Region: Garhwal Himalayas
Duration: 15 Nights 16 Days
Grade: Hard - Challenging Trek
Departure: 18 Sep 2014
The name Frank Sydney Smythe is synonymous with "Valley of Flowers". The British explorer and mountaineer, after his successful climb of Kamet in 1931 was coming down into the Bhyunder valley when he saw "… splashes of blue, a blue so intense it seemed to light the hillside." The splashes of blue were the primula flowers and Smythe called it the Valley of Flowers. In 1937 Smythe returned to the valley, explored a few high-altitude passes, and wrote about his journey in his book, 'The Valley of Flowers'. Inspired by his spirit of adventure, we are planning to retrace the route he followed during his famous exploration in 1937.
GUPT KHAL (HIDDEN PASS) THROUGH “THE VALLEY OF FLOWERS” Itinerary
Day 1. Rishikesh – Joshimath (1800M) - 270 Kms
Start early in the morning after breakfast at 0700 Hrs. Brief stop at Devprayag to view the Ganges confluence in early daylight. Drive further to Rudraprayag and Shivanandi, where we will have our lunch. After lunch we will drive following Alaknanda River till Birahi and steep climb will take us to Joshimath. Stay in hotel.
Day 2. Joshimath-Govindghat(1770M) - Ghangahria(3100M) - 25km Drive and Trek 14 KM
After breakfast drive for 1 hr to Govindghat. The paved trail winds up sharply and then along the gentle slopes of the Laxman Ganga Valley. Evening reach Ghanghria. Stay and dinner at guest house.
Day 3. Ghanghria(3100M) - Valley Of Flower - Tiprakharak (3600M) 10 KM
After Breakfast we will start walking. The path soon reaches the bifurcation of route to Hemkund and Valley of Flowers. Spend easy time in the Valley of Flowers from exploring and enjoying hundreds of flowers. Northbound route turns North East at Bamnidhaur and proceeds straight along a river. Camp and late lunch at the end of Valley of flowers. Spend the evening exploring the valley further more. Camping.
Day 4. Valley of Flowers - Tiprakharak(3600M) - Bhyundar Khal Base(4600M) 10KM
Start early our day negotiating the tough climb to Bhyunder Khal Base camp. The route soon turns Northwards at a glacier confluence. Proceeding along the sharp and rocky climb, aim to gain the platform on the base of the Bhyunder Khal. The Khal is visible directly due East. Packet lunch enroute in the middle of the glacier. Camping Bhundar khal base.
Day 5. Rest Day (4600M)
We will keep this day for scouting (Guides), Rest of team will acclimatize and explore the higher reaches of beautiful Valley of flowers.
Day 6. Bhyunder Base(4600M) - Bhyunder Khal(5100M) - North base(4500M) 8KM
Start early in the morning at 0600 am, so we can climb pass as early to get best of the views. We can see views of both valleys, Rata Pahar, Uki Pahar, Mt Kagbhushand, Mt Nilgiri and the numerous peaks of the Kamet massif. Start descent to reach the glacier bottom for lunch. Trek for another few hours to reach suitable camping ground. This valley is called Amrit Ganga valley and one can go down to Ghamsali village which connects to remote Niti village and Joshimath town.
Day 7. North base(4500M) - Bankund Gl Camp (4600 M) 8.5 KM
After breakfast we will start our day with magnificent views all around us. We will cross the confluence of Nilgiri Glacier soon after. After proceeding for a Kilometer the route takes a sweeping turn to the left due South West, just opposite the glacier coming from Deovan plateau. Cross the main body of the Bankund Glacier to gain the true left bank. Proceed north for few kilometers to reach Bankund Glacier Camping Ground. Camping
Day 8. Bankund Gl. Camp - Bankund bend camp (4900m) 6km
This walk is through moraine and glacier with many ups and down to Bankund bend camp.
Day 9. Bankund bend Camp (4900 M) - Garh Camp (5400 M) 8 KM
Follow the ridge NW few kilometers to reach Garh camping ground. Close to the head of the Bankund Glacier, this is the place from where Gupt Khal (The Secret Pass)becomes visible. Hot lunch. The team rests well to get ready for the Pass. Advance team goes out to do reccee of the possible site for advance base camp and a suitable approach to the Pass.
Day 10. Garh Camp(5400 M) - Gupt Khal (ABC) (5600 M) 4 KM
The route continues on a medial moraine ridge to reach the South Flank of Mana Parvat. Follow the ridge bottom due west to reach the point directly opposite the Gupt Khal. Advance team goes out for reccee and rope fixing (if required) for attempting the pass the next day. Camping
Day 11. Rest Day (5600 M) (Slack day)
Weather contingency/ acclimatization day. Camping.
Day 12. Gupt Khal Base (5600M) – Gupt Khal (5760 M) - Upper Nakthani Camp (5000M) 6 KM
Start early at 0600am and start climbing to Guptkhal top(5760M) . This is the highest point of the expedition. Enjoy the best moments of our trek. We can see many peaks from the top like Kamet and Mana massif, Mandir Parvat & Saraswati Valley and the expanse of Bankund Glacier. Start descent as earlier to avoid strong winds, start walking to cross the long snowfield NW of the Pass. Camp at Upper Nakthani glacier.
Day 13. Upper Nakthani Camp (5000M) – Nakthani snout camp (4500m) 8km
Descend down through crevasse filled glacier to end of Nakthani glacier.
Day 14. Nakthani snout camp - Badrinath (3100 M) 14+4 Km
We will start our day with full of joy, passing Saraswati River valley. Cross river and catch the Army trail and start off for Badrinath downhill. Reach Mana Village for hot lunch. See Vyas and Ganesh Gufa enroute. A short drive will take us Badrinath. Stay in hotel and enjoy the comfortable beds. Evening visit to Shri Badrinath ji temple. Dinner and stay in Hotel.
Day 15. Badrinath(3100M) - Rishikesh- 320Kms
After morning Darshan and Puja followed by breakfast we will proceed for a long drive to Rishikesh. Stay in Hotel.
Day 16. Early morning transfer to Haridwar railway station - Jolly grant airport.
Trip Ends.
COST:
04 pax above= Rs. 90000.00 per head. (US$= 1500.00)
Trip Includes:
1. Transportation: Rishikesh-Govindghat-Badrinath-Haridwar by Innova/Tempo Traveler.
2. Stay in Rishikesh, Joshimath and Badrinath in neat and clean guest house/ small hotels.
3. Food: All meals in during this trip (B.fast on day 01 to B.fast on day 16.
4. During trekking: Tents and all camping equipments.
5. Guide, cook and helpers as our standard trips.
6. Porters to carry personal baggage 10kg max.
Trip excludes:
1. Personal climbing equipments like Snow shoes, Harness, Ice axe, gaiters etc.
2. Any other services which are not include in “Trip includes”.
NOTE: This trip is involved crossing high passes with crevasse filled glaciers, so previous climbing/ high altitude trekking experience will help. Participant need to have good physical fitness level.
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