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Kanchani Tal Trek Itinerary — Day by Day Route & Camps
A 6-day hardcore trek climbing from Ransi village, up the steep pilgrim path to the sacred Madhyamaheshwar temple, and pushing into the wild moraines to Kanchani Tal.
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
6 Days
Total Distance
46.0 KM
Max Altitude
13,800 FT
Trek Type
circuit
Permits Required Before You Go
Permit Cost
Where to Get
Forest Check Post in Ransi.
Documents
Aadhar Card / Valid ID, Medical Fitness Certificate
Foreign Nationals
Foreigners require a standard Indian visa and pay a slightly higher entry fee.
Foreigner Process
Foreigners pay a higher forest entry fee. Passports will be checked at Ransi.
Nearest Embassy Hub
New Delhi
Day by Day Breakdown
Camp Alt
6,500 ft
Day Gain
+5,400 ft
Drive Rishikesh to Ransi Village
A long drive along the Alaknanda and Mandakini rivers. You will pass through Ukhimath before taking the narrower, winding mountain road up to the trailhead village of Ransi. Settle into a guesthouse and prepare for the expedition.
Key Landmarks
Staying At
The motorized route ascends from the plains into the Mandakini river basin.
Camp Alt
5,500 ft
Day Gain
-1,000 ft
Trek: Ransi to Gaundar
A relatively easy first day of trekking. The trail descends from Ransi into a deep, lush valley. You will cross several streams and walk through thick oak and pine forests until you reach the small settlement of Gaundar, situated near the confluence of the Madhyamaheshwar Ganga and Markanda Ganga rivers.
Key Landmarks
Staying At
The Ransi roadhead narrows into a trail dropping into the steep forested Gaundar gorge.
Field Notes
KEY ACTIONRiver Crossings
Plan to cross early in the day before snowmelt swells the water levels. Unclip backpack waist belts before crossing.
Camp Alt
11,473 ft
Day Gain
+5,973 ft
Trek: Gaundar to Madhyamaheshwar
A day. From Gaundar, the trail begins a relentless, steep zigzag ascent all the way to the Madhyamaheshwar temple. You gain nearly 6,000 feet in altitude. Pace yourself, stay hydrated, and take frequent short breaks. Arrive at the sprawling meadows surrounding the ancient Shiva temple.
Key Landmarks
Staying At
The Gaundar river gorge broadens into a rigorous forested ascent toward Madhyamaheshwar.
Camp Alt
11,473 ft
Day Gain
0 ft
Today's Objective
💧 Reach Kanchani Tal
Start at dawn. The trail climbs past Buddha Madhyamaheshwar and quickly becomes a rugged, unmarked scramble over rocky moraines and high alpine grass. The final push to the lake at 13,800 ft is physically exhausting due to thin air. The lake offers surreal views of Chaukhamba reflecting in its waters. Descend carefully back to the temple camp.
Key Landmarks
Staying At
The Madhyamaheshwar ridge leads into a barren rocky approach to the Kanchani Tal basin.
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
6,500 ft
Day Gain
-4,973 ft
Trek: Madhyamaheshwar to Ransi
A massive descent day. You will retrace your steps, dropping steeply back down into the Gaundar valley and then pushing up the final incline to return to the trailhead at Ransi. This day is incredibly taxing on the knees; trekking poles are a must.
Key Landmarks
Staying At
The Madhyamaheshwar ridge descends sharply back through the forest to the Ransi roadhead.
Camp Alt
1,100 ft
Day Gain
-5,400 ft
Drive Ransi to Rishikesh
Board your vehicles early for the long drive back through the Garhwal mountains to Rishikesh, concluding the expedition.
Key Landmarks
The mountain valley topography transitions back into the lower foothill river plains.
Trek Extensions & Add-ons
Nandi Kund Traverse
+4 DaysElite mountaineers can extend the trek past Kanchani Tal to cross the technical ridges toward Nandi Kund and eventually descend into the Kalpeshwar valley.
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