Gupt Khal Trek – One of the Challenging Treks in Garhwal
The Gupt Khal Trek is a popular trekking route in Chamoli district, located in the Indian state of Uttarakhand. Gupt Khal Top is situated at an elevation of 5850m above sea level and is one of the difficult treks in Uttarakhand. The route was first discovered by British mountaineer Frank Sydney Smythe (famous for discovering Valley of Flowers) in 1937. He discover route from Valley of Flowers to Mana via Gupt Khal Top, later Ghamshali route found by locals.
Gupt Khal trek takes you through stunning landscapes, including high-altitude meadows, Glacier Rocky zones, Snowfields, and glistening glaciers. Here's some more information about the Gupt Khal Trek:
- The trek begins in Ghamshali Village (Chamoli Garhwal) and ends in Badrinath, covering a total distance of approximately 100 kilometers.
- Total days to cover Gupt Khal Trek are approximately 12 to 13 inculding acclimatization.
- Gupt Khal Trek is one of the toughest treks in Uttarakhand and out of 80 and above attemps, only few of teams can successfully completes the trek.
- One should be physically fit enough to cover 100 km uphill trek and should know basic knowledge about rock climbing and how to trek in glaciel rocky terrains and snow fields.
- Only few guides are available for this trek as this trek is less explored so it’s strictly advised to hire experienced, humble and reliable Guide with you.
- Do Check weather conditions properly before summiting to Gupt Khal and prepare yourself for extreme weather conditions.
- The best time to undertake the Gupt Khal Trek is from May to June and from September to November. During the monsoon months of July and August, the trek can be quite challenging due to heavy rainfall and slippery trails.
Activities to do in Gupt Khal Trek | Things to do while doing Gupt Khal Trek
The Gupt Khal Trek is a beautiful trek in the Chamoli Garhwal region of Uttarakhand, India. The trek is known for its stunning views of the snow-capped Himalayan peaks, Snow fields, and beautiful meadows. Here are some of the activities you can do on the Gupt Khal Trek:
Trekking: The Gupt Khal Trek is a moderatey difficult-level trek that takes around 12-13 days to complete. It is a great opportunity to explore the stunning natural beauty of the region.
Camping: During the trek, you will stay in campsites surrounded by beautiful mountains, Snowfields, and meadows. Camping is a great way to connect with nature and enjoy the tranquility of the Himalayas.
Bird Watching: The upper terrain forests and meadows along the trekking route are home to a variety of bird species. You can spot birds like the Himalayan Monal, Koklass Pheasant, and Khalij Pheasant among others.
Photography: The Gupt Khal Trek offers some of the most beautiful views of the Himalayas, including peaks like Kagbhushandi peak, Saptrishi peaks and Mana peaks. The trek also offers opportunities to capture the local culture and traditions of the Chamoli Garhwal region.
Local Cultural Interaction: The Garhwal region is rich in culture and traditions. During the trek, you can interact with the locals of Ghamshali Village and Mana village, learn about their customs, and taste local cuisine.
Nature Walks: The Gupt Khal Trek offers many opportunities for short nature walks. You can explore the beautiful Glaciel Snow fields and meadows, and observe the local flora, fauna and Himalayan area.
Star Gazing: The clear night skies on the trek offer a perfect opportunity for star-gazing. You can witness the stunning night sky with the backdrop of the Himalayas.
Places to explore near Gupt Khal Trek | Famous Tourist Attractions near Rishikund Trek Gupt Khal Trek
Gupt Khal Trek is located in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand, India, which is a popular tourist destination with several attractions. Here are some of the famous tourist attractions near Gupt Khal Trek:
Valley of Flowers National Park: Located near Joshimath, the Valley of Flowers National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a popular trekking destination. The park is famous for its vibrant meadows of alpine flowers and rare Himalayan fauna.
Auli: Auli is a popular ski resort and a scenic hill station located at an altitude of 2,800 meters. The place offers panoramic views of the Himalayas and is a popular destination for skiing, trekking, and camping.
Badrinath Temple: Badrinath Temple is one of the four sacred shrines in Hinduism and is located on the banks of the Alaknanda River. The temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and is a popular pilgrimage site.
Hemkund Sahib: Hemkund Sahib is a Sikh shrine located near the Valley of Flowers National Park. The shrine is situated at an altitude of 4,329 meters and is accessible only by trekking.
Nanda Devi National Park: The Nanda Devi National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is located near Joshimath. The park is famous for its rich flora and fauna, including rare Himalayan species such as snow leopard, Asiatic black bear, and musk deer.
Mana Village: Mana Village is the last village on the Indian side of the Indo-Tibetan border and is located near Badrinath. The village is famous for its natural beauty and is a popular tourist destination.
Rishikesh: Rishikesh is a spiritual and adventure destination located on the banks of the Ganges river. The place is famous for its ashrams, temples, adventure sports, and yoga centers.