Alpine Seekers

Gupt Khal Expedition

Region

Uttarakhand

Starting Point

Gangotri

Trek Grade

Extremely Difficult

Trek Duration

13 Days

Best Sesion

Jun & Sep-Oct

Highest Altitude

5,800m

Overview

The Gupt Khal Pass (5,800m) is a hidden gem in the Garhwal Himalayas, offering an intense, high-altitude expedition for seasoned trekkers and mountaineers. This challenging trek connects the Gangotri and Kedarnath regions, passing through remote glaciers, moraines, and high-altitude meadows. The route remains untouched and less explored, making it a paradise for adventure seekers looking for a true Himalayan challenge.

The trek offers breathtaking views of Shivling, Thalay Sagar, Meru, Chaukhamba, and Kedarnath peaks, along with stunning glacial landscapes. However, the extreme terrain, long trekking hours, and unpredictable weather make this one of the most difficult treks in Uttarakhand.

Trek Highlights

  • Traverse a remote and challenging high-altitude pass (5,800m)
  • Unmatched views of Chaukhamba, Kedarnath, and Thalay Sagar
  • Glacier crossings, moraines, and rugged Himalayan terrain
  • Sacred connection between Gangotri and Kedarnath valleys
  • Witness Vasuki Tal, Kirti Glacier, and the mystical snowfields
Gupt Khal

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Dehradun – Drive to Gangotri (240 km | 10-12 hours)
  • Meet at Dehradun early morning

  • Scenic drive through Mussorie, Uttarkashi, and Harsil Valley

  • Reach Gangotri (3,415m) by evening

  • Visit Gangotri Temple & evening aarti

  • Overnight stay in a guesthouse in Gangotri

Day 2: Acclimatization and Exploration in Gangotri
  • Explore Surya Kund, Bhagirathi River, and local markets

  • Acclimatization walk to Pandav Gufa

  • Trek briefing, equipment check, and rest

Day 3: Gangotri to Bhojbasa (14 km | 6-7 hours)
  • Trek along the Bhagirathi River through pine and birch forests

  • Cross Chirbasa (3,580m), a beautiful campsite

  • Gradual ascent to Bhojbasa (3,800m) with stunning Bhagirathi peaks in view

  • Night stay in tents

Day 4: Bhojbasa to Tapovan (9 km | 7-8 hours)
  • Trek past Gaumukh (4,000m), the source of the Ganges

  • Steep climb to Tapovan (4,463m) through rocky terrain

  • Unmatched views of Mount Shivling and Meru Peak

  • Camp at Tapovan, a high-altitude meadow

Day 5: Tapovan to Nandanvan (7 km | 6-7 hours)
  • Tough trek crossing the Gangotri Glacier

  • Reach Nandanvan (4,500m), offering a stunning panorama of Bhagirathi and Kedarnath peaks

  • Overnight stay in tents

Day 6: Nandanvan to Vasuki Tal (6 km | 6-7 hours)
  • Gradual ascent along glacial moraines

  • Reach Vasuki Tal (4,800m), a sacred high-altitude lake

  • Camp beside the lake with views of Chaukhamba and Kedarnath peaks

Day 7: Vasuki Tal to Khara Patthar (5 km | 6-7 hours)
  • Trek through rugged terrain and glacial ridges

  • Reach Khara Patthar (5,300m), a rocky campsite offering a clear view of Gupt Khal Pass

  • Night stay in tents

Day 8: Khara Patthar to Gupt Khal Base Camp (5 km | 7-8 hours)
  • Steep ascent over snowfields and loose moraine

  • Reach Base Camp (5,500m) with spectacular glacier views

  • Final preparations for the pass crossing

Day 9: Gupt Khal Summit Push – Cross Gupt Khal (5,800m) to Kirti Glacier (10-12 hours)
  • Midnight start for the summit push

  • Steep ice slopes (60-70 degrees), requiring ropes and crampons

  • Cross Gupt Khal Pass (5,800m) and descend carefully

  • Reach Kirti Glacier (5,200m) for overnight stay

Day 10: Kirti Glacier to Kedarnath Base Camp (7-8 hours)
  • Trek along the Kirti Bamak Glacier

  • Reach Kedarnath Base Camp (4,500m), with a majestic view of Kedarnath Dome

  • Set up camp and rest

Day 11: Kedarnath Base Camp to Kedarnath (6 km | 5-6 hours)
  • Steep descent towards Kedarnath Temple

  • Visit Kedarnath Temple for blessings

  • Stay overnight in Kedarnath guesthouse

Day 12: Kedarnath to Gaurikund – Drive to Rishikesh (6 km trek + 8-10 hours drive)
  • Trek down to Gaurikund (6 km)

  • Drive to Rishikesh (250 km)

  • Check-in at a guesthouse in Rishikesh

 

Day 13: Departure from Rishikesh to Dehradun
    • Expedition ends after a successful trek

Food Menu

  • Breakfast: Wake-up Tea/Coffee, Biscuits, Aloo Paratha with Achaar, Boiled Egg, Bread with Butter/Jam, Fresh Fruits.

  • Lunch: Roti/Chapati, Rice/Chawal, Manchurian Rice, Salad, Dal (Rajma/Mixed Dal), Mixed-Veg, Kofta Curry.

  • Snacks: Tea/Coffee, Pakoda, Finger Chips, Veg Cutlet, Maggi, Soup, Popcorn.

  • Dinner: Roti/Chapati, Rice/Chawal, Matar Paneer, Mixed Dal, Salad, Papad, Sweets (Gulab Jamun, Jalebi), Fruit Custard.

    📌 We offer customized meals for vegetarians and other dietary needs.

Inclusions – Everything We Take Care Of

  • Transport from Dehradun to Gangotri & return from Rishikesh
  • All meals (high-altitude nutritious diet)
  • Accommodation in guesthouses, tents, and base camps
  • Technical mountaineering equipment – ropes, crampons, ice axes, gaiters
  • Experienced mountaineering guides & Sherpas
  • Medical kit & emergency oxygen support

Exclusions – What’s Not Included?

  • Personal trekking gear (jackets, boots, gloves)
  • Travel insurance & evacuation costs
  • Tips, personal expenses, and snacks
  • Additional hotel stays beyond the itinerary
Gupt Khal

How to Reach

  • Nearest Airport: Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun (250 km from Gangotri)

  • Take a taxi or shared cab to Gangotri via Uttarkashi

  • Nearest Railway Station: Haridwar or Dehradun

  • Travel by road from Haridwar/Dehradun to Gangotri

  • Direct buses & shared taxis from Haridwar, Rishikesh, and Dehradun

  • Travel via Uttarkashi to reach Gangotri

Photo Gallery

Refund Policy

Initiating Cancellation:

To cancel your booking, please send an email to: alpineseekers.in@gmail.com

 

Cancellation Due to Unforeseen Events:
  • If we cancel the trek due to unexpected situations like natural disasters, floods, or political unrest, we will issue a trek voucher instead of a refund. This voucher is valid for one year and can be used for the same or a different trek.

     

Cancellation Due to Personal Reasons:

If you cancel your trek for personal reasons, the following policy applies:

  • No Cash Refunds: We do not provide cash refunds. Instead, a voucher will be issued.

  • Cancellation 30 Days or More Before Trek: A voucher for the full booking amount will be issued.

  • Cancellation 20–29 Days Before Trek: 50% of the booking amount will be deducted, and the remaining amount will be provided as a voucher.

  • Cancellation Less Than 20 Days Before Trek: No voucher will be issued.

FAQs – We’ve Got All Your Questions Covered!

How difficult is the Gupt Khal Expedition?

It is an extremely difficult climb meant for experienced trekkers and mountaineers.

Do I need technical climbing experience?

Yes, you must know rope climbing, ice axe handling, and crampon techniques.

 

What is the best time for this expedition?

June & September-October

What if I can’t complete the climb?

Safety is the top priority. If needed, you can descend with our support team.

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