Mayali Pass Trek

The cacophony of the chirping birds in the village would announce the morning in this village. It is a long yet easy leisure trek till Dhu Panda. You shall be crossing remote Garhwali villages and some hillside plantations. The mild ascent on this day prepares you for the more strenuous climbs ahead. It is utmost important to start mildly for the longer trekking journeys like this. Almost throughout the trek, you may relish the view of Rhododendron forests till your eyes can see.

Overnight Stay: Camping at Dhu Panda

We all embark on this adventure to attempt Vasuki Tal Trek as soon as everyone has reported. Today’s drive takes you across the tributaries like Rispana River, Song River, Chandrabhaga, Bhagirathi and Bhilagna River. Each of these rivers offers surreal sights of the valleys carved by them. However, Tehri Dam, located on Bhagirathi River, is usually the star
of this route. The green, calm waters of the dam would accompany you for almost about 5-6 kilometres on your left. After Crossing the Zero Bridge, we would leave Bhagirathi behind and follow the course of Bhilagna river all the way to Ghuttu Village.

Small towns and villages like Talai, Bagar, Chamba, Tehri, and Ghansali are perched along the mountain roads. You may choose to withdraw cash or complete any last-minute shopping during the small breaks on this journey.

Our destination is a rural site in Ghuttu Village which is located across Bhilagna River. This would be our base camp from where we shall start Vasuki Taal Trek. Relieve all the tiredness of the journey by soaking in the serenity of this village.

Overnight Stay: Ghuttu

The cacophony of the chirping birds in the village would announce the morning in this village. It is a long yet easy leisure trek till Dhu Panda. You shall be crossing remote Garhwali villages and some hillside plantations. The mild ascent on this day prepares you for the more strenuous climbs ahead. It is utmost important to start mildly for the longer trekking journeys like this. Almost throughout the trek, you may relish the view of Rhododendron forests till your eyes can see.

Overnight Stay: Camping at Dhu Panda

Bugyals are the unique beauties that Uttarakhand is blessed with. Panwali Bugyal is one of such less-explored gems of Northern Garhwal Himalayas. It offers much more than just a trekking experience. It is a high-altitude landscape of rolling meadows at 3963 metre. The trek till here is moderately difficult but the view compensates for every single effort of reaching here. It is not even an exaggeration to call Panwali Kantha as an amphitheatre. Many people opt for the Panwali Kantha Trek for the mesmerising views.

It offers a 360-degree view of the major ranges like Kedar, Gangotri, Yamnotri and Badri. The prominent peaks that you can spot are Kedar Dome, Thalaysagar, Kirti Stambh, Chaukhambha, Meru and Nilkanth. The spring season covers the meadows with colourful flowers like poppies, daisies, primulas, anemones and of course, the rhododendrons of all varieties. It feels nothing less than a green canvas of grass painted with purple, pink, red and yellow dancing flowers. Many of these flowers, bushes and plants have herbal cures. Don’t be surprised to find local Vaidyas and saints plucking some of these plants to survive the tough year ahead. Most trekkers often choose Panwali Bugyal for the spectacular sunset that makes everything sparkle bright-golden.

On the other hand, winters paint all the peaks and meadows snowy white. If you love wildlife, prepare yourself to spot some rare musk dears and the wild animals like Bharal,bears, weasels, and Ghoral.

Overnight Stay: Camp at Panwali Bugyal

For today’s trek we shall descend towards Gangi village. The trail is well carved. You may want to be extra careful if it has rained. We shall be crossing open trails that offer the view of the widening valley down below. Some stretches also pass-through dense vegetation and tall pine trees. This is an apt trail to hear and spot the local birds of the region. Gurgling waters of small streams running down the hills add to the music of the forest. Talli would be our campsite for today amidst the abundance of nature.

Overnight Stay: Campsite at Talli

This day involves a reasonable amount of ascent to reach Gangi Village located at an altitude of 2,465 metre. You will initially trek though a stretch of a dense forest crossing small streams. After about 3-4 hours, the plantations and the remote Garhwali villages start to appear. Walking along the village canals and water channels amidst the swaying fields ofn potatoes, rajma, and other grains is exhilarating. During the early summers, these fields are full of fragrant flowers. Finally, after a short climb we reach a village where time stands still.Gangi Village shall be our rest point for 2 nights.

Overnight Stay: Campsite/Homestay at Gangi Village

After the challenging treks of past few days, it is extremely important to rejuvenate your body. It is crucial to restore energy for more challenging trekking in the coming days. Gangi is a village untouched by modernization. It is a sleepy hamlet with a mere population of around 300+ humans. Age-old tiny wooden temples, overlooked by giant mountains sprinkled with snow, are the main attractions here. Terraced fields and wafting fragrance of flowers become your leisure-time-buddies. Enjoy this village while chatting with the elderlies of the village. They have hundreds of tales to tell you about Devbhoomi Uttarakhand. Alternatively, you may chase the hopping sunbirds and squeaking magpies in the outskirts of the village.

Overnight Stay: Camp/lodge at Gangi

After a rest day at Gangi, we shall descend down till their winter settlement, Deokhri Channi. Further ahead, the path passes through a dense forest. The mix of mild ascents and descents enables you to enjoy the calls of Himalayan birds. To your delight, you may be able to spot Himalayan Monal, Warbler, Coppersmith Barbet, Blue Magpie, and a variety of Parakeet species.

The gurgling sound of the beautiful Kalyani stream would suggest the vicinity of today’s destination. Refill the bottle here or relax for a while in its refreshing waters. After crossing the stream, we reach the diversion. From here, the left trail stretches to Sahastra tal. It is an idyllic location that hides this isolated lake of Uttarakhand. If time permits, we may pay a quick visit to this lake. Otherwise, we must follow the right trail. The dense forest opens on your way to vast meandering meadows. This is Biroda Bugyal. Enjoy the stunning paradise created by wavy hills and evergreen conifers. 3-4 kilometres ahead of this bugyal lies our campsite for the day. Soak in the immaculate charm of mother nature here. In the evening, savour the spectacular colours of sunset. Prepare for the next morning and sleep cozily while listening to the music of the rustling leaves.

Overnight Stay: camp at Kharsali

After a scrumptious breakfast we start hiking along the trail carved beyond the village. The trail is relatively flat till the river bank. It passes through the rolling meadows in the beginning. Post that, we start the ascent to a barren mountain patch devoid of vegetation. The view of the snow-capped mountains would accompany you throughout the day. Small snow-fed streams keep crossing your path. Don’t forget to spot the distant waterfalls tumbling down the Bhilangana Range.

Finally, after 8 hours of moderately difficult climb, we reach a serene spot at Tambakund. Tambakund is a small pond that can be considered the source of Bhilangana River. Relax in the evening, relish a hot dinner and prepare for tomorrow’s trek. Khatling Glacier, that feeds the river, is just 3 kilometres from this campsite. We shall spend the night under the stars at Tambakund

Overnight Stay: Campsite at Tambakund

Today, we proceed for a mildly strenuous trek to Khatling glacier located at an altitude of 3415 metre. It is the birth place of Bhilangana River that nurtures the human settlements in almost half of Northern Garhwal Region. Khatling glacier is one of the largest glaciers in the Himalayas. From Tambakunda, the trail starts over the wooden bridge across the river. The trail traverses through the grassy meadows of Chowki. It is frequented by shepherds who come here to feed their herds of sheep. The valley is dotted by flowering plants including that of Brahma Kamal during its blooming season. You might spot certain wild moths and butterflies along this route. It may take around 2 or more days to explore the glacier

entirely. We shall aim for the ‘Zero Point’ at this glacier. It is an enchanting viewpoint in the lap of this giant icy glacier. After having enjoyed the beauty of this place for some time, we shall proceed to trace the path back to Tambakund.

Note: You shall not carry all your luggage today and have a relaxed climb by just carrying the essentials.

We start today’s trek early. Eat well to energise yourself for the steep ascent of the day. From Tamabakund, via Chowki, we keep climbing throughout the day. Post-lunch, you would see the Khatling glacier and milky-white waters of Doodhganga river below you. The shining waters of Bhimtal lake can also be seen down below.

Masar Lake is a small pond tucked amidst the painting-like backdrop of lofty mountains of Kedar Range. The picturesque woodlands and carpeted green meadows enhance the beauty of this lake. The cherry on the top is the wild-flower blooming in this bugyal during monsoon. If luck favours, this campsite near the lake is perfect for star-trail photography or Milky Way spotting on a clear night.

Overnight Stay: Campsite near Masar Tal

We started early morning towards Mayali Pass (about 17,800 feet) in the biting cold. First we will go to Masartal, a beautiful lake on a high mountain with several camping spots.

The climb towards Masar Top presents a difficult challenge. This route, located on the left side of the lake, is particularly difficult, with a steep gradient of about 65 degrees. This particular stage of the trek is the most difficult. The presence of stones surrounded by pieces of ice in between increases the difficulty of the journey. Each step forward requires concerted effort, as this field demands both physical strength and mental toughness.

After taking rest and spending some time on the top we move forward to cross the Mayali Glacier. Once you raeched the Mayali Top you are witness to see many peaks from there like Mt. Thalaysagar, Bhartekuntha, Kedardome after spending some time at the top move down towards Vasuki Camping site

Overnight Stay: Campsite near Vasuki Tal

The route from Vasuki Taal to Kedarnath is a complete descent. Nonetheless, there is no dearth of adventure on this route. Once you bid adieu to the pristine sight of the Vasuki Lake, the real challenge begins. It is the time to hold your breath to cross the two glaciers namely, Chaturangi glacier and Vasuki Glacier. The precarious narrow trail requires the trekkers to take every step vigilantly. Apart from this little adventure, the rest of the trail demands careful descent. It is crucial to not hurt your ankles or knees owing to immense pressure. Thus, the trekkers are advised to follow the guides’ instructions.

Post this thrilling day, a divine sight of the Kedarnath Jyotirlinga awaits you. After reaching the lodge, freshen up to visit the temple. The black-stone structure sings the glory of devotion and art of ancient India. Kedarnath Temple, located at an altitude of 3,583 metre, is believed to have been built by Pandavas. The legend of the Temple is closely related to the Panch Kedar Legend. During the repentance period, post-Mahabharat, Pandavas were seeking for Lord Shiva. After hiding for days at Guptkashi, Shiva was finally spotted by Bhima in the form of a bull. However, before they could reach till the Bull, it disappeared. It then reappeared at different places in the valley which are now known as Panch Kedars. Kedarnath is the first of these five temples. The hump of the bull appeared here and the lord is worshipped here in the same form.

Do not miss the sunset at this divine site. The Kedar Dome is tinted with the hues of saffron and then pink as the Sun God prepares to set. This holy view accompanied by the vibrating sound of temple bells create meditative vibes in the atmosphere.

Overnight Stay: camp/Lodge at Kedarnath