Kalindikhal Pass Trek Uttarakhand

Kalindikhal Pass Trek is one of the most challenging treks of the Garhwal Himalayas. It is among the toughest and most adventurous of all Uttarakhand treks. Starting from Gangotri and ending at Badrinath Valley, Kalindikhal Trek is 99 km. The trek is not suitable for beginners. One needs to have some experience in mountaineering for this trek.

The trek takes you through pristine natural lakes, verdant valleys, snowfields, and glaciers. Kalindikhal Pass Trek is given much importance as it covers holy shrines like Gangotri and Badrinath. You will reach altitudes of around 6000 m above sea level while trekking to Kalindikhal.

Kalindikhal Pass Trek is perfect for adventure lovers as they get to enjoy everything from breathtaking scenery to spotting some of the majestic Himalayan peaks. You can spot Mt. Shivling at 6,543 m, Mt. Meru at 6,630 m, Kedar Dome at 6,808 m, Bhagirathi group at 6,856 m, Nilkantha at 6,506 m, Chandra Parvat at 6,728 m, and Avalanche Peak at 6,413 m. Apart from this, you can also see Kamet at 7,756 m, Mana at 7,272 m, and Abi Gamin at 7,355 m. Kalindikhal Pass Trek (5968 M) is one of the toughest treks, which offers a lifetime’s experience. 

Kalindikhal Pass Trek Details

• Duration : 18 days / 17 nights
• Altitude : 5946 m/19500 ft.
• Level: Tough
• Season: Mid June – July & August
• Region: Garhwal Himalayas
• Trek Distance: 99 km
• Nearest Railhead: Rishikesh is the nearest railhead.
• Nearest Town: Uttarkashi is the nearest major town.

Best Time to Visit Kalindikhal Pass

June to early September is an ideal time for Kalindikhal Trek. Summer and monsoon seasons are the best time to visit Kalindikhal Pass when the clear skies and salubrious weather make the trek easy. The trekking path remains accessible in these months. However, the region is covered with snow during winters, making the trek challenging.

Where is Kalindikhal Pass Located?

Kalindi Khal Pass connects Gangotri and Badrinath in the Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand. The trek takes you from Bhagirathi Valley to Alaknanda Valley. Located at the base of the Kalindi Peak at an altitude of 5,930 m above sea level, the Kalindikhal Pass trek is among the most challenging treks in the region. Foreigners require an Inner Line Permit to embark on this trek. However, Indians do not need any kind of permit.

Kalindikhal Pass Trek Itinerary

Day 01: Delhi – Rishikesh (230 km / 6 – 7 hours drive)

On your arrival in Delhi, meet our tour representative and you will be transferred to Rishikesh, which takes 6 – 7 hours to cover 230 km. A night stay is scheduled at Rishikesh.

Day 02: Rishikesh – Uttarkashi (148 km)

On the second day of your Kalindikhal Pass Trek tour, from Rishikesh, you will have an assisted transfer to Uttarkashi, covering around 148 km. Overnight stay at Uttarkashi.

Day 03: Uttarkashi 

Today, you will apply for the inner line permit in Uttarkashi for the trek. The rest of the day is at your leisure. A night stay at Uttarkashi.

Day 04: Uttarkashi – Gangotri (3050m / 101 km / 5 hours)

Start your tour from Uttarkashi and travel to Gangotri (3,050 m) on the fourth day of the tour. It takes approximately 5 hours to cover the distance of 101 km. Overnight stay at Gangotri.

Day 05: Gangotri

Today, settle down and relax at Gangotri. Overnight stay at Gangotri.

Day 06: Gangotri – Bhojbasa (3658m / 14 km trek / 5 hours)

On the sixth day, you start your trek tour from Gangotri to Bhojbasa (3658 m), covering 14 km in 5 hours. A night stay at Bhojbasa.

Day 07: Bhojbasa – Gaumukh (3,900m) – Tapovan (4,463m) (12 km trek / 4 – 5 hours)

Today, from Bhojbasa, continue your trek to Gaumukh (3,900 m), and further, from Gaurikund, indulge in a trek to Tapovan (4,463 m). Overall, it takes 4 to 5 hours to complete a 12 km trek. A night stay is scheduled at Tapovan.

Day 08: Trek Tapovan – Nandan Van (4500m / 10 km)

On the eighth day of your Kalindikhal Pass trek tour, indulge in a 10 km trek from Tapovan to Nandan Van (4,500 m). Overnight stay at Nandan Van.

Day 09: Nandanvan -Vasukital     

Today, from Nanda Van, continue your trek to Vasukital. Overnight stay at Vasukital.                        

Day 10: Vasukital – Khara Pathar (5456m / trek 4 – 5 hours)     

On the tenth day, continue your trek from Vasukital to Khara Pathar (5456 m). It is a 4 to 5 hours trek. A night stay at Khara Pathar.        

Day 11: Khara Pathar – Kalindikhal Base                               

On day eleventh, from Khara Pathar, you trek to Kalindikhal base. Enjoy the serenity and natural beauty of this exotic location. Overnight stay at Kalindikhal base camp.

Day 12: Kalindikhal Base – Kalindi pass (5947m) – Rajparav (trek 5 – 6 hours)

Again start your trek from Kalindikhal base to Kalindi Pass (5947 m). On reaching Kalindi Pass, continue your trek to Rajparav. In total, it takes around 5 to 6 hours to complete the entire trek. A night stay at Rajparav.

Day 13: Rajparav – Arwatal (6 hours trek)   

On the thirteenth day of your Kalindikhal trek tour, you proceed for a 6 hours trek from Rajparav to Arwatal. A night stay at Arwatal.

Day 14: Arwatal – Ghastoli (trek 6 – 7 hours)   

Today, you indulge in a 6 to 7 hours trek from Arwatal to Ghastoli. Overnight stay at Ghastoli.                  

Day 15: Ghastoli – Mana (4 hours trek) – Badrinath (3133m) (by road)

Continue your trek from Ghastoli to Mana, which takes 4 hours to complete. As soon as you reach Mana, straight away, drive to Badrinath (3133 m). Overnight stay at Badrinath.

Day 16: Badrinath – Joshimath (Visit Auli)

From Badrinath, you travel to Joshimath. From there, travel to Auli and explore this beautiful tourist destination. Overnight stay at Auli.

Day 17: Joshimath – Rishikesh

Today, you will have an assisted transfer from Joshimath to Rishikesh. Overnight stay at Rishikesh.                             

Day 18: Rishikesh – Delhi

On the eighteenth and last day of your Kalindhikal trek tour, you will proceed towards Delhi from Rishikesh for your onward journey.