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Bamsaru Khal Trek Itinerary — Day by Day Route & Camps
An 8-day expedition starting in the lush forests of Dodital, crossing Darwa Pass, plunging into the isolated Bingad valley, and conquering the towering Bamsaru Khal.
Standard RouteThis is the standard mountain pacing for this trek. Specific operators may add an acclimatization day or alter the starting point. Check individual operator schedules for their exact logistics.
Duration
8 Days
Total Distance
66.0 KM
Max Altitude
15,100 FT
Trek Type
circuit
Permits Required Before You Go
Permit Cost
Where to Get
DFO Office, Uttarkashi.
Documents
Aadhar Card / Passport, Passport size photos, Medical Fitness Certificate, Risk Declaration Form
Foreign Nationals
Foreigners require Inner Line Permits as the trek exits into the sensitive Harsil/Gangotri border region. This takes 1-2 days to process in Uttarkashi.
Foreigner Process
Foreigners require Inner Line Permits from Uttarkashi DFO. Takes 1-2 working days.
Nearest Embassy Hub
New Delhi
Day by Day Breakdown
Camp Alt
4,500 ft
Day Gain
+2,400 ft
Drive from Dehradun to Sangam Chatti
A scenic drive passing through the mountaineering hub of Uttarkashi. Stock up on any last-minute gear or cash here. The drive continues alongside the Asi Ganga river to the quiet trailhead of Sangam Chatti.
Key Landmarks
Staying At
The journey follows the mountain river corridor, transitioning from the broader plains into the steep-sided topography approaching the high country.
Camp Alt
9,300 ft
Day Gain
+4,800 ft
Trek: Sangam Chatti to Bhebra / Manjhi
The trek begins with a steep, relentless climb on a well-paved mule track through the beautiful village of Agoda. After Agoda, the trail enters a dense, shaded oak and rhododendron forest, ending at the shepherd settlement of Manjhi.
Key Landmarks
Staying At
The trail follows the mountain river corridor through a narrow, forested gorge, moving past traditional settlements into increasingly dense dense forested valleys.
Camp Alt
9,920 ft
Day Gain
+620 ft
Trek: Manjhi to Dodital
A relatively easy, short acclimatization day. The trail is gentle, passing through deep forests until the emerald waters of Dodital appear. Spend the afternoon resting and acclimatizing by the sacred lake, the mythological birthplace of Lord Ganesha.
Key Landmarks
Staying At
The rugged alpine terrain opens up to reveal a spectacular high-altitude glacial tarn, serving as a critical hydrological node in the upper watershed.
Camp Alt
11,500 ft
Day Gain
+1,580 ft
Trek: Dodital to Bingad via Darwa Pass
A day. You leave the treeline and climb steeply through alpine meadows to Darwa Pass (13,615 ft). The view of the Bandarpunch massif is explosive. From the pass, you descend sharply into the isolated Bingad valley, leaving all other trekkers behind.
Key Landmarks
Staying At
The Dodital basin gives way to an alpine pass crossing, descending toward the Bingad valley.
Camp Alt
13,500 ft
Day Gain
+2,000 ft
Trek: Bingad to Bamsaru Base Camp
The trail vanishes. You navigate through riverbeds, boulders, and steep moraine ridges. The landscape becomes entirely lunar and hostile. Camp is pitched on a rocky flat below the pass. Temperatures plummet rapidly.
Key Landmarks
Staying At
Vegetation gives way to barren glacial debris as the route enters the expansive moraine basin and ablation zone of the glaciated upper watershed.
Field Notes
KEY ACTIONRiver Crossings
Plan to cross early in the day before snowmelt swells the water levels. Unclip backpack waist belts before crossing.
Use Trekking Poles
Trekking poles are highly recommended to save your knees on the descent.
INFOSlower Progress
Progress will be significantly slower and more taxing on your ankles than trail distance suggests.
Camp Alt
10,500 ft
Day Gain
-3,000 ft
Today's Objective
🏔 Cross Bamsaru Base Camp
The summit push. Start by 4 AM. The climb to the pass is a 60-70 degree incline over loose scree and snow. At the 15,100 ft pass, you stand on the divide between the Yamunotri and Gangotri valleys. The descent into Songad is agonizingly steep and requires total focus.
Key Landmarks
Staying At
The route crosses the watershed at Bamsaru Khal before dropping into the Songad gorge.
Field Notes
Use Trekking Poles
Trekking poles are highly recommended to save your knees on the descent.
INFOSlower Progress
Progress will be significantly slower and more taxing on your ankles than trail distance suggests.
Camp Alt
8,500 ft
Day Gain
-2,000 ft
Trek: Songad to Sukki / Harsil
A massive relief. You re-enter the treeline, descending through beautiful pine forests until you hit the civilization of the Gangotri highway at Sukki or Harsil. Celebrate the successful traverse.
Key Landmarks
Staying At
The Songad alpine valley plunges through the forest toward the Bhagirathi river basin.
Camp Alt
2,100 ft
Day Gain
-6,400 ft
Drive from Sukki to Dehradun
A long, 10-hour drive back to Dehradun along the Bhagirathi river, completing the massive loop. The expedition ends by late evening at Dehradun.
Key Landmarks
The mountain valley topography transitions back into the lower foothill river plains.
Trek Extensions & Add-ons
Yamunotri Diversion
+2 DaysInstead of exiting to Harsil, the trail can be diverted from the pass down toward Hanuman Chatti to visit the sacred Yamunotri shrine.
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