The Gupt Khal trek is a challenging and lesser-known trekking route in the Garhwal region of Uttarakhand, India. It offers stunning views of snow-capped peaks, alpine meadows, and glacial lakes, but requires experienced trekkers due to its steep terrain and high altitude. The trek provides an immersive experience in the remote Himalayan wilderness.
Gupt Khal
Trek Details
Duration
12 Days / 11 Nights
Max Altitude
5800 m
Difficulty
HardBest Season
May to June and September to October
Start Point
Ghamsali
End Point
Badrinath
Overview
Your Adventure at a Glance
About the Trek
Mythology, Best Time & More More
Significance
Mythology and Cultural
The ancient Himalayan landscape, with its towering peaks, deep valleys, and pristine lakes, evokes a sense of awe and reverence, making it a spiritually enriching experience for trekkers.
Month
Best Time
The best time to undertake the Gupt Khal trek is during the summer months, from May to June, and the post-monsoon season, from September to October. During these periods, the weather is generally more stable, with clear skies and mild temperatures, providing optimal conditions for trekking.
Day-by-Day Plan
Trek Itinerary
Day 1
Dehradun to Joshimath
Travel Time: A 7-8 hour drive from Dehradun to Joshimath, covering 289 km. The journey takes you through picturesque landscapes, providing glimpses of the Garhwal region's natural beauty.
Stay in Joshimath: Rest and overnight stay in Joshimath, a significant pilgrimage town in Uttarakhand, to prepare for the trek ahead.
Day 2
Joshimath to Ghamsali Village
Travel Time: A 7-8 hour drive from Dehradun to Joshimath, covering 289 km. The journey takes you through picturesque landscapes, providing glimpses of the Garhwal region's natural beauty.
Stay in Joshimath: Rest and overnight stay in Joshimath, a significant pilgrimage town in Uttarakhand, to prepare for the trek ahead.
Day 3
Ghamsali Village to Eri Udiyar
Trekking Distance: The 12 km trek to Eri Udiyar takes 6 to 7 hours, starting the ascent to higher altitudes. The trail offers stunning views of the surrounding peaks and valleys.
Camp at Eri Udiyar: Set up camp for the night at this scenic spot.
Day 4
Eri Udiyar to Rataban
Trekking Distance: An 8 km trek taking 5 to 6 hours through more challenging terrains towards Rataban.
Overnight at Rataban: Camp at this elevated location, experiencing the serenity of high-altitude wilderness.
Day 5
Rataban to Bankund
Trekking Distance: A shorter but steep 5 km trek taking 4 to 5 hours to reach Bankund.
Camp at Bankund: Prepare for the night at this even higher altitude, allowing for acclimatization.
Day 6
Bankund to Bankund Bend
Trekking Distance: Cover 7-8 km over 6 to 7 hours, gradually ascending to Bankund Bend.
Overnight at Bankund Bend: The campsite offers spectacular night skies, far from light pollution.
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Day 7
Bankund Bend to Garh Snow Field
Trekking Distance: Another 7-8 km trek over 6 to 7 hours, reaching the expansive Garh Snow Field.
Camp at Garh Snow Field: Experience camping on a snow field, with precautions for cold temperatures.
Day 8
Garh Snow Field to Gupt Khal Base
Trekking Distance: Ascend 5-6 km over 6 to 7 hours towards the Gupt Khal Base.
Prepare for Summit Day: Rest and prepare for the challenging summit day that follows.
Day 9
Summit Day - Gupt Khal Base to Nakthani Glacier via Gupt Khal
Trekking Distance: The most challenging day, covering 7-8 km over 7 to 8 hours, including the ascent to Gupt Khal Summit and descent to Nakthani Glacier.
Achievement: Celebrate the accomplishment of reaching the summit with precautions for the descent.
Day 10
Nakthani Glacier to Musapani Campsite
Trekking Distance: Begin the return journey with a 4-5 km trek taking 6 to 7 hours to Musapani Campsite.
Rest at Musapani: Enjoy a well-deserved rest at this scenic campsite after the exhausting summit day.
Day 11
Musapani Campsite to Badrinath
Trekking Distance: A longer trek of 17 km over 7 to 8 hours brings you to the sacred town of Badrinath.
Visit Badrinath Temple: Explore the town and visit the Badrinath Temple, a significant pilgrimage site.
Day 12
Badrinath to Dehradun
Travel Time: Return to Dehradun over a long drive of 328 km, taking 9 to 10 hours.
Journey Ends: Reflect on the incredible adventure and the physical and mental challenges overcome during this expedition.
What's Covered
Inclusions & Exclusions
INCLUSION
- Accommodation: Stay in tents/guesthouses on twin/triple sharing; base in guesthouse.
- Meals: Simple, nutritious vegetarian meals provided.
- Day-wise Meals: Meal plan varies by day.
- Day 1: Dinner + breakfast next morning.
- Trek Days: Breakfast, packed lunch, and dinner included.
- Final Day: Dinner + breakfast before departure.
- Non-veg meals are not served.
- Trek Equipment: Sleeping bags, tents, kitchen setup, mattresses, crampons (if needed).
- Transportation: Included if opted during booking.
- First Aid: Basic medical kits available.
- Permits: Forest entry fees and permits included.
- Guides: Led by trained and experienced trek leaders.
EXCLUSION
- All kinds of personal expenditures are excluded.
- Anything that we have not mentioned above.
- The trek cost is not inclusive of meals bought during the journey on 1st day and last day.
- Mules or porter charges to carry private baggage.
- Any kind of emergency evacuation charges.
Getting There
How To Reach
Location
Trek Route Map
Booking Policy
Cancellation Policy
| Policy | Upto 30 days | 29–21 days | 21–15 days | 14–0 days |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Batch Shifting | ✓ | ✕ | ✕ | ✕ |
| Refund | 100% | 50% | 0% | 0% |
Travel insurance is strongly recommended. No-shows and last-minute cancellations are non-refundable. In case of bad weather or force majeure, the company reserves the right to modify or cancel the itinerary.
Preparation
What To Pack
Clothing & Footwear
- High-ankle waterproof trekking boots (broken in)
- Thermal base layer — top & bottom (2 sets)
- Down jacket (600+ fill power)
- Windproof & waterproof shell jacket
- Trekking pants (quick-dry, 2–3 pairs)
- Woolen gloves + waterproof outer gloves
- Warm balaclava & beanie hat
- Woolen socks (4+ pairs)
- Gaiters for snow and scree
Gear & Essentials
- 35–45L daypack with rain cover
- Trekking poles (collapsible, 2 poles)
- Headlamp with extra batteries
- Sunscreen SPF 50+ & lip balm with SPF
- UV-protection polarised sunglasses
- Personal first aid & altitude medication (Diamox)
- Water bottles (2L) or hydration bladder
- Water purification tablets
- Valid government photo ID (mandatory for permits)
Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Gupt Khal trek difficult ?
Yes, the Gupt Khal trek is considered to be difficult.
How many days is Gupt Khal Trek ?
It is a 12 Days and 11 Nights Trek starting from Ghamsali to Badrinath .
Why is Gupt Khal famous ?
The Gupt Khal trek is famous for its challenging and adventurous nature, offering trekkers stunning views of snow-capped peaks, alpine meadows, and glacial lakes in the Garhwal region of Uttarakhand, India.
What if we want to leave extra luggage at the base village?
You can keep extra luggage in the base village for any particular trek. There are no cloak roo charges applicable. Its free of cost.
What if we want to leave extra luggage at the base village?
You can keep extra luggage in the base village for any particular trek. There are no cloak roo charges applicable. Its free of cost.
Is there mobile signals available on treks?
If you are going on a trek don’t expect mobile signals. There are few spots on the trails of few treks where you might find a single tower or something but it always depends if that is enough to make a call or not.
How do you manage toilets?
We use portable toilet tents for sanitation needs, as permanent structures may not available. These are dry toilets, so please bring wet wipes or tissue paper for personal hygiene.
Do I need to carry trek equipment?
For this trek you just need a day bag to carry during the trek, extra luggage can be left behind at the camp site. Proper bedded swiss tents are available on this trek.
Can we consume Alcohol during the trek?
It’s a strict no. If you fall sick during the trek due to alcohol consumption H2H has the right to cancel your trek and send you back to base village. No expenses shall be refunded in that case and you will have to pay additional for stay at base village.
How do I prepare for the trek?
Start running/walking at least 3-4 Kms everyday.
What kind of shoes will I need? Does a sport shoe work?
If it’s a snow trek a good trekking shoe is mandatory. If you buy a new shoe do walk for few days so that it fits you well and doesn’t leave you with blisters while you trek. If it is a summer trek or post monsoon trek a shoe with good grip and ankle support will do.