India has many challenging and adventurous treks that require experience, skills, and courage. One of the most challenging and scary treks in India is the Kalindi Khal Trek in the Garhwal Himalayas of Uttarakhand.
The Kalindi Khal Trek is a high-altitude trek that involves crossing the Kalindi Khal pass, which is at an altitude of 19,850 feet (6,025 meters). The trek is challenging due to its steep ascent and descent, unpredictable weather, and difficult terrain. The trail passes through glaciers, moraines, rocky paths, and snowfields, which require technical skills and experience.
The trek also involves crossing narrow and exposed ridges, which can be scary and challenging, especially for those who are afraid of heights. The trek requires physical fitness, mental strength, and proper gear and equipment, including ice axes, crampons, ropes, and harnesses.
The Kalindi Khal Expedition is not recommended for beginners or those with no prior experience of high-altitude trekking. It is advised to undertake this trek with a certified and experienced guide or trekking company like Walking The Himalayas.
Kalindi Khal Expedition is a high-altitude trek in the Garhwal Himalayas of Uttarakhand, India. The trek is named after the Kalindi Khal Pass, which is at an altitude of 19,850 feet (6,025 meters) and is considered one of the most challenging and scenic mountain passes in the Himalayas.
The trek starts from Gangotri and passes through some of the most remote and beautiful valleys of Uttarakhand. The trail takes trekkers through the stunning Gangotri Glacier, which is the source of the River Ganga and leads to the base camp of the trek at Nandanvan.
From Nandanvan, the trek continues towards the Vasuki Tal, a high-altitude lake surrounded by towering peaks. The trail then leads to the Kalindi Khal Pass, which is a challenging ascent involving steep climbs, snowfields, and rocky terrain. The pass offers breathtaking views of the surrounding peaks, including the Shivling, Bhagirathi, and Kalindi peaks.
After crossing the pass, the trail descends towards Arwa Tal, a serene high-altitude lake located in the midst of the Arwa group of peaks. The trek ends at Ghastoli, a small village located in the Mana Valley.
The Kalindi Khal Trek is a challenging trek that requires physical fitness, acclimatization, and technical skills. It is recommended only for experienced trekkers who have prior experience of high-altitude trekking. The best time to undertake the trek is during the months of May-June and September-October when the weather is favorable and the trail is accessible.
Kalindi Khal Trek Itinerary
The Kalindi Khal Trek is a challenging high-altitude trek in the Garhwal region of the Indian Himalayas. It requires a high level of physical fitness and is suitable only for experienced trekkers. Here is a detailed itinerary for the Kalindi Khal Trek:
Day 1: Delhi to Uttarkashi (1150m)
Drive from Delhi to Uttarkashi, a small town situated on the banks of the Bhagirathi river. Overnight stay in a guesthouse.
Day 2: Uttarkashi to Gangotri (3048m)
Drive to Gangotri, the starting point of the trek. The road journey takes about 4-5 hours. Overnight stay in a guesthouse.
Day 3: Gangotri to Bhojbasa (3750m)
Trek from Gangotri to Bhojbasa, a distance of about 14 km. The trail passes through dense forests of deodar, pine, and fir trees. Overnight stay in tents.
Day 4: Bhojbasa to Nandanvan (4340m)
Trek from Bhojbasa to Nandanvan, a distance of about 6 km. The trail is steep and rocky, and offers stunning views of the Bhagirathi peaks. Overnight stay in tents.
Day 5: Rest day at Nandanvan
Rest day at Nandanvan for acclimatization. Overnight stay in tents.
Day 6: Nandanvan to Vasuki Tal (4898m)
Trek from Nandanvan to Vasuki Tal, a distance of about 5 km. The trail passes through rocky terrain and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding peaks. Overnight stay in tents.
Day 7: Vasuki Tal to Khara Pathar (Suralya Bamak) (5480m)
Trek from Vasuki Tal to Khara Pathar, a distance of about 8 km. The trail is steep and challenging and offers panoramic views of the surrounding peaks. Overnight stay in tents.
Day 8: Khara Pathar to Kalindi Base Camp (5500m)
Trek from Khara Pathar to Kalindi Base Camp, a distance of about 7 km. The trail is strenuous and passes through a high-altitude glacier. Overnight stay in tents.
Day 9: Rest day at Kalindi Base Camp
Rest day at Kalindi Base Camp for acclimatization. Overnight stay in tents.
Day 10: Kalindi Base Camp to Rajparav (4910m) via Kalindi Khal (5947m)
Trek from Kalindi Base Camp to Rajparav via Kalindi Khal, a distance of about 14 km. The trail is steep and challenging and involves crossing a high-altitude pass. Overnight stay in tents.
Day 11: Rajparav to Arwa Tal (3910m)
Trek from Rajparav to Arwa Tal, a distance of about 10 km. The trail passes through rocky terrain and offers stunning views of the Arwa glacier. Overnight stay in tents.
Day 12: Arwa Tal to Ghastoli (3796m)
Trek from Arwa Tal to Ghastoli, a distance of about 16 km. The trail is long but relatively easy and passes through forests and meadows. Overnight stay in tents.
Day 13: Ghastoli to Mana and drive to Badrinath (3100m)
Trek from Ghastoli to Mana, a distance of about 8 km. From Mana, drive to Badrinath, one of the most important pilgrimage sites for Hindus. Overnight stay in a hotel.
Day 14: Badrinath to Rishikesh
Drive from Badrinath to Rishikesh
Note: The itinerary may vary depending on the weather conditions, the trekking route, and the group's fitness level. It is always recommended to check with the trek operator for the latest itinerary and plan accordingly.
Q&A Kalindi Khal Trek
What is the difficulty level of Kalindi Khal Trek?
The Kalindi Khal trek is considered to be a very difficult and challenging high-altitude trek. It requires prior trekking experience, technical skills, physical fitness, and acclimatization to the high altitude.
The trek involves steep climbs, long hours of walking, crossing glacial moraines, traversing snowfields, and navigating rocky terrain. The Kalindi Khal pass, which is the highest point of the trek at an altitude of 19,850 feet (6,025 meters), requires technical climbing skills and experience.
Moreover, the weather conditions in the high altitude region can be unpredictable and severe, with sudden changes in temperature, strong winds, and snowfall. Altitude sickness can also pose a serious risk to trekkers who are not acclimatized properly.
Overall, the Kalindi Khal trek is recommended only for experienced trekkers who have prior experience of high-altitude trekking and are physically and mentally prepared for the challenges that come with it.
Which season is best for Kalindi Khal Trek?
The best time to do the Kalindi Khal trek is during the months of July to September. This is the period after the monsoon season when the weather is relatively stable, with clear skies and less chance of rainfall or snowfall.
During this time, the trekking route is also more accessible, with the snow melting on the high passes and the river crossings becoming safer. The temperature during the day is pleasant, ranging from 10 to 15 degrees Celsius, while the nights can be quite cold, with temperatures dropping below freezing.
It is important to note that the weather conditions in the high altitude region can be unpredictable, and there may be sudden changes in temperature, strong winds, and snowfall. It is always recommended to check the weather forecast and consult with the trek operator before embarking on the Kalindi Khal trek.
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