What is the best time for Bhyundar Khal Trek?

The best time to visit Bhyundar Khal is during May – June, September – October.

What is the maximum altitude of Bhyundar Khal?

The maximum altitude reached during the Bhyundar Khal trek is 5,100 m (Bhyundar Pass).

How much does the Bhyundar Khal trek cost?

The Bhyundar Khal trek starts from ₹41,500 per person. This includes certified guides, meals, camping equipment, and all permits.

What is the duration of Bhyundar Khal trek?

The Bhyundar Khal trek duration is 8 Nights / 9 Days, covering a total distance of ~56 km. The trek starts from Gobindghat and ends at Ghamsali / Joshimath.

Mastiff Exped

Back to Expeditions

RegionGarhwal Himalayas

THE MASTIFF SERIES · 2025/26

Bhyundar Khal

Q: How difficult is the Bhyundar Khal trek?

The Bhyundar Khal trek is classified as Moderate. Requires previous moderate-level trekking experience. Knowledge of mountaineering fundamentals, ice axes, crampons, and roping-up procedures is essential.

The mysterious trail ahead of Valley of Flowers

EXPEDITION BRIEF

Read Full Overview

Altitude5,100 m (Bhyundar Pass)

Duration8 Nights / 9 Days

Best SeasonMay – June, September – October

StatusOpen for Booking

Next DepartureSpring 2026

Secure Spot

The Overview

About The
Expedition

The Bhyundar Khal was mentioned by Sir Frank Smythe in his book describing his successful attempt on Mt. Kamet and also during his exploits in the region in 1937. The pass is part of the Greater Himalayas of the Himadri Range. It connects the Alaknanda river valley across the North–South Zanskar Range. Retracing the steps of Sir Smythe on his Mt. Kamet Expedition, the trail initially reaches the popular Valley of Flowers — one of India's most celebrated UNESCO World Heritage Sites. One can sample the vivid contrasts of nature during the trek: the Bhyundar Valley is green and colourful, while the far side is barren and lunar-like due to its proximity to the Tibetan Plateau. The pass offers beautiful vistas towards the west, east and south with the Kamet group and the Nanda Devi peaks rising like sentinels. Fundamental mountaineering knowledge is essential — at certain points, fixed ropes are needed to cross deep crevasses. The top of the pass offers close, glorious views of Nilkantha, Hathi, Nilgiri and Rataban peaks.

Expedition Price

₹41,500

Group discounts available

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Key Highlights

Cross through the UNESCO-listed Valley of Flowers

Summit a 5,100 m high pass on the Himadri Range

Traverse three glaciers — Gauri, Rataban & Tipra

Panoramic views of Kamet, Nanda Devi, Nilkantha & Hathi peaks

Retrace the legendary route of Sir Frank Smythe

Experience the contrast between lush valleys and barren Tibetan Plateau

Expedition Data

Max Altitude5,100 m (Bhyundar Pass)

Duration8 Nights / 9 Days

Distance~56 km

Best TimeMay – June, September – October

StartGobindghat

EndGhamsali / Joshimath

Min Age20 years

RegionGarhwal Himalayas

Comprehensive Trek Guide

Complete Guide to the Bhyundar Khal Trek 2026 | Route, Cost & Itinerary

Planning your next Himalayan adventure? The Bhyundar Khal trek in Uttarakhand is a highly sought-after moderate expedition. Spanning over 8 Nights / 9 Days and reaching an impressive maximum altitude of 5,100 m (Bhyundar Pass), this trek offers unparalleled views of the Garhwal Himalayas.

Whether you're looking for the detailed Bhyundar Khal trek itinerary, the exact trek cost, or the best time to visit, this guide covers it all. The trail begins at Gobindghat and ends at Ghamsali / Joshimath, covering approximately ~56 km of rugged, scenic terrain. For the best weather and trail conditions, we highly recommend planning your Bhyundar Khal trek during May – June, September – October.

Quick Facts

Duration: 8 Nights / 9 Days
Max Altitude: 5,100 m (Bhyundar Pass)
Distance: ~56 km
Start Point: Gobindghat
End Point: Ghamsali / Joshimath

Planning Notes

Difficulty: Moderate
Best Time to Visit: May – June, September – October
Region: Garhwal Himalayas
Minimum Age: 20+ years
Base Region: Uttarakhand

The Journey

Day by Day .

9 days of traverse through changing landscapes. From dense forests to alpine meadows and snow-capped passes.

Rishikesh to Gobindghat

1,829 m

300 km drive

9 hours

Leave early at 6 AM and drive to Gobindghat via Devprayag, Rudraprayag, Karanprayag, Nandaprayag and Joshimath. The scenic 300 km drive follows the course of the Alaknanda River through deep valleys and terraced hillsides. Overnight in a rest-house in Joshimath/Gobindghat.

Confluence towns of Prayag

Alaknanda Valley views

Figure 1.0 — En Route

Gobindghat to Ghangaria

2,950 m

9 km

4–5 hours

Drive to Pulna Village and begin the trek towards Ghangaria through lush forest and a few small villages. Numerous waterfalls and emerald landscapes surround you as you climb along a moderate gradient trail. Overnight in rest-houses at Ghangaria.

Cascading waterfalls

Dense deciduous forest walk

Figure 2.0 — En Route

Ghangaria to Tipra Khark via Valley of Flowers

3,700 m

10 km

6–7 hours

A short ascent brings you into the legendary Valley of Flowers. Unending meadows laden with alpine flowers — Brahma Kamal, Anemone, Geranium, Primula, Lillium, Potentilla and more — stretch before you, with a network of streams and towering mountains all around. After 3–4 hours exploring, continue onward to the Tipra Khark camping ground.

UNESCO Valley of Flowers

Over 600 species of wildflowers

Figure 3.0 — En Route

Tipra Khark to Bhyundar Icefall Camp

4,300 m

6 km

6–7 hours

Today involves negotiating moraines and technical surfaces. The ascending path is gradual but challenging at times, demanding focus as you traverse loose rock and early snowfields. Camp is established on a moraine shelf overlooking the glacier.

Moraine traverse training

First glacier views

Figure 4.0 — En Route

Bhyundar Icefall to Bhyundar Khal Base

4,600 m

5 km

6–7 hours

The trek on the glacier continues for about 5 km. The walk involves technical gear — crampons, ice axes and harnesses are deployed. After the glacial stretch, you descend to the moraine campsite at the base of the pass.

Glacier crossing with technical gear

Crevasse navigation

Figure 5.0 — En Route

Bhyundar Khal Base → Pass (5,100 m) → Rataban Glacier

5,100 m → 4,600 m

10 km

7–8 hours

Start before sunrise. Technical glacier work continues to the pass at 5,100 m. From the top, the stunning Greater Himalayan panorama unfolds — Nilkantha, Hathi, Nilgiri and Rataban peaks. Descend the far side to camp on the Rataban Glacier.

Summit Bhyundar Pass at 5,100 m

360° Himalayan panorama

Figure 6.0 — En Route

Rataban Glacier to Edi Udiyar

3,900 m

6 km

7–8 hours

Trek 6 km along the remote valley to Edi Udiyar. Grassy meadows and a comfortable campsite await, surrounded by towering ridges and complete solitude on the Tibetan side of the range.

Remote Himalayan valley

Tibetan Plateau landscape

Figure 7.0 — En Route

Edi Udiyar to Ghamsali; Drive to Joshimath

3,000 m

10 km trek + drive

7–8 hours

Descend to the frontier village of Ghamsali. These ancient villages were largely abandoned after the 1962 war with China ended centuries of border trade, yet they retain a rich oral tradition and unique culture. Drive onward to Joshimath for the night.

Historic frontier village

Indo-Tibetan border region culture

Figure 8.0 — En Route

Joshimath to Rishikesh

300 km drive

9 hours

The return drive follows the Alaknanda back through the panoramic valleys to Rishikesh, arriving by evening. A celebratory dinner marks the end of an extraordinary journey.

Reflective farewell drive

Figure 9.0 — En Route

Local Planning

Bhyundar Khal Trek Packages from Major Cities

We organize guided departures for the Bhyundar Khal trek from key Indian cities. If you are traveling from Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore and nearby regions, we help with route planning, pickup coordination, and the best time to join the trail. The ideal season is May – June, September – October, and the trek starts from Gobindghatin Uttarakhand.

Delhi

Bhyundar Khal Trek from Delhi

Ask about transport options, group departures, and seasonal availability for Delhi trekkers.

Mumbai

Bhyundar Khal Trek from Mumbai

Ask about transport options, group departures, and seasonal availability for Mumbai trekkers.

Bangalore

Bhyundar Khal Trek from Bangalore

Ask about transport options, group departures, and seasonal availability for Bangalore trekkers.

Hyderabad

Bhyundar Khal Trek from Hyderabad

Ask about transport options, group departures, and seasonal availability for Hyderabad trekkers.

Pune

Bhyundar Khal Trek from Pune

Ask about transport options, group departures, and seasonal availability for Pune trekkers.

Dehradun

Bhyundar Khal Trek from Dehradun

Ask about transport options, group departures, and seasonal availability for Dehradun trekkers.

Bhyundar Khal mountain panorama at sunrise

Snow-covered peaks along the Bhyundar Khal trail

Early morning trek through Bhyundar Valley

Trekkers crossing the alpine meadows near Bhyundar Pass

Team summit celebration at Bhyundar Khal

Valley of Flowers leading to Bhyundar Pass

Vast snowfield on the approach to Bhyundar Khal

Dawn breaking over the Bhyundar Khal glacier camp

Panoramic view of Bhyundar Valley from the ridgeline

Camping site surrounded by Himalayan peaks

Bhyundar Khal trail through ancient forests

Alpine wildflowers along the Bhyundar trek route

12 Frames

The Contract

Inclusions & Exclusions

What's Covered

All meals on the trek (as per menu)
Forest permits & camping charges
High-quality alpine tents, sleeping bags & mats
Safety equipment — static rescue rope, seat harness, carabiners, pulleys
Experienced trek guide, cook, helpers & porters for common supplies

Not Included

Portage of personal bags during the trek
Transportation (Rishikesh ↔ Gobindghat)
Travel insurance of any kind
Expenses of a personal nature
Meals during road journeys
Any expense not listed in inclusions

The Locker

Essential
Gear Check

We don't compromise on equipment. This curated checklist ensures you are prepared for every condition the mountain presents.

Essential Trekking Gear

6 Items Required

Rucksack bag (50–60L) with rain cover

Day pack bag for summit day

Head torch with spare batteries

UV-protection sunglasses

Water bottles – 2 × 1 litre

Trekking poles (recommended)

Standard Mastiff Equipment Protocol

Fine Print

Policies &
Need-to-Knows

Transparency is key to a safe expedition. Please review these terms carefully before booking your slot.

Important

All cancellations must be communicated in writing. Refunds are processed within 7-10 working days.

Cancellations made 15–30 days before departure: 50% of total cost charged as cancellation fees.
Cancellations made within 0–15 days of departure: 100% of total cost charged as cancellation fees.
In unforeseen weather or government restrictions, the operator will try to provide an alternate. Cash refund will not apply.
Cancellation policies apply irrespective of the date of booking.

The Mountains Are Calling

Begin Your
Ascent

The summit of Bhyundar Khal awaits. Don't just dream of the view—stand there. Secure your place on our next expedition team.

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Schedule

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Or Call Us Directly: +91 88650 54525

Bhyundar Khal Trek FAQs

What is the best time for the Bhyundar Khal trek?

The best time to visit is May – June, September – October, when the weather is stable and the trail conditions are favorable for the Bhyundar Khal route.

How difficult is the Bhyundar Khal trek?

This trek is graded Moderate. Requires previous moderate-level trekking experience. Knowledge of mountaineering fundamentals, ice axes, crampons, and roping-up procedures is essential.