Kalindi Khal Pass Trek

Day 1: Drive Dehradun (640 m) to Gangotri (3,048 m) – 241 km, 10–12 hrs.
Day 2: Acclimatization at Gangotri (3,048 m). Visit Gangotri Temple and short hikes.
Day 3: Gangotri to Bhojwasa (3,780 m) – 14 km, 5–6 hrs.
Day 4: Bhojwasa to Tapovan (4,463 m) via Gaumukh – 9 km, 5–6 hrs.
Day 5: Tapovan to Nandanvan (4,340 m) – 7 km, 5–6 hrs.
Day 6: Nandanvan to Vasuki Tal (4,800 m) – 6 km, 5–6 hrs.
Day 7: Vasuki Tal to Khara Patthar (5,130 m) – 7 km, 5–6 hrs.
Day 8: Khara Patthar to Sweta Glacier camp (5,500 m) – 6 km, 5–6 hrs.
Day 9: Sweta Glacier to Kalindi Base (5,600 m) – 6 km, 5–6 hrs.
Day 10: Cross Kalindi Khal Pass (5,950 m) to Rajparav (5,200 m) – 12 km, 10–12 hrs.
Day 11: Rajparav to Arwa Tal (3,910 m) – 13 km, 6–7 hrs.
Day 12: Arwa Tal to Ghastoli (3,798 m) – 16 km, 6–7 hrs.
Day 13: Ghastoli to Mana (3,100 m), drive to Badrinath (3,133 m) – 18 km trek, 6–7 hrs + 3 km drive.
Day 14: Drive Badrinath to Dehradun – 334 km, 12–14 hrs

In Himalaya Shelter, we provide you with the option to customize your trekking experience. Whether you're a solo traveler, a group of friends, or a family, you can opt for our personalized tailor-made trekking program. This customized trek will be exclusively designed for you, taking into account your specific requirements for transportation, accommodation, meals, and any other premium facilities you may need during the trek. No other participants will be added to your group. Choosing a customized trek will enable you to fully enjoy the trek with your loved ones. Click here to learn what a Customized Trekking program looks like.

Kalindi Khal is counted as a revered high-altitude place of Garhwal Himalayas as it connects two sacred pilgrimages- Gangotri and Badrinath. The name 'Kalindi' or 'Khalindi' is based on one of the names of River Yamuna. In ancient text River Yamuna is described as a daughter of Sun God and was called 'Kalindi' also. As per mythology, River Yamuna and Yama (God of Death & Justice) are offsprings of Sun God and Yama for being associated with darkness or black colour (Kaal or Kaala), Yamuna also received the name Kalindi. 

Ancient texts describe the Gangotri–Tapovan–Gaumukh region as the sacred birthplace of the River Ganga. It is believed that crossing the Kalindi Khal is not just a geographical journey but also a spiritual passage which takes you from mortality to liberation. Due to the high spiritual frequency, many sages and saints meditated here for years.

In the 20th century, when mountaineers and explorers started surveying the Garhwal Himalayas, modern exploration began and it gained recognition as one of the most challenging high-altitude trekking destinations.

• Gangotri (3,048 m): Gangotri is a small town on the banks of Bhagirathi River (becomes Ganga in Devprayag after meeting with Alaknanda River), named after the Gangotri Glacier, the origin of Ganga River. Here you can visit the famous Gangotri Temple and the scenic beauty of the Himalayas. 
• Bhojwasa (3,775 m): Bhojwasa is a beautiful campsite once surrounded by the Bhoj (birch) trees that grew here. You can still find many birch trees here. Here you can view the sunrise and sunset on Bhagirathi massif which looks so mesmerizing and magical.
• Gaumukh (3,890 m): Gaumukh is the snout of the Gangotri Glacier which is shaped like a cow’s mouth and called 'Gau-mukh'. It is counted as one of the most sacred places in the Indian Himalayas.  
• Tapovan (4,463 m): Tapovan is an alpine meadow above Gaumukh. Here you can see water streams, wildflowers and surrounding snowcapped peaks. This place is often known as one of the best places for doing Yoga and meditation.
• Nandanvan (4,400 m): Nandanvan is another meadow that lies at the base of Mt Shivling and gives access to Chaturangi Glacier. It is surrounded by the famous peaks like Bhagirathi I, II, III and Kedar Dome. 
• Vasuki Tal (4,900 m): Vasuki Tal is a sacred lake named after the Serpent God 'Vasuki'. As per mythology, Lord Vishnu took a sacred bath here. Its crystal-clear water reflects Satopanth and other surrounding peaks.
• Kalindi Khal Pass (5,947 m): Kalindi Khal Pass is the highest and most challenging point of the trek. It lies amid crevassed glaciers and connects Gangotri to Badrinath. From here you can view Shivling, Meru, Bhagirathi peaks, Chandra Parvat and Satopanth.
• Mana Village (3,200 m): Mana Village is known as the last Indian village before Tibet. Locals often associated it with Pandavas from Mahabharata. Visitors can see the Bheem Pul, a natural stone bridge here.
• Badrinath (3,300 m): Khalindi Pass trek ends in the  Badrinath, one of the holiest Char Dham shrines. Badrinath is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Pilgrims often take baths here in the Tapt Kund hot spring and visit Badrinath Temple.

The Kalindi Khal Pass is considered one of the most difficult and challenging treks in the Indian Himalayas. It is located at the altitude of around 5,950 m (19,520 ft) above sea level. It is ideal for seasoned trekkers who are looking for a thrilling journey, spiritual depth and high-altitude adventure.

The terrain of Kalindi Khal Pass is highly diverse. It ranges from dense forests to lush meadows, steep ascents, glaciers, moraines and crevassed ice fields. Every day, trekkers have to walk through transforming landscapes which is adventurous but also challenging.

The total trek duration is around 12 to 15 (including travel) days which covers approx 90 km, depending on the route. Each day involves at least 6 hours of walking which can stretch to 10 to 12 hours. The route involves crossing major glaciers such as the Gangotri, Chaturangi and Sweta where the landscape is often barren, icy and hostile.

Weather conditions can be unpredictable at higher altitudes. Nights can be freezing cold. Snowfields may remain even during the peak summer. Sudden rainfall and hailstorm can add delays and difficulties.

Trekkers need basic technical support while crossing the pass. On snowfields and steepy ridges, usage of rope and ice axes are common. The basic mountaineering skills and technical guidance is required. There are no proper infrastructure and emergency services en route; a well-equipped support team is essential.

Due to high-altitude and technical challenges, Kalindi Khal Pass trek is not suitable for kids and families. Beginners can attempt it but they must be physically fit and mentally enduring. Proper guidance and acclimatization are very important. Solo trekking is also not advisable due to remote terrain, safety and navigation.

The journey for Kalindi Khal Pass usually starts from Gangotri, a well-known pilgrimage town in Uttarakhand that is easily accessible by road from Dehradun, Rishikesh or Haridwar.

From Delhi, one can first reach Dehradun by train, flight or bus, and then take a taxi to Gangotri via Uttarkashi. Gangotri is the starting point of the trek. From here, the trekking begins towards Bhojwasa, an open meadow, following the path along the Bhagirathi River. 

The next stretch goes towards Gaumukh, the snout of the Gangotri Glacier and then gradually climbs up to Tapovan, a famous campsite at the base of Mount Shivling. After Tapovan, trekkers move towards Nandanvan, crossing rocky moraine paths and glacier sections. The trail then proceeds to Vasuki Tal- a high-altitude lake, before proceeding to Khara Pathar and Sweta Glacier. 

The most difficult section is the steep climb to Kalindi Khal Pass at an elevation of about 5,950 m. Here usage of technical gear and guidance are often required. From the pass, the trail descends towards Arwa Valley, passing through campsites like Kalindi Base and Raj Parav. The trek finally ends at Ghastoli and then reaches the road-head at Mana village, which is close to Badrinath. 

From Mana, vehicles are available to reach Badrinath and further to Haridwar, Rishikesh or Dehradun. In short, to reach Kalindi Khal, one has to travel to Gangotri by road, complete the long high-altitude trek across glaciers and exit at Mana near Badrinath.

Clothing

• 2-3 quick-dry T-shirts (full sleeves preferred)
• 2 trek pants (water-resistant if possible)
• 1-2 fleece jacket or woollen sweater
• 1 down jacket or heavy padded jacket
• 1-2 thermal inner set (top + bottom)
• Waterproof & windproof jacket
• Poncho or raincoat
• Woolen cap + Sun cap
• Neck gaiter or scarf
• 2–3 pairs of synthetic/woolen socks + 1 pair of woolen gloves
• Innerwear (quick-dry), towel

Footwear

• Trekking shoes (ankle-high, good grip)
• Floaters/sandals (for campsites)
• Gaiters (recommended due to snow/rock)

Trekking Gear

• 50–60L backpack with rain cover
• 20–30L daypack (for summit day & side hikes)
• Trekking poles (highly recommended)
• Headlamp with spare batteries
• Sleeping bag (–10°C to –20°C comfort rating, if not provided)
• Dry bags or ziplocks (to keep items dry)

Toiletries & Hygiene

• Toothbrush, toothpaste, biodegradable soap
• UV-protection sunglasses
• Sunscreen (SPF 50+), lip balm (SPF)
• Wet wipes, hand sanitizer
• Toilet paper, sanitary pads/tampons (carry back used items)
• Small quick-dry towel

Personal Medical Kit

• Diamox (for altitude)
• Crocin/Dolo, Combiflam, Digene
• ORS sachets, antiseptic cream
• Band-aids, gauze, crepe bandage
• Personal meds (if any)
• Betadine/Savlon

Documents

• Valid ID proof (Aadhaar, Voter ID, etc.)
• Medical certificate (fitness)
• Disclaimer form (from your trek operator)

Others

• Power bank
• Extra camera batteries (cold drains battery fast)
• Energy bars, dry fruits, glucose
• Notebook + pen (optional for journaling)
• Some cash (no ATM in region)

Technical Gear (usually arranged by trek organizers, but confirm)

• Crampons/microspikes
• Ice axe
• Climbing helmet
• Harness, carabiners, ropes