Kalindi Khal Trek in 2025

Kalindi Khal Trek Overview

Location: Uttarakhand, India
Altitude: 19,511 feet (5,950 meters)
Trek Duration: 15-18 days
Trek Distance: ~100 kilometers
Difficulty Level: Extremely Challenging
Best Time to Visit: June to September
Starting Point: Gangotri

Brief Description

The Kalindi Khal Trek is one of the most challenging and rewarding high-altitude treks in India, connecting Gangotri and Badrinath. The trek traverses through some of the most remote and rugged terrains in the Garhwal Himalayas, including glaciers, moraines, and high mountain passes. The trek offers an awe-inspiring view of several Himalayan giants like Mount Shivling, Bhagirathi, Satopanth, and Kamet. Due to its high altitude and difficult terrain, this trek is recommended only for experienced trekkers with prior high-altitude trekking experience.

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival at Gangotri (10,055 ft)

  • Travel: 240 km drive from Dehradun (~10-12 hours)
  • Accommodation: Guesthouse
  • Highlights: Scenic drive through Uttarkashi, alongside the Bhagirathi River. Visit the Gangotri Temple.

Day 2: Acclimatization Day at Gangotri

  • Activity: Short hikes around Gangotri, exploring nearby temples and waterfalls to help acclimatize.
  • Highlights: Visit Pandava Gufa and take short acclimatization hikes.

Day 3: Gangotri to Bhojbasa (12,450 ft)

  • Trek Distance: 14 km (~5-6 hours)
  • Accommodation: Tents
  • Route: The trek follows the Bhagirathi River through forests and meadows to Bhojbasa.
  • Highlights: Views of Bhagirathi peaks and the campsite at Bhojbasa.

Day 4: Bhojbasa to Tapovan (14,640 ft) via Gaumukh (12,950 ft)

  • Trek Distance: 9 km (~6-7 hours)
  • Accommodation: Tents
  • Route: Trek along the Gangotri Glacier to reach Gaumukh, the source of the Ganges, then climb to Tapovan.
  • Highlights: Gaumukh Glacier, stunning views of Mount Shivling and Bhagirathi peaks.

Day 5: Rest and Acclimatization Day at Tapovan

  • Activity: Explore the Tapovan meadows, and visit Neel Tal and Kirti Glacier.
  • Highlights: Spectacular close-up views of Mount Shivling and Meru.

Day 6: Tapovan to Nandanvan (14,764 ft)

  • Trek Distance: 8 km (~5-6 hours)
  • Accommodation: Tents
  • Route: Trek across the Gangotri Glacier to reach Nandanvan, the base of the Bhagirathi peaks.
  • Highlights: Views of the Shivling, Bhagirathi, and Kedar Dome peaks.

Day 7: Nandanvan to Vasuki Tal (16,102 ft)

  • Trek Distance: 6 km (~5-6 hours)
  • Accommodation: Tents
  • Route: Steep climb to reach Vasuki Tal, a small glacial lake surrounded by towering peaks.
  • Highlights: Vasuki Tal, views of Mount Satopanth and Vasuki Parbat.

Day 8: Vasuki Tal to Khara Pathar (17,060 ft)

  • Trek Distance: 5 km (~5-6 hours)
  • Accommodation: Tents
  • Route: A challenging trek over moraines and steep ascents to reach the campsite at Khara Pathar.
  • Highlights: Views of the Chaturangi Glacier and surrounding peaks.

Day 9: Khara Pathar to Kalindi Base Camp (17,892 ft)

  • Trek Distance: 6 km (~5-6 hours)
  • Accommodation: Tents
  • Route: Trek over snowfields and glaciers to reach the base camp.
  • Highlights: Preparation for crossing the Kalindi Khal Pass.

Day 10: Kalindi Base Camp to Rajparav (16,001 ft) via Kalindi Khal Pass (19,511 ft)

  • Trek Distance: 12 km (~10-12 hours)
  • Accommodation: Tents
  • Route: A steep and strenuous climb to the top of Kalindi Khal, followed by a steep descent to Rajparav.
  • Highlights: Crossing the Kalindi Khal Pass, breathtaking views of the surrounding Himalayan peaks.

Day 11: Rajparav to Arwa Tal (15,915 ft)

  • Trek Distance: 10 km (~6-7 hours)
  • Accommodation: Tents
  • Route: Trek over moraine fields to reach the campsite near Arwa Tal.
  • Highlights: Views of Mount Kamet, Abi Gamin, and Mana peaks.

Day 12: Arwa Tal to Ghastoli (12,139 ft)

  • Trek Distance: 16 km (~7-8 hours)
  • Accommodation: Tents
  • Route: A long trek down the Arwa Valley to Ghastoli, the last campsite before civilization.
  • Highlights: Stunning mountain views and lush green valleys.

Day 13: Ghastoli to Badrinath (10,170 ft)

  • Trek Distance: 17 km (~6-7 hours)
  • Accommodation: Guesthouse
  • Route: Trek along the Saraswati River to Mana Village, and then drive to Badrinath.
  • Highlights: Visit the sacred Badrinath Temple and the confluence of the Alaknanda and Saraswati Rivers.

Day 14: Rest and Exploration Day in Badrinath

  • Activity: Visit the temple, Tapt Kund (hot springs), and explore nearby sites like Vasudhara Falls and the last village of Mana.
  • Highlights: Spiritual and cultural experience at Badrinath.

Day 15: Departure from Badrinath to Haridwar/Dehradun

  • Travel: 320 km drive (~10-12 hours)
  • Highlights: Scenic drive through the Garhwal region.

Cost Estimate

  • Trek Cost: ₹50,000 – ₹80,000 per person (varies depending on the trekking company and inclusions).
  • Inclusions: Accommodation, meals, permits, guide and support staff, technical equipment (ropes, crampons, ice axes), and transport from Dehradun to Gangotri and from Badrinath to Dehradun.
  • Exclusions: Personal expenses, travel insurance, and any costs not mentioned in the package.

Safety Tips

  1. High-Altitude Acclimatization: Ensure proper acclimatization to avoid altitude sickness. Follow the trek leader’s advice on acclimatization days.
  2. Technical Gear: Familiarity with technical gear like crampons, ropes, and ice axes is essential. Prior experience in high-altitude trekking is mandatory.
  3. Weather Preparedness: Be prepared for extreme weather conditions, including snowstorms and cold temperatures. Carry adequate warm clothing, including thermal layers, gloves, and a good quality down jacket.
  4. Physical Fitness: This trek requires excellent physical fitness. Prepare well in advance with a training regimen that includes cardio, strength training, and endurance exercises.
  5. Hydration and Nutrition: Stay hydrated and maintain a balanced diet during the trek. Carry energy bars and dry fruits for quick energy.
  6. Medical Precautions: Carry a comprehensive first aid kit, including medicines for altitude sickness, headaches, and other common ailments. Consult with a doctor before the trek if you have any pre-existing conditions.
  7. Travel Insurance: Obtain travel insurance that covers high-altitude trekking and emergency evacuations.

Difficulty Level

The Kalindi Khal Trek is classified as Extremely Challenging. It is one of the most difficult treks in the Indian Himalayas, requiring advanced mountaineering skills and prior experience in high-altitude trekking. The trek involves crossing glaciers, steep ascents, and navigating through treacherous terrain at altitudes above 19,000 feet. It is only recommended for experienced trekkers who are well-prepared physically and mentally for the challenges it presents.