Vasuki Tal Trek

.

Trek Grade

Moderate to Difficult

Highest Altitude

13750 ft

Base Camp

Sonamarg

Best Time

July - Mid Sept

Vasuki Tal Trek

Vasuki Tal Trek through Tapovan is a trek with exceptional visuals where you walk over glaciers for miles & camp at the foot of towering Himalayan peaks like Mount Shivling. The trek has the greatest elevation of 4800 M at Vasuki Tal and is graded as moderate to challenging. The trek includes crossing many glaciers and stones, which makes this trek truly exhilarating and different from other treks. En route, you get sensational views of peaks obstructing mountaineers, such as Shivling, Thalay Sagar, Meru, and Bhagirathi I, II, and III. The trail of Vasuki Tal Trek goes through Gaumukh – the source of the magnificent river Ganga and Tapovan – the beautiful alpine meadow of spiritual significance for Hindus.

Given that this trek still needs to be checked out, it gives the trekkers a distinct opportunity to experience nature at its finest. To Vasuki Tal Trek, you must have some previous trekking experience in the Himalayas. The very best time to do Tapovan and Vasuki Tal is May – June and September – October.

Vasuki Tal Trek Videos

Videos by experts watch these videos to prepare well for a Successful Trek

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Want To Trek Like Pro?

Check out the following videos if you want to trek like a pro trekker and improve your skills. These videos contain helpful tips, tricks, and techniques to help you trek like a pro. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced trekker, these videos can provide valuable insights to enhance your trekking experience. So, watch the videos below by Trekup India experts to take your trekking skills to the next level.

Know Everything About Acute Mountain Sickness

Acute Mountain Sickness is a medical condition that can occur when individuals travel to high altitudes, typically above 8,000 feet. It is caused by the decrease in air pressure and oxygen levels in the air as altitude increases. Symptoms of Acute Mountain Sickness may include headache, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, and difficulty sleeping. To avoid Acute Mountain Sickness, it is important to gradually adjust to high altitudes and seek medical attention if symptoms worsen. To learn more about this condition, check out the videos by Trekup India.

Day Wise Detailed Itinerary of Vasuki Tal Trek

Day 1: Dehradun to Gangotri by Road

  • Stay: Overnight stay at the guest house/ hotel.
  • Meal – Dinner
  • Distance – 236 km
  • Time Taken – approx. 9 hrs
  • Altitude – Dehradun (2100 ft / 640 meters), Gangotri (11,200 ft / 3415 meters)
  • Altitude Difference – 9100 ft / 2775 meter
  • Trek Grade – by road

On this day, you will arrive at Gangotri from Dehradun by Trekup India Representative, who will pick us up from Dehradun and drop us there. It is going to be a long drive through the picture-perfect Himalayan mountains. You will be catching the grand views of earthly brown hues along with the pristine green vegetation of the mountains. As we came close to Gangotri, we would start seeing coniferous forests, and then soon, we would reach the campsite where we would be spending the night.

Day 2: Rest Day at Gangotri

  • Stay – Overnight stay at the guest house/ hotel.
  • Meal – Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
  • Altitude – 11,200 ft / 3415 meter

Today is a day provided to let your body acclimatize so that you can get used to the new environment, and we could wake up a little late today. On this day, we would be doing some exercise in the morning. After having lunch, we could use this day to explore Gangotri and the nearby area. Places like Gangotri Temple, Gangotri Glacier, Surya Kund, and Kedar Tal can be explored during the day. Take ample rest during the night to prepare for the trek the next day.

Day 3: Gangotri to Bhojbasa via Chirbasa by Trek

  • Stay – Overnight stay at the campsite.
  • Meal – Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
  • Distance – 14 km
  • Time Taken – approx. 7 hrs
  • Altitude – Gangotri (11,200 ft / 3415 meters), Chirbasa (11,811 ft / 3600 meters), Bhojbasa (12,441 ft / 3792 meters)
  • Altitude Difference – Gangotri to Chirbasa (611 ft / 185 meter), Chirbasa to Bhojbasa (630 ft / 
  • Trek Grade – Gradual

Begin your morning with a warm and delicious breakfast prepared by Trekup India’s Chief, and then prepare for the trek ahead. You will begin your tour from Gangotri, and after you have walked for a few hours, you will reach the first place, which is Chirbasa. The trail ahead is through the tree line, with the Bhagirathi River roaring at the side of the trail. As we move forward on the trail, we would see the terrain changing from green vegetation to deserted hills. But as you reach Bhojbasa, the entire trail is surrounded by dense forest, and then rest in the tents under the starry sky. You will see mountain peaks like Shivling, Thalay Sagar, Meru, Bharathi III, etc. at the campsite.

Day 4: Bhojbasa to Tapovan via Gaumukh by Trek

  • Stay – Overnight stay at the campsite.
  • Meal – Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
  • Distance – 13 km
  • Time Taken – approx. 6 hrs
  • Altitude – Bhojbasa (12,441 ft / 3792 meters), Gaumukh (12,763 ft / 3890 meters), Tapovan (14,642 ft / 4463 meters)
  • Altitude Difference – Bhojbasa to Gaumukh (322 ft / 98 meters), Gaumukh to Tapovan (1879 ft / 573 meters)
  • Trek Grade – Gradual to Moderate

Start your morning with a hot cup of tea in your hand and a breathtaking view in front of your eyes. The trail would go through the top section of the meadows and then downwards towards the glacier. Besides the rocky moraine, the trek continues through some ice-covered sections. After carefully crossing the icy glacier, we would continue walking until we reached the Nandanvan campsite after crossing that small, difficult section.

Day 5: Tapovan to Nandanvan by Trek

  • Stay – Overnight stay at the campsite.
  • Meal – Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
  • Distance – 7 km
  • Time Taken – approx. 4 hrs
  • Altitude – Tapovan (14,642 ft / 4463 meters), Nandanvan (14,239 ft / 4340 meters)
  • Altitude Difference – 403 ft / 123 meter
  • Trek Grade – Gradual to Moderate

Start your morning with a hot cup of tea in your hand and a breathtaking view in front of your eyes. The trail would go through the top section of the meadows and then downwards towards the glacier. Besides the rocky moraine, the trek continues through some ice-covered sections. After carefully crossing the icy glacier, we would continue walking until we reached the Nandanvan campsite after crossing that small, difficult section.

Day 6: Nandanvan to Vasuki Tal and then back to Nandanvan by Trek

  • Stay – Overnight stay at the campsite.
  • Meal – Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
  • Distance – 12 km
  • Time Taken – approx. 8 hrs
  • Altitude – Nandanvan (14,239 ft / 4340 mtr), Vasuki Tal (15,748 ft / 4800 mtr)
  • Altitude Difference – 1509 ft / 460 meter 
  • Trek Grade – Gradual to Moderate

On this day, we would trek through the enchanting section of the trek with high mountain peaks and glaciers. Begin walking along the Chaturanga Glacier towards Vasuki Tal, surrounded by Mount Satopath and Mount Vasuki Prabat, along with a small lake. The trek is slightly uphill until you reach Vasuki Tal, and once you have taken in the view, you will climb down the way you rise. And for the remaining day, you would be sleeping at the Nandanvan campsite. If you are lucky enough to see the Uttarakhand state flower, Brahma Kamal, at the camp, you might catch a glimpse of it.

Day 7: Nandanvan to Chirbasa by Trek

  • Stay: Overnight stay at the campsite.
  • Meal – Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner 
  • Distance – 11 km
  • Time Taken – approx. 5 hrs
  • Altitude – Nandanvan (14,239 ft / 4340 meters), Chirbasa (11,155 ft / 3400 meters)
  • Altitude Difference – 3084 ft / 940 meter
  • Trek Grade – Gradual to Moderate

Experience pristine vistas of trees clinging to the mountainside, along with peaks like Mount Shivling, Kedar Dome, and Meru, as you wake up in the morning. The trek would begin with a path leading through the vast meadows. And when you start reaching the campsite Chirbasa, you will see the forest of blue alpine trees. This is the ideal campsite to stay the night with the sound of nature and clean, fresh air.

Day 8: Chirbasa to Gangotri by Trek and from Gangotri to Dehradun by Road

  • Meal – Breakfast
  • Distance – Chirbasa to Gangotri by Trek (9 km), Gangotri to Dehradun by Road (236 km)
  • Time Taken – Chirbasa to Gangotri by Trek (approx. 4 hrs), Gangotri to Dehradun by Road (approx. 9 hrs)
  • Altitude – Chirbasa (11,155 ft / 3400 meters), Gangotri (11,200 ft / 3415 meters), Dehradun (2100 ft / 640 meters),
  • Altitude Difference – Chirbasa to Gangotri (45 ft / 15 meters), Gangotri to Dehradun (9100 ft / 2775 meters)
  • Trek Grade – Gradual

This day marks the last day of your trek, and it would be a short and easy trek today, which would be through the mountain terrain you could glare for the last time before going on your own. Today would be a short trek along the same route from which you came. From Gangotri, you will be picked up by a Trekup India Representative, who will drive you to Dehradun. At Dehradun, Trekup India will bid you farewell, and you will be on your own; you could either return home or explore the nearby area.

Vasuki Tal Trek Route Map

We’ve prepared a comprehensive Trek Route Map for your upcoming adventure to Vasuki Tal Trek, which outlines the entire journey including all stops and trails. This map provides detailed information on the terrain, distance between points of interest, and estimated travel time to help ensure a safe and enjoyable trek. We’ve carefully curated the map to ensure that you have all the necessary information at your fingertips. Please take a moment to review it thoroughly, and don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or concerns.

Vasuki Tal Trek Altitude Chart

The Trek Altitude Chart is a useful tool for Trekkers to monitor their altitude changes during their rides, allowing them to plan their routes more efficiently and track their progress over time. This Vasuki Tal Trek chart is beneficial for both casual and experienced Trekkers, helping them make the most out of their Trek experience.

Trek Cost Inclusions

  1. Stay 5 Nights in tented accommodation at respective campsites of Trekup India on a sharing basis and two days in a hotel.
  2. Meals: Trekup India provided cooked meals during the trek, starting with Dinner on Day 01 to Breakfast on day 8 (Meals are simple, nutritious, and vegetarian and non-repeated meals)
  3. Transport: Dehradun to Gangotri and return on sharing jeeps 
  4. Trek Insurance (Optional): Trekup India recommends that all trekkers consider getting trek insurance. This is optional, but highly recommended. Trek insurance covers unexpected events that may occur during your trek. The cost of the insurance starts from INR 210. Please read more about what is included in the coverage and why it is mandatory on treks.
  5. Trek Equipment:  Sleeping bag, Sleeping tents, Kitchen tent, Dining tent, Toilet Tent.
  6. Amenities: All utensils, sleeping mattresses (Black foam mats), Crampons, and Gaiters for snow.    
  7. Health & Safety:  First Aid Box, Oxygen Cylinders, Stretchers, Oxi meters, BP Machines, health.
  8. Permits: Forest Permits and Camping Permission Fee 
  9. Trek Crew: High Altitude Chef, Helpers, Trek Leader & Guides, and other support teams.
  10. Potters & Mules: Potters and Mules are to carry all trekking equipment, ration, and vegetables.

Trek Cost Exclusions

  1. GST 5% (it is Mandatory)
  2. Any Meals/accommodation beside the itinerary or not mentioned in the program.
  3. Any Bus / Airfare to/from trek start/end point 
  4. Personal Medical expenses do carry your medication. 
  5. Any personal services such as Laundry, phone calls, liquors, mineral water, etc.
  6. Any still / video camera fee 
  7. Any Entrance fee Monuments, Monasteries, Museums, Temples – Pay directly on the spot. 
  8. Mules or porter charges to carry private baggage (Offload Charges for bag 365 per day, per bag if paid online (at base camp 2,550). Note: Bag weight should not be more than 10 kg.
  9. Any emergency evacuation charges
  10. Any services that are not mentioned in the cost inclusion section.

What should you pack for the Vasuki Tal Trek

Vasuki Tal Trek is a high-altitude trek. The trekking gear you have to have for this particular trek differs from normal treks. Thus, read this whole segment. There is an important question that the trekker who is doing trek asks, like what all things to carry while trekking. Below, we have provided the details on everything you should take; an easy way to remember is by Head to foot or foot to head. We have prepared from Head to foot.

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Head Gears

When trekking it's important to carry headgear to protect your head and face.

Heading out for a trek? Don’t forget to carry headgear to protect your beautiful face and head from the sun, wind, and dust! It’s an essential accessory that keeps you safe and comfortable throughout your adventurous journey. So, make sure you pack it before you step out into nature!

  1. Head Lamps – When trekking at night, headlamps are essential to illuminate your path while keeping your hands free. Headlamps come in different sizes and lumens, so it is essential to choose one that suits your needs.
  2. Hats or Cap – Caps or hats are also necessary when trekking in different weather conditions. Caps protect your head from the wind and freezing temperatures at night, while hats provide shade and protection from the sun during the day. It’s essential to ensure that your hat has a strap to prevent it from being blown away by the wind.
  3. Sunglasses – Sunglasses are also essential for trekking. Your sunglasses should protect your eyes from harmful UV rays and fit your face perfectly to avoid falling off while climbing, jumping, or crossing obstacles. The glass of your sunglasses should also be designed for different weather conditions to provide optimal visibility.
  4. Buff / Balaclava – Lastly, a buff or balaclava is a must-have to protect your mouth or neck from extreme temperatures and keep them warm. Buffs and balaclavas come in different materials, thicknesses, and designs, so it’s important to choose one that suits your needs and preferences. Depending on the weather conditions and your activities, you can wear them as neck warmers, face masks, or headbands.
With these essential items, you can enjoy trekking safely and comfortably, no matter the weather or time of day.

Clothes

When trekking in high altitudes, prepare for cold weather by wearing layers. Layering traps heat, keeps you warm, and allows you to easily adjust your clothing as temperatures fluctuate.

Layering is important for different seasons when trekking. When planning a high-altitude trek, it is important to prepare for the cold weather. Wearing layers is the best approach as it provides both protection and flexibility when the weather changes frequently in the mountains. Layering helps to trap heat and keep your body warm, while at the same time allowing you to easily adjust your clothing as the temperature fluctuates. By wearing layers, you can enjoy your trek comfortably and stay safe in the unpredictable mountain weather

  1. For spring, summer, and monsoon treks, consider wearing three layers: a woollen sweater, a fleece, and a padded jacket.
  2. For autumn treks, add one more fleece layer to make it four layers.
  3. For winter treks, you may need five layers with thermals, a woollen sweater, two fleeces, and a padded jacket.
  4. T-shirt/sleeve shirt– Bring three T-shirts and two quick-dry trek pants, wearing one and carrying the others. Long sleeve shirts help to protect from sun UV rays. We recommend synthetic T-shirts as they get dry quickly when they get wet.
  5. Hiking / Trekking Jacket– down jackets (-5 to-10 C) or two-three-layer jackets.
  6. Thermals– at least two pairs of thermals help keep the body warm during cold weather.
  7. Undergarments– you can carry them according to your habitual and hygiene requirements.
  8. Gloves– 1 pair of gloves will keep your hand warm and nice.
  9. Trek Pants– Bring 2 to 3 comfortable trekking pants. Trekking pants play a significant role, as they are designed for comfort and mobility, making trekking easier. It should be Synthetic so that it gets dry quickly when wet.
  10. Rain Wear– you can carry a raincoat or Poncho. During long rains and snowfalls, the waterproof jackets start leaking. Still, the Poncho and raincoats keep you dry, so choose accordingly.

Tip: If you choose a raincoat on your trek, carry a small waterproof cover so things inside your backpack can’t get wet. If you carry a Poncho, you don’t need to worry. It protects both you and your backpack.

Foot Gears

When it comes to planning a trek, one of the most important aspects is to ensure that you have the right kind of foot gear.

  1. Trekking shoes which are waterproof and have ankle support. Walking / Hiking sandals which can be used off the trek, i.e., in the morning and evening hours when you reach the campsite, basically to get your feet rest from heavy boots, sometimes used for crossing streams and rivers, it’s more comfortable and safer than crossing barefoot or wetting your shoes. Sneakers (Optional) can be worn for normal driving days or used around the camp.
  2. Socks– you should at least carry 3 to 4 pairs.
  3. Microspikes & Gaitorswill be provided by Trekup India when required. You don’t have to carry them.