Overview
Region :- Uttarakhand
Duration :- 13 Days
Grade :- Difficult
Max Altitude :- 19,086 Ft.
Approx Trekking Km :- 50 Kms.
Mt. Rudugaira is located in the Rudu Valley of the Garhwal Himalayas. The Rudu valley is known for mesmerizing views of Gangotri peaks. It is also an entry point towards Gangotri massif and Auden’s Col.
Rudugaira peak is considered safe and easy peak. It is best for those who are starting out in the Mountaineering field. Also, for trekkers who wish to raise their bar of climbing. With an easy approach, less height is a perfect mountain to gain experience.
The expedition starts from none other than the popular pilgrim destination Gangotri. From Gangotri, the trail slowly rises through dense forests, meadows and gushing Bhagirathi river.
The campsites are placed strategically on huge grasslands adorned by big mountains. The trail is such that it goes through variations every day. By the time you start summit attempt, you have already crossed meadows, moraine, landslide, ridge, streams, etc.
This expedition introduces the concept of load ferry. In which the team shifts all the gear to the summit camp a day before and stats back at the base camp only. Therefore, it prepares one for big mountaineering expeditions. This method of load ferry is primarily for acclimatization.
The summit attempt is literally a walk through heaven. While it shows scary crevasses of Gangotri peak but the sight of the first sun rays falling on the Gangotri massif is stupendous. The rest of the climb also keeps adding surprises. Although, the trail also plays with you by showing false summits 3 times. Despite all that the moment when you arrive at the zenith, it is being on the top of the world. Along with Gangotri sisters, Shrikanth, Shivling, and Bhagirathi sisters cheer you.
Brief Itinerary
Day 1: Dehradun to Gangotri
• Altitude: 3,100m/10,200ft (Gangotri).
• Pick up time 06.00 am at the parking of Dehradun railway station.
• Drive 240 km, 8-9 hours from Dehradun.
• Breakfast and lunch on the way (not included in the cost)
• After Uttarkashi keep a warm jacket handy.
• Local Market and network is available.
• Full functioning AMT at Uttarkashi.
• Gangotri is one of Char Dhams of Uttarakhand.
• Dinner at guest house (included in the cost)
• Stay in Guest House (double or triple sharing).
Day 2: Rest and acclimatisation at Gangotri
• After breakfast visit Pandav gufa, Gauri and Surya kund.
• Post lunch can visit Gangotri temple or go for shopping.
• Lunch at guest house.
• Stay in Guest House.
Day 3: Gangotri to Nala Camp
• Altitude: 3,750m/12,300ft (Nala Camp).
• Altitude gain: 650m/2,100ft.
• Trek: 8km, 6-7 hours.
• Moderate walk with steep ascent.
• Walk along with the river.
• Initial trail is with Bhagirathi River and with Rudugaira River.
• After 2 hours of trek cross the river over a log bridge.
• Walk in the forest of Pine, Cedar, Rhododendrons and Birch trees.
• Cross Bhoj Kharak camp (camp for Rudugaira peak).
• Can see Gangotri III and Jogin II just before the campsite.
• Packed lunch on the way.
• Stay in tent (Twin sharing)
Day 4: Nala Camp to Rudugaira Base Camp
• Altitude: 4,350m/14,300ft (Rudugaira Base Camp)
• Altitude gain: 600m/2,000ft.
• Trek: 7km, 7-8 hours.
• Steep and strenuous climb all the way.
• Views of Rudragaira peak, Jogin peak and Auden Col pass.
• Cross a stream and landslide area.
• Less water sources on the way.
• Packed lunch for the day.
• Stay in tent.
Day 5: Rest and Acclimatization
• An acclimatization day at this height is mandatory.
• Explore and enjoy campsite surrounded by peaks.
• Can climb a ridge towards Rudragaira peak.
• Hot lunch at campsite.
• Stay in tent
Day 6: Load ferry to Summit Camp and back
• Altitude: 5,000m/16,400ft (Summit camp)
• Altitude gain: 650m/2,100ft.
• Duration: 7-8 hours, to and fro.
• Initial way is through the meadow after that mixture of meadow, rocky and moraine.
• Camp site is on small flat grassy ground.
• Load ferry will help Participant to be better acclimatized for day 7.
• Carry enough water.
• Views: Gangotri peaks I, II and III, Srikantha, and the trail towards Auden’s Col.
• Packed lunch for the day.
• Stay in tent (Rudugaira Base Camp)
Day 7: Rudugaira Camp to Summit Camp
• Altitude: 5,000m/16,400ft (Summit camp)
• Altitude gain: 650m/2,100ft.
• Duration: 4-5 hours.
• Final briefing and discussion for the Summit attempt.
• Cross checking of all equipment.
• Stay in tent.
Day 8: Summit attempt and back to Summit Camp
• Altitude: 5,819m/19,086ft (Rudugaira Summit)
• Altitude gain: 819m/2,690ft.
• Duration: 4-6 hours to Summit.
• Start early in the morning in between 3-4 am.
• Terrain is mixed of Rock and snow.
• Steep ascent and average incline is about 50-60 degrees.
• Mt Rudugaira has three false summits before the actual summit.
• In any season snow will be there.
• Have to fallow the main ridge for the Summit.
• Can see the crevasse lies below Gangotri I peak.
• Carry enough energy bar, water (Expedition Leader will brief you).
• Views: Gangotri peaks I, II and III, Bhagirathi peak I, II and III, Srikantha, Sudarshan, Shivling and many more peaks.
• Stay in tent.
Day 9: Summit Camp to Rudugaira Base Camp
• Altitude: 4,350m/14,300ft (Rudugaira Base Camp)
• Altitude loss: Altitude gain: 650m/2,100ft.
• Duration: 2-4 hours.
• Return all the equipment given by TTH for the summit.
• Hot lunch at camp site.
• Stay in tent.
Day 10: Rudugaira Base Camp to Gangotri
• Altitude: 3,100m/10,200ft (Gangotri).
• Altitude gain: Altitude gain: 1,250m/4,100ft.
• Trek: 15km, 9-11 hours.
• Hot lunch on the way.
• Stay in guest house.
Day 11: Gangotri to Dehradun
• 240km, 8-10hours drive.
• You will be dropped at Dehradun station in a Tata Sumo or a similar vehicle.
• Drop to Dehradun is included in the cost.
• Breakfast and lunch on the way (not included in the cost).
• Driving time to Dehradun may increase due to of heavy traffic. Make your further travel plane from Dehradun after 8:00 pm.
Day 12 & 13: Buffer day.
• Buffer day will be used if unable to summit due to of any unforeseen circumstances.
• Opting a buffer day will be a team decision not an individual.
• Keep a buffer day in your travel plan.
• Buffer day is not included in the cost.
• Rs XXXX has to pay, per day and per person.
• If buffer day is not used in the Expedition then it can be used to explore Rishikesh/Haridwar/ Mussoorie .
• Rishikes is known for White water Rafting capital of India, Bungee jumping, Yoga, Ayurvedic Massage, Ram Jhula, Lakshman Jhula, Parmarth aarti, Big ashrams.
• Haridwar is known for Pilgrimage, Numerous temples, Har Ki Pauri, Ganga Aarti, Jungle safari in Rajaji National Park, Ayurvedic medicines and herbal remedies.
• Mussoorie is known for Mall Road, Shopping, Kempty Falls, Municipal Garden, Sir George everests house.
Note:-
• Distance, Altitude and Trekking hours are approximate and round off.
• Keep original and copy of ID proof handy.
Who can participate?
• Experience of any high altitude trek, at least 2 treks of 5,000m/16,400ft.
• The climber must be fit and have sufficient stamina to cover 6 km of distance in 30 minutes without a stress.
• The climber should be able to carry a 10-15 kg backpack.
• Heart problem, high blood pressure, asthma, and epilepsy cannot be reconciled on this mission. The climber must not have the conditions mentioned above .
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Dehradun to Gangotri
Get super excited to start your trek journey. The trek starts from Gangotri the most religious place of India. It is also one of the Char Dharmas. Before reaching here, you will pass Uttarkashi. Uttarkashi is located on river Bhagirathi and also hosts NIM Mountaineering Institute. The drive is long and goes through twists and turns of the Himalayan roads passing through forests and many religious temples.
Gangotri is extremely crowded in March and April due to Char Dhaam yatra. However, it is a beautiful place located on the banks of river Bhagirathi. Once you arrive here, take rest in your hotels. Save the exploration energy for the next day.
Day 2: Rest and acclimatization at Gangotri
Wake up in the lap of the religious hub. Today you can roam everywhere and fulfill your exploratory desires. Try to visit Surya Kund, Gauri Kund, Pandav Gufa, etc, all the temples around. Try to connect with the locals and pilgrims and other tourists. Make sure you do not strain your body because it is an acclimatization day and let your body adjust to the height.
Day 3: Gangotri to Nala Camp
Get started towards Nala Camp for your exciting first trek day. The trail is long for 8-9 hours. You start by walking towards the valley. Throughout the trail is side by side Bhagirathi river. Keep walking for another 2 km until you come across a log bridge. Then take a right and enter to Rudragaira valley. This valley is of prime importance in Mountaineering as it shows Auden’s Col, Gangotri massif, etc. Enjoy the dense forest cover of Pine, Cedar trees around you. Enjoy the dense forest cover of Pine, Cedar trees around you.
The route now starts ascending. Be cautious while you cross the rockfall zone. You will come across Bhoj Kharak campsite also. Observe that the more you climb up the forest cover becomes sparse. To your surprise you will then be welcomed by big grasslands blossomed with bright flowers. Yes, this amazing meadows is your stay for tonight. From the campsite first sight of Gangotri III and Jogin II can be seen.
Day 4: Nala Camp to Rudugaira Camp
Today will be a short compared to yesterday but will be strenuous. The entire route is uphill with a steep climb. Plus there will be enough stream crossing. There will not be any water sources on the way. Make sure you carry more than 2 liters of water. Just keep walking along the river in the valley. There are risky patches while passing the landslide area. Therefore, walk carefully.
After you get past that you may find a few snow patches. And the trail gets even steeper. Today you will see the first stunning sights of Rudragaira peak, Jogin peak, and Auden Col pass. It will be exciting to see the summit. After a tiring day rest in your tents.
Day 5: Rest and Acclimatization
After two wonderful days, it is now time to chill. Since you have gained the height of 14800 feet it is important to rest and get acclimatized. You can trudge nearby the campsite. Go for acclimatization walks. But try to remain out of the tents for the whole time. So, that your body will get used to the height.
Day 6: Load ferry to Summit Camp and back
This day is reserved for load ferry, where the team shifts its gear and equipment to the summit camp and comes back for the night. This is the typical ‘work high, sleep low’ technique of mountaineering. This helps with acclimatization for the summit attempt. You will be carrying packed lunch today.
Start by walking through meadows then move left towards moraines. Keep walking for 30 minutes and arrive arrives. Many use this a camp as high camp to reduce the summit camp distance.
The route henceforth is tough. It takes about 4 hours to reach the summit camp from here. The trail is blend of rocks and meadow type terrain. The path is also gradual climb. As you rise higher you rise up to the huge peaks of Gangotri, Sh, ikantha etc. These peaks come to visibility. You can also see the path leaAuden’so Audens col.
Soon you will reach flat ground. That is the place of summit camp. The place is a stunning location with all the beauty of high peaks decored around. Load the gear in the camps and start descending to the Rudragaira base camp.
Day 7: Rudugaira Camp to Summit Camp
Wake up early and get ready to climb the same route as yesterday. Today ybe staying at the summit camp following which will be the summit day.
Follow the exact same trail. Cross the moraines, meadows and rocky patches. Once you reach at the summit camp, re-check all your gear. The team will brief you about the summit attempt. Get full and sleep well. Finally the summit night comes.
Day 8: Summit attempt and back to Summit Camp
The most awaited day starts quite early at 3-4 am. Get dressed in your gear for the summit push. Most of the climb is steep of 60 degrees inclined. First you cross moraine area and rocky patches. In fact throughout the route it will be rocky but there will enough h snow covered sections.
We start by moving towards left going to a ridge. This ridge will take you enough close to the summit. Even while walking try to look around. You can see the crevasse se area of Gangotri I peak. As the sun comes up, orangish-yellow hue behind the Gangotri form a mind-blowing sight. Something that will stay with you forever.
You may not know Rudragaira has 3 false summits. Hence, it is disappointing at times. There is a large hump which gives a feeling of being arrived at the summit. Another important thing of this peak is that the summit cannot be seen throughout the route or summit camp. Only when one arrives quite closer to the top it will be seen. After the ridge, we take a right and follow a central line to the top.
After almost 5 hours of climb, you will finally be that the summit. The view from the summit is out of the world. The Gangotri peaks stand even close now and celebrate our success with us. You can also get clear sights of Bhagirathi peaks, Sudarshan, Shivling and other peaks. Spend quality time at the top then get ready to climb down.
Follow the same route. In another 3-4 hours, you will reach back to the summit camp. You will definitely have a peaceful sleep.
Day 9: Summit Camp to Rudugaira Base Camp
Begin your return journey after a memorable expedition. Retrace your steps. Look back the at your summit route. Today will be a short day and fast descend to Rudragaira base camp. Enjoy your stay in the tents.
Day 10: Rudugaira Base Camp to Gangotri
Begin your return journey after a memorable expedition. Retrace your steps. Cross the landslide areas, huge meadows, small streams and steep descend. The path is 15 km long. Enjoy and try re-scan all the wonderful beauty to cherish for the lifetime.
After a long day rest in the guest house.
Day 11: Gangotri to Dehradun
And today is the last day of the trek. Board the vehicle taking you back to Dehradun. You will reach Dehradun til8 pmpm. So, make your further travel plans accordingly. Sagoodbyeye to all and promise to come back again.
Day 12 & 13: Buffer day.
Every expedition plan has a buffer day. This day is used in case of unfavorable conditions when the summit was not possible as the pre-planned itinerary. In order to increase the chances of the summit, these 2 days are added. If due to any situation summit was possible then we can wait at the summit camp for 1 or 2 days to try summiting the peak.
Using the buffer day will be a team decision. Please note that the cost of the buffer day is not included in the trek cost. In case the team decides to use the buffer day the said cost must be paid. Make sure to already discuss the buffer costs with your team. If everything goes as planned and buffer days are never used then you can utilize them to travel around in Rishikesh, Haridwar, Mussorie or whatever suits you. Please remember to plan your travel dates considering the buffer days. Following are some of the activities you can do on the buffer days:
• Rishikesh is known for the r White water Rafting capital of India, Bungee jumping, Yoga, Ayurvedic Massage, Ram Jhula, Lakshman Jhula, Parmarth aarti, Big ashrams.
• Haridwar is known for Pilgrimage, Numerous temples, Har Ki Pauri, Ganga Aarti, Jungle safari in Rajaji National Park, Ayurvedic medicines and herbal remedies.
• Mussoorie is known for Mall Road, Shopping, Kempty Falls, Municipal Garden, Sir George Everest’s house.
How to Reach
By Air :-
Jolly Grant Airport is the airport serving Dehradun, located about 25 km from the city. There is a daily flight from Delhi to Dehradun
By Train :-
Take the overnight train to Dehradun from Delhi
Nandadevi Express – Train no: 12205 (Departure 11:50pm; Arrival – 5:40am)
Dehradun Express – Train no: 12687 (Departure – 9:10pm; Arrival – 5:00am)
By Bus :-
There is regular bus service from Delhi to Dehradun, from Delhis ISBT Kashmere Gate.
We would suggest you to take only government buses from ISBT Kashmere Gate. Private buses ply from outside ISBT and they are not trust worthiness.
Usually buses drop you at Dehradun ISBT. From there you have to come to Dehradun Railway Station
TTH’s Tata Sumo or similar vehicles will pick-up you from Dehradun Railway Station at 6:00am.
Pick-up is included in the cost of the trek
You will reach Gangotri by 5:00 pm
Cost Terms
Inclusions :-
1. Accommodation: (as per the itinerary).
• Guest houses on Day 1, Day 2 and Day 10 (twin/triple sharing basis).
• Camping during the trek (Day3 to Day 9).
2. Meals (Veg + Egg):
• All meals Gangotri to Gangotri
• Day 1 Dinner to Day 10 Dinner.
3. Trek equipments:
• Sleeping bag, Mattress, Utensils.
• Trekkers tent (twin sharing), Kitchen & Dinning tent, Toilet tent, Ropes, Micro spike.
4. First aid:
• Medical kits.
• Stretcher.
• Oxygen cylinder.
5. Support:
• 1 Mountaineering qualified & professional trek Leader.
• Guide (Number of guides depend on the group size).
• 1 High Altitude chef.
• Support staff.
6. Transportation: (as per the itinerary)
• Dehradun Railway station to Gangotri (Day 1).
• Gangotri to Dehradun Railway station (Day 11).
7. All necessary permits and entry fees, Upto the amount charged for Indian nationals.
8. Porters to carry the central luggage.
9. Services from Dehradun railway station and return.
Exclusions :-
1. Any kind of personal expenses.
2. Insurance.
3. Food during the transit.
4. Any kind of emergency evacuation charge, hospitalization fee or etc.
5. Mule or porter to carry personal luggage.
6. Anything not specifically mentioned under the head.
Note :
Normally TTH expect to carry your personal luggage on your own, if you wish to offload your backpack, you can give it to Mule.
Charges of offloading backpack:
INR 6,300/- if you make an online payment, 10 days in advance.
INR 6,500/- if you inform us after reaching Base Camp.
The backpack cannot weigh more than 11 kg. Backpack should have waterproof cover. Suitcases/strolleys/ bags will not be allowed.
When to book:
It is wise to make your booking at least two months in advance. However, if you want a good deal on your domestic/international flight, we recommend organising your trip at least five months in advance. (Please contact us if you require a late booking)
In the event of cancellation of trek/adventure activity services due to any avoidable / unavoidable reasons we must be notified of the same in writing. Cancellation charges will be effective from the date we receive advice in writing, and cancellation charges would be as follows: –
Cancellations prior to 24 days from the start of the trek
Book any other trek till one year or get 95% refund
(Note: If the trek charges are more, the balance needs to be paid by the trekker)
Cancellation between 24 days and 14 days to the start of the trek
Choose to go for the same trek, with any other batch, till year or get 70% refund
Cancellation between 14 days and 10 days to the start of the trek
Choose to go on the same trek, in the same season, with any other batch or get 50% refund.
Cancellation less than 10 days to the start of the trek
Transfer your trek (same trek, same batch) to your friend. No cash refund.