Bandapunch Expedition trek
- Duration: 17 Days
- Highest Points: (6316 m)
- Best Time: April, May, June, September and October
Bandarpunch I – 6316 m, Bandarpunch II – 6102 m, Bandarpunch III – 6102, Black Peak – 6387 m, these peaks lie in the Garhwal Himalayas and are a part of Govind Wildlife Sanctuary of Uttarkashi district in Uttarakhand. These are a group of mountains and you are going to traverse Bandarpunch – I (6316 m).
Meaning of Bandarpoonch is tail of a monkey, it is believed that Lord Hanuman reached the top to extinguish the fire on his tail which caught him when he was trying to save Lord Rama’s wife Sita.
Starting point of this trek is Sukhi which lies on the way to Gangotri. Base camp is reached after two days and before summit are two alpine camps. The trek from Camp 1 and summit is difficult because of the crevasses.
From the summit you get best views of Jogin peaks, Sudarshan Parbat, Gangotri group of peaks, Chandra Parbat, Thelu, Jaonli, Swetvaran, Matri, and Satopanth. Other mountains of Garhwal region are also visible from here.
Day 1: Dehradun to Uttarkashi
Our pick up point is Dehradun Railway Station and the drive is through Mussoorie towards Uttarkashi. Have breakfast and lunch en route.
Today your stay and dinner will be arranged in a hotel.
Day 2: Uttarkashi to Sukhi (Drive) trek to Forest camp (2950 m)
From Uttarkashi drive is towards Sukhi, it is a small village and starting point of this trek. In this village there are less houses and many apple orchards.
Start the trek from Sukhi reach Forest camp through a descent from Khagi Pass. From the campsite trail to Bandarpunch is visible with Srikanth, Jaonli and Gangotri peaks. Pitch your tents here and sleep comfortably in tents.
Day 3: Forest camp to Base camp (3780 m)
Today follow the Chaiyyan Gad River to reach the base camp, after the descent you can reach the confluence of Chaiyyan Gad and Son Gad.
Pass through the dense forests and afterwards through the wide meadows with many wildflowers. After you see the receding treeline then you are about to reach the base camp. It is located at the foot of Chaiyyan glacier.
Place your tents there and comfortably sleep in tents.
Day 4: Acclimatization Day
Go for a hike today for acclimatising.
Day 5: Load Ferry, Base camp to Camp 1 and back
Load Ferry from Base camp to Camp 1 and return.
Day 6: Base camp to Camp 1 (4450 m)
Post breakfast start the ascent from Base Camp to Camp 1 which is at an altitude of 4450 meters.
Day 7: Rest Day at Camp 1
Rest at Camp 1 today and get prepared for the upcoming days.
Day 8: Short hike and back (5000 m)
Today go for a hike to gain altitude up to 5000 meters and get back to Camp 1.
Day 9: Camp 1 to Summit Camp (5180 m)
From Camp 1 ascent to Summit Camp which is at an altitude of 5180 meters.
Day 10: Acclimatization Day
Before Summit attempt let your body adapt the changes
Day 11: Summit attempt (6316 m) and return to Summit camp
The trek to summit is going to be tough and you will be needing trekking equipment. Take out your ropes and use them for climbing to the top.
From the summit you get best views of Jogin peaks, Sudarshan Parbat, Gangotri group of peaks, Chandra Parbat, Thelu, Jaonli, Swetvaran, Matri, and Satopanth. Other mountains of Garhwal region are also visible from here.
After your successful climb descent to Summit camp.
Day 12: Reserve Day for Summit Attempt
This day is reserved for Summit Attempt (Extra Day)
Day 13: Summit Camp to Base Camp
Start the descent towards Base Camp. Setup the camps after a tough adventure, have food and comfortably sleep in tents.
Day 14: Rest Day
Today rest at Base Camp to relax.
Day 15: Return to Forest Camp
On Day 2 you stayed at Forest camp, from Base camp descent to this campsite and after setting tents sleep comfortably in tents.
Day 16: Forest camp to Sukhi and Drive to Uttarkashi
Get back to Sukhi by following the same path and from there leave for Uttarkashi. Arrangements will be made in a hotel there.
Day 17: Uttarkashi to Dehradun
Post breakfast leave for Dehradun and you can reach there in 6-7 hours.
Type: Depending on terrain & the difficulty of the Bandapunch Expedition Trek, you will need to choose the right kind of grip and sole for the shoe. We recommend that you check for water-resistance and a deep yet flexible sole for the all factors that you will face.
Importance: Your legs need to be well taken care of by the shoes over the course of the Bandapunch Expedition Trek. Different terrains pose different threats and the right kind of shoe will make all the difference in the world.
Backpack for the Bandapunch Expedition Trek
Type: This purely depends on the kind of trek you are undertaking
- For Short Trek of 1 to 3 Days duration you need 15 litres to 20 litres of backpack
- For Long Trek of 3 to 10 Days duration you need 40 litres to 60 litres of backpack
Importance: Your backpack is as important as your shoe. Your entire journey will be with the Backpack with all the essentials you need. We recommend that you test the backpack and choose it according to the trek, your height & the comfort it provides.
Daypack
Type: This is 10 litres to 15 litres Daypack Backpack is what you need to have with you for the Summit day.
Importance: Your Daypack will be for those Summit days and shorter days when you just need your basic essentials with you.
Clothing
Padded Jacket – You will need 1 pair of the Jacket for Summer & Winter. Ensure that the jacket is wind-resistant & capable of keeping your warm up to -10 degrees.
Fleece Jacket – You will need 2 pairs of the Fleece Jacket. Make sure it’s Cotton or contains more Cotton.
Thermals – For the Bandapunch Expedition trek, you will require 1 pair of thermals because of the cold winter. During the summer, this is optional. Thermals should also be made primarily of Cotton. This will keep you warm during the nights when the temperature usually tends to drop.
Trek Pants – Exclusively meant for Trekking, you will need a minimum of 2 pairs of Trekking Pants. Ensure it is made of Cotton & provides maximum comfort and is durable for the Bandapunch Expedition.
Collared T-shirts – Carry 2 – 3 sets of these for the trek. The collar will help keeping the neck from being exposed to the sun and getting sun burnt during the Bandapunch Expedition in summer, when it is normally sunny.
Sun Caps – At high altitudes, the Sun might be harsh and direct exposure of your head to the sun is not something we would recommend. Carry Sun Caps in case these situations arise to keep your head cool on the Bandapunch Expedition, when it is normally sunny.
Woolen Caps – The Bandapunch Expedition trek in December and other winter months will have very cold nights in the mountains and you must protect your ears and head from the cold winds. Woolen caps are essentials during the nights to keep your ears and head warm.
Waterproof Gloves:You will need waterproof gloves as you move towards colder and wet parts of the Bandapunch Expedition trek to keep your hands clean & warm without getting them wet and most importantly, to give you the grip and firmness you need for the climb.
Trek Accessories
Trekking Pole: The Bandapunch Expedition trek difficulty can be eased out by carrying one of our Trekking/Hiking Poles as it saves almost 60% of your energy when you are climbing a steep slope at high altitude regions. We make it a mandate to carry a Trekking Pole with you for our treks.
Head-lamp or Torch: : A Head-Lamp is something we make a mandate too, for our Treks. Carrying this will help you see better in dark places on the Bandapunch Expedition Trek. In case you are unable to procure a Head-lamp, then we suggest carrying a Torch.
Daily essentials
Toiletries: We recommend that you carry all your toiletries and all other cosmetic essentials by yourself to avoid borrowing (Toothpaste, Toothbrush, Lip-balm, Moisturizer, Face-wash, Other creams & essentials, Toilet roll, Sanitary Pads, etc.). Do not leave used napkins in the mountains these are against Himalayan laws.
Bottles & Boxes: Carry your Water Bottles we suggest you have two 1 litre bottles. We suggest you carry your own tiffin boxes to eat the food we provide for both convenience, and hygienic purposes.
Risks and challenges are part of everyone’s lives; without taking risks and facing challenges one cannot aim to achieve what he wants to be. These challenges help inculcate in us life skills needed to survive through tough situations. We consider this the motto of our company- to prepare an individual to face the risks of life, the challenges that come their way, and to equip them with the knowledge to overcome them.
Trekking, directly or indirectly, helps develop these qualities and also garners quick decision making techniques as per the circumstances. It allows you to learn how nature works and the strong impact of the environment on one’s life.
The company has made all possible arrangements and taken all the necessary precautions to avoid any mishaps. However, it is still essential to enlighten our trekkers about the possible risks and challenges that they may meet with on the trekking route and how these can be avoided or overcome. Remember to be proactive at all times and with this is mind, let’s discuss some common risks and challenges along the Bandapunch Expedition trek map and ways to avoid them.
Bandapunch Expedition trek
- Duration: 17 Days
- Highest Points: (6316 m)
- Best Time: April, May, June, September and October
Bandarpunch I – 6316 m, Bandarpunch II – 6102 m, Bandarpunch III – 6102, Black Peak – 6387 m, these peaks lie in the Garhwal Himalayas and are a part of Govind Wildlife Sanctuary of Uttarkashi district in Uttarakhand. These are a group of mountains and you are going to traverse Bandarpunch – I (6316 m).
Meaning of Bandarpoonch is tail of a monkey, it is believed that Lord Hanuman reached the top to extinguish the fire on his tail which caught him when he was trying to save Lord Rama’s wife Sita.
Starting point of this trek is Sukhi which lies on the way to Gangotri. Base camp is reached after two days and before summit are two alpine camps. The trek from Camp 1 and summit is difficult because of the crevasses.
From the summit you get best views of Jogin peaks, Sudarshan Parbat, Gangotri group of peaks, Chandra Parbat, Thelu, Jaonli, Swetvaran, Matri, and Satopanth. Other mountains of Garhwal region are also visible from here.
Day 1: Dehradun to Uttarkashi
Our pick up point is Dehradun Railway Station and the drive is through Mussoorie towards Uttarkashi. Have breakfast and lunch en route.
Today your stay and dinner will be arranged in a hotel.
Day 2: Uttarkashi to Sukhi (Drive) trek to Forest camp (2950 m)
From Uttarkashi drive is towards Sukhi, it is a small village and starting point of this trek. In this village there are less houses and many apple orchards.
Start the trek from Sukhi reach Forest camp through a descent from Khagi Pass. From the campsite trail to Bandarpunch is visible with Srikanth, Jaonli and Gangotri peaks. Pitch your tents here and sleep comfortably in tents.
Day 3: Forest camp to Base camp (3780 m)
Today follow the Chaiyyan Gad River to reach the base camp, after the descent you can reach the confluence of Chaiyyan Gad and Son Gad.
Pass through the dense forests and afterwards through the wide meadows with many wildflowers. After you see the receding treeline then you are about to reach the base camp. It is located at the foot of Chaiyyan glacier.
Place your tents there and comfortably sleep in tents.
Day 4: Acclimatization Day
Go for a hike today for acclimatising.
Day 5: Load Ferry, Base camp to Camp 1 and back
Load Ferry from Base camp to Camp 1 and return.
Day 6: Base camp to Camp 1 (4450 m)
Post breakfast start the ascent from Base Camp to Camp 1 which is at an altitude of 4450 meters.
Day 7: Rest Day at Camp 1
Rest at Camp 1 today and get prepared for the upcoming days.
Day 8: Short hike and back (5000 m)
Today go for a hike to gain altitude up to 5000 meters and get back to Camp 1.
Day 9: Camp 1 to Summit Camp (5180 m)
From Camp 1 ascent to Summit Camp which is at an altitude of 5180 meters.
Day 10: Acclimatization Day
Before Summit attempt let your body adapt the changes
Day 11: Summit attempt (6316 m) and return to Summit camp
The trek to summit is going to be tough and you will be needing trekking equipment. Take out your ropes and use them for climbing to the top.
From the summit you get best views of Jogin peaks, Sudarshan Parbat, Gangotri group of peaks, Chandra Parbat, Thelu, Jaonli, Swetvaran, Matri, and Satopanth. Other mountains of Garhwal region are also visible from here.
After your successful climb descent to Summit camp.
Day 12: Reserve Day for Summit Attempt
This day is reserved for Summit Attempt (Extra Day)
Day 13: Summit Camp to Base Camp
Start the descent towards Base Camp. Setup the camps after a tough adventure, have food and comfortably sleep in tents.
Day 14: Rest Day
Today rest at Base Camp to relax.
Day 15: Return to Forest Camp
On Day 2 you stayed at Forest camp, from Base camp descent to this campsite and after setting tents sleep comfortably in tents.
Day 16: Forest camp to Sukhi and Drive to Uttarkashi
Get back to Sukhi by following the same path and from there leave for Uttarkashi. Arrangements will be made in a hotel there.
Day 17: Uttarkashi to Dehradun
Post breakfast leave for Dehradun and you can reach there in 6-7 hours.
Type: Depending on terrain & the difficulty of the Bandapunch Expedition Trek, you will need to choose the right kind of grip and sole for the shoe. We recommend that you check for water-resistance and a deep yet flexible sole for the all factors that you will face.
Importance: Your legs need to be well taken care of by the shoes over the course of the Bandapunch Expedition Trek. Different terrains pose different threats and the right kind of shoe will make all the difference in the world.
Backpack for the Bandapunch Expedition Trek
Type: This purely depends on the kind of trek you are undertaking
- For Short Trek of 1 to 3 Days duration you need 15 litres to 20 litres of backpack
- For Long Trek of 3 to 10 Days duration you need 40 litres to 60 litres of backpack
Importance: Your backpack is as important as your shoe. Your entire journey will be with the Backpack with all the essentials you need. We recommend that you test the backpack and choose it according to the trek, your height & the comfort it provides.
Daypack
Type: This is 10 litres to 15 litres Daypack Backpack is what you need to have with you for the Summit day.
Importance: Your Daypack will be for those Summit days and shorter days when you just need your basic essentials with you.
Clothing
Padded Jacket – You will need 1 pair of the Jacket for Summer & Winter. Ensure that the jacket is wind-resistant & capable of keeping your warm up to -10 degrees.
Fleece Jacket – You will need 2 pairs of the Fleece Jacket. Make sure it’s Cotton or contains more Cotton.
Thermals – For the Bandapunch Expedition trek, you will require 1 pair of thermals because of the cold winter. During the summer, this is optional. Thermals should also be made primarily of Cotton. This will keep you warm during the nights when the temperature usually tends to drop.
Trek Pants – Exclusively meant for Trekking, you will need a minimum of 2 pairs of Trekking Pants. Ensure it is made of Cotton & provides maximum comfort and is durable for the Bandapunch Expedition.
Collared T-shirts – Carry 2 – 3 sets of these for the trek. The collar will help keeping the neck from being exposed to the sun and getting sun burnt during the Bandapunch Expedition in summer, when it is normally sunny.
Sun Caps – At high altitudes, the Sun might be harsh and direct exposure of your head to the sun is not something we would recommend. Carry Sun Caps in case these situations arise to keep your head cool on the Bandapunch Expedition, when it is normally sunny.
Woolen Caps – The Bandapunch Expedition trek in December and other winter months will have very cold nights in the mountains and you must protect your ears and head from the cold winds. Woolen caps are essentials during the nights to keep your ears and head warm.
Waterproof Gloves:You will need waterproof gloves as you move towards colder and wet parts of the Bandapunch Expedition trek to keep your hands clean & warm without getting them wet and most importantly, to give you the grip and firmness you need for the climb.
Trek Accessories
Trekking Pole: The Bandapunch Expedition trek difficulty can be eased out by carrying one of our Trekking/Hiking Poles as it saves almost 60% of your energy when you are climbing a steep slope at high altitude regions. We make it a mandate to carry a Trekking Pole with you for our treks.
Head-lamp or Torch: : A Head-Lamp is something we make a mandate too, for our Treks. Carrying this will help you see better in dark places on the Bandapunch Expedition Trek. In case you are unable to procure a Head-lamp, then we suggest carrying a Torch.
Daily essentials
Toiletries: We recommend that you carry all your toiletries and all other cosmetic essentials by yourself to avoid borrowing (Toothpaste, Toothbrush, Lip-balm, Moisturizer, Face-wash, Other creams & essentials, Toilet roll, Sanitary Pads, etc.). Do not leave used napkins in the mountains these are against Himalayan laws.
Bottles & Boxes: Carry your Water Bottles we suggest you have two 1 litre bottles. We suggest you carry your own tiffin boxes to eat the food we provide for both convenience, and hygienic purposes.
Risks and challenges are part of everyone’s lives; without taking risks and facing challenges one cannot aim to achieve what he wants to be. These challenges help inculcate in us life skills needed to survive through tough situations. We consider this the motto of our company- to prepare an individual to face the risks of life, the challenges that come their way, and to equip them with the knowledge to overcome them.
Trekking, directly or indirectly, helps develop these qualities and also garners quick decision making techniques as per the circumstances. It allows you to learn how nature works and the strong impact of the environment on one’s life.
The company has made all possible arrangements and taken all the necessary precautions to avoid any mishaps. However, it is still essential to enlighten our trekkers about the possible risks and challenges that they may meet with on the trekking route and how these can be avoided or overcome. Remember to be proactive at all times and with this is mind, let’s discuss some common risks and challenges along the Bandapunch Expedition trek map and ways to avoid them.