Ghiya Vinayak Pass
Full of folklore and stories from mythology, this is one of the lesser explored treks in Indian Himalayas. Though not technical, it is one of the toughest treks stretching upto an altitude of 5250 mts with steep climbs and downsides, narrow ridges and sharp-turns. Padanvas from the epic Mahabharath are believed to have lived here and cultivated the Pandav Sera valley. This trek offers closest views of peaks like Chaukhambha, Mandani, Panpatia Snow field, Neelkanth, Parvati peak, Nanda Devi etc, from the top of Ghiya Vinayak pass. Certain patches on this trek are tricky with no defined trail and there are chances of losing track of the trek route. This route is considered very pious by the locals and hence it is imperative that anyone trekking on this route follows the local customs and restrictions.
Region : Rudraprayag, Garhwal
Best season : May- June, Mid Sep- Mid Oct
Grade : Moderate to Tough
Duration : 11 days
Trek Distance : 72 km approx
Max altitude : 5250m
Min group
Price : On Request
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Itinerary
If possible try to reach Rishikesha day before the trip starts. That also gives you enough time to relax and to prepare for the trek. Meet the team in the evening and the trek leader will brief you about the trek.
Start from Rishikesh around 6:30 in the morning and halt for lunch on the way. From Ransi village take the trail to Gaundhar which is an easy decend. Stay over at the camp in Gaundhar.
About 4-5 hrs of easy trek to Bantoli where one can see the confluence of the rivers Madmaheswar Ganga and Markandeya Ganga.
A long day of trek to Madhyamaheshwar would start early morning from Gaundhar. Reach Bantoli by Lunch time. Break for lunch at Bantoli and the trek through forests and villages to reach Madhyamaheshwar by evening. The Chaukhamba group of peaks and Mandani Parvat are clearly visible from here. Visit the Madhyamaheshwar temple for evening aarti. Overnight stay in tents.
A shorter distance to be covered, however, the climb would be steep and strenuous. Rare and sacred flowers of neelkamal, brahma kamal and swarnakamal can be sighted on the way. Reach Kachni Taal by early evening and camp for the night. Overnight stay in tents.
Leave the civilization behind and follow the shepherds trail through waterfalls to reach Pandav Sera. Overnight stay in tents.
A Strenuous climb almost all through the way to Nandikund. Nandikund is a large and deep lake surrounded by high peaks and a temple of Devi Nanda on its bank. Some old rusted arrows and swords can be seen at the temple, which, as the locals believe, belong to the Pandavas. Overnight stay in tents.
A relatively easy day with moderate climb up to Ghiya Vinayak Pass and then sharp descents towards Barma walking along the Vaitarni river, also known as Rudraganga. Overnight stay in tents.
An easy day with downhill trek to Manpai Bugyal which is full of colourful flowers during summers. Visit the stone temple Panch Dyula on the top of the Bugyal. Overnight stay in tents
An easy downhill walk to Bansinarayan and to civilization. It is an ancient temple built of huge stones and surrounded by slanting boulders. Overnight stay in tents.
A relaxed downhill trek through thick forests to Urgam village. Urgam welcomes you with fascinating apple orchards, terrace fields with Rajma and potatoes farms. Overnight stay at lodge/ homestay
Start in the morning after a visit to the Kalpeshwar temple and then breakfast. Reach Rishikesh by evening.
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