Trek difficulty
Difficult
Trek duration
28 Days
Trek altitude
6596 Mts. / 21635 Ft
Group size
6-12
Trek distance
72 Km
Basecamp
Uttarakhand
Best Time
June, July, August, Sept
Pickup Point
Dehradun
Mount Neelkanth is a big mountain in the Himalayas. It is located in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand. Mount Neelkanth is also called the "Queen of Garhwal". It is very tall. It stands at about 6,596 meters above the sea. When you look at Mount Neelkanth, it looks like a pyramid. You can see it behind the Badrinath Temple.
Religious and Cultural Significance
Mount Neelkanth is very important for the people who follow Hindu mythology. They think Mount Neelkanth protects the Badrinath Dham. The mountain is named after Lord Shiva. Lord Shiva drank poison from the ocean, and his throat turned blue. People who visit Badrinath think it is very lucky to see Mount Neelkanth in the morning. At that time , Mount Neelkanth looked like it was made of gold.
The story of Lord Shiva is very interesting. He drank poison that came out of the ocean. He did this to save the world. The poison made his throat turn blue. That is why he is called Neelkanth.
People believe that the Neelkanth peak is the place where Lord Shiva went to think deeply after he drank the poison. They also say that he got very angry with the sage Narada. Narada bothered Lord Shiva while he was thinking deeply. Because of this, Lord Shiva cursed Narada. That is how the Neelkanth peak was formed. The Neelkanth peak looks very unique. It looks like a pyramid. The Neelkanth peak is also called Sahasrara. In Hindu philosophy , Sahasrara means the crown chakra. The Neelkanth peak is an important place for the Hindu people because of its connection to Lord Shiva.
The Neelkanth peak is really special to people who go to Badrinath to see Lord Vishnu. Badrinath is one of the four places of Lord Vishnu in India. The other three places are Dwarka , Rameswaram , and Puri. Badrinath is also one of the places that are dedicated to Lord Vishnu.
The best time to visit the Badrinath Temple is in the morning or evening when they do the aarti. The temple is filled with light , and people are chanting. The temple is open from April to November every year. For the rest of the year , it is closed because of the snow.
The view of the peak from the Badrinath Temple is amazing. The Neelkanth peak looks different at times of the day and in different weather. It looks best at sunrise. At that time, the Neelkanth peak looked golden. The Neelkanth peak and the river make a sight. Many people take pictures of the peak and remember it forever.
A challenging destination for trekkers and mountaineers
The Neelkanth Peak is not only a sacred symbol of Hinduism , but also a challenging destination for trekkers and mountaineers. At 6,596 meters (21,640 feet) , it is considered one of the most difficult mountains to climb in India.
The most popular and easiest route to climb Neelkanth Peak is the North Ridge. It begins at Badrinath and follows a glacier to a pass (a valley between two peaks). From there , it ascends along a rocky ridge to the summit. This route takes approximately 10 days to complete and requires technical skills and equipment.
The most difficult and dangerous route to climb Neelkanth Peak is the Southern Ridge. It begins from Mana village near Badrinath and crosses a steep , open mountainside to reach a pass. From there , it climbs a steep ice wall to reach the summit. This route takes approximately 15 days to complete and requires a high level of physical fitness and experience.
The most scenic and adventurous route to Neelkanth Peak is the Western Ridge. It begins from Joshimath , a town near Badrinath , and passes through a valley to reach Base Camp. From there , it crosses a glacier and snowy slopes to reach a pass. From there , it ascends a mixed terrain of rock and ice to reach the summit. This route takes approximately 20 days to complete and requires moderate skills and equipment.
There are three ways to get to the top of Neelkanth Peak , you can take the North Ridge, the South Ridge or the West Ridge. Each of these routes to Neelkanth Peak has its set of challenges and good things about it.
The easiest way to climb Neelkanth Peak is the North Ridge route. This route starts at Badrinath. Follows a big piece of ice to a pass, which is like a valley between two mountains. From the pass it goes up a part to the top of Neelkanth Peak. This route to Neelkanth Peak takes 10 days to finish , and you need to have special skills and equipment.
The hardest and most dangerous route to Neelkanth Peak is the South Ridge. This route starts at Mana village, which is near Badrinath , and goes across a very steep side of the mountain to get to a pass. From the pass, it goes up a steep wall of ice to the top of Neelkanth Peak. This route to Neelkanth Peak takes 15 days to finish , and you need to be very physically fit and have a lot of experience.
The beautiful and exciting route to Neelkanth Peak is the West Ridge. This route starts at Joshimath, which is a town near Badrinath , and goes through a valley to get to the base camp of Neelkanth Peak. From the base camp, it goes across a piece of ice and some snowy parts to
get to a pass. From the pass , it goes up a mix of rock and ice to the top of Neelkanth Peak. This route to Neelkanth Peak takes 20 days to finish, and you need to have some skills and equipment for Neelkanth Peak.
Day 01: Dehradun to Joshimath ( 295 km / 9-10 hours)
Day 02: Joshimath to Badrinath (45 km / 2 hours)
Day 03: Badrinath to Charan Paduka
Day 04: Charan Paduka to Neelkanth Base Camp
Day 05-25: Climbing Mt. Neelkanth
Day 26: Base Camp to Badrinath
Day 27: Badrinath to Srinagar ( 200 km / 7-8 hours)
Day 28: Srinagar to Dehradun ( 155 km / 5-6 hours)
The time to climb Neelkanth Peak is in late spring and early summer. This is from May to June. It is also a time to climb Neelkanth Peak after the monsoon season. This is from September to October. During these times the weather on Neelkanth Peak is better. The sky is clear. The snow is good for climbing.
The monsoon season is not a time to climb Neelkanth Peak. It rains a lot. There are more avalanches. The winter is also not a time to climb Neelkanth Peak. It is very cold. The weather is bad. This makes it very hard to climb Neelkanth Peak.
Neelkanth Peak is a tough climb. It is only suitable for people who have a lot of experience with climbing. The Neelkanth Peak climb has ice walls and sharp ridges. The weather on Neelkanth Peak can be very bad. This makes Neelkanth Peak one of the climbs in the Garhwal Himalayas.
To climb Neelkanth Peak people need to be very good at climbing. They also need to get used to the altitude and be in good physical shape. The Neelkanth Peak climb is not an idea for people who are just starting out. This is because Neelkanth Peak is a climb and the slopes can have avalanches.
Stay: homestay and camps
2. Meals (Vegetarian)
Food: All meals on trek and homestay
3. Expedition Support Team
Dedicated Base Camp Manager to coordinate logistics, communication, and emergency response.
Certified Mountaineering & First Aid qualified Expedition Leader.
Experienced High-Altitude Chef.
Skilled local mountain guides (guide strength depends on group size).
Adequate support staff for smooth expedition operations.
4. Camping & Technical Equipment
Sleeping bags and liners (if required)
Mattress
Dining utensils
3-person all-season trekking tents (twin sharing basis)
Separate kitchen, dining, and toilet tents
Camping stools
Walkie-talkie communication devices
Ropes
Helmets
Ice axe
Harness
Gaiters
Crampons
5. Medical & Safety Support
Comprehensive medical kit
Oxygen cylinder
Stretcher
Blood pressure monitor
Pulse oximeter
Stethoscope
6. Transportation
Transport from Dehradun to Gangotri and return, as per itinerary.
7. Additional Services
Cloakroom facility at Base Camp.
Porters for carrying central expedition equipment.
All necessary permits and entry fees (applicable for Indian nationals up to standard charges).
Complete expedition services from Dehradun to Dehradun.
Expedition Completion Certificate.
What Is Not Included
Personal insurance (mandatory for all participants).
Meals during transit.
Personal expenses of any nature.
Porter or mule services for carrying personal luggage.
Emergency evacuation, hospitalization, or rescue expenses.
Any service not specifically mentioned under the “Inclusions” section.
Optional Add-On Services (Available on Request)
These can be arranged on prior request and subject to availability. Additional charges apply.
A satellite-based communication device that works in remote regions where regular mobile networks are unavailable.
A portable chamber used for the emergency treatment of Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) and high-altitude complications.
A portable device used to respond to sudden cardiac arrest by delivering a controlled electric shock to restore heart rhythm.
To complete the Neelkanth Peak expedition you need to complete 32 days including acclimatisation and buffer day is excluded.
No, if before you haven’t done any expedition then Mt. The Neelkanth Expedition is not the right choice for it.
Always carry an Adhar card and medical certificate for any trek if you are an Indian citizen. If you are a foreigner, carry your ID card, Passport and medical certificate.
Yes, acclimatisation days are important to get settled with high altitude and temperature.
The summit of Mt. Neelkanth peak is at a height of 6,596m.
Testimonials
Rakesh dulams
Nice experience with the thinAir expedition and accommodation and hospitality and safty such as taken personal care and well experienced guide and such a cool guy
Aditi 99
I had an amazing experience with thin air expeditions. The food, the hospitality, and the preparedness of the staff for all sorts of scenarios was commendable. The location of camps was perfect. Even though i was a female solo traveller , i felt very safe and comfortable. Couldn’t have asked for a better team.
Radandi Shashank
“You are not just a mountain trek guides, but a true guardian of the journey. Your unwavering loyalty to our team, the mountains, and safety itself is extraordinary. Every step felt secure because of your dedication, integrity. And stayed committed to every trekker, through every challenge, with patience, care, and honesty. Huge respect to Subodh Jii n Aditi Mam!! Thank youu @thinairexpedition It was wonderful experience!!❤️❤️
67D3_KALYAN
Completing the Kedarkantha trek at an altitude of around 12,500 feet was not just a trek for us, it was a life-long memory, and a major reason for this unforgettable experience is our guide Shubhod Sir. From the very first day till the summit, Shubhod Sir guided us with immense patience, discipline, and genuine care. At every difficult patch, when our legs were tired and breathing became hard, his calm words, constant motivation, and confident leadership gave us the strength to keep moving forward. He never rushed anyone and always made sure that every member of the group was safe, comfortable, and mentally strong. Shubhod Sir’s knowledge of the mountains, weather, and high-altitude conditions was truly impressive. More than a guide, he felt like a protector and mentor who treated everyone like family. His positive attitude and humble nature created a sense of trust and confidence among all of us. We are also thankful to Atidhi Madam for her support and cooperation during the trek, which added to the smooth experience. Because of Shubhod Sir’s guidance and dedication, we successfully reached the summit with confidence and joy. We will always remember this trek with gratitude and respect. Truly blessed to have a guide like him. 🙏⛰️
Arvind Sahu
Wonderful experience totally worth it. At those price they provided services that no one could provides really enjoyed ❤️🎉
Kolanu Anirudh
This is my first trek in Uttarakhand(Kedharkanta) and Thin Air Expedition made it a memorable one Thanks for everything subodh bro you made it so special.
kanica kandpal
Completed the Gaumukh–Tapovan trek with Thin Air Expedition, and it was an exceptional experience from beginning to end. Instead of opting for a fixed-departure model, we chose a personally curated itinerary, as this was our first trek—and it turned out to be the perfect decision. The team was extremely thoughtful in planning each day’s distance, ensuring we were comfortably challenged without ever feeling overtired or exhausted upon reaching the campsites. Every campsite was carefully selected, offering not just safety and comfort but also breathtaking views that made each halt truly memorable. What stood out most was the level of personalization. The itinerary was clearly tailored to our pace and comfort, and the trek leader constantly shared insightful facts about the region, its geography, and cultural significance, adding depth and meaning to the journey. Overall, Thin Air Expedition delivers a highly personalized, well-paced, and enriching trekking experience. I would highly recommend them, especially for first-time trekkers looking for a safe, informative, and thoughtfully curated adventure.Sen
Raj Bahadur
I booked my trek with Thin Air Expedition on a friend’s recommendation, and it turned out to be a great decision. They managed travel and accommodation very smoothly, and everything was well organized throughout the journey. The team stayed in regular coordination, ensuring that stays and drivers were properly arranged each day. The entire trip was timely, hassle-free, and also pocket-friendly. I would definitely recommend Thin Air Expedition—you can trust them completely with your travel and trekking plans.
sachin aulakh
I recently completed the Kedarkantha Trek with ThinAirExpedition, and the entire experience was outstanding. The coordination, communication, and arrangements were excellent. The trek leaders were experienced and friendly, the support staff was humble, the stay was comfortable, and the food quality in such high altitude conditions was truly impressive. Their focus on safety and responsible trekking made the journey even better. I would definitely choose them again for my next Himalayan adventure! 🏔️✨
Aman rai
I recently completed a trek with the help of ThinAirExpedition, and the entire experience was very comfortable. From stay arrangements to travel from Rishikesh to Rishikesh, everything was well managed. The driver was extremely polite, supportive, and made the journey smooth and stress-free. Overall, a great experience and I would definitely recommend them.
Nitya Jaiswal
Kedarkantha was not just a trek, it was an experience that helped me reconnect with myself. Thanks to Thin air expeditions , I felt safe, cared for and encouraged at every step. The sunrise at the summit, the laughter around the campfire and the kindness of the guides will stay with me forever. If you're looking for a company that treats you like family on the mountains, this is the one.
Biswajit Sahoo
Subodh Sir making the trek so much of fun and intresting .. Awesome Experience with Subodh Sir
Anmol Verma
Overall trekking and accommodation was a very smooth experience. Our trek leader Mr. Ramesh was amazing and very helpful. He managed to make the trek look easy. Overall experience was 10/10. Would highly recommend.
Rishabh Singh Rana
Trek Guide Mr. Ramesh Ji is a very cool & good person. Trek journey became beautiful with the group and overall it became my one of the best experience.
aditi vaidya
I recently went on a trek with Thin Air Expeditions, and I can't get over the experience I had! I did the Phulara Ridge trek with Subodh sir, and it was an incredible experience. What made it even more special was that Subodh sir made sure I could bring my dog, Flake, a toy pom. His team and him took such great care of us, and it was clear that they truly care about their guests, human or canine! The group was amazing too. I met some wonderful people along the way, and we formed lifelong bonds. The whole experience was beautiful – from the breathtaking views to the friendly, supportive environment. I’ll cherish these memories forever! If you're looking for a SAFE, well-organized, fun, and caring trekking company, Thin Air Expeditions and Subodh sir are the ones to go with!
Anuja Vaidya
It was a wonderful experience with TAE on Phulara ridge trek, everything was on point the gears, food, trek guides and Subodh sir himself was an amazing leader who is the founder of TAE, he made sure the experience was amazing even for the first timers keeping safety the first priority. Also I took my Dog, Flake along with me for the trek and it was a great experience for her as well and her food and safety was well taken care of . 🐾 Would love to go back again with Thin air expedition. Thank you so much 🤗
Simran Samal
Phulara Ridge Trek – A Memorable Experience for me !!! Someone once told me, “Trips aren’t just about travel — they become a part of you.” I never really believed it, but this time, Phulara Ridge became exactly that for me. Our first campsite — the forest trail, the tents, the whole setting — gave me the first taste of what was to come. Everything was so thoughtfully arranged, it felt like nature itself had prepared that space for us. All thanks to our trek leader, Subodh bhai 🙌🏻. The next stop was magical in its own way. The campsite was picture-perfect, and we even ended up learning a bit of the local Uttarakhandi dance from Dev bhaiya (well… I tried to! 😄). In the evenings, we played games and spent such a good time that we forgot the weight of city life for a while. And finally, the Ridge: Honestly, we thought the weather would block the views, but Subodh bhai timed it so perfectly that the skies cleared for us. Walking on the ridge — one valley on the right, another on the left, clouds passing beneath us — felt surreal. We sat there for hours, just soaking it all in. It was pure peace. And yes, we even made tea there!!! 🫶🏻 (Of course, we made no mess, cleaned it all up, and left the space exactly the way it should be 😌). For me personally, trekking has always been like meditation — a way to quiet the noise and reconnect with myself. This trek with Subodh bhai and the team gave me exactly that: peace, perspective, memories for a lifetime, and inspiration. #SoGrateful 🙏🏻 Thank you, Subodh bhai and team, for making this such a soulful and unforgettable journey! Lastly Just one note for all: “In the end, we don’t conquer mountains; they help us discover who we truly are.” To anyone even considering it: please go with #ThinAir Expeditions to experience the rawness of trekking, the beauty of nature, and the joy of escaping city life for a while. You’ll come back not just with pictures, but with stories, stillness, and a piece of the mountains in your heart. All the best !!! ✌🏻
Netra Sharma
It was a wonderful experience with ThinAir Expedition. I went on my first trek to Phulara Ridge, and it was truly amazing. Our guide, Subodh ji, managed everything so well and remained patient throughout the trek. I enjoyed every moment and every spot. The place, the cook, and the helpers were all wonderful. The food and camps were awesome. I highly recommend joining ThinAir Expedition to experience the best of “pahadi” life!
Vaibhav Srivastava
Thin Air Expedition gave us the best experience while trekking. Everything was finely arranged and properly taken care of whether it was travel, food. Staff availablity. But the best part was free hand while trekking. Subodh led us beautifully taking in note that everyone reaches the base camp and everyone is doing well. Consulting our next phase keeping in mind the safety and gears. It was collectively very amazing. He gave us full free hand additionally it is our responsibility as well to take care of each other. We did so many activities had games and fun and he even taught us how to camp. How to set up it was fun. If it would've given me option I'll rate it 10. Thanks subodh and team and thin air expedition for such a memorable trip.
Somya Chaturvedi
I recently did the Phulara Ridge Trek with Thin Air Expedition, and it was my first trek ever truly an unforgettable experience! Everything was so well managed from safety arrangements and equipment to food and stay, I never had to worry about a thing. Our trek leader, Subodh, was extremely supportive, patient, and motivating, which made a huge difference for a first-timer like me. The food was simple, homely, and very satisfying after long trekking hours. Most importantly, safety was always the top priority. For anyone planning their first or next trek, I’d highly recommend Thin Air Expedition. Professional, caring, and passionate about making the experience memorable!
We're always ready for adventure
Trekking comes with uncertainty. Weather, terrain, and setbacks are part of the journey. We embrace them with resilience and openness—each challenge makes us stronger and more appreciative of nature's beauty.
We embrace low-noise trekking
We blend into nature, not the other way around. We avoid shouting, loud music, and noisy games. In silence, we hear birdsong, streams, and the wind—inviting peace, reflection, and a deeper connection with nature.
We protect the environment
We protect the environment by minimising waste, reusing resources, and picking up litter. We carry eco-bags, segregate waste, and inspire others to preserve trails. Sustainable trekking ensures these mountains remain beautiful for future generations.
We are self-sufficient
We carry our load as much as possible, manage our gear, and stay prepared for all situations. Self-sufficiency builds confidence, independence, and respect for fellow trekkers, support staff, and the trail itself.
We support each other
Trekking is not a solo act. We wait for each other, share burdens, and uplift teammates. By putting the group first, we build strong bonds and help everyone complete the trek joyfully.
We are fit and prepared
We train well before our treks. This helps us walk longer, handle emergencies, and contribute to the team. Fitness ensures we are never a burden and always ready to help when needed.
