Pt 5000 / Vidya Peak Expedition Details

Vidya Peak Expedition – Day-wise Itinerary

Day 1: Drive from Dehradun to Janaki Chatti (2,650 m)
The journey begins with an early morning drive from Dehradun to Janaki Chatti, covering approximately 220 km in 8–9 hours. The scenic drive winds through the Garhwal Himalayas, passing rivers, mountain towns, and dense forests. Upon arrival at Janaki Chatti, the team checks in for an overnight stay and prepares for the trek ahead.

Day 2: Trek from Janaki Chatti to Forest Camp (3,297 m)
The trek starts from Janaki Chatti and ascends steadily through dense pine and rhododendron forests. Covering around 6 km in 6–7 hours, the trail is moderately challenging with gradual altitude gain. The day ends at Forest Camp, a quiet campsite surrounded by alpine vegetation.

Day 3: Trek from Forest Camp to Base Camp – Mala Bugyal (3,827 m)
Today’s trek continues through open meadows and high-altitude terrain as the team heads towards Mala Bugyal, covering approximately 6 km in 5–6 hours. Mala Bugyal is a vast alpine meadow and serves as the base camp for the expedition, offering stunning views of surrounding peaks and valleys.

Day 4: Acclimatization and Equipment Distribution at Base Camp
This day is reserved for acclimatization to help the body adjust to the altitude. Climbing equipment is distributed, safety procedures are reviewed, and the team undergoes basic technical training. Short acclimatization walks around the base camp are undertaken to aid altitude adaptation.

Day 5: Trek from Base Camp to Summit Camp (4400 m)
The team moves towards the summit camp, covering about 5 km in 4–5 hours. The terrain becomes steeper and more demanding, requiring careful movement. Upon reaching the summit camp, tents are pitched, and final preparations are made for the summit attempt.

Day 6: Summit Attempt of Vidya Peak (5,000 m) and Return to Summit Camp
An early alpine start marks the summit day. The round trip takes approximately 14 hours and involves technical climbing sections with rope fixing on steep slopes ranging from 65–75 degrees. After reaching the summit and enjoying panoramic Himalayan views, the team carefully descends back to the summit camp.

Day 7: Descend from Summit Camp to Base Camp (Mala Bugyal)
After a demanding summit day, the team descends gradually back to Mala Bugyal, covering 5 km in 3–4 hours. The rest of the day is spent resting, rehydrating, and recovering at base camp.

Day 8: Descend from Mala Bugyal to Janaki Chatti
The expedition begins its final descent, retracing the route through Forest Camp and dense forests back to Janaki Chatti. The 12 km descent takes around 8–9 hours and marks the completion of the trekking phase of the expedition.

Day 9: Departure
After breakfast, the team departs from Janaki Chatti for onward journeys, carrying back memories of a challenging and rewarding high-altitude expedition.

Inclusions

• Meals During the Expedition:
  All meals are included from Dinner on Day 1 to Breakfast on Day 9, ensuring proper nutrition throughout the expedition.

• Package Cost Validity:
  The above-mentioned package price is applicable for a minimum group size of 6 participants and fixed departure dates.

• Forest Permits & Camping Charges:
  All required forest entry permits and designated camping charges are included.

• Accommodation:
  Accommodation will be provided in 4-season expedition tents on a triple-sharing basis, along with thermal-rated sleeping bags and sleeping mats.
  Guesthouse/Lodge/Homestay accommodation at Janaki Chatti on Day 1 and Day 8 is also included.

• Support Staff:
  Services of experienced trek guides, cooks, helpers, and mules/porters for carrying common equipment and ration are included.

• Expedition Leader:
  An IMF-approved Expedition Leader will lead the climb.

• Transportation:
  Dehradun to Dehradun transportation as per the itinerary is included.

• Technical & Safety Equipment:
  Common technical equipment including PP ropes, helmets, ice axes, crampons, mountaineering boots, snow stakes, and dead man/boy anchors will be provided.

• Peak Booking Fee (Indian Nationals):
  Peak booking fee is included up to the amount applicable for Indian nationals.

Exclusions

• Portage of Personal Bags:
  Carrying personal backpacks or excess luggage is not included and can be arranged at an additional cost.

• Travel Insurance:
  Any form of travel or medical insurance is not included. Participants are advised to arrange their own insurance.

• Personal Expenses:
  Expenses of a personal nature such as extra meals, snacks, beverages, laundry, phone calls, and personal purchases are not included.

• Unspecified Expenses:
  Any expense not specifically mentioned under inclusions will be borne by the participant.

• Early Termination Costs:
  Any additional expenses incurred due to early exit or premature completion of the expedition will be charged extra.

• Tips & Gratuities:
  Tips for local guides, porters, and staff are not included.

• IMF Fees for Foreign Nationals:

  • Peak booking fee: USD 700 for a team of two, and USD 325 for each additional participant

  • Forest permit / camping fee: USD 880–1000 (up to a group of 10)

  • Mandatory Liaison Officer fee: Approx. USD 500 (for a group of up to 10)

• Unforeseen Circumstances:
  Any cost arising due to bad weather, landslides, road blockages, natural calamities, or any situation beyond our control will be borne by the participant.

Vidya Peak Expedition – Trek Highlights

• Perfect Entry-Level Technical Peak (5,000 m):
  Vidya Peak is an excellent choice for trekkers looking to transition into technical mountaineering, offering steep snow slopes and rope work without extreme altitude.

• Scenic Approach Through Dense Forests:
  The trail from Janaki Chatti passes through pine and rhododendron forests, providing a peaceful and immersive Himalayan trekking experience.

• Stunning Alpine Meadows – Mala Bugyal:
  The expansive Mala Bugyal base camp is a visual highlight, offering wide open meadows surrounded by towering Himalayan peaks.

• Technical Summit Day Experience:
  Summit push involves rope fixing on 65–75° snow/ice slopes, use of crampons, ice axes, and proper mountaineering techniques under expert supervision.

• IMF-Approved Expedition Leadership:
  The expedition is led by an IMF-certified leader, ensuring professional guidance, safety standards, and structured climbing protocols.

• Ideal Acclimatization Profile:
  Well-planned acclimatization day at base camp improves summit success rate and helps participants adapt safely to altitude.

• Remote & Less Crowded Peak:
  Vidya Peak sees very few climbing teams, making it ideal for those seeking solitude and a raw Himalayan expedition feel.

• Complete Expedition Setup:
  Includes 4-season tents, technical gear, trained support staff, and mule support, offering a true expedition-style experience.

• Panoramic Summit Views:
  From the summit of Vidya Peak, climbers are rewarded with breathtaking views of surrounding Himalayan ranges and deep valleys.

🏕️ 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.

Photos