Mayali Pass Trek

Our pick up point is Dehradun Railway Station, we will arrange vehicles for you to reach Base camp Ghuttu which lies at an altitude of 1578 meters. Ghuttu is a small village located on the banks of River Bhilangana, it is Bhagirathi River’s major tributary and stream source of the sacred River Ganges. You would love the 8 to 9 hours journey to reach Ghuttu. Overnight stay will be in / Guest house

The trek starts from a maintained road which is made by the villagers and is used by them frequently. Walk for two hours on the well-made route, the climb isn’t tough or steep but the body will need some time to get usual to trekking. After two hours of trek on the maintained route go through the dense forests of pine. Experience hiking along the River, today you can feel the beauty in abundance. The will be surprised by the variety of Flora, maximum of Bamboos and Rhododendrons are found in this region. Reeh is a village amidst greenery which is your campsite for today. The surroundings are ravishing and will make you stare at them. Setup the tents and then retire for the night.

Gangi is the last village on the trail which is 12 km away from Reeh. This village is rich in Garhwali culture and the people wear traditional dresses, here you can explore the lifestyle of living in mountains in close proximity. Start the trek and head towards Gangi, there is a steep ascend after crossing it you can see huts belonging to shepherds. Enroute is Bhawani Mata’s temple worshiped by the locals, you can bow your head and move further. Now, walk through the magical wide meadows which are on the top of valley, the beguiling view of South Ghuttu and Panwali Kantha will fill your heart with joy. You have to cross the top of the ridge then you can reach campsite in 2 hours. As soon as you enter this village, you will see quaint houses and the rare architecture. The people will welcome you with a bright smile on their faces and you can know them closely by spending a night here. In the evening go and talk to the villagers, setup the tents and after the meal retire for the night.

Ahead Gangi there is no civilization, after leaving this site head towards Kharsoli. Today go through areas prone to landslides, no need to worry the season you are visiting is safe. Reach Kalyani after ascending for short duration. It is amidst the mountains, you can see the embankment on another side. The lakes on the way are Bhimtal and Sahasratal. Kalyani can be used as the campsite but today’s campsite is Kharsoli which is still 10 km away from here. It is Bhilan Ganga’s confluence and a large meadow, pitch your tents here in middle of the meadow, sumptuous food will be served and overnight stay will be in tents.

Bid adieu to this beautiful meadow and today you have to trek to the other part. When you come halfway you can see the receding treeline and the trek starts through undulating meadows, on the other side of this valley near Tambakund, you can see a waterfall which looks huge. This Kund is close to Chowki and Khatling glacier. Now, the trek is to Chowki which lies on valley’s other side. When you climb higher you will get the clearer views of Mt. Thalay Sagar, after a short ascend from Tambakund, Chowki can be reached within one hour. You have to cross Bhilan Ganga River then you reach the campsite. Pitch your tents at Chowki and admire the views of Mt. Thalay Sagar in the evening. Have tasty food and enjoy comfortably staying in tents.

Today the trek is through the thrilling trail till Khatling glacier which is 7 km away from the grasslands of Chowki. Trek along the river’s bank and many hanging glaciers will be visible with the Khatling glaciers (Phating, Jogin and Ratangin). Many trail leads to Masar Tal, discovered by the shepherds, there are boulders everywhere. The trek is going to be scenic and you are going to gain altitude. Start crossing the higher areas of this glacier and ahead lies Auden’s Col, which is one of the toughest trek in India at an elevation of 5,400 meters. Continue trekking and reach Masar Tal in the remote region at a height of 4950 meters. This campsite is cold and the temperature falls after sunset, be prepared and keep yourself warm by wearing woolen layers. Today set your camps in this remote region near Masar Tal, which is untouched and has serenity and peace. Wear enough clothes to protect against cold and retire for the night.

Acclimatization prevents Altitude motion sickness, you can rest for today or go for a short hike because it is necessary for your body to adjust according to the environment.

Make sure you leave early because reaching Mayali Pass and campsite of Vasuki Tal will take time. Get ready for the adventure and thrills on the way, today you have to conquer all the challenges and traverse Mayali Pass (5300 m). Start from Masar Tal and head towards Masar Top, reach there in an hour through steep ascend over boulders. Be very careful because they can be very slippery because of their icy surface. Reach the top and the valley view you get is spell binding, the grasslands of Chowki looks lush green and are clearly visible. You can also spot Kedar Dome from here but only if the weather is clear. Now, the trek is the landslide prone areas, climb up the hill and you will reach the part with glaciers. Cross the meadow covered totally in snow, from here the steep climb leads to Mayali Pass. Take out your ropes and start crossing this section. After you reach the Pass, have a look at the great peaks of Kedar Dome, Mt. Thalay Sagar and Bharti Kuntha. You will surely love the extraordinary views. Do not spend much time here because descending is time consuming and is very steep. Cross the snow section and boulder zone it is going to be a long trek but the joy of successfully climbing the summit will make you do it with happiness. After tough descent of two hours reach the campsite Vasuki Tal a holy lake which looks like snake Vasuki of Lord Shiva. Catch the views of Chaturangi glaciers from here, after setting the tents and having food retire for the night.

From Vasuki Tal to Kedarnath, the distance is 6 km. After one ascend you have to descend all the way. Climb up and you have the sight of Kedarnath and River Mandakini. Descend and you can reach there in one and a half hour, it is a very famous Hindu pilgrimage site, Kedarnath “Abode of Lord Shiva”. When you reach there visit the temple in the evening and check in a hotel at Kedarnath.

The distance from Kedarnath to Gaurikund is 14 km, it is a well-defined and well maintained path, descend through this trail and reach Gauri Kund same day drive to Rishikesh or Dehradun

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