Mayali Pass Trek

📅
Duration
9 days 8 nights
🔼
Highest Altitude:
5300m
🛑
Grade:
Strenuous
👍
Best Time:
May, Jun, Sep, Oct
🌞
Temperatures:
🚩
Starts From:
Ghuttu
🛪
Airport:
Jolly Grant Airport, Dehraoon, Uttrakhand
🚉
Railway:
Rishikesh, Uttrakhand

Key Geographical Highlights

4 Popular Peaks:

Bhrigupanth ( 6772m ), Kedarnath (Main) ( 6940m ), Kedarnath Dome ( 6831m ), Thalay Sagar ( 6904m )

1 High Passes:

Mayali Pass ( 5108m )

3 Lakes:

Masar Tal ( 4770m ), Vasuki Tal ( 4914m ), Bheemtal ( 1333m )

3 Glaciers:

Chorabari Glacier, Companion Glacier, Khatling Glacier

3 Rivers:

Bhilangana, Mandakini, Vasuki Ganga

1 Villages:

Ghuttu

Reach Ghuttu find other treks

Daywise Itinerary For Mayali Pass Trek

(click to read detailed route briefing, elevation graph, altitude time info and photos from the day)

▼ Day 1Arrival DayGangi 2664m
Arrive In Gangi
Overnight In: Gangi (2664m )
Accommodation: otel / Homestay / Tents
Meals Included: All Meals
Cost Of Transport Included: NO
Where and How To Reach Ghuttu
A long but beautiful drive through the lower Himalayas to access the Higher Himalayas. We board the cab early morning around 8 AM from Rishikesh and cross Tehri and Ghansali before reaching Ghuttu. Now the road goes up till Gangai, and hence we advance further and reach Gangi where we can either camp or stay in rest houses.
Day 1
375 - Rishikesh
Day 1
1800 - Ghuttu
Day 1
2055 - Reeh
Day 1
2665 - Gangi
12Km, 7 - 9hrs.
▼ Day 2Trekking DayKharsoli 2876m
From Gangi (2664m ) To Kharsoli (2876m ), Via - Kalyani (2625m ) - 6 - 7 Hrs. 15 Kms
Overnight In: Kharsoli (2876m )
Accommodation: Homestay / Tents
Meals Included: All Meals
A long day through the forest and occasional openings with multiple ascends and descend
Day 2
2665 - Gangi
Day 2
2625 - Kalyani
Day 2
2880 - Kharsoli
15Km, 6 - 7hrs.
▼ Day 3Trekking DayTambakund 3400m
From Kharsoli (2876m ) To Tambakund (3400m ) - 4 - 5 Hrs. 8 Kms
Overnight In: Tambakund (3400m )
Accommodation: Tents
Meals Included: All Meals
We move further up towards the snout of the Bhilangana river and Khatling Glacier. This enables us easier crossing of the Bhilangana river the next day.
Day 3
2880 - Kharsoli
Day 3
3400 - Tambakund
8Km, 4 - 5hrs.
▼ Day 4Trekking DayChowki 3620m
From Tambakund (3620m ) To Chowki (3620m ) - 2 Hrs. 5 Kms
Overnight In: Chowki (3620m )
Accommodation: Tents
Meals Included: All Meals
River Crossing Day. We find a suitable site to cross the Bhilangana river. Fot this we might require to walk up the Khatling glacier a little. It totally depends upon the current situation of the river and glacier crossing point. It a short day and needs to be timed well. The remaining day can be utilised to acclimatize and rest.
Day 4
3620 - Tambakund
Day 4
3620 - Chowki
5Km, 2hrs.
▼ Day 5Trekking DayMasar Tal 4568m
From Chowki (3620m ) To Masar Tal (4568m ) - 4 - 5 Hrs. 8 Kms
Overnight In: Masar Tal (4568m )
Accommodation: Tents
Meals Included: All Meals
The trek now has taken its full color and today is one wonderful and important day. After an half rest day in Chowki, we are fully recharged for the day. A trek over the rough rocky terrain and we gain rapid altitude today.

With views of Khatling behind, we slowly reach the campsite of of Masar Tal. It gets very cold here.. so be prepared.
Day 5
3620 - Chowki
Day 5
4570 - Masar Tal
8Km, 4 - 5hrs.
▼ Day 6Rest DayMasar Tal 4568m
- 4 - 5 Hrs. 10 Kms
Overnight In: Masar Tal (4568m )
Accommodation: Hotel / Homestays / Tents
Meals Included: All Meals
Rest Day
Day 6
4570 - Masar Tal
Day 6
4570 - Masar Tal
10Km, 4 - 5hrs.
▼ Day 7Pass Crossing DayVasuki Tal 4300m
Cross Mayali Pass And Reach Vasuki Tal via Masar Top - 7 - 8 Hrs. 14 Kms
Overnight In: Vasuki Tal (4300m )
Accommodation: Tents
Meals Included: All Meals
A difficult day. It begins with a steep climb to Masar Top over a boulder zone. Snow makes it further difficult. From the top we descend down slighty and then climb the glacier to the top of Mayali Pass.

A dedicated trek through the difficult terrain take us to the top of the Mayali Pass and with that we reach the climax of our trek.

Well, getting down is important too ! After spending satisfying time on top ( if weather allows ), we start our steep descend down to Vasuki Taal. It tests your knees and an exhausting trek finally ends the Vasuki Tal camp. We camp few hundred meters before Vasuki Tal, as camping near the holy Vasuki Taal is prohibited.
Day 7
4570 - Masar Tal
Day 7
5110 - Mayali Pass
Day 7
4900 - Masar Top
Day 7
4300 - Vasuki Tal
14Km, 7 - 8hrs.
▼ Day 8Trekking DayKedarnath 3583m
From Vasuki Tal (4374m ) To Kedarnath (3583m ) - 4 Hrs. 7 Kms
Overnight In: Kedarnath (3583m )
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: All Meals
A 2 kilometer climb to Vasuki Top via Vasuki Taal and then descend to the holy shrine of Kedarnath.
Day 8
4375 - Vasuki Tal
Day 8
3585 - Kedarnath
7Km, 4hrs.
▼ Day 9Trekking DayGaurikund 1989m
From Kedarnath (3583m ) To Gaurikund (1989m ) - 4 Hrs. 14 Kms
Overnight In: Gaurikund (1989m )
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: All Meals
Trek ends in Gauikund
Day 9
3585 - Kedarnath
Day 9
1990 - Gaurikund
14Km, 4hrs.
▼ Day 10Trekking DayRishikesh 370m
From Gaurikund (1989m ) To Rishikesh (370m ) - 9 Hrs.
Overnight In: Rishikesh (370m )
Accommodation: None
Meals Included: Breakfast
Drive down to Rishikesh
Day 10
1990 - Gaurikund
Day 10
370 - Rishikesh
9hrs.

Mayali Pass Trek - An Elaborate Description

The Mayali Pass is a high pass of over 5000 meters and takes you from the Bhilangana Valley to Kedarnath and the Mandakini Valley. It falls on the legendary trek route to trek from the holy shrine of Gangotri to the holy shrine of Kedarnath - 2 of the most coveted pilgrimage destinations for the Hindus.

For those few trekkers who wants to do this legendary trek route from Gangotri to Kedarnath, the approach is via the Auden's Col starting from Gangotri. The trek route is considered a semi technical route requiring to negotiate not just the high altitude, but most importantly the crevasses and the treacherous and deadly Khatling glacier. Once they enter the Bhilangana valley, they then meet the slightly easier Ghuttu - Mayali Pass trek route and then cross the pass to reach Kedarnath.

The Mayali pass trek can also be approached from the village of Ghuttu, near Uttarkashi. Comparatively, this trek is a easier one. We approach the Mayali Pass form Ghuttu passing by the villages of Reah and Gangi and then to the small picturesque medows of Kharsoli, Kalyani and then then to the grand meadow of Chowki with breathtaking views all round of some of the elegant mesmerisers of Garhwal Himalayas. A side excursion to Sahastra Tal can be added from Kharsoli.

From Chowki, the Mayali Pass Trek changes its grade and its colour too, reaching the serious high altitude zone of the Himalayas. We take some time acclimatizing and exploring this beautiful site. A side trek to explore the fear striking, crevasse filled Khatling Glacier.

The Mayali Pass trek really reveals itself from beyond Chowki where the terrain gets rougher. It then heads towards the mighty Mayali Pass getting tougher, steeper, passing through the treacherous boulder laiden terrain from Masar Tal, Masar Top and then to the top of the Mayali Pass. Snow and most importantly - thin layers of ice on these type of terrain can make things really tricky and having a safe step, basic set of equipment and a good knowledgeable guide who knows the terrain well, is very much advised . You also need to be well equipped with all necessary gears to negotiate such terrain depending on the season and the condition of the terrain when you are doing this trek.

The descend from the top of Mayali Pass is sharp and climbs down to the pious lake of Vasuki Tal ( not to camp by the lake ). This terrain is too boulder-laiden and eases out gradually. From Vasuki Tal, the trek eases out comparatively to get us to the holy shrine of Kedarnath.

If we like to trek in the wild, away from the rush and crowded trails, this is one of the best option for you. The villages on this trail give you an insight of the local culture. The twin holy lakes of Masar Taal and Vasuki Taal will leave you silent and peaceful. The sight of crevasse filled Khatling glacier might leave your spines chilled. Achieving the top of Mayali Pass and views from the top will leave you ever excited whenever you speak of this trek to others.

This trek is not an easy one and a good physical fitness and mental stamina is much required. Previous experiences help, as often the weather God might show its agony and your plans might fall apart.

Mayali Pass Trek - Why Its A Must-Do

The twin lakes of Masar Taal and Vasuki Taal. Holy, Picturesque and Serene.
The roughness offered by the Khatling glacier and the terrain beyond Chowki.
The remote villages of Uttrakhand
Mayali pass at 5300 meters offers great views of Thalay Sagar, Kedar dome and other peaks of Gangotri region
The holy shrine of Kedarnath

How We Grade Our Treks and Expeditions

Easy

Usual daily walks of 4 - 5 hours in altitude below 4000 meters. The sleeping altitude on these treks are below 4000 meter and the trails are gradual involving no steep ascent or descent. Sometimes, the trail may be longer, but on level trails. The duration of trek may be a week or lesser than it. The trek is not too remote and evacuation might be possible from almost any point of the trek

Moderate

The trek duration each day may span from 4 - 5 hours, but on some days, it may push up to 8 - 9 days. The trail might involve steep ascents or descents on occasions This kind of treks demand good fitness, and trekkers must involve themselves in cardio exercises regularly to do these treks comfortably. Sleeping altitude are below 4000 meters or little above it, but the trail might go as high as 4500 - 5000 meters. The trek is bit remote and evacuation might be possible from almost all, but not all campsites

Moderate +

This type of treks are bit more demanding than the moderate ones. It might involve few days of very long walks at higher altitude, or serious gradients, exposures, more remote or involves sleeping at higher altitudes for more days.

Strenuous

The trek duration each day may span from 5 - 8 hours, and may go up to to 8 - 9 on few days. The trail involves steep ascents and descents. Good fitness are demand of these treks, and trekkers must involve themselves in cardio exercises regularly to do these treks comfortably. Sleeping altitude may go above 4000 meters or little above it on couple of days, but not more than that. The trail might go as high as 4500 - 5200 meters. These trek are remote and evacuation might not be possible from all the campsites

Challenging

The trek duration each day may span from 5 - 8 hours, and may go up to to 8 - 9 or even more than that on few days. The trail involves steep ascents and descents. Crossing a glacier or a scree zone might be a feature of these treks. You might on some occasions, require technical equipment like rope, ice axe and snow stacks etc to complete these treks. Good fitness are demand of any treks, but these treks demands strong character. Sleeping altitude may goes well above 5000 meters on some days. The trail might go as high as 5000 - 6000 meters. These trek are high or remote or both. The trek usually might be a week long.

Sometimes irrespective of altitude and distance, a trek may ge graded Challenging if the route is treacherous, which might demand some footing skills or assistance of ropes and other equipment

Challenging +

The trek duration each day may span from 5 - 8 hours, and may go up to to 8 - 9 or even more than that on few days. The trail involves steep ascents and descents. Negotiating glacial moraines, scree zones, crossing them, camping on them etc are features of these treks. You might also require technical equipment like rope, ice axe and snow stacks etc to complete these treks. Good fitness are demand of any treks, but these treks demands strong character. Sleeping altitude may goes well above 5000 meters on some days. The trail might go as high as 5000 - 6000 meters. These trek are high and remote. A good technical support team and knowledgeable local guide is a must. Only experienced trekkers are advised to do these treks. The trek goes over 2 week and may be longer than that.

Sometimes irrespective of altitude and distance, a trek may ge graded Challenging if the route is treacherous, which might demand some footing skills or assistance of ropes and other equipment

Page Cost Inclusions and Exclusions For The Mayali Pass Trek

WHAT'S INCLUDED IN THE PRICE

Duration: 11 Days / 10 nights of the trek cost from Rishikesh to Rishikesh
Accommodation In Base Villages (Ghuttu & Kedarnath ): 2 nights in a local homestay in Ghuttu & Kedarnath with emphasis on local organic food and cultural exposure.
Accommodation On Trek: Spacious, sturdy, and High-Quality Dome Tents will be provided on a twin sharing basis.
Sleeping In Tents: Thick Waterproof Mattress complemented with Sub Zero Sleeping bags supported with Warm Fleece Sleeping Bag Inners For Extra Hygiene and Warmth will be provided by us
Dining On Trek: We will provide Dining and Kitchen Tents with camping stools and tables for extra hygiene and comfort.
Toilet On Treks: Dry eco-toilet will be set up with a toilet tent and toilet seat.
Meals: All meals starting lunch on Day 1 till lunch on Day 10 morning. 3 meals (B,L,D) suited for high altitude with evening snacks, soup, hot drinks, and extra energizers/juice for summit days
Trail Safety: Gaiters, Anti Slip Crampons, and Ice Axe depending upon snow conditions.
Communication: For efficient management of the trek, the team will be communicating with each other and trek base with the help of long-range wireless sets.
Medical Safety: Oxygen cylinder, Pulse Oximeter, Thermal temperature scanner, and Emergency Medical Kit accompanied by a trek leader knowledgeable on high altitude medicine and physiology
Trek Leader and Guide: Experienced and Well Equipped English/ Hindi Speaking Trek Leader maintaining guide to trekker ratio of 1:6. That is 1 guide for every 6 trekkers.
Local Support Staffs: Expert and Knowledgeable local guide with cooks, helpers, porters, mules, etc with travel and food allowances throughout the duration of the trek.
Permits: All required forest entry permits and camping fees as per the rules of the state
Transfers: Return transfers from Rishikesh in a private SUV
Max Team Size: Small group of not more than 12 members.

Add Ons: Make A Comfortable Trek

Single Tent Supplement: Rs 8000
Personal Baggage Porterage: Rs. 6000, up to 11 Kgs

Add Ons: Personal Equipment On Rent

High Ankle Waterproof Trekking Shoes (Quechua): Rs 1000
-20 degrees Down Jackets: Rs. 1200
Windproof/Waterproof Jackets: Rs. 500
Windproof/Waterproof pants: Rs. 500
Headlamps: 200
Poncho: 200
Trek Pole: 200
Rucksack: 200
Waterproof Gloves: 200

WHAT'S NOT INCLUDED

Porter For Personal Bags ( optional at extra cost )
Single Tent Supplement ( optional at extra cost )
Personal Travel Insurance
Personal Purchases
Food Purchased Outside Our Menu
Bottled Water or any other beverages
Personal Gears
Anything not mentioned in the inclusion list

Cost Terms For The Mayali Pass Trek

Cost Terms

The above-mentioned cost is in the range of minimum to maximum per-person cost for this trek as per 1 - 12 people team.PackageInclusions as per this cost can be read below.
5% GST (goods and service tax) is applicable for all our purchases.
We follow dynamic pricing as per the actual team size on the trek. Going by our standardized service, appropriate safety measures, quality equipment, and ecologically sustainable - small group commitment, a higher team size will lower the cost whereas a lower team size will significantly increase the cost.
Group segmented pricing if not provided here, please write to us using the contact page or text us on Whatsapp number +918017216725.
You may choose to keep the trek open or make it private depending upon your requirements or choice. The actual per-person cost of the trek is subject to the actual team size joining the trek. If you make any customizations that drastically change the itinerary and cost as mentioned here, then it will mandatorily have to be a private group only.
If we have dates listed on our website on Our Upcoming Treks and it is not marked as private, it means other people have booked this trek for that date and have opened it up for other members to join to lower the cost. If your dates and choices match, you may join these treks
You may join an existing open group listed on our website or create your own group as per your convenient dates and choose to either keep it private or open it up to lower the cost if other members join the trek.
At any point, the team size cannot be more than 12 members ( 10 for challenging treks) unless there is a unique exception requested or agreed upon by all the team members.

International Guests

Trek cost for foreigners is slightly higher than the cost for our Indian guests, mainly due to the higher permit fee applicable for admission to National Parks or protected forest areas. Sometimes, it may be higher due to higher local crew wages and other specific arrangements we make to ensure a safe, comfortable and enriching travel experience in India. However, we absolutely DO NOT 'hyper-charge' our International Guests ever and at the same time, ensure that we meet all the standards for highly qualified trek leaders and guides, safety, medical preparation, evacuation strategy, rescue arrangements, eco-sensitive travel, high-value knowledge sharing about the area and customs of the locals.

Extra Cost For International Trekkers Rs. 3000 per person.

Booking Process

Booking can only be done after multiple communication via email / Whatsapp / Calls. After connecting with us and discussing your needs, we finalize the trek and its requirements. After finalization, partial booking fees can be paid online or through direct bank transfers after which we trigger our preparations and arrangements for your trek. International Trekkers can pay the partial booking fees using PayPal, Wise, Western Union or Direct Wire Transfer.

Customized Private Group For Mayali Pass Trek

Trekking is a very personal activity and is perhaps one of the very few activities that give you enough time to indulge with yourself or your beloved people, a group of special friends, or close family members. It helps you transform personal bonds to the next level as it brings out everyone's best and truest self. Trekking is most enjoyed when it is done in a small private group, personalized to serve your specific needs. The Himalayas are best experienced when there is silence and solitude around and when you are surrounded only by your best people. Your trek is most enjoyable when all the pain of arranging a smooth trek is taken care of by us, and you focus just on your trek and yourself. Most importantly, a small private trekking group is very flexible, personalized, and more enjoyable, is the safest, and follows the principles of Sustainable and Responsible Tourism. Most trekkers book us for arranging personalized private treks catering to their specific and unique requirements - Customize This Trek

Must Read - Important Pre-Booking Information