About Khatling Sahasratal Trek
If you are fond of trekking, this is the ultimate route for you. You
will love the aromatic place in the womb of Garhwal Himalayas with
excellent lakes scattered everywhere in the path of this trekking route.
You might have never seen so many swimming pools at the same time. This
is the beauty that you will find while skiing. Two of the lakes, Masar
Tal and Sahasra Tal, among all are excellent in beauty and solace.
Khatling is the glacier, from which the river Bhilangana rises. The
spot, you will have to reach in the first half of the trek, is the
valley of this Bhilangana. All the lakes including the two above and
Vasuki Tal are preserved by nature in this valley. In the distant
horizontal view from the valley, you will find several peaks, making
competition with each other for their height. Sphetic Pristwar, Barte
Kauter and Meru are the renowned among all, covered with snow cap on
their heads.
Basically the trek starts from Kush Kalyani. Journey to Kyarki Khal
from there, through the lush meadows is going to give you a bulletin of
what nature is having in her menu for you. From there reach Parital and
visit the first lake in the trip. You will have to reach the Khatling
Glacier, after covering all the lakes, putting Kalyani beside. This part
of the trek is the most difficult one, and you will have to cover a 3
kilometre distance, from Tambakund. The three lakes, Vasuki Tal, Masar
Tal and Sahasratal will be covered here and if you have plan to reach
Kedarnath, starting a fresh water from Vasuki Tal.
Area : Garhwal Himalayas
Duration : 16 Days (5 day travel/11 days trek)
Best Season : Mid May - Mid October
Grade :Tough
Altitude : 5000 mts/16405 ft
Total Trekking : 120 K.M
Journey of the trek is all through excellent meadows. The lush
vegetation and garden of flora will make you dreamy, after certain point
of time. In the last part of the trek, there is the top beauty from
nature, with excellent slopes, glaciers, lakes and snow caps. The
journey through the meadows, finally into the glacier is in one-word
outstanding. Once you reach there, you will feel that it is injustice to
use the word, outstanding. Religious merit of the place is also going
to be added in your notebook. Unless you note them, the understanding
and the local people's stories will remain incomplete for you. However,
keeping the religious myths apart, the beauty of the nature god is
spectacular. After you reach the destination, you will find the beauty
to be even more excavating your imaginations. So prepare yourself for
that. Considering the myths, the river Bhilangana has been a divine
soul, who tried to tempt Shiva. However, she didn't succeed and she had
been cursed to flow in a liquid form. The river is named after her, for
that reason. Even the valley is also named after her. Beyond this
Puranic myth, you will also come across some of the local myths. The
local people, who are really friendly, will narrate you the stories in
their own way. You will love interacting with them and will feel awesome
to find their belief in those myths.
Khatling Sahasratal Trekking Tour Highlights
- Spend your idle moments soaking in the beauties of nature at the Khatling Glacier
- Relax and Rejuvenate by camping at the Sahasratal, Masar Tal and Vasuki Tal
- Savour view of Thalay Sagar, Kedar Dome and other peaks of Gangotri region from the Mayali Pass (5300 meters)
- Add to your record of scaling the strenuous Khatling glacier
- Pay homage to Kedarnath Temple, one of the twelve Jyotirlingas
Best Time to Visit
Best time to travel to Khatling Sahasratal Trek is in summers (May – June) and Post Monsoon (September – October).
Summer: The weather of Khatling Sahasratal Trek remains
salubrious and pleasing during summers. The Himalayas are distinctly
visible and the cool breeze adds charm to the vacation. Carry woolens
with you.
Post Monsoon: Serenity and solitude are at its best during
post monsoon at Khatling Sahasratal Trek. The region is blessed with
snowfall during winters and the accommodation options also remain few.
But you can see the best of Khatling Sahasratal Trek during post monsoon
as it looks like Heaven on earth.
Where is the Khatling Sahasratal Trek?
Perspicuous and sparkling like a glitter, Sahasratal is a lake at an
elevation of 15000 feet, towards the Khatling glacier western fringes.
Sacred to some and escapade for other, Sahasratal can be reached
throughout the years, except monsoon, as this is when the roads are
slippery, and there are more chances of the landslide. The lake holds a
strong religious significance, thus, here one can see the presence of
many pilgrims.
A strenuous 30 km uphill and downhill trek from Sahasratal will take
tourists to Khatling Glacier. This lateral glacier is located in Tehri
district, amid the snow drenched peaks- Jogin Group of Peaks (6466 m),
Sphetic Pristwar (6905 m), Barte Kauter (6579 m), Kirti Stambh (6902 m)
and Meru. Due to its location, it has been a primary source of water for
Bhilangana River. Moraines flank edges of the glacier, but actually
they look like walls of gravel mud.
How to Reach?
Nearest Railhead: Haridwar (225 kms)
Nearest Airport: Jolly Grant Airport Dehradun (215 kms)
Nearest Road Head: Uttarkashi can be reached from Haridwar/Rishikesh/Dehradun.
Khatling Sahasratal Trek (Detailed Itinerary)
Day 01: Delhi – Haridwar - Rishikesh
In the morning transfer to Delhi railway station and take an AC train for Haridwar at 06:50 hrs. After arriving in Haridwar meet our guide and transfer to Rishikesh, after reaching at Rishikesh you check into the hotel and have some rest. The evening time is free and you can travel around the city and get some rest. Arrangements made for dinner and an overnight stay in the hotel.Day 02: Rishikesh - Uttarkashi (185 kms/5 hours)
In the morning, after breakfast we will proceed for Uttarkashi (1150 metres) via Chamba and Tehri, which will take around 5 to 6 hrs. Upon arrival at Uttarkashi check in at the hotel. After having lunch, we will visit the (NIM) Nehru Institute of Mountaineering Institute & Museum, Kashi Vishwanath Temple. Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.Day 03: Uttarkashi - Malla (25 kms) - Sillachhan (9 kms/6 hours)
In the morning after having wholesome breakfast, we will proceed further and drive for about (25 km) to Malla and from here we will trek for about nine kms to reach Sillachhan along with packed lunch. On arrival at campsite set out tent for the night stay. Arrangements made for dinner and an overnight stay in tents.Day 04: Sillachhan – Kush Kalyani (2040 mts/6692 ft) (11 kms/6 hrs)
In the morning after breakfast, we will start our trek to Kush Kalyani, beautiful meadows on the upper reaches of mountains with rolling land enclosed with grassland. The day is easier one while traversing this topography as one is not required to negotiate vertical incline. Kush Kalyani is named after the Lord Rama's sons Lav and Kush. In the backdrop one can see the magnificent Draupadi ka Danda and Jonli I, II and III 3 series of mountains. Dinner and overnight stay in camp.Day 05: Kush Kalyani - Kyarki Khal (4077 mts/13373 ft) (14 kms/6 hrs)
On this, we will begin our trail in the morning after having breakfast to Kyarki Khal through extensive verdant meadows, stunning waterfalls and spectacular surroundings. The initial trek is 2-3 kms upwards and later part is flat and descent. Arrangements made for dinner and an overnight stay in tents.Day 06: Kyarki - Partial(18 kms/7 hrs)
Dig up into early morning breakfast, and start trekking to Partial, by trekking through the Kyarki Bugyal. As stated by the locals, the Partial was the abode of angels and God during the Satya Yuga or the era of truth. Small in size and colossal in beauty, the lakeside is perfect ground for the trekkers. Dinner and overnight stay at Partial basecamp.Day 07: Parital - Sahastral (5000 mts/16405 ft) (12 kms/6 hrs)
Begin your day with a beautiful view of mountains. Post breakfast, start trekking to Sahasratal via Taddiudyar. For few initial kilometers, you will travel uphill and after that trek downhill, to reach Sahsra Tal. Dinner and overnight stay at Sahsra Tal.Day 08: Sahastral - Kalyani (2683 mts/8800 ft) (16 kms/6 hs)
Post breakfast, start trekking downhill to Kalyani. The trail from Sahastral till Kalyani is quite tricky, thus, the company of guide is important. Overnight stay and dinner at Kalyani.Day 09: Kalyani - Kharsoli (2896 mts/9489 ft) (11 kms/5 hrs)
Enjoy a hearty meal at Kalyani and start trekking to Kharsoli via Biroda.The approach to Kharsoli ascends all the way, through the small meadows and small clumps of stunted trees consisting of Rhododendron and Birch. You will see many wildflowers decorated on the road edges. Overnight stay in Kharsoli.
Day 10: Kharsoli - Tambakund (3413 mts/11195 ft) (8 kms/5 hrs)
Start trekking to Tambakund by passing through meadows, streams and thick forest area. Dinner and overnight in Tambakund camp.Day 11: Tambakund - Khatling Glacier (3717 mts/12192 ft) - Tambakund
Post breakfast, start trekking towards Khatling Glacier. During the journey, you will come to the "Zero Point," which is known for offering a view of peaks and mountains. You will also ramble over the lush bugyals, decorated with an oasis of wildflowers, green grass and the legendary flower, the "Bhram Kamal." Spend some time at Khatling Glacier and trek back to Tambakund. Dinner and overnight stay at Tambakund.Day 12: Tambakund - Masar Tal (3675 mts/12054 ft) (6 kms/3 hrs)
Early morning, after breakfast, start trekking downhill for few kilometers till you reach Masar Tal. As the trek progresses, the view of the peaks around and the Khatling Valley become even better, and the bluish-green Bhimtal lake can be seen down below. The highlight of the day is the site of white water streams, often referred as Doodhganga, making its way through the mountains and meadows. Dinner and overnight stay at Masar Tal.Day 13: Masar Tal - Vasuki Tal (4135 mts/13563 ft) (15 kms/6 hrs)
Behold the view of the snow clad mountains and lush Bugyals and start preparing for the day. Today, you will be crossing Mayali glacier and difficult trails, consist of boulders and loose moraine, to reach the Vasuki Tal. Dinner and overnight stay at Vasuki Tal camp.Day 14: Vasuki Tal - Kedarnath (8 kms/4 hrs)
Today in the morning we will trek downwards to Kedarnath with packed lunch. Kedarnath is an illustrious pilgrimage and is the abode of the Lord Shiva where devotees from across the country visit. The historic temple has spectacular architecture and to build such a magnificent temple at this altitude must have been a triumph at years ago. Arrangements made for dinner and overnight stay in TRH/ guest house.Day 15: Kedarnath - Gaurikund (14 kms/4 hrs) - Rudraprayag (130 kms/4 hrs)
After having breakfast we will trek downwards to Gaurikund with packed lunch. Gauri is another name of Goddess Parvati according to the ancient religious texts, it is mentioned that Goddess Parvati meditated here for a substantial time also there is a famous Temple of Gauri situated at Gaurikund. From here we will drive to Rudraprayag. Arrangements made for dinner and overnight stay in hotel/TRH.Day 16: Rudraprayag - Haridwar (160 kms/6 hrs) - Delhi
In the morning, take a consecrated dip in the convergence of the river Alaknanda and River Mandakini. After having wholesome breakfast we will drive towards Haridwar. On arrival at Haridwar, transfer to train station and from here catch AC train for Delhi at 18:05 hrs. Arrival at Delhi by 22:45 hrs.Tour & Services End.
Things to Carry for Khatling Sahasratal Trek
- Duffel bag Down/synthetic camp booties
- Sunglasses, Light gloves
- Sleeping bag
- Flashlight/Headlamp with extra batteries
- Daypack
- One liter water bottles wide mouthed
- Trekking Boots
- Water purification/filter
- Camp shoes/sneakers
- Walking stick/Trekking pole
- Cotton socks
- Note book with pens and pencils
- Gore-Tex jacket
- Lip balm
- Light wind jacket Sunscreen / Moisturiser
- Down jacket/vest
- Camp towel/towel/sarong
- Fleece jacket/vest
- Personal toiletries
- T-shirts
- Personal medicines
- Underwear
- Money pouch/belt
- Trekking pants
- Energy bars
- Thermal tops
- Vitamin tablets
- Thermal bottom
- Extra passport photos
- Warm hat and Bandana/scarf
- Sun hat/baseball cap
- Wind- and rain-gear with hood
- Swiss Army Knives (Classic pocket tool)
- One pair cotton trousers or shorts
- Two cotton shirts/T-Shirts One warmer (jacket with hood)
