Kalindi Khal Trek: The Great Traverse
Expedition Overview
A legendary high-altitude traverse that takes you halfway round Garhwal from the Bhagirathi Valley to the Alaknanda Valley, giving a thrill to even the most seasoned mountaineers. Starting from holy Gangotri, the route traverses the Gangotri Glacier to Nandanvan (base of Bhagirathi peaks with unmatched views of Mt. Shivling), continues along Chaturangi Glacier to the shimmering high lake of Vasukital, crosses the formidable 5,947m (19,506 ft) Kalindi Khal Pass under towering Kamet & Mana peaks, and descends through Arwatal and Mana village (the last village on the frontier) to conclude fittingly at the holy Badrinath Temple.
Key Expedition Highlights
- Cross the formidable Kalindi Pass at 5,947m (19,506 ft) — one of the highest trekking passes in the Himalayas
- Complete the Great Garhwal Traverse connecting Bhagirathi Valley (Gangotri) to Alaknanda Valley (Badrinath)
- Unparalleled close-up views of Mt. Shivling, Meru, Bhagirathi I-III, Kamet (7,757m), Mana (7,272m), and Satopanth
- Camp on legendary glacial expanses: Gangotri Glacier, Chaturangi Glacier, and Sweta Glacier
- Visit the high-altitude glacial jewel Vasukital (4,868m) and conclude at historic Mana village & Badrinath
Detailed Day-by-Day Itinerary
Rishikesh / Jolly Grant to Uttarkashi (165 km, 6-7 hrs)
Arrive at Rishikesh or Jolly Grant Airport and drive through scenic river valleys to Uttarkashi. Overnight in hotel.
Uttarkashi to Gangotri (100 km, 5 hrs)
Drive along the Bhagirathi River gorge to the holy shrine of Gangotri (3,048m). Acclimatization walk around Gangotri. Overnight in guest house.
Gangotri to Chidbasa (3,792m / 12,438 ft, 9 km, 3-4 hrs)
The trek begins. Leisurely walk through birch and pine (chid) forests along the roaring Bhagirathi to our first tented camp at Chidbasa.
Chidbasa to Bhojwasa & Gaumukh Excursion (3,600m, 13 km, 4-5 hrs)
Walk to Bhojwasa with first breathtaking views of Mt. Shivling. Excursion towards the Gaumukh glacier snout. Return to Bhojwasa for hot tea. Overnight camping.
Bhojwasa to Tapovan (4,463m / 14,639 ft, 6-7 hrs)
Cross the river pulley bridge over roaring Bhagirathi. Climb past Gaumukh onto the high alpine meadow of Tapovan, the legendary basecamp of Mt. Shivling and Mt. Meru.
Tapovan to Nandanvan (4,500m / 14,760 ft, 5-6 hrs)
Traverse across the Gangotri Glacier to Nandanvan at the foot of the colossal Bhagirathi peaks with majestic panoramic vistas.
Nandanvan to Vasukital (4,868m / 15,967 ft, 7 km, 4-5 hrs)
Trek along the lateral moraine of the Chaturangi Glacier with a steady climb to camp beside the high-altitude shimmering lake of Vasukital.
Acclimatization & Rest Day at Vasukital
Full rest and acclimatization day at Vasukital (4,868m) surrounded by towering snow massifs. Overnight camping.
Vasukital to Khada Pathar (5,456m / 17,895 ft, 6 km, 4-5 hrs)
Cross the Satopanth Glacier and navigate rugged moraine trails to reach the high camp of Khada Pathar.
Khada Pathar to Sweta Glacier (5,500m / 18,040 ft, 10 km, 6-7 hrs)
A demanding day traversing the ice and moraines of Sweta Glacier. Camp directly on the glacier under crisp starlit skies.
Sweta Glacier to Base of Kalindi
Navigate moraine ridges with commanding views of Sweta, Chandra, and surrounding unnamed peaks to reach the high base of Kalindi.
Base to Kalindi Pass (5,947m / 19,506 ft) to Rajparav (4,910m, 12 km, 7-8 hrs)
Early morning summit push over the formidable Kalindi Pass (5,947m) with breathtaking views of Kamet (7,757m) and Mana (7,272m). Descend to Rajparav for camp.
Rajparav to Arwatal (3,910m / 12,824 ft, 13 km, 5-6 hrs)
Descend into the Arwa valley, crossing the crystal Saraswati River and traversing boulder-strewn alpine pastures.
Arwatal to Ghastoli (3,796m / 12,450 ft, 16 km, 5-6 hrs)
Gradual descent with magnificent views of rocky spires and peaks. Camp near a serene groundwater pool at Ghastoli.
Ghastoli to Mana Village & Badrinath (3,100m, 16 km trek, 3 km drive)
Trek past Bheem Pul and Mana (India's first frontier village). Meet transfer vehicle and drive 3 km to holy Badrinath. Overnight in hotel/guesthouse.
Badrinath to Rishikesh (300 km, 8-9 hrs)
Scenic mountain drive along the Alaknanda valley descending back to Rishikesh. Overnight in hotel.
Final Departure from Rishikesh
Morning breakfast and transfer for onward flight/train. Expedition ends.
Package Inclusions & Exclusions
- Hotel / Guest house accommodation on twin sharing basis (AP basis: all meals included)
- High-altitude 3-4 season camping tents on twin sharing with all vegetarian meals
- Round-trip transport (Rishikesh to Gangotri & Badrinath to Rishikesh) in Jeep / Tempo Traveller
- Certified local mountaineering guide and dedicated kitchen staff
- Porters for personal baggage up to 12 kg per trekker
- All camping gears: Tents, Rubber + Air mattresses, dining tent, toilet tents, folding tables and chairs
- National Park entry permits, inner-line clearances, and environmental fees
- Travel between Delhi and Rishikesh/Haridwar
- Personal porters over and above the included 12 kg allowance
- Personal travel, medical, or high-altitude evacuation insurance
- Tips and gratuities for mountain guide, kitchen staff, and porters
- Costs arising from natural calamities, road blocks, flight delays, or factors beyond organization control
Expedition Visual Dossier
Gangotri to Badrinath (via Tapovan, Vasukital & Mana)
- 30+ Years of native Himalayan leadership
- Wilderness First Responder trained guides
- Leave-No-Trace 100% trash pack-out policy
- Fair wages & complete insurance for mountain crew
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