around.
  • Start your trek to Chirbasa, enjoy a decent gradual incline with many streams crossing your way.
  • Upon reaching Chirbasa, set up your tents and prepare for the acclimatization night.

 

Day 4: Chirbasa to Bhojwasa


Trek: 5 km (3 hours)

Altitude: 12400 ft

Meal: Breakfast + Lunch + Evening snacks + Dinner

Stay: Stay in tents on sharing basis

  • Wake up to a chilly morning, have your breakfast and get ready for a trek to Bhojwasa.
  • During the trek you will pass through Bhagirathi, Shivling, and Bhrigu Parbat peak views.
  • Reach Bhojwasa, settle down in your camps and get acclimatized to the place.
  • Post lunch, trek to Gaumukh and enjoy the views around. It is the origin of river Ganga.
  • Head back to the campsite and post Dinner retire in the cozy tents.

 

Day 5: Bhojwasa to Tapovan


Trek: 9 km (6 hours)

Altitude: 14202 ft

Meal: Breakfast + Lunch + Evening snacks + Dinner

Stay: Stay in tents on sharing basis

  • Wake up early in the morning, have breakfast and get ready for a trek to Tapovan.
  • During the trek you will pass through various moraine sections with stunning mountains serving as huge backdrops.
  • Reach Tapovan, set up your camps with stunning views of Meru and Bhagirathi I, II, and III peaks.
  • In the evening, retire in your tents and post a healthy lunch.

 

Day 6: Relaxation and acclimatization day at Tapovan


Altitude: 14202 ft.

Meal: Breakfast + Lunch + Evening snacks + Dinner

Stay: Stay in tents on sharing basis

  • Wake up to a lazy morning and have your breakfast. This will be your acclimatization day.
  • Take a nature walk around the campsite or climb the Shivling base camp.
  • You can even ascend right up to the Kirti glacier or just spend the entire day at the base camp.
  • Head back to the campsite and with a hot meal retire for the day.

 

Day 7: Tapovan to Nandanvan


Trek: 5 km (3 -4 hours)

Altitude: 14229 ft

Meal: Breakfast + Lunch + Evening snacks + Dinner

Stay: Stay in tents on sharing basis

  • Wake up to a refreshing morning, have your breakfast and prepare for Nandanvan.
  • The trail ascends and descends, and is adorned with glaciers, streams, and moraines.
  • Reach Nandanvan and relish the vision that is the peaks of Shivling, Bhagirathi, Sudarshan, Thelu, and Kedar Dome.
  • Set up your tents and rest with magical views.

 

Day 8: Nandanvan to Vasuki Tal


Trek: 5 km (3 -4 hours)

Altitude: 16010 ft.

Meal: Breakfast + Lunch + Evening snacks + Dinner

Stay: Stay in tents on sharing basis

  • Wake up to a chilly morning, have your breakfast and prepare for Vasuki tal.
  • The trail mostly climbs upon the Chaturangi Glacier.
  • You will cross the lake and the trek team will use ropes for proper safety.
  • Upon arriving at the lake, take in the scenic sights of the place and come across other trekking teams scaling the nearby peaks.
  • Pitch your tents and have a hot meal for the day.

 

Day 9: Relaxation and acclimatization day at Vasuki Tal


Altitude: 16010 ft.

Meal: Breakfast + Lunch + Evening snacks + Dinner

Stay: Stay in tents on sharing basis

  • Wake up to a lazy morning and have your breakfast. This will be your acclimatization day.
  • Today you just have to relax and absorb the nature around you.
  • Have your meals and retire for the day in tents.

 

Day 10: Vasuki Tal to Khara Pathar


Trek: 5 km (3 -4 hours)

Altitude: 17979 ft.

Meal: Breakfast + Lunch + Evening snacks + Dinner

Stay: Stay in tents on sharing basis

  • Wake up to a healthy breakfast and begin the trek filled with moraine paths.
  • During the trek you can witness a spellbinding network of mountains as you continue trekking until you arrive at Khara Pathar which is also circled by moraine.
  • Hike alongside the network of majestic mountains. Finally, you will arrive at Khara Pathar which is encircled by moraines.

 

Day 11: Khara Pathar to Shweta Glacier


Trek: 6 km (4 -5 hours)

Altitude: 18044 ft.

Meal: Breakfast + Lunch + Evening snacks + Dinner

Stay: Stay in tents on sharing basis

  • Wake up to a fresh morning, have your breakfast and get ready for a Kalindi Pass trekking.
  • You will trek through a landscape consisting of glaciers, mountains, and moraine.
  • Post the 4-5 hours of trekking, set your camps on the moraine and spend the night in the cozy tents.

 

Day 12: Shweta Glacier to Kalindi Base Camp


Trek: 5 km (4 -5 hours)

Altitude: 18372 ft

Meal: Breakfast + Lunch + Evening snacks + Dinner

Stay: Stay in tents on sharing basis

  • Wake up to an exciting morning, have a quick breakfast, and get ready for breath-taking terrains, a network of mountains and glaciers.
  • Reach Kalindi base camp, have a sight of the route lying till the peak.
  • Pitch your tents, in the evening you’ll have a safety briefing about the remaining route.
  • Have your sumptuous dinner and retire for the night.

 

Day 13: Kalindi Base to Kalindikhal and to Arwatal


Trek: 9 km (8 -13 hours)

Altitude: 19521 ft and to 13057 ft

Meal: Breakfast + Lunch + Evening snacks + Dinner

Stay: Stay in tents on sharing basis

  • Wake up as early as 1:00 am, start your ascending trek through challenging trails depending on snow and weather conditions.
  • You will be roped for the entire climb due to crevasses and tricky patches.
  • Take in the breath-taking views once you arrive at the Kalindi Khal Summit.
  • Post enjoying your time at the top, descend down to Arwatal with a few breaks along the way.
  • Reach the campsite, have a hot cup of tea and celebrate the day’s thrilling trek.
  • Rest in tents with hot meals.

 

Day 14: Arwatal – Ghastoli (3796m, 5-6 hour trek)


Trek: 7 km (5 -6 hours)

Altitude: 12454 ft.

Meal: Breakfast + Lunch + Evening snacks + Dinner

Stay: Stay in tents on sharing basis

  • Wake up to a fresh morning, have your breakfast and get ready to trek down to Ghastoli.
  • During the trail you will cross 3 - 4 river crossings and a fetching walk.
  • Reach Ghastoli and encounter army establishment on the Tibet and China border.
  • Consume hot tea, interact with soldiers and pitch your tents beside the charming Arwa River.

 

Day 15: Ghastoli to Mana Village and drive to Badrinath - Auli


Drive: 50 km (2 hours)

Trek: 7 km (5-6 hours)

Meal: Breakfast + Lunch + Evening snacks + Dinner

Stay: Stay in a lodge on sharing basis

  • Have your breakfast and start your adventure from Ghastoli. Continue descending to Mana on well-constructed trails.
  • Take in the breath-taking grandeur of Mana, the final town on the Indian side located few kilometres from the Indo-Tibet border.
  • Ride from here to the holy township of Badrinath where you can seek blessings from the god for the journey ahead.
  • Take a driveway to Auli, a popular skiing destination where you may relax in a pleasant lodge.

 

Day 16: Auli to Delhi


Drive: 550 km (10-12 hour drive)

Meal: Breakfast - Lunch - Evening snacks

  • Wake up on the last day of the trek, have your breakfast and start your forward journey to Delhi.
  • Post reaching Delhi your trek ends.

Air: Take a flight to Delhi airport and meet our representative, who will guide you to the meetup point.

1. Shirts / T-shirts –5/6, Trekking Pants -5-6

2. Windproof jacket of decent quality preferably with a hood

3. Warm and thick Fleece / Full-sleeve Woollen sweater

4. Thermal inner wear (upper & lower), Scarf/muffler

5. Woollen cap, Woollen gloves, Woollen socks & regular socks (5-6 pairs)

6. Comfortable Trekking (Waterproof shoes with a thick sole are recommended)

7. Lightweight floaters/sandals/slippers

8. Raincoat / Poncho, Small quick dry towel

9. Water bottle (sturdy ones)

10. Cap / Hat to keep the strong sun away from your face

11. Sun glasses (polarized/UV Protected), Walking stick / Trekking pole

12. Sunscreen Lotion, Lip Balm, Torch / Flashlight (with extra batteries)

13. Medicines, if requiring any specific medication

14. Personal toiletries

15. Day pack/small bag in case if you are planning to offload your regular backpack

16. Hand Sanitizer

17. Extra face masks

18. Valid government ID proof (Passport)

Inclusions:

1. All Stays during the trek

(i) Stay in Lodge / Hotel on Day 1, 2 & 15 on a sharing basis,

(ii) Stay in Tents during the trek from day 2 - 14 on a sharing basis.

2. Transportation from Delhi to Guest House/ Hotel on day 1 and back to Delhi on day 16.

3. All meals included from Day 1 Light snacks to Day 16 evening snacks. Vegetarian meals will be served throughout the trek.

4. Skilled local staff who have ample knowledge of the route

5. Kitchen, dining and toilet tents will be used during the trek.

6. Mules/Porter for carrying common equipment like rations/tents/utensils/groceries.

7. Experienced trek leader (English speaking) who has ample knowledge of the route.

8. Basic First aid Kit with a portable oxygen cylinders 

9. Forest entry and permit fee


Exclusions:

1. The above trek charges do not include the GST charges (5%).

2. In case if your trek remains incomplete or uninitiated because of ""force majeure"", medical emergency, or by personal choice after you arrive at the starting point, you will not be able to get a refund, reschedule or replace any services that remain unutilized by you.

3. Any additional cost incurred due to changes in Government Guidelines related to travel/trek/COVID-19 will be borne by the Guest.

4. Permit fee for foreign travelers.

4. Anything which is not included in Inclusion.

1. If cancellations are made 26 days prior to the start date of your trek/tour/activity, no cancellation fee will be charged.

2. If cancellations are made between 8-25 days prior to the start date of your trek/tour/activity, 25% of the total package amount will be charged as cancellation fee.

3. If cancellations and rescheduling are made within 7 days from the start date of your trek/tour/activity, 100% of the total booking amount will be charged as a cancellation fee.

4. Guest can reschedule the tour/trek/activity between 8-25 days prior to the start date of your trek/tour/activity (Depending on the availability), after this period no rescheduling can be done and no amount can be refunded.   

5. Rescheduling of the tour/trek/activity is applicable only once, after that if you want to cancel or reschedule the trek/tour/activity again, it will not be possible and no refund will be processed. 

6. If you book the tour/trek/activity by making a partial payment of the total booking amount and fail to make the 100% payment before 26 days from the date of travel. In this case, your booking will get canceled automatically and can only be reconfirmed once you make the full payment, depending on the availability of slots.

7. In case if your tour/trek/activity remains incomplete or uninitiated because of "force majeure", medical emergency, government policy changes, local strikes, or by personal choice after you arrive at the starting point, you will not be able to get a refund, reschedule or replace any services that remain underutilized by you.

8. In case if your tour/trek/activity gets cancelled because of "force majeure", medical emergency, government policy changes, local strikes between 0-7 days from your date of travel, you will be eligible to reschedule the date of your trek/tour/activity or you can get a credit note of the amount paid, however no cash refund will be possible in this case.

9. Cancellations are strictly subjected to cancellation policies mentioned on the website & are irrespective of the date of booking.

10. The applicable refund amount will be processed within 10 business days.

.....

Average Rating 4.5