Bhagirathi II 6512 M Expedition Details

Mt. Bhagirathi II Expedition Itinerary (6512 M)

Day 1: Dehradun to Gangotri
Start the journey with a scenic drive from Dehradun to Gangotri. Overnight in a guesthouse/hotel.

Day 2: Acclimatization Walk to Nala Camp
Acclimatization walk from Gangotri to Nala Camp and back. Overnight in Gangotri.

Day 3: Gangotri to Bhojbasa (3780 M) – 14 km | 6 hrs
Trek through pine forests and along the Bhagirathi River. Camp at Bhojbasa.

Day 4: Bhojbasa – Gaumukh – Nandanvan Base Camp (4340 M) – 10 km | 5 hrs
Cross Gaumukh (source of Ganga) and climb to Nandanvan Base Camp.

Day 5: Rest & Acclimatization at Nandanvan Base Camp
Relax and allow your body to acclimatize at high altitude.

Day 6-7: Load Ferries to Advance Base Camp (ABC)
Carry loads and set up logistics for ABC. Return to Nandanvan each day.

Day 8: Shift to Advance Base Camp (ABC)
Move to ABC permanently and establish base operations.

Day 9-10: Load Ferries to Camp 1
Ferry gear and supplies to Camp 1. Prepare for push toward the summit.

Day 11: Occupy Camp 1
Shift to Camp 1 and begin adapting to higher altitudes.

Day 12: Load Ferry to Summit Camp
Carry load and gear to establish Summit Camp.

Day 13: Shift to Summit Camp
Move to Summit Camp. Prepare for summit push.

Day 14-15: Reserve Day for Summit Push – Bhagirathi II (6512m) and back to Summit Camp
Climb to the summit and return to Summit Camp. Reserved for weather and contingencies.

Day 16: Descend to Advance Base Camp
Return to ABC after the summit attempt.

Day 17: Descend to Nandanvan Base Camp
Continue descending back to safer altitudes.

Day 18: Descend to Bhojbasa
Trek back down to Bhojbasa.

Day 19: Bhojbasa to Gangotri – Overnight in Gangotri
End the trek with a return to Gangotri.

Day 20: Drive from Gangotri to Dehradun
Expedition concludes. Return to Dehradun.

Day 21: Contingency Day
Buffer day for bad weather or unforeseen delays.

✅ Inclusions

1. Meals: All meals from Dinner on Day 1 to Breakfast on Day 20/21.

2. Permits & Forest Fees: Included for Indian nationals.

3. Accommodation:

   • Guesthouse/Hotel in Gangotri (Day 1, 2 & 19/20).

   • Triple-sharing 4-season expedition tents.

   • Thermal-rated sleeping bags and mats.

4. Staff Support: Experienced high-altitude guides, cooks, helpers, and porters/mules.

5. Expedition Leader: IMF-certified expedition leader.

6. Transportation: Dehradun ↔ Gangotri (round-trip).

7. Technical Equipment:

   • PP ropes, helmets, ice axes, crampons, mountaineering boots, snow stakes, deadman/boy.

8. IMF Peak Booking Fee: Included for Indian nationals.

❌ Exclusions

1. Personal porter charges for carrying individual backpacks.

2. Travel insurance (participants must arrange on their own).

3. Personal expenses (meals/snacks outside inclusions, tips, souvenirs, etc.).

4. Early departure costs (transport, stay, etc.).

5. Additional costs for early return due to medical/fitness issues.

6. Laundry, beverages, and communication expenses.

7. Tips for staff, guides, and porters.

8. Foreign Nationals:

   • IMF Peak Booking Fee: US$ 700 (2 members) + US$ 325 per additional member.

   • Forest Permits/Camping Fees: USD 880–1000 (up to 10 people).

   • Liaison Officer Fee: ~USD 500 for a group of 10.

9. Any expenses due to natural calamities or unforeseen situations (bad weather, landslides, roadblocks, etc.).

🏔️ Bhagirathi II Expedition – Highlights

• 🚩 Peak Altitude: 6512 meters – A formidable Garhwal Himalayan summit

• 🛕 Spiritual Start: Expedition begins at the sacred town of Gangotri

• 🌊 Gaumukh Glacier: Trek past the holy origin of the Ganges

• ⛺ Alpine Campsites: Stay at iconic spots – Bhojbasa, Gaumukh, Nandanvan, ABC, Camp 1 & Summit Camp

• 🧗‍♂️ Technical Climb: Ideal for experienced trekkers stepping into high-altitude mountaineering

• 🏕️ True Expedition Style: Load ferries, staged camps, summit push & contingency days

• ❄️ Spectacular Views: Panoramas of Shivling, Meru, and the Bhagirathi Massif

• 🧭 IMF-Certified Leadership: Guided by IMF-approved Expedition Leaders

• 🧳 All Gear Provided: Includes mountaineering boots, ice axe, crampons & more

• 🚐 All-Inclusive Travel: Transport from Dehradun to Gangotri & back

• 🙏 Spirit + Challenge: A blend of sacred energy and raw Himalayan adventure.

🏕️ Essential Mountaineering Gear Checklist

Clothing – Layer Up Wisely

• Base layers (thermal innerwear – top & bottom)

• Insulated jacket (down or synthetic for sub-zero temps)

• Fleece jacket or softshell

• Waterproof windcheater or hardshell jacket

• Waterproof pants or rain pants

• Trekking pants (2–3 pairs)

• Quick-dry t-shirts or shirts (2–3)

• Innerwear (thermal & regular)

• Insulated gloves (waterproof)

• Fleece or liner gloves for layering

• Woolen cap or balaclava

• Neck gaiter or buff

• Sun cap or wide-brimmed hat

• Trekking socks (4–5 pairs)

• Woolen socks (2 pairs for cold nights)

Footwear

• Trekking shoes (high-ankle, waterproof)

• Snow boots (Scarpa or equivalent – often provided by organizers)

• Camp sandals or crocs for evenings

• Gaiters (to keep snow and debris out – usually provided)

Bags & Packs

• Backpack (50–65L) with rain cover

• Daypack (20–30L) for summit day

• Duffel bag or rucksack (for mule load)

• Dry bags or plastic ziplocks for waterproofing

Mountaineering & Technical Gear (mostly provided)

• Crampons

• Ice axe

• Climbing rope

• Carabiners and harness

• Helmet

• Snow goggles

• Gaiters

• Ascender or descender if needed

Camping Essentials

• Sleeping bag (rated for -15°C to -20°C) – usually provided

• Sleeping mat or foam pad

• Headlamp with extra batteries

• Trekking poles

• Water bottles (total 2L capacity) or thermos

• Mug and lunchbox

• Power bank

• Sunglasses (UV-protected, category 3 or 4)

Toiletries & Personal Hygiene

• Toothbrush, toothpaste, biodegradable soap

• Tissue roll and wet wipes

• Sunscreen (SPF 50+) and lip balm

• Hand sanitizer and face towel

• Menstrual hygiene products (if applicable)

Medicines & Personal Care

• Personal medications

• Diamox (for AMS – only with doctor’s advice)

• Paracetamol or painkillers

• Broad-spectrum antibiotics

• Band-aids or blister patches

• ORS or electrolyte sachets

• Muscle relaxant spray like Volini

• Altitude sickness tablets

Documents & Miscellaneous

• Valid ID proof (original and photocopy)

• Medical certificate (if required)

• Passport size photos (2–3)

• Some cash (ATMs may not be available)

• Notebook and pen

✅ Pro Tip: Pack light but smart. Stick to essentials, keep your backpack waterproof, and test your gear before the expedition.

Train your lungs, legs, and mind – all three matter equally.

🏋️‍♂️ Extended Fitness Tips for High-Altitude Mountaineering:

1. Build Endurance Over Speed:
You’re not training for a sprint; you’re preparing for a long-duration challenge. Go for long, slow hikes with a backpack (gradually increase weight). Weekend treks are excellent real-time simulators.

2. Train with a Backpack:
Start adding 5–10 kg weight in your backpack during your stair climbs or trail hikes to mimic the actual load you’ll carry during the expedition.

3. Strengthen Your Ankles & Knees:
Do step-ups, box jumps, and single-leg balances to reduce the risk of injury. Downhill walks strain knees—practice them intentionally.

4. Flexibility & Mobility:
Add yoga and dynamic stretching to your regime. A flexible body handles terrain variations better and helps avoid cramps or joint stiffness.

5. Altitude Acclimatization Strategy:
Get used to climbing high, sleeping low. If you live in the plains, consider weekend hikes at moderate altitudes (2,000m–3,000m).

6. Improve Recovery Time:
Monitor how fast your heart rate returns to normal post-exercise. Better recovery = better adaptation at altitude. Try interval training (HIIT or hill sprints once or twice a week).

7. Mental Conditioning:
Mountaineering tests your grit. Practice meditation, cold showers, solo walks in nature—anything that builds patience and tolerance in tough conditions.

8. Nutrition Discipline:
Eat clean. Focus on complex carbs, good fats, and protein. Hydrate constantly. Add electrolytes to your water when training hard or sweating a lot.

9. Simulate Trek Days:
Try doing back-to-back long hikes over weekends. It mimics multiple trekking days and builds resilience.

10. Sleep Hygiene:
Altitude can mess with sleep. Get into a regular sleep cycle now, and train your body to rest and recover even after late-night activities.

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