




The Kalindikhal Pass Trek, famously known as the "Daddy of All Treks" in the Garhwal Himalayas of Uttarakhand, is one of the most challenging and adventurous treks, covering a total distance of 99 km. This tough trail begins from Gangotri and concludes at Badrinath Valley. The trek is full of adventure and requires basic mountaineering skills, making it suitable only for experienced trekkers.
Traversing a 6,000 m high pass, the trek takes you through small natural lakes, rough glaciers, crevassed snowfields, and picturesque valleys. The Kalindikhal Pass Trek combines pilgrimage with adventure, connecting the holy Dhams of Gangotri and Badrinath. It offers breathtaking views, spiritual experiences, and the thrill of mountaineering, making it a complete Himalayan adventure.
At Trekking in India, we offer a thrilling Kalindikhal Pass Trekking tour. The trek starts from Gangotri and moves to Nandanvan, the base of the Bhagirathi group of peaks, with splendid views of Shivling Peak. The trail continues to Vasuki Tal (4,900 m) and then crosses the formidable Kalindikhal Pass (5,968 m). From there, the descent passes through Arwatal and Mana, the last village near the Chinese border, before ending at Badrinath with a visit to its sacred temple.
You will experience a mix of camping and trekking along this route. The best season to undertake this trek is July to August.
On arrival at Delhi airport, transfer to the hotel for overnight stay.
After breakfast, drive to Rishikesh. Stop at Haridwar for sightseeing of Ganga Ghats and temples before proceeding to Rishikesh. Check in at the hotel. Evening free to explore. Dinner and overnight stay.
Rishikesh : Situated at the foothills of the Garhwal Himalayas along the Ganges, Rishikesh is the gateway to the holy Dhams—Badrinath, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Yamunotri. Places of interest include Bharat Mandir, Nilkanth Mahadev, and several Ashrams for meditation, Yoga, and spiritual learning.
Drive to Uttarkashi (1,150 m). Check-in at the hotel. Visit the Nehru Institute of Mountaineering (NIM) and its museum. Evening free. Dinner and overnight stay.
Uttarkashi : The principal town in the region, Uttarkashi serves as a gateway for mountaineering and trekking expeditions in the Gangotri area.
Drive to Gangotri via Harsil. Check into hotel or tourist bungalow.
Gangotri : The shrine of Gangotri is located at 3,200 m, surrounded by deodars and pine forests. The original temple was built by Gorkha General Amar Singh Thapa. Raja Bhagirath is said to have worshiped Shiva on Bhagirath Shila near the temple. From here, a day's trek takes one to Gaumukh, the source of the Ganges.
Trek along the Bhagirathi River to Bhojbasa, enjoying Himalayan views and snowcapped peaks. Overnight camping at Bhojbasa.
Trek across the Gangotri Glacier to Nandanvan, the base of the Bhagirathi peaks. Views of Shivling, Bhagirathi, Sudarshan, Thelu, and Kedardome peaks. Overnight in tents.
Trek along the Chaturangi Glacier to Vasuki Tal, a beautiful lake at the base of Mt. Satopanth and Mt. Vasuki Parbat. Overnight in tents.
Trek to Suralya Bamak (Khara Pathar). Camping on moraines. Overnight stay.
Trek to Kalindikhal Base. Overnight camping.
Ascend to Kalindi Pass (5,947 m), spend some time at the summit, then descend to Raja Parav. Overnight camping.
Trek to Arwatal. Overnight stay in camp.
Trek to Ghastoli. Overnight camping.
Trek to Mana Village, then drive 2 km to Badrinath. Afternoon visit to Badrinath Temple. Dinner and overnight stay at hotel.
Badrinath : The temple, dedicated to Lord Vishnu, sits at 3,130 m on the banks of Alaknanda River, with Neelkanth and twin peaks Nar & Narayan in the backdrop. Adi Shankaracharya installed the idol of Vishnu here. Nearby is the Tapt Kund, a natural hot sulphur spring.
Visit the temple early morning, then drive to Joshimath. Overnight stay at Hotel Dronagiri.
Joshimath : Also called Jyotirmath, established by Adi Shankaracharya. Temples of Nav Durga and Narsingh are notable, along with its scenic beauty.
Drive to Rishikesh. Evening visit Laxman Jhula, Thirteen-Storey Temple, Geeta Ashram, Parmarth Niketan, and attend the Aarti ceremony at Triveni Ghat. Overnight stay at hotel.
Rishikesh : A spiritual town on the Ganges surrounded by the Shivalik ranges. Gateway to the Char Dham pilgrimage, it is famous for meditation, yoga, and adventure activities.
Leisure day for personal activities. Visit Geeta Bhawan, Ram Jhula, Laxman Jhula, or other ashrams.
Drive to Delhi with lunch en route. On arrival, transfer to the airport for onward journey.
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