Bhyundar Khal Trek
TREK DIFFICULTY
Difficult
TREK DURATION
9 Days
HIGHEST ALTITUDE
16,732 Feet
GROUP SIZE
12
TREK DISTANCE
58 Km
BASECAMP
Uttarakhand
BEST TIME
May to June and September to October
PICKUP POINT
Dehradun (Prince Chowk)
Bhyundar Khal Trek Overview
The Bhyundar Khal was mentioned by Sir Frank Symthe in his book describing his successful attempt on Kamet and also during his exploits in the region later in 1937. This pass is part of the Greater Himalayas or the Himadri Range. It goes across the North-South Zanskar Range and connects the Alakhnanda river valley with the Dhauli Ganga river valley. The approach is relatively easy from both sides of the pass but trekkers prefer the Valley of Flowers side due to the beauty of the valley. Retracing the steps of Sir Frank Smythe on his Mt Kamet expedition, the trek initially reaches the popular Valley of Flowers. One can sample the contrasts of nature during this trek as the Bhyundar Valley is green and colourful while the other side is barren and lacks vegetation due to its proximity to the Tibetan Plateau. The pass offers beautiful vistas towards the west, east and south with the Kamet group and the Nanda Devi Peaks rising like spectacle.
The trek starts from Govindghat village ahead of Joshimath and progresses through the Valley of flowers before setting up the base camp below the snow col of the pass on the 4 th day. The trail climbs up steadily and takes one to the remote valley of the Tipra. We encounter ice, snow, moraines, rivers, streams, meadows and amazing mountain scenery. The camping grounds of Eri Udyar is like a belvedere and known as the Balcony camp. It offers beautiful vistas of the Banke glacier.
One has to negotiate the moraines of the Gauri glacier, Rataban Glacier and Tipra Glacier. Fundamental knowledge of mountaineering is a must for this trek. At certain places rope has to be fixed to cross deep crevasses. The top of the Pass offers close and glorious views of Nilkantha, Hathi, Nilgiri and Rataban peaks. The trek route diverges from the Gupt Khal trek route and goes down straight to exit in the village of Ghamsali.
Day 1: Dehradun to Govindghat (1,920 m) drive
Leave early at 6 am and drive to Govindghat via Devprayag, Rudraprayag, Karnaprayag, Nandaprayag and Joshimath/Auli. Overnight at rest-house in Joshimath/Auli.
Day 2: Govindghat to Ghangaria (2,950 m)
Early morning we drive to Govindghat and start the trek by crossing the river Alaknanda over a bridge at Govindghat and from there walk towards the Bhyundar valley through forest area and a few villages. There are numerous waterfalls and lush green landscape all around. The gradient of the trail is moderate. The 11 kms trek to reach Ghangharia takes about 4-5 hrs, one can also hire a mule to reach Ghangharia. Overnight in rest houses at Ghangharia.
Day 3: Ghangaria to Tipra Kharak Camping grounds (3,700 m) via Valley of flowers
We start the day�s trek with a short ascent to the valley. Gradient is moderate and the landscape soothing to the eye. It will take about a couple of hours to reach the valley. There are unending meadows laden with varieties of alpine flowers, network of streams and big mountains all around. The prominent species are Brahma Kamal, Anemone, Geranium, Marsh Marigold, Primula, Lilium, Potentilla, Ranunculus, Inula, Corydalis, Pedicularis, Arisaema, Ligularia, Morina, Impatiens, Saxifrages Bistorta, Anaphalis, Sibbaldia. One can spend 3-4 hours exploring different corners & vantage points of the valley. We continue our trek to Tipra Kharak and reach by late afternoon.
Day 4: Tipra Kharak (3,700 m) to Bhyundar Icefall Camp (4,300 m)
The day's trek involves negotiating moraine and technical surfaces. The ascending path is gradual throughout, but challenging at times.
Day 5: Bhyundar Icefall Camp to Bhyundar Khal Basecamp (4,600 meters)
The trek on the glacier continues for about 5 km. The walk is technical and requires use of technical gear. After the glacial stretch, the path goes to the moraine continuously descending to the campsite.
Day 6: Bhyundar Base (4,600 m) to Bhyundar Khal (5,100 m) to Rataban Glacier (E) (4,500 m)
On this day we start before sunrise. The walk again involves technical aspects on the glacier, which continues to the pass. It is a trek of about 8 km to the pass, which takes about 5-6 hours, with a stunning view of the greater Himalayas all around. Dinner and overnight stay in tent.
Day 7: Rataban Glacier (E) (4,500 m) to Edi Udiyar (3,900 m)
After a trek of 6 km along the valley, one reaches Edi Udiyar, with a grassy and comfortable place to set campsite.
Day 8: Edi Udiyar (3,900 m) to Ghamsali (3,000 m); drive to Joshimath
Today we will descend to the village of Ghamsali. The frontier villages have mostly been abandoned as villagers have been migrating to towns and cities in the foothills and the plains after the 1962 war with China brought their centuries-old border trade to a halt. These villages come up with great culture and old oral tradition. We further drive to Joshimath. Overnight in a guest house.
Day 9: Joshimath to Dehradun
We leave from Joshimath and reach Dehradun by early evening.
Inclusion
Our treks are specially designed by the experienced team at Himalaya Shelter, taking you on an adventure of a lifetime all while making you connect not only with the bountiful nature but also with yourself and with others on the trek with you creating wonderful memories which will last you a lifetime. All Himalaya Shelter treks are guided by experienced Trekkers having vast knowledge and experience of the region, providing with insightful information and stories pertaining to the region’s flora and fauna and the history of the region whilst the trek. It is safe to say that on successfully completing the trek, one will gain tremendous insight and experience along with lifetime memories.
- Transport support from and to Dehradun: starting from pickup on day 1 to drop on day 9.
- Accommodation – At Base Camp, stay at a local homestay or guest house for one night each, which will give you an insight into the authentic lifestyle of the locals.( INR 5000 per person extra for single sharing throughout the trek )
On Trek stay in a 2-person Vango Halo Pro/A-Shape tent, which is to be shared by two trekkers, built to withstand extreme weather conditions and at the same time making you comfortable after a hard day’s trek. - Camping Equipment – specially designed sleeping bags that can withstand harsh weather conditions, foam mattresses. Other safety gear like microspikes, gaiters, an ice axe, and helmets will be provided.
- Medical Kit – our team will be equipped with an extensive medical kit, which our team is trained and experienced to use. Oxygen cylinders are used after they are thoroughly inspected throughout the Trek. Even campsites have large oxygen cylinders as backups.
- Permission - Forest entry charges for Indian nationals (Additional charges will be applicable for international tourists)
- Meals – Breakfast, packed lunch (on trek days), evening snacks, and dinner will be served. A hearty, delicious, and nutrition-filled Veg meals with egg preparation will be provided throughout the trek. (Jain and Vegan Food can also be arranged on prior notification.)There will be a dedicated Kitchen Tent along with a dining tent, which will have a dining table too.
- Our Team – A highly experienced and AMC-certified Trek Leader who will help ensure that the entire trek goes smoothly and safely while navigating the challenging conditions during the trek, and is skilled enough to navigate any medical emergency that can arise during the trek. Local and route Guides who are well-versed with the region and provide an in-depth insight into the local customs and knowledge of the flora and fauna endemic to the region. A dedicated Kitchen staff, which includes a Cook, a helper, and other support staff. There will also be porters and mules to carry common equipment.
- Cloakroom - We have a cloakroom facility available for extra luggage. Every trekker is permitted to leave their luggage behind at no charge.
Exclusions
- Personal expenses like tips, personal medicines, phone calls etc.
- Travel Expenses - Travel expenses from your hometown to the mentioned Pick-Up Point are not included in the trek fee.
From the scheduled pick-up spot to the base camp, we have our own fleet of vehicles like Bolero, Innova, Dezire, or Tempo Traveler (12-seater). This is be shared by trekkers for a pre-decided amount. All vehicles are non-AC. - Personal Equipment - Any personal gear like jackets, shoes, cutlery, or backpacks are not included in the trek fee. We recommend renting them from our Rental Store for an affordable fee. This can be pre-arranged to avoid last-minute hang-ups.
- Offloading - We encourage carrying your backpack to get into the true spirit of trekking. However, if needed, you can opt to offload your personal luggage of up to 12 kgs for an additional cost of INR 350 per bag per day.
- Trek Insurance - A mandatory trek insurance fee is charged in addition to your trek fee. Since most medical insurance doesn’t cover adventure activities, trek insurance offers essential coverage, enhancing your safety without a significant financial burden.
- Buffer day on the trek - We have kept a buffer day on the trek to account for any weather-related delay. If this is utilized, you will need to pay an extra amount to your trek leader.
- Anything apart from inclusions
- Please carry a lunch box for a packed lunch/breakfast to avoid using polythene and Aluminium foil.
Keeping the Himalayas clean is our own responsibility. Reduce the use of Plastic when you are in the abode of the Sacred Himalaya. 🌱
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