Gupt Khal Trek

Joshimath to Govind Ghat to Ghangharia

• After an early breakfast, drive for an hour to Govind Ghat (26 km).

• Govind Ghat is situated at 1700 meters and serves as the starting point for treks to Hemkund Sahib and the Valley of Flowers.

• Begin the trek on a well-paved trail that winds up sharply, then follows the gentle slopes of the Laxman Ganga Valley.

• Pass by occasional horses with jingling bells as you trek.

• Set up camp at Kanjilla Kahrak, a picturesque meadow bordered by the pilgrim trail.

• Experience the peaceful surroundings as pilgrims pass by, with the faint sound of horse bells in the distance.

• Enjoy the evening view of Ghangharia, with Bhyundar Gorge's towering pinnacles visible in the distance.

• Explore the small local market in Ghangharia and take in the tranquil vista around the hamlet.

• Enjoy a relaxing dinner at the camp.

Ghangharia to Valley of Flowers to Tipra Kharak Camping Grounds

• After breakfast at 08:00 AM, begin the trek with stunning views of the landscape, flora, fauna, and the surrounding forests.

• The trail soon reaches a bifurcation, marking the route to Hemkund Sahib and the Valley of Flowers.

• Stop at the "Forest Check Gate" to present necessary documents as you enter the Valley of Flowers, away from the busy pilgrim route.

• Continue deep into the valley, surrounded by the serene beauty of the flowers and natural landscape.

• Arrive at Tipra Kharak Camping Grounds (3700 meters), a vast meadow with large bushes of rhubarb, covering a distance of 10 km.

• In the distance, see the barren gray expanse of Tipra Glacier, which marks the beginning of the glacier and glacial debris route ahead.

• Enjoy a late lunch followed by dinner at the campsite, and spend the night under the stars at Tipra Kharak.

Tipra Kharak to Bhyundar Icefall Camp

• After breakfast and packing up, begin the trek towards Bhyundar Icefall Camp, covering a distance of 4 km.

• Depending on the team's mood, either attempt Bhyundar Khal Base or spend the day acclimatizing with a short trip for the upcoming route.

• For those not acclimatizing, gain some distance towards the Bhyundar Icefall, aiming to set up a base camp closer to the pass.

• Descend to the glacier bed and cross its entire width before climbing up to the top of the right lateral moraine of the Bhyundar Icefall.

• Reach the Bhyundar Icefall Camp at an elevation of 4600 meters, and settle in for the night.

Bhyundar Icefall Camp to Bhyundar Khal Base

• Start the trek from the moraine camp to the base of Parvati Col.

• The trail involves a short but steep ascent, bringing you closer to the Panpatia Snowfield.

• Camp just below Parvati Col. to rest for the night.

• Enjoy a well-deserved dinner at the campsite and retire to the tents for an overnight stay.

Bhyundar Base to Bhyundar Khal to Bank-Kund Lake Camp

• Start early at 06:00 AM with breakfast, and begin the steep ascent towards the ridge top, heading towards Bhyundar Khal.

• Reach an elevation of 4900 meters, where the view opens up as you approach a snow plateau, and finally reach Bhyundar Khal at 5100 meters by 09:00 AM.

• Spend about half an hour capturing stunning views of both valleys, Rata Pahar, Uki Pahar, Mt. Kagbhushand, Mt. Nilgiri, and the Kamet massif.

• Begin the descent, reaching the glacier bottom by 12:00 PM for a packed lunch.

• Continue the descent to reach Bank-Kund Lake Camp (4500 meters) for an overnight halt.

• Enjoy a well-earned dinner after covering almost 12 km throughout the day.

Bank-Kund Lake to Bank-Kund Base

• Start with a tough 6 km trek from Bank-Kund Lake to Bank-Kund Base.

• The trail begins along a grassy ridge with a moderate incline, leading to a tricky snow slope with unpredictable ice hardness.

• The slope is steep, with a fall resulting in a near-vertical drop to the glacier floor below, requiring careful navigation.

• The lead trio will cut steps with ice axes, thumping them hard with boots to secure footing.

• Cross the main body of the Bankund Glacier to reach the true left bank, then proceed north for a few kilometers.

• Arrive at Bankund Glacier Camping Ground (4900 meters), with the glacier's wide bed stretching ahead like a giant python.

• Continue for a couple of kilometers until the glacier sharply bends to the right beneath the tall ramparts of the ridge connecting Nilgiri and Mandir Massif.

Bankund Base to Garh Camping Grounds

• Start at 09:00 AM, heading towards the medial moraine ridge located to the west of Bankund Base.

• The panoramic views along the ridge are stunning, dominating the senses as you trek further.

• Continue along the ridge in a northwest direction for a few kilometers to reach Garh Camping Ground.

• Located near the head of the Bankund Glacier, Garh Camping Ground offers a clear view of Gupt Khal (The Secret Pass).

• After a tough day of trekking, arrive at Garh Camping Ground (5450 meters) by 2:00 PM, covering almost 6 km.

• The team rests and prepares for the upcoming pass, while the advance team heads out to scout the site for the Pass Base Camp and determine the best approach to the Pass.

Garh Camp to Gupt Khal Base

• Start early at 06:00 AM after a light breakfast to trek towards Gupt Khal Base, located directly opposite the Pass.

• The route follows the medial moraine ridge, heading towards the south flank of Mana Parvat.

• Continue along the ridge bottom, moving due west to reach the point directly opposite Gupt Khal.

• The vast snowfield resembles a frozen ocean surface, with winds sculpting the snow into wave-like patterns, similar to desert sand dunes.

• Reach Gupt Khal Base Camp Site (5600 meters) by 12:00 PM, where the team sets up camp.

• Prepare lunch and take time to rest at the camp, while the advance team heads out for a recce and rope fixing (if needed) for the upcoming attempt on the pass the following day.

Gupt Khal Base to Gupt Khal to Nakthani Snowfields

• Begin early at 08:00 AM and reach the top of Gupt Khal (5800 meters) by 10:00 AM, marking the highest point of the expedition.

• Spend half an hour capturing photos of major peaks in the Kamet and Mana Massif, Saraswathi Valley, and the vast Bankund Glacier.

• Begin the descent and continue for 3 km to reach Nakthani Snowfields (5650 meters) located northwest of the Pass.

• Set up camp on the Nakthani Snowfields after a successful day of reaching the pass and enjoying the spectacular views.

Nakthani Snowfields to Nakthani Glacier Snout

• After breakfast, begin the descent to Nakthani Glacier Snout at 4950 meters, covering approximately 9 km.

• After spending 10 days in the snow-covered wilderness, everyone is eager to see civilization once again.

• The day’s trek brings a sense of relief as you move away from the high-altitude snowfields towards a more accessible location.

Day 12: Nakthani Glacier to Badrinath (3100M)

• Start early at 08:00 AM from Upper Nakthani Campground and reach Nakthani Campground by 09:00 AM.

• Proceed to the Saraswati River Valley, arriving by 10:00 AM, and cross the river.

• Join the Army trail by 11:00 AM and begin the downhill trek towards Badrinath (3100 meters).

• Enjoy a late lunch at Mana Village at 2:00 PM, and visit the Vyas and Ganesh Gufas en route.

• Porters continue to Badrinath while you reach the end of Mana Village, where a vehicle is waiting to take you to Badrinath.

• In the evening, participate in Darshan at Badrinath and enjoy a warm bath at Taptkund to unwind.

Rest Day

• Take a well-deserved rest day to recover from the trek.

• Enjoy the peaceful surroundings of Badrinath, explore the local area, or relax at the Taptkund hot springs.

• This is a perfect opportunity to rest, reflect on your journey, and soak in the serene environment before heading back.

Badrinath to Rishikesh

• After breakfast, begin the drive back to Rishikesh.

• Enjoy lunch on the route as you make your way through the scenic Himalayan landscapes.

• Arrive in Rishikesh by evening, marking the end of the trekking expedition.