Overview
Kalindi Khal Pass Trek – High-Altitude Expedition from Gangotri to Badrinath in Garhwal Himalayas
Kalindi Khal, also known as Kalindi Pass, is one of the highest trekking passes in the Indian Himalayas, located at an elevation of 5,942 meters (19,495 feet). This challenging high-altitude trek connects Gangotri to Badrinath, traversing through remote glaciers, rugged terrain, and breathtaking alpine landscapes. Situated in the Garhwal Himalayas of Uttarakhand, Kalindi Khal is renowned as one of the most difficult and adventurous Himalayan treks in India. The heavily glaciated trail lies near the Gangotri Glacier, the origin point of the sacred Ganga River, making it both a spiritual and adventure-filled journey for seasoned trekkers.
Itinerary
Begin your Kalindi Khal trek journey with a scenic drive from Dehradun railway station to Gangotri, the sacred source of the Ganges. The route offers mesmerizing views of the Bhagirathi River and dense Himalayan forests.
Spend the day resting and acclimatizing at Gangotri, a vital step for successful high-altitude trekking in the Garhwal region. Explore local temples and prepare for the journey ahead.
Start your trek along the Bhagirathi River, passing through pine forests to reach Chirbasa, and continue toward Bhojbasa, offering stunning views of the Bhagirathi peaks.
Trek to the Gomukh Glacier, the snout of the Gangotri Glacier and the origin of the Ganga River. Continue the glacier traverse to reach the alpine meadow of Nandanvan beneath Shivling Peak.
Ascend through rocky terrain and moraine patches to reach Vasuki Tal, a stunning high-altitude glacial lake and a perfect campsite for acclimatization.
Rest and acclimatize at Vasuki Tal to prepare for the glacier-heavy section of the Kalindi Khal expedition. Enjoy views of Mt. Satopanth and surrounding snow-clad peaks.
Cross moraine fields and ice-covered terrain to reach Khara Patthar, known for its rugged beauty and proximity to towering Himalayan peaks.
Continue over snowfields to reach Sweta Glacier, a stunning yet isolated glacier field en route to the Kalindi base.
Make your way to Kalindi Base Camp, situated below the formidable Kalindi Pass, with panoramic views of glaciated ridges and snow-covered landscapes.
Today is the most challenging day as you cross the Kalindi Khal Pass, one of the highest trekking passes in India. Descend carefully to reach Rajparav for overnight stay.
Descend through steep ridgelines and meadows to reach the scenic Jungle Camp, nestled deep in the Garhwal Himalayan wilderness.
The route passes through river valleys and alpine grasslands, ending at Ghastoli, a military and ITBP outpost in the border region.
End your trek with a scenic drive from Ghastoli to Mana, the last village of India, and onward to the holy town of Badrinath – one of the Char Dham pilgrimage sites in Uttarakhand.
Includes/Excludes
Cost Includes
- Transport facility from Dehradun to Dehradun
- Forest Permit and entrance fee including camping charges
- Accommodation in Hotel; Gangotri
- All meals: breakfast, packed lunch, tea, coffee, snacks, soup and dinner
- Experienced local guide and Sherpa, permanent technical guide
- Kitchen team
- Porters
- Helpers
- High quality camping tents, sleeping bags, mattress liner etc
- Dining Tent
- Helmet,
- Gaiters
- Crampons
- Rescue Ropes, Climbing Ropes, Snow bar
- Harness, Descended, Ascender, figure of 8, Ice Screw
- Medical Kit
- Oxygen Cylinders
Cost Excludes
- Personal Insurance
- Personal toiletry Items
- Trekker carry your Photo ID , Adhar card , Passport , Visa , Medical certificate , Declaration from for entry at forest check posts on the trek it is very important
Expedition Essentials:
Essential Trekking Gear for Kalindi Khal Trek
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Trekking Backpack | 50–60 liters with rain cover and padded shoulder straps |
| Daypack (If offloading gear) | 20–30 liters with rain cover |
| Trekking Pole / Walking Stick | 1 sturdy trekking pole |
| Water Bottles / Thermos | 2 insulated bottles (1-liter each) |
| Energy Snacks | Dry fruits, protein/energy bars, electrolytes |
Clothing Checklist for Kalindi Khal Trek (Season-Wise)
| Clothing Item | Quantity – Summer | Quantity – Winter |
|---|---|---|
| Quick-Dry T-Shirts (Collared) | 2–3 | 2–3 (Full sleeves preferred) |
| Full-Sleeve Fleece T-Shirts | 2 | 2–3 |
| Fleece Jacket | 2 | 2 |
| Down Jacket (Available for Rent) | 1 | 1 |
| Thermal Innerwear (Top & Bottom) | 1 pair | 2 pairs |
| Quick-Dry Trek Pants | 2–3 pairs | 2–3 pairs |
| Waterproof Gloves | 1 pair | 1 pair |
| Woolen Gloves | 1 pair | 1 pair |
| Rain Jacket / Poncho + Pants | 1 set | 1 set |
| Lightweight Towel | 1 | 1 |
Headgear for High-Altitude Trekking
| Item | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Headlamp / Head Torch | 1 (provided if needed by Himalayan Buff) |
| Sun Cap | 1 |
| Woolen Cap | 1 |
| Balaclava | 1 |
| Buff / Neck Gaiter | 1 |
| UV-Protected Sunglasses | 1 (with wraparound design) |
Footwear Essentials
| Item | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Trekking Shoes | 1 pair of waterproof high-ankle trekking boots |
| Flip-Flops | 1 pair for campsite use |
| Cotton Socks | 2–3 pairs |
| Woolen Socks | 2 pairs |
| Gaiters | 1 pair (provided by Himalayan Buff when required) |
| Microspikes | 1 pair (provided by Himalayan Buff when required) |
Personal Hygiene & Toiletries
| Item | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Toothpaste | 1 |
| Toilet Paper Roll | 1 |
| Hand Sanitizer | 1 |
| Lip Balm | 1 |
| Light Towel | 1 |
| Moisturizer | 1 |
| Sunscreen (SPF 30–40) | 1 |
Personal Medical Kit (Must Carry)
| Item | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Painkillers | 1 strip |
| Motion Sickness Tablets | 1 strip |
| Fever / Headache Medicine | 1 strip |
| Anti-Allergy Tablets | 1 strip |
| Diarrhea Medicine | 1 strip |
| Muscle Spray / Ointment | 1 |
| Antiseptic Cream | 1 |
| ORS (Electrolyte Sachets) | 1–2 packets |
| Band-aids | 5–6 |
| Cotton & Gauze | 1 each |
| Scissors & Tweezers | 1 each |
| Elastic Bandage | 1 |
| High-Altitude Medications | |
| Diamox 125/250 mg | 1 strip |
| Diamox 500 mg | 4–5 tablets (consult your doctor) |
| Nifedipine 20 mg | 1 strip (doctor consultation advised) |
| Dexamethasone (4 mg) | 1 strip |
Pro Tip !!
Always pack light but smart. High-altitude treks like Kalindi Khal Pass require dependable gear and proper layering to cope with sub-zero temperatures and glacier crossings.
