Kalindi Pass Extreme Expedition

Kalindi Pass Extreme Expedition – Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Drive from Dehradun to Gangotri (The Sacred Gateway)

• Distance: ~241 km | 8–9 hours drive
• Early morning departure from Dehradun with expedition team
• Drive along Bhagirathi River through Uttarkashi and Harsil Valley
• Scenic Himalayan route with river gorges, forests, and mountain villages
• Permits and final checks en route (if required)

Arrival at Gangotri (3,415 m):

• Check-in at guesthouse/homestay
• Light acclimatization walk near Bhagirathi River
• Rest and hydration for altitude adaptation

Accommodation: Guesthouse / Homestay
Meals: Dinner

Day 2: Gangotri → Bhojbasa (14 km | ~7 hrs)

• Permit clearance at Gangotri National Park entry gate
• Begin trek along Bhagirathi River valley

Route highlights:

• Chirbasa forest zone (pine and birch trees)
• Gradual ascent with glacier valley views
• Rocky river trails and suspension bridge crossings

Experience:

• First full trekking day in Himalayan wilderness
• Increasing altitude and cold exposure

Arrival at Bhojbasa:

• Wide barren valley near glacier zone
• First close view of Bhagirathi peaks

Accommodation: Alpine expedition tents
Meals: All meals included

Day 3: Bhojbasa → Tapovan via Gaumukh (9 km | ~7 hrs)

• Early trek towards Gaumukh Glacier (source of Ganga)
• Walk over moraine and rocky glacier terrain

Key sections:

• Gaumukh snout (glacial origin point)
• Technical moraine crossing zone
• Steep ascent to Tapovan ridge

Experience:

• Entry into high-altitude alpine meadow ecosystem
• Iconic views of Mt. Shivling and Bhagirathi peaks

Accommodation: Alpine expedition tents at Tapovan
Meals: All meals included

Day 4: Tapovan → Nandanvan (9 km | ~8 hrs)

• Full glacier traverse across Gangotri icefield
• Rope-assisted movement in crevasse-prone sections

Terrain:

• Crevasses, ice plates, and unstable moraine
• Rockfall zones requiring careful navigation

Experience:

• Technical glacier navigation and team rope movement
• High exposure and altitude adaptation

Accommodation: Alpine expedition tents at Nandanvan
Meals: All meals included

Day 5: Nandanvan → Vasuki Tal (7 km | ~7 hrs)

• Traverse along Chaturangi Glacier system
• Narrow ridges and moraine crossings

Arrival at Vasuki Tal (4,880 m):

• Sacred alpine lake (often frozen)
• Surreal high-altitude environment

Experience:

• Thin air and strong winds
• Major acclimatization milestone

Accommodation: Alpine tents
Meals: All meals included

Day 6: Acclimatization Day at Vasuki Tal

• Mandatory rest day for altitude adaptation

Activities:

• Oxygen level monitoring
• Hydration and recovery focus
• Rope technique revision
• Crampon walking practice
• Ice axe safety drills

Purpose:

• Reduce AMS (Altitude Mountain Sickness) risk
• Prepare for glacier expedition zone ahead

Accommodation: Alpine tents
Meals: All meals included

Day 7: Vasuki Tal → Khara Patthar (7 km | ~7 hrs)

• Enter deep glacier wilderness zone
• Traverse unstable moraine and scree fields

Terrain:

• Loose rocks and shifting ice
• Glacier-fed river channels

Experience:

• Vegetation disappears completely
• Navigation fully guide-dependent

Accommodation: High-altitude alpine tents
Meals: All meals included

Day 8: Khara Patthar → Sweta Glacier (6 km | ~8 hrs)

• Full glacier walking day over ice and moraine

Challenges:

• Crevasse-prone terrain
• Whiteout and low visibility risk
• Slow technical movement required

Experience:

• Pure expedition-style glacier travel
• Extreme cold exposure zone

Accommodation: Expedition tents on glacier
Meals: All meals included

Day 9: Sweta Glacier → Kalindi Base Camp (7 km | ~7 hrs)

• Approach to summit region begins
• Trek through ice ridges and snowfields

Arrival at Base Camp (5,590 m):

• Final staging for summit attempt
• Equipment sorting and rope assignments

Preparation:

• Weather assessment
• Oxygen and health check
• Summit timing briefing

Accommodation: Expedition tents
Meals: All meals included

Day 10: Summit Push – Kalindi Khal (5,950 m) → Raja Parav

• Midnight start (12:00–2:00 AM)
• Full technical ascent using ropes and crampons

Summit section:

• Steep snow walls
• Fixed rope climbs
• Crevasse crossings

At Kalindi Pass:

• 360° Himalayan panorama
• Views of Kamet, Mana, Changabang, Tibetan plateau

Descent:

• Technical down-climb to Raja Parav
• Long endurance recovery descent

Accommodation: Alpine tents
Meals: All meals included

Day 11: Raja Parav → Arwa Tal & Jungle Camp

• Gradual descent from glacier zone
• Transition into rocky alpine valley

Terrain:

• Boulder fields and river crossings
• Glacier-fed Arwa River basin

Experience:

• Return of minimal vegetation
• Warmer air compared to glacier camps

Accommodation: Alpine tents
Meals: All meals included

Day 12: Arwa Tal → Ghastoli → Drive to Badrinath

• Final trekking section to Ghastoli (border outpost)
• Administrative clearance and exit formalities

Drive:

• 25 km drive from Ghastoli to Badrinath

Experience:

• Completion of trans-Himalayan crossing
• Entry into sacred pilgrimage town

Expedition ends at Badrinath

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’