Garud Peak Expedition

Garud Peak Expedition – Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Joshimath (1,870 m)

• Arrival in Joshimath by evening via road journey from Rishikesh/Haridwar
• Check-in to hotel/guesthouse and rest after travel
• Meet expedition leader, certified mountain guides, and support staff
• Detailed expedition briefing covering:
  • Route map and daily plan
  • Weather conditions and risk factors
  • High-altitude sickness awareness
  • Emergency protocols and evacuation plan
• Equipment inspection and distribution (if part of package)
• Final preparation checklist discussion

Overnight stay in Joshimath
Meals: Dinner

Day 2: Joshimath → Karchi → Trek to Dronagiri Village (3,600 m)

• Early breakfast and drive to Karchi Village (approx. 2 hours)
• Start trek towards Dronagiri Village (base acclimatization village)

Trek details:

• Duration: 6–7 hours
• Gradual ascent through forest trails, suspension bridges, and alpine meadows
• Scenic views of Dunagiri Peak and surrounding Himalayan ranges
• Water streams and rest points along the route

Experience:

• First exposure to remote Himalayan lifestyle
• Oxygen levels start decreasing gradually

Arrival at Dronagiri Village:

• Ancient Himalayan village with mythological importance (linked to Ramayana lore)
• Traditional wooden houses and stone pathways
• Acclimatization walk around village in evening

Overnight stay in tents/homestay
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3: Dronagiri Village → Garud Base Camp (4,500 m)

• Morning start after breakfast
• Gradual ascent towards high-altitude Base Camp

Trek details:

• Duration: 5–6 hours
• Terrain shifts from green slopes to rocky moraine and glacier-fed zones
• Narrow ridgelines and exposed sections begin

Experience:

• Noticeable drop in oxygen levels
• Cold winds and rapidly changing weather conditions
• First close views of Garud Peak glacier face

Arrival at Base Camp:

• Setup of expedition-grade tents
• Hydration-focused acclimatization protocol begins
• Short recovery walk for oxygen adaptation

Overnight stay at Base Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4: Acclimatization & Technical Training (4,500 m)

• Full rest day for altitude adaptation

Training sessions:

• Rope knot techniques (figure 8, safety knots)
• Crampon walking practice on icy surfaces
• Ice axe usage and self-arrest techniques
• Basic glacier travel movement drills
• Fixed rope climbing safety training

Health monitoring:

• Oxygen level checks
• Hydration tracking
• AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness) observation

Evening:

• Summit strategy briefing
• Weather forecast analysis for summit window

Overnight stay at Base Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5: Load Ferry to Summit Camp (5,200 m)

• Expedition support team carries ropes, tents, oxygen supplies, and food stocks to higher camp
• Climbers remain at Base Camp for rest and acclimatization

Purpose of the day:

• Reduce load for summit push
• Improve acclimatization response
• Mark and secure upper route sections

Optional:

• Short acclimatization hike above Base Camp (if weather allows)

Overnight stay at Base Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6: Base Camp → Summit Camp (5,200 m)

• Early morning start for ascent to Summit Camp

Trek details:

• Duration: 3–4 hours
• Steep ascent over moraine ridges and glacier sections
• Rope-assisted climbing in technical zones

Terrain:

• Loose rocks, snow patches, and icy gradients
• Reduced oxygen levels and cold wind exposure

Arrival at Summit Camp:

• Tent setup in high-altitude extreme conditions
• Rest, hydration, and oxygen level monitoring
• Final summit briefing and timing confirmation

Night preparation:

• Early dinner and sleep for summit attempt
• Gear layout and headlamp check

Overnight stay at Summit Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7: Summit Attempt (6,040 m) → Return to Base Camp

• Wake-up call: 1:30 AM – 2:00 AM
• Start summit push under headlamps in extreme cold

Summit climb:

• Technical ascent using:
  • Fixed ropes
  • Crampons
  • Ice axe
• Steep ridges and exposed climbing sections
• Slow, controlled movement due to thin air

Summit experience:

• Reach Garud Peak (6,040 m)
• 360° Himalayan panorama including:
  • Nanda Devi massif
  • Dunagiri Peak
  • Changabang
  • Kalanka ranges
• Short halt for prayers, photography, and celebration (weather dependent)

Descent:

• Careful return to Summit Camp/Base Camp route
• High fatigue and careful rope-assisted descent

Overnight stay at Base Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 8: Base Camp → Dronagiri Village → Joshimath

• Early descent after breakfast
• Trek from Base Camp to Dronagiri Village

Trek details:

• Duration: 6–7 hours
• Steep downhill sections requiring controlled movement
• Return through moraine and alpine zones

Then drive:

• Dronagiri → Karchi → Joshimath

Experience:

• Transition from extreme altitude back to civilization
• Physical recovery and celebration of summit attempt

Overnight stay in Joshimath
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 9: Joshimath → Rishikesh (Departure)

• Morning breakfast in Joshimath
• Drive back to Rishikesh (approx. 8–9 hours)
• Scenic descent through Alaknanda valley and Himalayan highways
• Drop at Rishikesh/Haridwar

Expedition concludes with unforgettable Himalayan summit memories

Meals: Breakfast

Rental Gear List (Pre-booking required)

• Trekking Poles: ₹200 (adjustable) / ₹150 (fixed)
• RainPoncho: ₹200
• Flask: ₹300
• Gloves: ₹150/₹250
• LunchBox&Tiffin Boxes: ₹250
• Headlamps: ₹150
• Extra WarmJackets: ₹550
• Trekking Shoes: ₹550
• Trekking Pants: ₹450

Note: Reserve rental gear in advance. Rental fees may apply.

Inclusions

• Transport: Dehradun – Harsil – Gangotri – Dehradun
• Accommodation: 2 nights in Harsil Cottage, 3 nights in tents (Double/Triple sharing)
• Meals as per itinerary (veg only)
• Certified trek leader, guides, support staff
• Camping gear: tents, sleeping bags, mattresses
• All necessary permits and forest fees
• First aid kit, oxygen cylinder
• Mules/porters for common gear

Exclusions

• Personal expenses (tips, shopping, etc.)
• Bottled water or aerated drinks
• Insurance, emergency evacuation, and rescue
• Any meals not mentioned above
• Personal trekking gear (available on rent)
• Porter for personal luggage (available at extra cost)
• Anything not mentioned in ‘Inclusions’