Mayali Pass Trek

In the early morning we will start our journey towards Ghuttu, a journey of about 8 hours. Upon arrival, arrangements made for an overnight stay in a Hotel/Camp.

Today, the climb will be a little tough for you, as on the very first day of the trekking your body may not be yet accustomed to hiking.

After walking for about 2 hours on the sunny dirt road, you will enter dense the forests and walk in the under shade till the time you reach Reeh. In the beginning the trail continues alongside the river and later it ascends a steep climb passing through the pine forest. You can find extensive plantation of bamboo and Rhododendron on this route. Reeh is a little village located in the midst of stunning surrounds with a very few populace in the region. After a long day of trekking we will camp at this location for the night in the tents or will stay at GMVN.

Today we will begin moving forward from Reeh to Gangi. It is a steep incline and will take around 3 to 4 hours to climb. We will begin the trek climbing the hill behind GMVN in Reen and head towards Gangi. The ascent towards Gangi is precipitous and further inclines.

On the way, when you see a lot of ranches, you know that you have reached at the midpoint of the day hike. Gangi is a typical Garhwali village that is about 2 hours away. After we reach the last spot on this trek, once again we will stay here at the GMVN or set up a tent for the night stay.

The trek to Gangi from Reeh passes from various extensive meadow high on top of the valley. Along the way on the trek you get to see magnetic views of the South Ghuttu and the Panwali Kantha after we cross the top of the ridge.

As soon as Gangi is left behind us, we will lead you through a few stretches of the landslides. We need to cross this part of the trail very carefully as the trek sometimes goes astray in between these stretches. After we cross this landslide stretch we will head forward for a short ascent which brings us closer to the soil of Kalyani. It is a small plane ground with embankment on one side and on the other side there is a gorge underneath on the other.

Kalyani is the place from where the alternate route that starts from Mala links. There are several things you can plan for the day and even take the day off to visit the grassland and picturesque lakes at Sahasratal and Bhimtal on the way. This pleasure trip will be a good way to accustom you on this trek. To camp at Kalyani is a can really be a good thought, but move ahead with the trail if you are in a rush. Kharsoli is located at a distance of 10 kilometres from Kalyani and this place does not have good camping grounds.

On this day our target and the next destination is Tambakund. After we are on the half way away from Kharsoli, we are out of the tree line and come in the meadows. The trail follows a river, stream and on the way to the destination you can spot a fabulous waterfall on the other side of the valley close to Tambakund.

Tambakund is a charming small place where the shepherds bring their flocks. This place is quite nearby to Khatling. While on this way you can also see the notable glacier type of the territory. Tambakund located is quite near to Chowki. We will get down from the valley and then will climb upwards on the valley’s other side, i.e. Chowki. You can choose to continue the trail towards Chowki or to camp at Tambakund. Throughout the trail the views of the surrounds get enhanced and extremely beautiful by the passing day and but still you do not get the entire vista of the striking snow-capped peaks.

The other option available for trekking on the 3rd and 4th day of the trail is to go camping at Kalyani and then move forward towards Chowki.

Tambakund to Chowki is a short climb that will take less than one hour trek. On this day we will be crossing the river to reach at Chowki. Crossing the river may be a little tough. Therefore, it is essential to be equipped to create a makeshift overpass in case there is no bridge around to cross the river. Make sure that the guides and porters are well equipped with equipments before you begin the trek.

We will spend a day at Chowki to get acclimatized to the high altitude. The subsequent 2 days of hike will make you gain altitude swiftly and a day spent at Chowki will go far in the successful journey of the pass.

A climb to remember! On this particular day trail we will not just explore the fabulous views of the valley but also climb the terrain. We will start the day with a strenuous trek till Khatling glacier, from where the trail quickly comes down to the bank of the river prior we start climbing boulder and slope adjacent to the Bhilangana. The Khatling glacier is connected with the enormous hanging glaciers of Phating, Jogin, and Ratangian. This ascent to Khatling Glacier is only 7 Kilometres, but the speedy ascent is about 1500 metres with every step we take takes us to higher altitude and while on the trail you can sight stunning backdrop of the Chowki grasslands behind.

The path to Masartal follows the indefinite shepherds trail (precipitous in places) across boulder territory. You may stop here for some time to get some rest in case you fail to go ahead exactly. The place offers wonderful views. We will continue with the trail and cross the higher fragments of the Khatling Glacier and to the towering pass the Auden Col (5400 meters) and then head forward in the direction of Gangotri. The Jogin crests are easily noticeable as the Jaonli (6630 metres). The trek now further progress transversely from the towering alpine territory and slopes to the serene and the peaceful waters of the Masar Tal (4590 metres). The water here remains ice covered till mid June. The Masar Tal chilly cold and is an elevated altitude alpine lake. This place is really very cold and it grabs hold of a running hour before the absolute incredible exquisiteness of the place gets imperceptible. Masar tal is intended for the night camp site.

A Tough climb over the boulders towards Masar Top followed by a Steep descent to the Vasuki Tal.This day of the trek is going to be full of adventures. This is the trekking day for which every Mayali Pass trekker looks forward to! The ascent to Masar Top takes a little over an hour. The climb is risky and it sometimes the climb is more than a 45 degree on the boulders. In the bright sunny day the icy surface on the boulders becomes wet and slippery, which makes it difficult and dangerous to continue the hike. It is advised to begin the trek for this stretch in the early morning.

At the Masar Top the entire valley is clearly visible. Right beneath is the Masar Tal and straight in front there is Khatling vale and underneath ahead is the cultivated area of Chowki. At this point in time, at the other side, you will glimpse a lot of snow, similar to a panorama of the moon and you make out Kedar Dome. This incredible sight is very difficult to spot. And this is the place you chanced to witness this feature of the Kedar Dome.

Afterwards we will move in an upward direction at the Masar Top and on your absolute left positioned is Kedar Dome and in the middle of it is a huge glacier and an extensive snow field underneath. After crossing the glacier you get a chance to cross a vast snow field. The area of this snow covered field is immense that you drop all pleasure of sight. Once you reach this place ultimately, you don’t really make out of what exact dimension it is. You have zilch to correctly contrast that you observe. It is just like a lunar landscape and that is the incredible sight from the Masar Top.

From Masar Top we will move ahead and start walking on a sharp landslides sort of region. On the trail do not go after glacier, you will traverse the hill. It’s little challenging to undergo, throughout the way your tour escort will direct your way. Afterwards you will be having the immovable glaciers with a lot of snow.

Simply once, you move across the hill, cross through the extensive snow meadow which might take about an hour and it is an erect climb through the snow to reach the Mayali Pass. To pass this section of the climb and ropes can be useful.

After celebrations at the Mayali Pass, get ready for a sheer descent. It is a prolong stretch to move down. For the first 2 kilometres it will take you on the snow and after that you deal with both huge and small boulders on the way, which will be challenging on your ankles. The descent will take approximately a couple of hours after which you come near to the Vasuki Tal region camp ground. The neighboring janitor will prefer that you camp little far away from the Tal as it is a holy lake.

On this day, you can relax as we will start the trail late today at 9.30 AM. Vasuki Tal is essentially tranquil and spectacular place where spirituality comes naturally. In the month of September you may not find snow here.

Vasuki Tal is encircled by a valley and to reach the other side mounts and to the peak of the gorge and then descends; this is the eventual climb of this hike. The climb takes about an hour and is not a very easy one. You are not less than (4000 metres) in this region. Kedarnath is noticeable from that locale. You are now just at the side of the Mandakini River. This is the river that you can see at the Kedarnath. You will now move forward next to the Mandakini, it is not the main stream, but a diminutive tributary that merges with it. After continuing the trail on this way for some time, you can sight Kedarnath beneath and you have to move down further for another 1 ½ hour stretch. You can stay at one of the numerous places available for accommodation at Kedarnath and have some rest.

Wake up early morning and you will be taken for trekking towards a well laid 6ft wide path which will let you walk down around 14 km till Gaurikund. Head to the village of Rambara where makeshift restaurants serve food to the pilgrims. Descending further you will reach Gaurikund. Board on our pre-booked vehicle to reach Rudraprayag which will take around 4 hours drive. Rudraprayag is another well known religious destination located on the confluence of river Mandakini and Alaknanda. Overnight stay in hotel at Rudraprayag.

In the morning after breakfast drive to Haridwar via Devprayag. On arrival transfer to railway station and from here catch AC train for Delhi at 18:05 hrs. Arrival at Delhi by 22:45 hrs.