Gupt Khal Expedition

Gupt Khal Expedition

6 Lakh+

Satisfied Trekkers

16+

Years of Experiance

1300+

Google Reviews

800+

Tripadvisor Reviews

Quick Information

Trek Duration

13 Days

Trek Difficulty

Difficult

Trek Group Size

12 max

Trek Distance

71 Km

Trek Max Altitude

5835 Meters

Trek Region

Uttarakhand | India

Trek Pickup

Dehradun (Prince Chowk)

Best Season

Summer | Autumn | Monsoon

Best Time

June, July, August, September

Trek Basecamp

Uttarakhand

GST Fee

5%

Gupt Khal Expedition Overview

Gupt Khal Expedition is one of the most adventurous expeditions of our country. This high-altitude expedition is nested in the Garhwal division of Uttarakhand. The Gupt Khal expedition is very challenging and requires good high-altitude trekking experience. This expedition lies at an altitude of 5,800 m. Trekking to this altitude is not easy, but rewarding. Gupt Khal connects the two most beautiful valleys of Badrinath and Gangotri. The trekkers walk through steep ridgelines, remote glaciers, and lovely alpine forests. Gupt Khal expedition is not like other treks; it is a trip through mythology, grandeur, and the raw Himalayas.  

The starting point of the Gupt Khal expedition is itself a very popular and sacred spot. The route starts from Gangotri, which is known as the home of the mighty river Ganga. The trekkers will walk through Gomukh in the Bhagirathi glacier. The journey to Gupt Khal continues towards Tapovan, which is a big alpine meadow. This is one of the most beautiful and rewarding parts of the expedition. The journey continues to Kirti Bamak Glacier to Gupt Khal Pass. The Gupt Khal is one of the least explored expeditions of our country. This expedition offers wilderness, spirituality, and personal accomplishment.

History Of the Gupt Khal Expedition

The Gupt Khal Expedition is a high-altitude pass in the Himalayas. The word Gupt means Secret, and Khal means Pass. The Gupt Khal is a very remote and high pass nested in the Garhwal Himalayas. This expedition is not very famous among the trekkers as it only opens for a few months a year and is rated as a very difficult expedition. It is a very long trek and requires good physical and mental strength. But this is not just an expedition but a walk to spirituality. It is believed that this is one of the secret paths taken by yogis and sages.

In ancient times, the Gupt Khal was a route for sages to travel to Gangotri and Badrinath. Some stories say that Gupt Khal is also associated with the Pandavas' route to Swargorohini. This is a majestic expedition, but it remains relatively unvisited due to its poor accessibility. This expedition came into the picture in the early 20th century. But Gupt Khal is still very unexplored due to the high difficulty level and challenging zones. Another noticeable inclusion for the Gupt Khal was by the Indian mountaineering teams after independence. The IMF chose some tour operators to document the expedition. 

Highlights Of the Gupt Khal Expedition

  • Remote Himalayan Route

Gupt Khal is located in a very remote and barely-explored region. This is a high-altitude pass where only a few experienced trekkers have done the expedition. It is a very rare and one-of-a-kind expedition that passes through very different terrains and takes you to the wilderness.

  • High-altitude Pass

Gupt Khal Pass is situated at an altitude of 5800 m. This altitude requires great physical and mental strength. The trekkers should plan the Gupt Khal Expedition very carefully. This expedition can test your endurance seriously. The trekkers have to cross glaciers, snowfields, and icy ridges. This trek is only for experienced trekkers.

  • Alluring Glaciers and Snowfields

The Gupt Khal expedition takes you through beautiful snowfields and majestic glaciers. The Kirti Bamak Glacier and Meru Glacier are visually very captivating. Some parts of the Satopanth Glacier feel like heaven, and you will be surrounded by beautiful mountain peaks.

  • Beautiful Campsites

This is a very lengthy expedition as you have to walk for 2 weeks. But every campsite on this trek is beautiful. Some days, you will be camping in the alpine area, and some days can be rocky patches. When you get closer to the expedition, you will be camping in big snowfields.

Difficulty Level Of the Gupt Khal Expedition

The Gupt Khal Expedition can be considered as one of the most difficult expeditions of the Uttarakhand Himalayas. This expedition is only suitable for highly experienced trekkers and mountaineers. The expedition is very challenging and requires high mountain skills.

High-Altitude Pass Expedition

The pass lies at an altitude of 5800 m, where the air gets very thin. The oxygen level drops by about half of the sea level. This much height can easily cause the AMS. Trekkers can experience fatigue, headache, etc, during the expedition. All the trekkers must acclimate properly before starting the trek.

Difficult Terrain

The Gupt Khal Expedition is not just like other high-altitude treks. It is a pure expedition and full of technical sections. The trekkers have to cross glaciers, icy slopes, ridges, etc. These sections can be very difficult and require mountaineering gear like an ice axe, crampons, ropes, etc. 

Weather Condition

The weather in the high-altitude areas changes promptly. The rapid changes in the weather can increase the difficulty level of the expedition. The trekkers can face snowstorms, whiteouts, and chill winds. The trekking team must carry extra fuel and food to prepare for any unwanted conditions.

Best Time To Visit The Gupt Khal Expedition

You can plan your Gupt Khal Expedition in the summer and autumn seasons. These seasons are safe for expeditions and offer the best views. However, you can’t do the Gupt Khal Expedition in the winter due to it being inaccessible.

Gupt Khal Expedition from Mid-May to Mid-June

This is the best time to plan the Gupt Khal Expedition as the days become longer, and you can trek for long hours. The snow will be fresh, and you can walk on it easily as compared to extreme summer. The skies will be clear and there will be fewer chances of heavy rains. The glaciers will be more stable and less prone to avalanches. 

Gupt Khal Expedition from Late-June to August

Monsoon can be the most dangerous time for the Gupt Khal Expedition. Heavy rainfall increases the risk of landslides. The trails will be slippery, and walking on the glacier can be very risky. Trekkers should avoid the Gupt Khal Expedition in the monsoon.

Gupt Khal Expedition from Mid-September to Early October

After the monsoon, the weather becomes good with clear skies. This is also a great time for the Gupt Khal Expedition. The meadows will start turning golden, and you can have panoramic Himalayan views.

How To Reach the Gupt Khal Expedition

To start the Gupt Khal expedition, trekkers or mountaineers need to reach Gangotri, Uttarakhand. This is a beautiful and sacred city in the Garhwal division. It is well connected to various cities via road. 

Gangotri via Road

To start your journey, you need to reach Dehradun. This is the capital and the major city of Uttarakhand. You can easily find buses to Dehradun from Delhi, Chandigarh, and other big cities. After reaching Dehradun, you take a direct bus to Uttarkashi. The next day, take a bus from Uttarkashi to Gangotri. There are very few buses to Uttarkashi, but you can find good shared taxi options.

Gangotri via Train

The nearest railway station to Gangotri is Rishikesh. You can find trains to Rishikesh from all major cities. If not, you can look for trains to Dehradun or Haridwar. After reaching Haridwar, look for buses or taxis to Uttarkashi. The next day, take a taxi from Uttarkashi to Gangotri.

Gangotri via Air

The nearest airport to Gangotri is Dehradun. Regular flights to Dehradun are available from Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Hyderabad, and various major cities. Reach Dehradun and then continue your journey to Gangotri via Road.

Things To Carry In The Gupt Khal Expedition

The Gupt Khal Expedition is a very difficult and long trek. It is located in a very remote area where you won’t find anything. So, you have to carry all the essentials with you. Don’t forget that you have to carry your backpack throughout the entire expedition, so don’t pack anything extra that makes your bag heavier.

Clothing

The weather can be very cold at night, so pack your clothes carefully. Start packing with 3 pairs of thermals and 4 pairs of quick-dry t-shirts. Pack sufficient innerwear and a good waterproof trekking suit. Get a good fleece jacket and a down jacket. Now pack 2 pairs of trekking pants and one thermal trekking pant. Carry a sun cap, woolen beanie, and buff. Pack 1 pair of woolen gloves and one pair of waterproof gloves.

Footwear

Get good high-ankle trekking shoes that can provide good grip for the entire expedition—pack gaiters for the snow sections and a few pairs of socks. Also, pack a pair of sandals for the campsites.  

Personal Care

Pack your toothpaste, toothbrush, and biodegradable soap. Now pack toilet paper and hand sanitizer. Also, carry good sunscreen and moisturizer. Make a small first aid kit with basic medicines.

More Information

Gupt Khal Expedition Short Itinerary

Day 1: Drive from Dehradun to Auli/Joshimath. 

Day 2: Drive from Auli/Joshimath to Ghamsali.

Day 3: Trek from Ghamsali to Eri Udiyar.

Day 4: Trek from Eri Udiyar to Ratanban Glacier campsite.

Day 5: Trek from Ratanban Glacier to Bankund Bend.

Day 6: Trek from Bankund Bend to Bankund Lake Basecamp.

Day 7: Trek from Bankund Bend to Garh

Day 8: Trek from Garh to Gupt Khal Basecamp.

Day 9: Rest at Gupt Khal Basecamp for acclimatization.

Day 10: Trek from Gupt Khal Basecamp to Gupt Khal Summit and descend to Nakthani Hanging Glacier.

Day 11: Trek from Nakthani Hanging Glacier to Musa Pani.

Day 12: Trek from Musa Pani to Mana and Badrinath.

Day 13: Drive from Badrinath to Dehradun.

Gupt Khal Expedition Itinerary

A long yet scenic drive crosses major towns of Uttarakhand before we reach our destination of the day, Auli, Joshimath, after crossing some of the Prayags. We start early from Dehradun to reach Joshimath by late afternoon. Crossing Rishikesh, Devprayag, which happens to be the final prayag (confluence) between Alaknanda and Bhagirathi rivers, and consecutively Srinagar, we follow along the Alaknanda river the entire time. The distance from Dehradun to Karanprayag is 210 km which takes 7 hours to complete. We arrive at Karanprayag, which is one of the Panch (five) Prayag (confluence), where Alaknanda meets Pindar river. It will be our overnight stop for the last day of the trek. We continue to Auli and check into hotel by evening. We can explore around the town in the evening.

Start your journey towards Ghamsali Village The route will pass through Niti Village Take your time to enjoy the scenery Arrive in Ghamsali Village in the afternoon.Spend the afternoon exploring Ghamsali Village and its surroundings.

Begin your trek from Ghamsali Village to Eri Udiyar. This trek covers a distance of approximately 12 kilometers and is expected to take around 5-6 hours.The trail might pass through diverse landscapes, including forests, meadows, and possibly some rocky terrain.

Begin your trek from Eri Udiyar to Ratanban Glacier. This trek covers a distance of approximately 8 kilometers and is expected to take around 4-5 hours.The trail may involve varying terrain, including rocky paths and possibly some steep ascents.

Embark on the trek from Ratanban Glacier to Bankund Lake. This trek is approximately 5 kilometers and is expected to take around 4-5 hours, factoring in the mountainous terrain and altitude.The trail may involve challenging terrain, so be cautious and take your time to navigate through it safely.Spend the day exploring the area around Bankund Lake

Begin your trek from Bankund Bend to Bankund Lake Base. This trek covers a distance of approximately 5 kilometers and is expected to take around 3-4 hours, taking into account the mountainous terrain and high altitude.Take in the breathtaking views as you make your way to the base of Bankund Lake.
Be mindful of your pace and footing, especially in areas with varying terrain.Arrive at the base of Bankund Lake in the afternoon.

Embark on the trek from Bankund Bend to Garh Campground. This trek is approximately 6 kilometers and is expected to take around 4-5 hours, Enjoy the ever-changing vistas as you descend from the high-altitude base of Bankund Lake.Arrive at Garh Campground in the afternoon.

Start your trek from Garh Camp to Gupt Khal Base Camp. This trek is approximately 7 kilometers and is expected to take around 5-6 hours, Take in the awe-inspiring views of the surrounding peaks and valleys.Arrive at Gupt Khal Base Camp in the afternoon.

Today, you will be resting at the Gupt Khal for proper acclimatization.

Begin your ascent towards Gupt Khal Summit. This challenging trek will take you to an elevation of 5,804 meters.Once you reach the summit, take in the breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding peaks and valleys.Descend from Gupt Khal Summit,Arrive at Nakthani Hanging Glaciers Camp in the afternoon.

Embark on the trek from Nakthani Hanging Glacier Campground to Shepherd Campground at Musa Pani. This trek covers a distance of approximately 8 kilometers and is expected to take around 5-6 hours, taking into account the mountainous terrain.As you descend, enjoy the changing scenery and take in the sights of the rugged terrain.Arrive at Shepherd Campground at Musa Pani in the afternoon.

Start your trek from Shepherd Camp/Musa Pani towards Mana Village. This trek covers a distance of approximately 14 miles and is expected to take around 6-7 hours. The trail will lead you through diverse landscapes, offering a variety of natural scenery.Arrive at Mana Village in the afternoon. In the evening, make your way to the revered Shree Badrinath Temple for the Aarti darshan. After the Aarti, return to your accommodation

Drive back to Dehradun

Customize Your Gupt Khal Expedition With Himalaya Shelter (HS)

Planning the Gupt Khal Expedition in the beautiful Garhwal Himalayas? Make your expedition a great success with the Himalaya Shelter team. Our company is providing you with the best trekking and expedition services across the Himalayas. Gupt Khal Expedition is a beautiful and spiritual journey. Plan this expedition with us and forget the worries. Our team will curate the itinerary depending on your choices.

Himalaya Shelter team offers customized trekking services. For the Gupt Khal Expedition, our team will take care of everything. From meals to stays, our team plans everything accordingly. We plan a safe expedition depending on your experience and weather conditions. Our team always welcomes passionate trekkers. We are a group of experienced trekkers and will take care of you throughout the whole expedition. Himalaya Shelter believes in ecotourism and plans expeditions that benefit the locals and protect the culture.

Inclusions & Exclusions

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.

Trek Inclusions

  • Transportation support from Dehradun
  • 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.

Trek 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. 🌱

Videos

!

Exceting Videos coming Soon

We’re currently working on putting together all the details for this trek 🎥 Stay tuned, exciting videos covering everything you need to know will be coming your way very soon!

More treks like Gupt Khal Expedition

Customer Reviews

Read more on Gupt Khal Expedition

!

Exceting Blogs/Trek Diaries coming Soon

We’re currently working on bringing together insightful blogs for this trek ✍️ Stay tuned, detailed stories, tips, and everything you need to know will be coming your way very soon!

Gupt Khal Expedition FAQs

!

Frequently Asked Questions Coming Soon

We’re currently working on compiling helpful answers for this trek 💬 Stay tuned, clear guidance, common queries, and everything you need to know will be coming your way very soon!

From

₹90000 $1037

per person