Kalindi Khal Trek
Overview
Kalindi Khal trek is probably one of the most rewarding and adventurous trek options in the Garhwal region of Uttarakhand. Lying at an altitude of 6000 meters, Kalindi Khal trek trail has many valleys, lakes and glaciers. Blending two blessed pilgrimages of Badrinath and Gangotri, this trek provides the best of all things religious and adventurous. It offers trekkers the chance to experience the different natural elements at their prime.
Some of the most important places covered by the trek include Gangotri, Uttarkashi, Rishikesh, Gaumukh, Bojbasa, Chirbasa, Nandanvan, Khara Pather, Vasukhi, Arwa, Rajaparav, Badrinath, Mana and Joshimath.
The starting point of the trek is Gangotri, and it will take you further to Nandanvan, which is the base of Bhagirathi peaks. This place offers a majestic sight of the Shivling mountain range. The breathtaking beauty of the place will simply blow the trekker’s mind.
One of the best thing about this trek is its routes take the trekkers half way round the Garhwal regions from Bhagirathi River Valley to Alaknanda River Valley. Since the trek is a difficult one, it is advised for the seasoned trekkers only and the ones with prior experience of high altitude trekking destinations.
Historical Reference to Kalindi Khal Trek
The Kalindi Khal trek finds mention in a survey report by John Bicknell Auden who explored the Garhwal region of the Himalayas in the year 1936. He never trekked the path because it required him to return a similar path to Gangotri. Inspired by Auden’s account, Swami Probodhanandawas arranged the very first Indian expedition or adventure to cross the Kalindi Khal. This happened in 1945 under Swami Probodhanandawas’s leadership. The trip was guided by Dileep Singh, who was successful in ascending the Khal on 22nd July 1945.
About the Journey
As has already been pointed out, Kalindi Khal trek is a challenging expedition that offers an adrenaline rush in any trekker’s blood. At the same time, he or she scales up the height of 6000 feet into the Himalayas. This is a mesmeric place and a spiritual haven decked with nature’s grandeur and gorgeous mountains. The trek starts from Gangotri where the trekkers can seek blessings for the journey ahead. They need to trek to Gaumukh, which is the place where the Holy Ganga evolves. Trekkers are sure to get enchanted by the pastures and the valleys here. The mountain ranges of Bhagirathi, Meru and Shivling will not just take away your senses, but the beauty of Tapovan will also enchant you.
Trekkers can camp beside Vasuki Tal and watch out breathtaking views of majestic ranges, glaciers and moraines. There is everything a nature lover seeks out for in this trekking expedition. However, if you want to best enjoy the splendours of nature, you will have to put proper safety measures in place.
Travel To and From the Kalindi Khal Trek
Reaching Gangotri, the starting point of the Kalindi Khal trek is easy. Out of the several options available, we will have a look at two of them.
- Jolly Grant Airport, located in Dehradun, is the nearest airbase. It lies at a distance of 215 kilometres from Uttarkashi.
- Rishikesh and Haridwar are two nearest railway stations. Taxis and cabs are easily available from these stations for Uttarkashi and even for the further destinations.
Important Points
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Maximum Altitude | 6000 feet |
 |
Difficulty Level | HARD |
 |
Railway Station | Haridwar, Rishikesh, Dehradun Railway-station |
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Airport | Jolly Grant Airport |
 |
Base Camp | GANGOTRI |
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Terrain | Hilly –Snow covered |
Itinerary
Driving to Uttarkashi from Dehradun. You will have to cover a distance of 150 kilometres which will take 6 to 7 hours.
Driving from Uttarkashi to Gangotri which lies at a distance of 100 kilometres and will take approximately 4 to 5 hours to reach. Taking an acclimatization walk is important here.
Trekking to Chirbasa at a distance of 9 kilometres. This will take 5 hours.
Trekking to Bojbasa, which is 5 kilometres away and will take approximately 3 hours. Here you can have lunch and then start trekking towards Gaumukh. You need to return to Bojbasa again.
Trekking to Nandanvan lying at a distance of 9 kilometres. You will have to spend 6 to 7 hours trekking.
Active acclimatization and taking rest at Nandanvan.
Vasuki Tal located at a distance of 6 kilometres, will be your next trek destination. You will have to trek for 5 hours to reach this place.
Khara Patthar will be the next destination covering 4 to 5 hours of your journey.
Trekking to Shweta Glacier will take four to five hours.
Spend another five to six hours to reach Kalindi base camp- the next trek destination.
Reaching Kalindi Pass and moving to the Raj Parav. It lies at a distance of 13 kilometres covering 8 to 10 hours of the total journey.
Trekking to the Arwa Nala will take five to six hours as it lies at a distance of 13 kilometres.
Moving towards Ghastoli, which is 12 kilometres away and takes around five to six hours.
Trekking to the Mana Village lying at a distance of 15 kilometres. This will take 5 hours. Next, on the same day, you need to move to Badrinath, which is 3 kilometres away. Here, arrange a lodge for the night’s stay.
Driving back to Haridwar lying at a distance of 310 kilometres. You will have to spend approximately 12 hours.
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