Ghiya Vinayak Pass is an high-altitude pass at a height of 5000 m. This is one such trek that will give you a taste of practically every sort of terrain on this trek, from flower-filled, lush green Bugyals to deep woods and waterfalls to boulder fields and frozen regions. It's close proximity to the Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary makes it possible to see a variety of Flora and species as part of this journey. It has religious and mythological significance because the Pandavas traveled through various sites along this route on their path to heaven. The best season to complete this journey is after the monsoon, when you may see the Himalayan giants Nanda Devi, Chaukhamba, and Mandani in all its splendour.
About the Trek
DAY 1 DEHRADUN TO UKHIMATH (216 KM DRIVE, 8 KM TREK)
Starting from Dehradun, we shall proceed to the sacred town of Ukhimath. We will gather at a predetermined location in Rishikesh and head to our destination. We will eat breakfast at or before Devprayag ( the confluence of the Mandakini and Alaknanda rivers). We will be travelling along the Rishikesh-Badrinath highway through stunning scenery up to Rudraprayag ( the confluence of the Alaknanda and Mandakini rivers). From here we will turn to right and will follow the course of Mandakini to a village Kund (from here the road on left takes you to Gaurikund, the base for Kedarnath trek). We will then take the road to Sari village and take a sharp left turn that will take us straight up to Ukhimath. Onkareshwar Temple, the winter residence of Madhmaheshwar and Kedarnath, is located in Ukhimath. After settling down and resting in your guesthouse rooms we can make a visit to the temple. Dinner and a night’s stay in the guest house.
DAY 3: BANTOLI TO MADHMAHESHWAR (SHORT HIKE TO BUDHA MADHMAHESHWAR (5 KM + 4 KM TREK)
We will start early today because we need to visit Budha Madhmaheshwar which is at further 2 km distance from the main temple. The route initially is a steep stone paved with very less trees and sharp zig zag bends. After a few kilometres, we will reach a dense canopy, with tall trees lining both sides of the trail. Just a few metres from the temple, there is a stunning waterfall. You can also go there to bathe in its chilly but refreshing waters. As we proceed along the trail, a broad panorama unfolds in front of us, allowing us to see some homes and a few forest huts in addition to the main temple complex. We can take a break after setting up our camps and eating lunch. We will leave our backpacks at the campsite and then set off on a short walk to Budha Madhmaheshwar. A 2 kilometre steep walk will take you to a little pond. What you'll witness there will be nothing short of a wonder since the Giant Chaukhamba and Mandani looks so up close that you could virtually touch them. The snow-covered faces of these peaks are bathed in stunning pink and tangerine hues as the dawn breaks. you can also see the reflection of two peaks in the pond on a clear day. By the time of the evening aarti, we can be back. Bell and shankh sounds blend into the background and emit a strong yet calming feeling. We will then proceed to our camp, eat dinner, and call it a day.
DAY 3: MADHMAHESHWAR TO KANCHANI KHAL (9 KM TREK)
We will start off with a gradual to moderate climb and within half hour reach a point from where we can see the entire madhyamaheshwar surounded by lush green forest. we will continue walking on a gradual stone laid trail with the valley to our right. You'll get to witness a variety of flora and birds on your way. If lucky, you might a blue poppy or two. after traversing through 3 4 hills and negotiating a stream, you will finally reach a boulder laid area which you'll need to cross by climbing over them. After this we will make a climb to a top and take a narrow trail to descend all the way down to our campsite at the opposite side of the mountain. This campsite will be uneven with some boulders here and there. You'll be welcomed with piping hot tea and snacks. We will retire for the night here and get ready for the following arduous day.
DAY 4: KANCHANI KHAL TO PANDAVSERA (9 KM TREK)
Today we need to start early as we will be covering a long distance. We will start by taking the flat trail to our left and make several gradual ascends and descends on the stone laid trail. We will find various streams before reaching one big stream made by a small waterfall. Pandav Sera literally translates to the paddy fields of Pandavas where they grew some crops for themselves when they were wandering in the Himalayas. A kilometer or two before reaching Pandavsera, you'll be walking in a vast grassland. Pandavsera is a vast field ( as the name suggests) spread across a huge area with a stream running through it. We will camp overnight here.
DAY 5: PANDAVSERA TO NANDIKUND (6 KM TREK)
After covering close to 2 to 2.5 km alongside the stream we will reach a hill. The entire slope is covered in Brahmakamals throughout the spring and summer, and their strong aroma is sure to make one dizzy. After a steep climb of 1.5 to 2 hours we will reach a flat top from where we can see a big stream that is reported to have its source in the Panpatia Glacier. Here, you may unwind while enjoying your meal and the breathtaking scenery all around you.. We now resume our trek and what youll see next is a vast unending boulderfield. it takes much more time to negotiate it than one can calculate. once we are out of this boulderfield, there is a stretch of bugyal and after a gentle climb we reach a top and this spot is sure to give you goosebumps as what stands in front of you is a beautiful emerald lake surrounded with several ice patches that feed the lake. It's a sight to behold. This is the same spot you should visit i the evening in order to get a beautifully lit enormous face of the chaukhamba massif. The campsite is a levelled ground with the lake in front and towering rock faces surrounding it. After the spring season this lake is lined by lots of Brahmakamals. On the festival of Nandashtami, people from village come to this lake to fetch brahmakamals to make offerings to temples (in this particular case, Madhmaheshwar).
DAY 6: NANDIKUND TO MANPAI BUGYAL VIA GHIYA VINAYAK PASS (8 KM TREK)
We will descend down till the level of the lake and take a steep climb through a rocky terrain and within 2 hours we will reach a flat rocky ground from where we will walk to slight right and will enter the area that is pure boulderfield. It is a hard route to navigate as there won't be any specific route or trail to follow except for some Cairns ( small flat stones stacked on eah other to work as route markers) make sure not to demolish any Cairns. Here we need to be all ears to our guide and follow his instructions. It is a steep tiring climb lasting around two hours, but the view you'll get after reaching the top will be nothing short of rewarding. You may now catch your breath and get pictures clicked as we are at the highest altitude of this entire trek. We will carefully make a descent, which is very steep and full of scree, and reach our campsite where there is a rivulet named Vaitarni and a small temple of the same name nearby our campsite. We will spend our night here
DAY 7: MANPAI BUGYAL TO DHIKTAMANNA (4 KM TREK)
As we make our way down from Manpai Bugyal, we come to a tri junction from which one trail leads to Kalpeshwar through Bansi Narayan and the other (on your left) leads to Rudranath. We will have to go a little bit off trail (because there is none) for a kilometer or so and during this, we will make ascend to a hill top feature and make descend so steep that makes it nearly impossible to walk on until you're habitual of walking on a path like this regularly. The only way is to sit and drag yourself down carefully. We traverse one more hill and finally land on the trail. From here on its a gradual walk till a point where we make one last climb before reaching a flat top, our campsite. Dhik tamanna is a flat ground where you can see some makeshift structures made by shephards for the summer season when they come here to graze and live with their livestock. We will pitch our tents for an overnight stay.
DAY 8: DHIKTAMANNA TO RUDRANATH (25 KM TREK)
Today we need to start even before dusk hits as it is going to be the longest day of our trek. Today, the most of the time we will be traversing mountains, and crossing a few valleys. when we reach a flat land where you can see some keep your eyes open since you may spot a herd of blue sheep which is quite a common sight on this route. As we keep walking for another 6-7 kilometers we will finally reach a shed from where it will take us almost three more hours to reach the temple. From here it is a continious descend through bugyal. You'll be in awe of the place's abundance of lush vegetation and open grassland. Rudranath Temple is located in a small hamlet and the main temple is essentially built inside a small cave like feature. Adjoining to this is a small temple dedicated to Narad Muni and one to the Pandavas. Overnight stays will be a shared one in one of the huts in the temple vicinity.
DAY 9: RUDRANATH TO SAGGAR (18 KM TREK)
Today mark the last day of our trekking days. Not to forget the morning view from here, which is absolutely stunning. We will attend the morning aarti or darshan (whatever is earlier) or you may also visit Narad kund which is at a few metres from the temple. After breakfast and packing up we will leave for Saggar. We will first descend till a point and the ascend to Devdarshan (named so because one gets the first look of temple on their way up to Rudranath. from here the trail is purely descend. on our route we will cover Panchaganga, Pitra Dhar which is a high point that gives a panoramic view of the area, Panar Bugyal, liti bugyal where we can have our lunch, and pung bugyal which is the last point of camping on our way; The roadhead is 4 km away from here. We will cross several streams on our way. In the post monsoon season there area a lot of leeches nearby these waterbodies so one must exercise caution. The trail is gradual at places but mostly is rocky and steep once we walk past Liti bugyal. We need to maintain a constant pace in order to reach Saggar the same day. A guest house accomodation and delicious dinner will be waiting for you as you reach the destination
DAY 10: SAGGAR TO DEHRADUN(251 KM TREK)
We will say goodbye to the peaceful town of Saggar after an early-morning meal and go to Rishikesh. We are now free to travel to our respective destinations after arriving in Rishikesh. You can plan your next trip or simply spend the evening strolling through Rishikesh's Ghats. Only plan your trip in advance after 7 pm, taking into account the traffic and road conditions from Saggar to Rishikesh. With a desire in our hearts to return to the Himalayas, it is time for us to say Goodbye.
INCLUSIONS
1. All meals Ex Ukhimath( Gerenal nutritious meal )
Both during Homestays and Camp stays
2. Accommodation
Stay in Homestay on first and last day
Camp stays
3. Forest fees
Per person Per day Forest fee
Tents fee
4. Alpine 4 men tents (Triple sharing), good quality sleeping bags and mattresses, toilet tents, utensils.
5. Team leader, chef and support staff. Porters and mules to carry common luggage.
7. Transport from Dehradun to Ukhimath, Ransi and Sagar to Dehradun.
EXCLUSIONS
1. Meals during road transit i.e. meals during travel between Dehradun to Ukhimath, Ransi and Sagar to Dehradun.
2.Any kind of medical Insurance.
3.Any personal expenses like extra food, gears etc.
4. Any expense not specified in the inclusion list.
5. Carriage of personal luggage during the trek.
TREK USP
