The Kalindi Khal Trek is an iconic adventure in the Indian Himalayas. This trek takes you through remote trails, pristine glaciers, and high-altitude passes, offering breathtaking views of peaks like Shivling and Bhagirathi. Known for its spiritual and adventurous significance, the trek begins at Gangotri and concludes at Badrinath, spanning over 14–16 days of pure thrill.

Destinations
India, Uttrakhand
Trip Type
Trekking
Difficulty
Extreme
Trip Tag
Best Treks in Uttarakhand, Gangotri to Badrinath Trek, High-Altitude Treks in India, Kalindi Khal Pass, Kalindi Khal Trek

Overview

Itinerary

Cost

FAQs

Map

Overview

Itinerary

Cost

FAQs

Map

Kalindi Khal Trek: A Journey Through Glaciers and Majestic Peaks

Facts:

Maximum Altitude: 19,522 ft (5,950 m)
Region: Garhwal Himalayas, Uttarakhand
Difficulty Level: Extremely challenging
Duration: 14–16 days
Best Time to Visit: June to mid-September
Starting Point: Gangotri
Ending Point: Badrinath
Highlights: Gangotri Glacier, Vasuki Tal, Kalindi Khal Pass, Bhagirathi Peaks
Permits Required: Forest and NIM permissions

Trip Highlights:

Cross the challenging Kalindi Khal Pass at 19,522 ft.
Camp beside glaciers and under starlit skies.
Admire awe-inspiring peaks like Shivling, Meru, and Bhagirathi.
Visit sacred sites like Gangotri and Badrinath temples.
Trek through untouched Himalayan landscapes and rugged terrains.
Experience the thrill of high-altitude trekking with an expert team.

Day 01 :

Arrival in Gangotri (10,200 ft)

Begin your journey at the holy town of Gangotri.Acclimatization walk and preparation for the trek.Explore the Gangotri Temple and enjoy serene views of the Bhagirathi River.Highlights: Spiritual start, local sightseeing.

Day 02 :

Day 2: Gangotri to Bhojwasa (12,450 ft) – 14 km

Trek alongside the Bhagirathi River through dense pine forests.Enjoy views of Sudarshan Peak as you enter the valley.Camp at Bhojwasa amidst serene surroundings.Highlights: Moderate trek, Sudarshan Peak views, tranquil campsite.

Day 03 :

Day 3: Bhojwasa to Gaumukh (12,900 ft) to Tapovan (14,640 ft) – 9 km

Visit the Gaumukh Glacier, the source of the Ganga River.Trek through rocky terrain to Tapovan, a high-altitude meadow with stunning views.Enjoy breathtaking views of Mount Shivling and Bhagirathi Peaks.Highlights: Gaumukh Glacier, Mount Shivling, and serene meadows.

Day 04 :

Day 4: Rest Day at Tapovan

Acclimatize to the high altitude and explore the area.
Optional short hikes around Tapovan to nearby peaks or glaciers.
Enjoy photography and interaction with fellow trekkers.
Highlights: Rest and acclimatization, stunning vistas.

Day 05 :

Tapovan to Nandanvan (14,100 ft) – 10 km

A steep ascent to Vasuki Tal, a pristine glacial lake.Camp near the lake surrounded by towering peaks.Highlights: Vasuki Tal, high-altitude camping, glacial terrain.

Day 06 :

Day 6: Nandanvan to Vasuki Tal (16,000 ft) – 8 km

A steep ascent to Vasuki Tal, a pristine glacial lake.Camp near the lake surrounded by towering peaks.Highlights: Vasuki Tal, high-altitude camping, glacial terrain.

Day 07 :

Vasuki Tal to Khara Pathar (17,000 ft) – 6 km

Trek through rocky and icy trails, gaining altitude.Prepare for the challenging ascent to Kalindi Base Camp the next day.Highlights: Rugged terrain, acclimatization at a higher altitude.

Day 08 :

Day 8: Khara Pathar to Kalindi Base Camp (18,400 ft) – 5 km

Trek amidst snowfields and crevasses to Kalindi Base Camp.Witness a surreal landscape with panoramic mountain views.Highlights: Snowfields, glacier trails, high-altitude camping.

Day 09 :

Day 9: Cross Kalindi Khal Pass (19,522 ft) to Rajparav (16,500 ft) – 12 km

Start early to cross Kalindi Khal Pass, the trek’s highest point.
Navigate steep ascents, icy trails, and challenging terrains.
Descend to Rajparav for an overnight stay.
Highlights: Thrilling pass crossing, breathtaking summit views.

Day 10 :

Day 10: Rajparav to Arwatal (13,000 ft) – 13 km

Trek through undulating terrain with streams and valleys.Camp amidst serene and remote surroundings.Highlights: Tranquil trekking trails, peaceful campsite.

Day 11 :

Day 11: Arwatal to Ghastoli (12,000 ft) – 16 km

Walk through lush meadows and river crossings.Re-enter forested areas with occasional wildlife sightings.Highlights: Lush landscapes, closer to civilization.

Day 12 :

Day 12: Ghastoli to Badrinath (10,800 ft) – 12 km

Trek to the sacred town of Badrinath, concluding the trek.Visit the Badrinath Temple for blessings.Overnight stay in Badrinath.Highlights: Badrinath Temple, conclusion of the trek

Day 13 :

Day 13: Departure from Badrinath

Bid farewell to the mountains.Travel to your onward destination with memories of an epic adventure.

Highlights: Scenic drive, reflection on the trek