Explore the scenery of India’s backcountry on foot
Get ready for a rugged exploration amid the peaks that jet high into the clouds of the Garhwal Himalaya in Uttarakhand State. The Kalindi Khal Pass Trek lets you kiss the daily grind goodbye as you meander deep into the wild in the challenging, rewarding Kalindi Pass. The trek will have you hiking over fields blanketed in snow, by massive glaciers, and along bubbling rivers for the 99 km stretching between Gangotri and Badrinath Valley.
Before you totally immerse yourself into India’s magnificent, paranormal backyard, the Kalindi Khal Pass Trek gives you the chance to explore areas of the ever-so bustling Delhi before transferring to Uttarkashi, a small town nestled in a carpet of green. You’ll also have time after your hiking expedition to explore Haridwar and more of Delhi. Expect to experience authentic, wild adventures on this tour, embroidered with scenery emulating artistic masterpieces. The Kalindi Khal Pass Trek is truly a once in a lifetime adventure!
Highlights of the Kalindi Khal Pass Trek
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Kalindi Khal Pass Trek Itinerary
Day 1 Arrive in Delhi
Meet and greet with one of the tour operators on arrival before transferring to your hotel. Spend the day amid the colourful culture spanning this city and enjoy an afternoon sightseeing tour around Old Delhi.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Delhi
Distance: None
Meals: Dinner
Day 2 Travel to Uttarkashi
During the early hours of the morning, take the express train to Haridwar. Once you’re in Haridwar, you’ll meet and greet with another member of the tour and enjoy a ride to Uttarkashi by car. Upon arrival at the hotel, you’ll get introduced to the tour representative and the trekking crew. You’ll notice that many other avid trekkers flock here for expeditions in the Gangotri Himalayas region.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Uttarkashi
Distance: None
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3 Begin the trek in Gangotri
Get ready to start your epic trekking journey after a transfer to Gangotri. Today's hike travels primarily along the Bhagirathi River until you reach Bhojvasa, where you'll set up camp for the night. From the campsite, admire the soaring peaks and Gaumukh glacier painting the backdrop. There's also a small temple nearby. Spend the evening basking in the scenery and enjoying a relaxing meditation and yoga session.
Overnight Location: Camping at Bhojvasa (3,775m / 12,385ft)
Distance: 6-7 hours, 12-14 km, 700 m
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4 Hike to Tapovan
Today’s journey has you climbing to 4463 m above sea level. Don’t get too intimidated, this route is more moderate than it might sound. Before you begin hiking, take a moment to breathe in the surrounding views during early morning yoga and meditation. After, you will start walking towards Gaumukh, one of the biggest glaciers in the world. It’s considered holy to swim in this glacier! Once you’ve gained newfound energy after a refreshing dip, you’ll embark on a steep ascent to Tapovan, your base for the night. Revel in the magnificent meadow spanning this area upon arrival!
Overnight Location: Camping at Tapovan (3,780m / 12,401ft)
Distance: 6-7 hours, 12-14 km, 1000 m
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5 Walk to Nandanvan
After a fulfilling breakfast, let the flora and fauna blanketing the Himalayan land enchant you as you walk. Eventually, you’ll hike along the Gangotri and Chaturangi glaciers. Expect a blend of hiking, climbing, boulder hopping, and glacier viewing on today’s exciting expedition! Once you reach Nandanvan, admire the snow-capped peaks cradling the area and set up camp for the night.
Overnight Location: Camping at Nandavan (4,150m / 13,615ft)
Distance: 5-6 hours, 9 km, 1050 m
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6 Hike to Vasuki Tal
Get ready for another jaunt today, one that introduces you to Bharal (mountain goats) and takes you to Vasuki Tal, where a “not so big” glacier sits. After the stellar trek, enjoy a relaxing night at camp.
Overnight Location: Camping at Vasuki Tal (4,750m / 15,584ft)
Distance: 4-5 hours, 6 km, 900 m
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7 Hike to KharaPathar
Today’s hike grants you the chance to view the second-highest peak in Gangotri National Park: Satopanth. After traversing an oak forest and meadows blanketed in green, you’ll reach Kharapathar. Enjoy relaxing in nature for the rest of the day!
Overnight Location: Camping at Khara Pathar (5,300m / 17,388ft)
Distance: 5-6 hours, 6-8 km, 1000 m
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 8 Hike to Kalindi Khal base
Expect a more challenging but incredibly rewarding hike today! After traversing several boulders, you’ll arrive at the Chaturangi glacier. This hike takes you to the Kalandikhal base, so note that you’re about to begin the trek to the pinnacle of this tour! Enjoy the breathtaking views.
Overnight Location: Camping at Kalindi Khal base (5,500m / 18,085ft)
Distance: 5 hours, 8 km, 460 m
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 9 Rest at Kalindi Khal base
Enjoy a lovely rest day to get acclimatized before ascending Kalindi Khal Pass. Revel in delicious, hot meals and let your legs chill out.
Overnight Location: Camping at Kalindi Khal base (5,500m / 18,085ft)
Distance: None
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 10 Head to Kalindi Khal Peak
The hike to Kalindi Khal Peak from camp may only be 1.5km, but the snow blanketing the land year-round and the conditions between the stream and glacier can be quite steep. However, the pass provides phenomenal views of Mt. Kamet, Mt. Mana, Abi Gamin, and Mana Parba, all of which tower over the land at 6700m-7800m. You’re in for a treat- get that camera ready.
Overnight Location: Camping at Kalindi Khal base (5,500m / 18,085ft)
Distance: 6-7 hours, 3 km, 300 m
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 11 Descend to Raja Parav
Encounter more spectacular views as you make your way to Raja Parav. En route to Raja Parav, you’ll descend a glacier and pass by stunning springs. Enjoy another night in the wild!
Overnight Location: Camping at Raja Parav (4,820m / 15,815ft)
Distance: 6-7 hours, 12-14 km 800 m descent
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 12 Hike to Ghastoli
Today’s trek may be 16 kilometres, but know that you’ll be traversing moderate terrain. Hike through the Arwa Glacier’s moraine fields until the scenery unfolds into glacial streams and vegetation starts to take over the landscape. Once you reach Ghastoli, a flat area with green grass, you’ll pitch your tent and rest for the night.
Overnight Location: Camping at Ghastoli (3,780m / 12,402ft)
Distance: 6 hours, 16 km, 1200 m
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 13 Head to Badrinath
Today’s activities involve a more cultural approach. Hike to Mana, from where you’ll drive to TaptKund, where it’s required to bathe in the natural springs before you go into the Badrinath temple. Admire the Badrinath, which is cradled by the soaring peaks of Nar & Narayan mountains. After you spend some time here, you’ll drive to Joshimath and enjoy a relaxing night at a homestay.
Overnight Location: Homestay in Joshimath (1,875m / 6,150ft)
Distance: 18 km
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 14 Drive to Haridwar
Enjoy a delicious, fulfilling breakfast before transferring to Haridwar. Once you arrive, you’ll check into your hotel, where total relaxation awaits. During the evening, you’ll also get the chance to check out the Ganga Aarti, a ceremony performed at the temples spanning Haridwar.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Haridwar
Distance: None
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 15 Train to Delhi
Spend the day sightseeing around Haridwar. Check out Shantikunj, the largest Ashram in town. Ride the cable car at Mansa Devi Temple, where stunning views of Haridwar await. In the afternoon, stop by Gita Kutir, which is where they serve 400-500 meals daily. At 6:15 pm, you will take the train to Delhi. Once you arrive, you’ll check into your hotel.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Delhi
Distance: None
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 16 Depart Delhi
Enjoy a tasty breakfast before embarking on a half-day tour of Delhi. On this tour, you'll get the chance to check out India Gate, pass by the president's residence (which used to be known as Viceroy's Palace), and stop by Qutub Minar, which hasn't rusted at all even though it's 1500 years old! Afterwards, you'll have a final dinner with the rest of your group before heading to the international airport.
Overnight Location: None
Distance: None
Meals: Breakfast
Kalindi Khal Pass Trek Price and Dates
This guided trekking tour in India is always run as a private tour for your group only and the price depends on the size of your group. Please note that the prices might increase during public holidays.
Prices below are per person:
- Guided Groups of 6: from $2,995 USD per person
- Guided Groups of 7-9: $2,195 USD per person
- Guided Groups of 10+: on request
Accommodation on Kalindi Khal Pass Trek
This tour will have you staying in a combination of hotels and alpine tents at overnight campsites. When you’re not camping, expect to stay in 2-4-star hotels. The hotels provided come with modern amenities that elevate your comfort. Do note that rooms are double occupancy, but you can always upgrade to single occupancy for an additional fee. Single travellers are required to pay a supplement.
In some cases, the accommodation listed below may be swapped for other similar accommodations.
Single Rooms and Solo Travelers
You can pay a supplement of $368 USD to have a private room in a hotel. It’s also possible to match single travellers up.
Hotels on Standard Tour
Hotel The Royal Plaza in Delhi ★★★★
Enjoy a sprinkle of luxury here. During your stay, let your body unwind in the indoor or outdoor pool or head to the spa for an added boost of relaxation.
Hotel Shivparivar in Uttarkashi ★★
Experience total comfort at this hotel, which offers river facing views from its rooms and a buffet that serves a variety of different cuisine!
Camping in Ladakh
Enjoy sleeping under the stars! You’ll camp in beautiful locations along the trail, where all necessary equipment will be provided.
Ganga Lahari in Joshimath ★★★
This hotel seamlessly marries old-world charm with modern necessities. You’ll find a foot bath, restaurant, massage chair, WiFi, and more on-site.
Hotel The Royal Plaza in Delhi ★★★★
Enjoy a sprinkle of luxury here. During your stay, let your body unwind in the indoor or outdoor pool or head to the spa for an added boost of relaxation.
What’s included in the Kalindi Khal Pass Trek?
Meals
15 breakfasts, 11 lunches, and 15 dinners are included.
Accommodations
Accommodations for 15 nights is included.
Transportation during the Tour
Transportation is included for transfers to the different locations, pick-up, and drop-off spots throughout the tour.
Also Included
- Guide
- Camping and permit fees
- Trekking arrangements: tents, cook, ponies, helpers, one-inch mattresses
- Toilet tent
Not included
- Flights to and from Delhi
- Accommodations before and after the tour in Delhi
- Tour guide gratuity
- Personal necessities such as drinks during mealtimes and laundry
- Sleeping bags
- Insurance
Optional Extras
- Extra night in Delhi before or after the tour
Frequently Asked Questions about Kalindi Khal Pass Trek
Trans India Holidays was founded nearly 30 years ago in New Dehli, India. They grew their team from four dedicated travellers to 100 energetic guides and trip planners.
Trans India strives to provide the best possible value for client’s money, continually searching for ways they can upgrade their service and experiences.
Offering a range of tour styles, Trans India operates cultural, religious, adventure, wildlife, culinary, family-friendly, and sporting tours.
Looking after each little detail from the perfect hotel room to booking your tee time for you, Trans India knows how to make a holiday in India as unforgettable as possible.
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Local Guide
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Rajiv has been working as a guide since 1996, and fell in love with sharing the ancient cultural and social roots of India with travellers. Rajiv believes that the diversity of India’s different regions in terms of food, language, and culture makes travelling the country an experience like no other. Rajiv runs all kinds of tours, but especially enjoys trekking tours. He’s climbed mountains up to 8,000 feet in -10 degrees with groups and considers those to be his greatest achievements as a guide.
- Q: What is your favourite trip to lead?
- A: I enjoy giving people walking tours of the city, because that’s the best way to give a vivid introduction to the country and also because there is an element of surprise on the streets. It cannot be controlled or planned, and I immensely enjoy presenting that world to them.
- Q: What is one experience anybody visiting your country should have?
- A: Learning to cook traditional Indian food.
- Q: What is one local dish or drink that visitors absolutely have to try?
- A: Masala Dosa, it’s very tasty.
- Q: What is the best part about guiding?
- A: Providing them with more than they expected and noticing and taking care of any discomforts the guests might experience. Sometimes the guests don’t say it, so as a guide you have to be very attentive to that.