Khatling Glacier Trek Guide 2024: History, Highlights, Best Time and Itinerary
Table of Contents
ToggleKhatling Glacier is surrounded by two wonderful lakes, Masar Tal and Sahasra Tal, which add to its natural splendor. The Khatling Glacier trek is also flanked by some of the most spectacular peaks in the world, including the Jogin group (6466m), Sphetic Pristwar (6905m), Barte Kauter (6579m), Kirti Stambh (6902m), and Meru. More factors make this glacier intriguing to adventurers, nature enthusiasts, and photographers alike.
The walk to Khatling Glacier is best described as “euphoric.” Its lovely routes include lush woods, entrancing lakes, scenic high altitude meadows, fascinating vistas of the Bhilangana valley, and hanging bridges. The hike to this glacier is rated as moderate to difficult, and the ideal time to go is between May and October.
It is a 45-kilometer walk that begins at Ghuttu, which is easily accessible from Dehradun, Mussoorie, Rishikesh, and Tehri. A journey to the Khatling Glacier is likely to satisfy those who want to immerse themselves in nature’s unspoiled splendor.
History of Khatling Glacier Trek
The Khatling glacier, which is a treat to the eyes, is the principal source of the famed Bhilangana river. Bhilangana is said to be the offspring of a holy spirit who was rejected by Lord Shiva. According to legends, this heavenly ghost attempted to entice the mighty Lord Shiva. It changed into a liquid after rejection, and the river Bhilangana flew from it.
AREA | Tehri district, Garhwal of Uttarakhand |
DURATION | 16 days |
BEST SEASON | Mid May – Mid October |
GRADE | Tough |
ALTITUDE | 3900 mts |
APPROXIMATE TREKKING KM | 120km |
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Highlights of Khatling Glacier Trek
- Spend your downtime admiring nature’s splendors at the Khatling Glacier.
- Unwind and relax by camping at Sahasratal, Masar Tal, and Vasuki Tal.
- Enjoy the view of Thalay Sagar, Kedar Dome, and other Gangotri area peaks from the Mayali Pass (5300 meters)
- Add to your list of accomplishments the ascent of the difficult Khatling glacier.
- Pay respect to Kedarnath Temple, one of the twelve Jyotirlingas.
Location of Khatling Glacier Trek
Tourists can reach Khatling Glacier by a difficult 30-kilometer uphill and downhill walk from Sahasratal. This lateral glacier is found in the Tehri area, among the snow-capped summits of Jogin Group of Peaks (6466 m), Sphetic Pristwar (6905 m), Barte Kauter (6579 m), Kirti Stambh (6902 m), and Meru. Because of its position, it has long served as a key supply of water for the Bhilangana River. Moraines border the glacier’s margins, yet they appear to be walls of gravel mud.
Best Time to Visit Khatling Glacier Trek
Summer (May – June) and Post-Monsoon (September – October) are the best times to visit Khatling Trek. The weather on the Khatling Glacier Trek is mostly pleasant during the summer. The Himalayas are visible, and the chilly wind adds to the attractiveness of the holiday.
At Khatling Glacier Trek, serenity and seclusion are at their peak during the post-monsoon season. During the winter, the region is endowed with snowfall, and lodging alternatives are limited. However, the greatest time to visit Khatling Sahasratal Trek is after the monsoon, when it appears to be Heaven on Earth.
How to Reach Khatling Glacier Trek
By Air:-
The nearest airport to Uttarkashi is Jolly Grant Airport, which is 180 kilometers away. Taxis from Jolly Grant Airport to Uttarkashi or Malla Village are readily accessible.
By Train:-
Rishikesh Railway Station and Haridwar Railway Station are the closest railway stations to Uttarkashi, sited 165 km and 190 km away, respectively. From Rishikesh and Haridwar, buses and cabs to Uttarkashi are readily available.
By Road:-
Malla Village is a tiny village in Uttarakhand’s Uttarkashi district, around 25 kilometers from Uttarkashi. Taxis from Uttarkashi to Malla Village are readily available. There are buses and taxis to Uttarkashi from Delhi and other major towns in Uttarakhand. Delhi and Uttarkashi are 387 kilometers apart. You have the option of traveling directly to Uttarkashi or stopping at Rishikesh.
Itinerary of Khatling Glacier Trek
Day 01: Delhi – Haridwar – Rishikesh
Transfer to the Delhi railway station in the morning and board a train bound for Haridwar. After landing in Haridwar, you will be transferred to Rishikesh, where you will check into a hotel and recuperate. The evenings are open for you to roam about the city and rest. Staying in a hotel for the night.
Day 02: Rishikesh – Uttarkashi (185 kms/5 hours)
In the morning, drive to Uttarkashi (1150 meters) through Chamba and Tehri, which will take 5 to 6 hours. When you arrive in Uttarkashi, check into your accommodation. After lunch, visit the (NIM) Nehru Institute of Mountaineering Institute & Museum, Kashi Vishwanath Temple. Stay for the night at hotel.
Day 03: Uttarkashi – Malla (25 kms) – Sillachhan (9 kms/6 hours)
In the morning, continue driving for approximately (25 km) to Malla, and then hike for about nine kilometers to Sillachhan. When you arrive at the campsite, put up your tent for the night. Tent camping overnight.
Day 04: Sillachhan – Kush Kalyani (2040 mts/6692 ft) (11 kms/6 hrs)
Begin your trip to Kush Kalyani in the morning, a magnificent meadow on the upper levels of the Himalayas surrounded by grassland. The day is easy when traveling this terrain because there is no need to overcome a vertical ascent. The name Kush Kalyani is derived from Lord Rama’s sons Lav and Kush. The spectacular Draupadi ka Danda and Jonli I, II, and III 3 mountain ranges may be seen in the background. Stay in camp for the night.
Day 05: Kush Kalyani – Kyarki Khal (4077 mts/13373 ft) (14 kms/6 hrs)
Begin your journey to Kyarki Khal in the morning, passing through wide lush meadows, magnificent waterfalls, and spectacular scenery. The first 2-3 kilometers are uphill, while the rest is flat and downhill. Tents are used for overnight stays.
Day 06: Kyarki – Partial(18 kms/7 hrs)
Begin your walk to Partial by passing through the Kyarki Bugyal. Locals claim that the Partial was the home of angels and God during the Satya Yuga or Age of Truth. The lakeside, despite its little size and immense grandeur, is ideal for hikers. Spend the night in camp.
Day 07: Parital – Sahastral (5000 mts/16405 ft) (12 kms/6 hrs)
Begin your day with a breathtaking view of the mountains. Begin your walk to Sahasratal through Taddiudyar. You will walk upward for a few kilometers before trekking downhill to reach Sahsra Tal. Sahsra Tal is where you’ll spend the night.
Day 08: Sahastral – Kalyani (2683 meters/8800 feet) (16 kilometers/6 hours)
Begin your descent to Kalyani. The trek from Sahastral to Kalyani is fairly difficult, therefore having a guide with you is essential. Stay at Kalyani for the night.
Day 09: Kalyani – Kharsoli (2896 mts/9489 ft) (11 kms/5 hrs)
After a full supper in Kalyani, begin your walk to Kharsoli via Biroda. The road to Kharsoli ascends all the way, passing through little meadows and patches of stunted Rhododendron and Birch trees. Many wildflowers will be planted along the road’s edge. Stay at Kharsoli for the night.
Day 10: Kharsoli – Tambakund (3413 mts/11195 ft) (8 kms/5 hrs)
Begin your trip to Tambakund by crossing through meadows, streams, and dense woodland. Camp at Tambakund for overnight stay.
Day 11: Tambakund – Khatling Glacier (3717 mts/12192 ft) – Tambakund
Begin your hike towards Khatling Glacier. During the trek, you will pass by “Zero Point,” which is noted for its panoramic views of peaks and mountains. You will also meander through the lush bugyals, which are adorned with an oasis of wildflowers, verdant grass, and the famed “Brahma Kamal.” Spend some time at Khatling Glacier before returning to Tambakund. Overnight stay at Tambakund.
Day 12: Tambakund – Masar Tal (3675 mts/12054 ft) (6 kms/3 hrs)
Early in the morning, begin your descent for a few kilometers till you reach Masar Tal. The view of the surrounding hills and the Khatling Valley improves as the climb advances, and the bluish-green Bhimtal lake can be seen down below. The sight of white water streams, known as Doodhganga, flowing over the mountains and meadows is the highlight of the day. Masar Tal is where you’ll spend the night.
Day 13: Masar Tal – Vasuki Tal (4135 m/13563 ft) (15 km/6 hours)
Begin your day by admiring the vista of the snow-capped mountains and verdant Bugyals. Today, you will traverse the Mayali glacier and tough routes comprised of stones and loose moraine to reach Vasuki Tal.
Day 14: Vasuki Tal – Kedarnath (8 kms/4 hrs)
Today, in the morning, descend to Kedarnath. Kedarnath is a renowned pilgrimage and the home of Lord Shiva, which attracts worshippers from all across the country. The historic temple has wonderful architecture, and building such a great temple at this height must have been a victory years ago. Stay overnight.
Day 15: Kedarnath to Gaurikund (14 km/4 hours) to Rudraprayag (130 km/4 hours)
Walk down to Gaurikund. According to ancient religious scriptures, Gauri is another name for Goddess Parvati, and it is said that Goddess Parvati meditated here for a long period. There is also a renowned Temple of Gauri located at Gaurikund. Drive to Rudraprayag from here. Stay overnight in a hotel.
Day 16: Rudraprayag – Haridwar (160 kms/6 hrs) – Delhi
Take a holy plunge in the confluence of the rivers Alaknanda and Mandakini in the morning. Take the road to Haridwar. When you arrive in Haridwar, take a taxi to the train station and get an AC train to Delhi at 18:05 hours.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s) for Khatling Glacier Trek
Where can I find Khatling Glacier?
It is located in the Uttarakhand state of Bhilangana Valley, Tehri Garhwal.
What is the elevation of the Khatling Glacier?
The Khatling Glacier is located at a height of 3700 meters.
How lengthy is the entire khatling journey?
The khatling journey lasts 16 days and covers around 120 kilometers.
When is the ideal time to go on a trek to Khatling Glacier?
The ideal months to visit the Khatling Glacier trip are April, May, June, September, and October.
How challenging is the hike to Khatling Glacier?
The Khatling Glacier Trek has a high level of difficulty.
What is the minimum time necessary to do the Khatling Glacier trek?
This enthralling glacier journey takes at least 15 days to complete.