Gupt Khal Trek

Life is unpredictable and we understand that sometimes you have to cancel or change your trip dates and we endeavour to make it as easy as possible for you. However, please understand that we plan everything including guide fees, permits, accommodation and rations in advance. Therefore, any cancellation means inconvenience and certain losses to the people involved in various stages of the programme. Keeping that in mind, our cancellation charges are as below -

• Cancellations before 30 days from the start of the event: Get a monetary refund with 15% of cancellation charges.

• Cancellations between 30 days and 15 days to the start of the event: 50 %refund.

• Cancellations less than 15 days to the start of the event: No refund.

• Cancellations will be accepted only by email.

Note: The Himalayan Daredevils reserves the right to cancel a program before departure in the event of logistical problems arising due to natural calamities, strikes, wars or any other circumstances that make the event inadvisable. In this case, we will refund 50% of the event fees.

Itinerary Changes &Trip delays:

We plan itineraries based on the information available at the time of planning and in rare circumstances, they are subject to change. If the itinerary is changed or delayed due to unforeseen circumstances such as bad weather, transportation delays, government intervention, landslides etc., we will always aim to give you the best experience possible. However, The Himalayan Daredevils not be held responsible for the cost of delay or changes.

For Bookings made from Third Party Websites:

• The client is responsible for communicating with a third party (booking website) for cancellation.

• Cancellation / Refund is done by a third party based on their policies. 

The Gupt Khal Trek is hot and less-known, found in the big mountains of Garhwal, deep in Uttarakhand. It is a high-altitude walk that goes through Kedarnath and Badrinath's sacred lands. Walkers go by old ice, clean fields, and high cliffs. "Gupt Khal" means a hidden pass and sits way up at 5,800 meters (19,000 feet), one of the top and hardest walks in India. This walk isn't for people who scare easily. It's tough for those who have walked high before. You start at Gaurikund or Kedarnath, move through Vasuki Tal, Satopanth Lake, and stop near Badrinath. You walk high ridges, ice scraps, icy ways, and sleep under stars in places no city has touched. You'll see big peaks like Chaukhamba, Neelkanth, and Satopanth.

Gupt Khal's draw isn't just its high ground or the hard walk, but its old stories of spirit. It's thought sages and holy walkers took this path long ago. It mixes fun with deep, old tales. It's far and hard, so you need good plans, get used to the air, and help from pro guides and helpers. But, for those who go, Gupt Khal offers a never-to-be-forgotten walk in a pure part of the mountains, echoing with quiet, beauty, and old tales.

History of the Gupt Khal Trek

This trek has a special spot in mountain walk tales, mixing stories, spirit ways, and mountaineering in India. "Gupt" means "hidden" and "Khal" is "mountain pass" in the local way of talking, showing how secret and off-track this route in the Garhwal mountains of Uttarakhand is. This pass, found at about 5,800 meters, joins two holy Hindu sites, Kedarnath and Badrinath, on an old and risky path. In old times, it was thought that sages and lone holy folk used this way. Tales link Gupt Khal to the big story of the Mahabharata. They say the Pandavas used this way, trying to reach peace, going through these big mountains and Gupt Khal toward what's said to be the course to heaven. This area has long stayed out of reach due to its remote location, high altitude, and shifting weather. Unlike known walkways, Gupt Khal was a mystery for many years. Not until the early 1990s did walkers and climbing fans start to eye this way. They followed lost holy ways and noted the complex ground, ice bits, and nature around it. This work set the stage for later fun walks in this place, even if Gupt Khal is still less walked.

Its tough way means not many like Kedarnath or Valley of Flowers Trek are seen here. The way asks for strong body work and top climbing skills. Many spots need going over ice holes, shaky ice bits, and big snow hills. Even now, few strong walkers and old hands fully do the Kedarnath–Badrinath path via Gupt Khal. In the past years, the demand for off-track and soul walks has brought back Gupt Khal in the walking world. It’s now pushed by small walking groups and spirit seekers as a key walk mixing the holy with the great. The path stays safe and nearly unchanged, keeping its spirit energy and true past. All in all, the tale of the Gupt Khal Trek is a mix of old stories and climbing. It shows the Himalayas' lasting mystery, where each path is more than a way, it’s a link to a far past, a quest for the soul, and a test for today's walker.

Nearby Places Around the Gupt Khal Trek

• Kedarnath Temple: This temple is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva. It is important for visiting and marks the start of the Gupt Khal Trek. It sits high at 3,583 meters, hugged by snow-topped peaks. Many come here for both the grand design and its deep spiritual draw.

• Vasuki Tal: This clear ice lake sits up high, about 4,135 meters, on the way to Gupt Khal. Some think Lord Vishnu once bathed here. The green waters and snowy peaks make a great stopping point to camp and get ready for more trekking.

• Satopanth Tal: Near Badrinath, at 4,600 meters high, this sacred lake is a stop for many on the Gupt Khal Trek. It's said that the Gods like Brahma, Vishnu, and Mahesh meditated here. The route offers both stunning views and a feel of spiritual calm.

• Badrinath Temple: One of the Char Dham sites, this temple is for Lord Vishnu. Near the end of the Gupt Khal Trek, it sits by the Alaknanda River. It's a holy finish to the long walk. The lively town nearby is also a good place to check out.

• Chaukhamba Peak: You can see this giant peak, 7,138 meters tall, for much of the trek. It's key both to climbers and those on a spiritual path. It colours much of the trail's view, making the trek more grand.

• Mana Village: This spot is the last village before the border with China, close to Badrinath. Locals believe it's where the heroes of old, the Pandavas, started their climb to heaven. Stopping by gives a peek into old tales and the ways of the mountains.

• Swargarohini Steps (Path to Heaven): Though this path is more in myth than on the map of the trek, the story goes that heroes went to heaven from here. This tale fills the Gupt Khal area with a sense of mystery, drawing those who seek both adventure and deeper meaning.

Best Time to Visit the Gupt Khal Trek

• Mid-June to Mid-July: This season, right after the snow melts, is great for the trek. The days are clear and the sights are vivid. Snow still dots the path, and flowers start showing colour at lower spots.

• Late August to Early October: Once the rains stop, these months are also good for trekking. The fields turn rich with colour, and the rivers swell. The clean air and great light are perfect for hiking high and taking photos. Watch out for slippery spots, though.

• Rainy Time (Mid-July to Mid-August): Rain brings landslides, mud, and high water. It makes the trail hard and unsafe. Better not to plan trips here during this wet time.

• Cold Months (November to May): Heavy snow comes, and the cold is harsh. The path, including the Gupt Khal Pass, lies under deep snow. Only well-geared climbers try parts of the trail then; it's too tough for most.

How to Reach Gupt Khal Trek

• By Airport: Fly into Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun, 240 km from the trek start, Gaurikund. Flights come from big cities. From there, ride a car or take a shared taxi passing Rishikesh and Rudraprayag, taking 10-12 hours.

• By Train: Rishikesh Railway Station is the nearest train stop, well-linked to big cities. The drive to Gaurikund is about 210 km, about 8-10 hours. Or you could train to Haridwar, then move to Rishikesh.

• By Road: Drive to Gaurikund from Rishikesh, Haridwar, or Dehradun. Buses and taxis go as far as Sonprayag. From there, a local jeep can get you to Gaurikund. Roads wind and offer great views, but best to start early to avoid dark drives on hills.

Why Book with escape2explore

When exploring the Gupt Khal Trek from Bengaluru and beyond, escape2explore stands out as a trusted name in adventure and experiential travel. Here’s why hundreds of travellers choose us for their getaways:

• Trusted, Well-Reviewed Local Operator: escape2explore has gained the trust of thousands of content tourists all over India. With persistent positive feedback and an unblemished reputation for delivering quality experiences, we assure you that your experience will be hassle-free, memorable, and value-packed. Our insider local knowledge guarantees that you will always be in safe hands.

• Seasoned Guides: Our trips are led by friendly, trained, and professional guides who are passionate about the outdoors and your safety. Whether it's a beach trek, a cultural tour, or a spiritual walk through temples, our team knows the terrain, the stories, and how to make each moment count.

• Safe & Curated Itineraries: Your safety is our number one priority. Our tour packages are thoughtfully crafted with safety measures, researched accommodations, and easy travel arrangements. We take care of the details so you can have the experience hassle-free and worry-free.

• Unique Experience That You Won't Find Anywhere Else: With escape2explore, you discover more than the tourist attractions. We go off the beaten track with hidden beaches, unusual treks, offbeat cultural destinations, and true interactions.