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Kalindikhal Trek

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GRADE	:	Expedition
SEASON	:	July – September
NO. OF DAYS	:	15
NO. OF TREKKING DAYS	:	12
MAXIMUM ALTITUDE	:	5950 m/19516 ft (Kalindi Pass)

Here is a trek that takes you half way round Garhwal from the Bhagirathi Valley to the Alaknanda Valley. A trip only for those who have done high altitude treks before, its very mention gives a thrill to even the most seasoned of climbers. The trek starts from Gangotri and takes you through Nandavan, the base of the Bhagirathi peaks, a place that offers an unparalled view of the Shivling peak. The trail moves on to Vasukital ( 4900 m ). With towering peaks all around the lake, its surface shimmers like a pearl and is the source of the Vasuki Ganga that drains into the Mandakini. We proceed to cross the Kalindi Pass ( 5968 m ), a

tough climb from where you feel that there is little else left to be see. It is as if you are a part of this majestic setting of snow peaks. The trail then descends to Arwatal and to Mana the last village on the Chinese frontier. The trek fittingly ends at Badrinath with a visit to the holy temple.

Negotiating the Kalindi Pass

Kalindi base from where the Pass can be seen
towards the top

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DAY-BY-DAY ITINERARY

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Aug 2

HARIDWAR – GANGOTRI (3048 m/10000 ft) (Drive/270 kms/8-9 hrs)

Aug 2	:	HARIDWAR – GANGOTRI (3048 m/10000 ft) (Drive/270 kms/8-9 hrs)
From Haridwar, drive to Gangotri through the beautiful lush green valley. Visit the temple at Gangotri, where it is believed that the Ganges river came down from heaven and flowed down the valley. The Gorge at Bhairav Ghati and the temple here are well worth a visit. The day would be spent in acclimatising to the high altitude and reparing for the trek the next day. Overnight stay at a guesthoue/hotel.

Aug 3	:	GANGOTRI – BHOJWASSA (3792 m/12440 ft) (Trek/14 kms/5-6 hrs)
After early breakfast start the day’s trek to Bhojwassa following the river Bhagirathi on its right bank. The Trek is full of fascinating Himalayan sights and you can have beautiful views of snow clapped peaks around. The place gets its name from the Bhoj trees that dot this area. The leaves of this tree were used to write on in the old time. Upon arrival, set up camp for overnight stay.

Aug 4	:	BHOJWASSA – TAPOVAN (4463 m/14640 ft) (Trek/10 kms/4-5 hrs)
After an early breakfast we start on our hike to Tapovan. Today we will move at a leisurely pace. Overnight in tents.

Aug 5	:	TAPOVAN
Like we always say. 'Do your own thing' today. Tapovan is a high altitude meadow athe base of the magnificent Shivling peak. Explore the meadows at Tapovan, attempt a short climb or just chill out, soaking in the beauty of this truly amazing landscape. Overnight in tents.

Aug 6	:	TAPOVAN – NANDANVAN (4337 m/14230 ft) (Trek/6 kms/3-4 hrs)
Today we will trek downwards to reach Nandanvan. From here view the Shivling, Bhagirathi, Sudarshan, Thelu and Kedardome peaks. Overnight stay in tents.

Aug 7	:	NANDANVAN – VASUKI TAL (4880 m/16000 ft) (Trek/6 kms/4-5 hrs)
Morning trek along Chaturangi Glacier to reach Vasuki Tal (4880 m), a beautiful base for Mt Satopanth and Mt Vasuki Parbat with a small lake. The trek is a steady climb upwards. Overnight stay in tents.

Aug 8	:	VASUKI TAL
A crystal clear pearl set in an unrivalled setting, a base for Mt Satopanth and Mt Vasuki Parbat from where originates the Vasuki Ganga which merges with the Mandakini at Sonprayag. The lake is about 1 km in radius and has clear glittering water. Paian Tal is about 1 km to the north-west. This lake is even more beautiful. At the bottom of it, you can see rectangular slabs of rocks, as if they have been placed there intentionally. The view of Chaukhamba peaks and Mandakini valley is breathtaking. Overnight stay in tents on the banks of the lake.

Aug 9	:	VASUKI TAL – KHARA PATHAR (5480 m/17975 ft) (Trek/6 kms/3-4 hrs)
Morning after breakfast start trek to Suraiaya Bamak (Khara Pathar) with packed lunch. Dinner and overnight in camp. Camping on Moraine.

Aug 10	:	KHARA PATHAR – SWETA GLACIER (5500 m/18040 ft) (Trek/8 kms/4-5 hrs)
Morning after breakfast, trek to Sweta Glacier with packed lunch. Dinner and overnight in camp. Camping on glacier.

Aug 11	:	SWETA GLACIER – KALINDI BASE
Morning after breakfast trek up to Kalindi base. Overnight stay in tents.

Aug 12	:	KALINDI BASE – ARWATAL (3980 m/13055 ft) (Trek/14-16 kms/7-8 hrs)
Today’s trek is most challenging with steep climb to Kalindi Pass (5950 m). Spend some time at the spot and then trek down to Rajparav (4910 m) and further to Arwatal. The descent from the pass is very steep over glacier and ice walls. On arrival at Arwatal, setup camp for overnight stay.

Aug 13	:	ARWATAL – GHASTOLI (3796 m/12450 ft) (Trek/16 kms/5-6 hrs)
Morning after breakfast start trek to Ghastoli with packed lunch. Dinner and overnight in camp.

Aug 14	:	GHASTOLI – BADRINATH (3096 m/10155 ft) (Trek/18 kms/5-6 hrs)
After breakfast start the trek to Badrinath. Situated on the banks of the Alaknanda river, this magnificent temple stands in the shadow of the resplendent Neelkanth peak. On arrival check into hotel for a much required hot bath. Afternoon visit the temple and later return to the hotel for dinner and overnight stay.

Aug 15	:	BADRINATH – RUDRAPRAYAG (Drive/170 kms/7-8 hrs)
After breakfast depart for by road for Rudraprayag. This is a scenic drive along the Alaknanda river that has its origins in the glaciers above Badrinath. Overnight stay in a guesthouse/hotel.

Aug 16	:	RUDRAPRAYAG – HARIDWAR (Drive/160 kms/5 hrs)
Post breakfast, depart for Haridwar.

Aug 3

GANGOTRI – BHOJWASSA (3792 m/12440 ft) (Trek/14 kms/5-6 hrs)

Aug 4

BHOJWASSA – TAPOVAN (4463 m/14640 ft) (Trek/10 kms/4-5 hrs)

Aug 5

TAPOVAN

Aug 6

TAPOVAN – NANDANVAN (4337 m/14230 ft) (Trek/6 kms/3-4 hrs)

Aug 7

NANDANVAN – VASUKI TAL (4880 m/16000 ft) (Trek/6 kms/4-5 hrs)

Aug 8

VASUKI TAL

Aug 9

VASUKI TAL – KHARA PATHAR (5480 m/17975 ft) (Trek/6 kms/3-4 hrs)

Aug 10

KHARA PATHAR – SWETA GLACIER (5500 m/18040 ft) (Trek/8 kms/4-5 hrs)

Aug 11

SWETA GLACIER – KALINDI BASE

Aug 12

KALINDI BASE – ARWATAL (3980 m/13055 ft) (Trek/14-16 kms/7-8 hrs)

Aug 13

ARWATAL – GHASTOLI (3796 m/12450 ft) (Trek/16 kms/5-6 hrs)

Aug 14

GHASTOLI – BADRINATH (3096 m/10155 ft) (Trek/18 kms/5-6 hrs)

Aug 15

BADRINATH – RUDRAPRAYAG (Drive/170 kms/7-8 hrs)

Aug 16

RUDRAPRAYAG – HARIDWAR (Drive/160 kms/5 hrs)


Camping at Tapovan in the shadow of the Shivling peak	Mountain goats (Bharal) near the campsite	Camping on the banks of Vasuki Tal

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COST OF THE TRIP

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Rs. 59,900/ per person*
* Service Tax extra

Cost Includes

•

All road transfers by a Toyota Qualis from and back to Haridwar.

•

Accommodation in 4-season tents during the trek on twin sharing basis.

•

All vegetarian meals beginning with breakfast on Day 1 to lunch on Day 15.

•

Porters for carrying camping equipment, rations, vegetables and some amount of personal gear of the clients (one bag not weighing more than 15 kgs).

•

Professional guide (mountain skills training from Nehru Institute of Mountaineering, Utttarkashi) and kitchen staff would accompany the group.

•

Camping equipment

*Camping equipment provided on the trek*
-	4 season Mountain Hardwear (www.mountainhardwear.com) or Lafuma (*www.lafuma.com*) alpine tents
-	Camping Mattresses
-	Camping stools
-	Mess Tent
-	Toilet tent
-	Basic Medical kit

Cost Does Not Include

•	Travel between Delhi and Haridwar (can be arranged by us on request)
•	Sleeping bag (can be hired from us)
•	Any meals/services not mentioned above
•	Any charges for video cameras, still cameras, etc.
•	Alcohol, soft drinks, beverages, etc.
•	Personal expenses like tips, telephone calls, laundry, etc.
•	Any costs arising out of unforeseen circumstances like landslides, road blocks, bad weather etc.
•	Insurance

Payment Terms & Conditions

•

Full payment to be made in advance at the time of booking the trek

•

Payment to be made by Cheque/DD in favour of GREAT INDIAN OUTDOORS (P) LTD. payable at New Delhi/Gurgaon

•

Payment for this trip will not be adjusted against any future trips

•

Cancellation policy

-	>30 days: Full refund (after deducting any expenses that have been incurred for hotel bookings, transport, etc.)
-	21-30 days: 75% of trip cost will be refunded (after deducting any expenses that have been incurred for hotel bookings, transport, etc.)
-	14-21 days: 50% of trip cost will be refunded (after deducting any expenses that have been incurred for hotel bookings, transport, etc.)
-	<14 days: No refund

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TRANSPORT OPTIONS (DELHI – HARIDWAR – DELHI)

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TRAIN: Delhi – Haridwar

Train	ETD	ETA	1A	2A	3A	SL	CC	2S
Shatabdi Express	0655 hrs	1122 hrs	825	-	-	-	435	-
Janshatabdi Express	1525 hrs	1925 hr	-	-	-	-	345	107
Mussoorie Express	2215 hrs	0535 hrs	926	546	394	151	-	-

*All costs are Rs. per person (Rs. 50 per person booking charges extra)

TRAIN: Haridwar – Delhi

Train	ETD	ETA	1A	2A	3A	SL	CC	2S
Janshatabdi Express	0623 hrs	1115 hrs	-	-	-	-	345	107
Shatabdi Express	1813 hrs	2245 hrs	890	-	-	-	475	-
Mussoorie Express	2320 hrs	0720 hrs	926	546	394	151	-	-

*All costs are Rs. per person (Rs. 50 per person booking charges extra)

Road

There are frequent Public Transport buses available from Delhi to Haridwar that cost about Rs. 200 per person. These buses depart from Delhi ISBT every 30 mins. or so and take about 6 hrs to cover the distance. The same is also applicable on the return journey. A private vehicle could also be arranged for if you require the same.

Note: Transport costs are subject to change

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LIST OF ESSENTIALS

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Sleeping bag (Down feather bag that can withstand temperatures of -15° C)
Ice Axe
Trekking Boots
Crampons
Climbing Harness
Trekking poles
Screw Carabiners (5 nos.)
Shirts / T-shirts
Trousers / Track Pants
Windproof jacket (preferably GoreTex)
Fleece / Full-sleeve Woollen sweater
Thermal inner wear (upper & lower)
Woollen cap
Mittens (Woollen gloves)

Scarf
Woollen socks (extra pairs to be carried)
Raincoat / Poncho
Towel
Water bottle
Cap / Hat
Sunscreen Lotion
Lip Balm
Torch / Flashlight (with extra batteries)
Medicines, if requiring any specific medication
Camera (with extra film rolls and batteries)
Sunglasses
Personal toiletries Books, if you like reading

Carry your stuff in a duffel bag, soft shoulder bag or a rucksack. Avoid suitcases, trolleys or any other hard luggage. Also carry a small knapsack to carry your personal items like cameras, water bottles etc. while walking during the day. Each person should carry a maximum of 15 kgs of luggage on the trek.

Do get in touch with us for any items that cannot be sourced by you, as we could suggest retail outlets from where they could be bought or the same could be leased from us.

Disclaimer

Great Indian Outdoors (P) Ltd. takes utmost care to ensure safety of its clients. However in the case of any unforeseen mishaps, Great Indian Outdoors (P) Ltd. will not be liable for any injuries caused or for loss of life. All disputes rising due to the above are subject to the jurisdiction of the courts in New Delhi/Delhi only.

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