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Our expedition to Satopanth combines the ascent of a magnificent, remote 7000m peak with a genuine cultural experience. Satopanth is situated deep in the Indian Garhwal Himalaya – the home to India’s most spectacular peaks, on a par with, or even better than, the best the likes of Nepal has to offer.
The approach to Mount Satopanth is overland from Delhi, a ‘traditional’ journey rather than the whistle-stop helicopter approach used so often in other countries. This approach is shared with pilgrims to one of India’s holiest sites, Gaumukh, the source of the Ganges which we pass on trek in to the mountain.
Above Gaumukh a long glacial approach leads up to the north east ridge of Satopanth, which is ascended via steep mixed climbing, broad and narrow ridges and an exposed traverse across a 50 degree ice slope. Usually we place three camps between base camp and the summit, from where you can feast your eyes on nearby Shivling and beyond to Nanda Devi, Kashmir and Tibet.
Please note, India operates a very formal system for climbing. Satopanth has to be booked well in advance to guarantee a permit.
* A deposit of £400 will be required at checkout.
Extras can be added per-person when you book onto a date
Item | Price | Days | |
---|---|---|---|
Taj Mahal extension from | £295 | +1 days |
* A deposit of £200 (or the full extra price, whichever is lower) will be required at checkout for each extra added per-person on this trip
Days 1 - 2 | Depart UK, Arrive Delhi and transfer to the hotel.Free time for sightseeing in Delhi while the leader attends an expedition briefing at the Indian Mountaineering Federation. |
Day 3 | Train to Haridwar.(4-5hrs) drive to Rishikesh (1hr) Hotel (B, D) light snack box lunch on train. |
Day 4 | Drive Drive to toUltarkashi 7-8hrs (1110m) |
Day 5 | Drive UltarkashitoGangotri (3048m). A spectacular drive to the road head at Gangotri.Gangotri.is a sacred place for Hindus, as it is the source of the River Ganges. |
Day 6 | Acclimatisation Day at Gangotri (3048m). Having gained significant altitude over the past two days we spend the day around Gangotri undertaking an acclimatisation walk (500m height gain) up a gorge overlooking a spectacular waterfall. |
Day 7 | Trek to Bhojbasa (3784m). Before leaving we visit the temple to take a blessing from the local priest in line with tradition! The morning takes us towards Gamukh and the snout of the Gangotri glacier. We get out first views of the very impressive Bhagirathi Peaks. A further 3-4 hours takes us to our camp at Bhojbasa, meaning home of the Birch tree.14 kms, 7-8hours walking. |
Day 8 | Trek Bhojbasa to Nandanvan (4420m). We continue our trek along the Bhagirathi river to finally reach Gamukh and the snout of the Gangotri glacier. Following the moraine we eventually reach the glacier which we follow before a final steep ascenttakes us onto the meadows of Nandanvan below the magnificent Bhagirathi Peaks. Nandanvan provides outstanding views of the majestic and beautiful Shivling Peak, the Matterhorn of the Indian Himalaya 6-7 hours walking. |
Day 9 | Acclimatisation. We stay at Nandanvan and take a trek out to gain spectacular views of Shivling, Meru and Kedarnath Peak. |
Day 10 | Trek Nandanvan to Vasuki Tal/Base Camp (4850m). A fairly rugged day of Trekking as we cross the Vasuki glacier and a final steep rock step to reach the col that drops down to our base camp Vasuki Tal at the foot of Vasuki Parbat 5-6 hours walking |
Day 11 | Acclimatisation Day and time to sort equipment into loads for the High altitude Porters (HAPs) |
Day 12 | Trek BC to Advanced Base Camp (5130m). Today’s trekgives you your first glimpse of Satopanth (2-3hrs) |
Day 13 | ABC to Camp 1 (5500m). As we start the technical climbing our slow approach trek and well-earned acclimatisation will now be fully appreciated as we go directly up to Camp 1. |
Day 14 | Acclimatisation Day. We take a short excursion to the base of the rock band that leads to Camp 2. If fixed lines are already in place we will be able to ascend the rock band to gain a feel for the ascent prior to completing our move up, otherwise we allow time for lines to be fixed. |
Day 15 | Camp 1 to Camp 2 (5500m-6000m). The ascent to Camp 2 is a combines the ascent of a steep rock band on fixed lines with glacial travel and some mixed climbing up a shallow gully. |
Days 16 - 17 | (6000m). Camp 2 is a very spectacular setting to have two acclimatisation days whilst the narrow snow ridge that leads to camp 3 is fixed. It is possible to take short acclimatisation walks up to the base of the fixed lines |
Day 18 | Camp 2 to Camp 3 (6400m). Camp 3 is at 6400m and the ascent involves fairly steep slopes and a high degree of exposure on the traverse to camp at the bottom of the summit snow field. The crossing to camp 3 will be made just prior to the summit bid and camp 3 will be used more as a resting place prior to an early morning departure. |
Day 19 | Summit Day (7075m).Roped up we make our final ascent to this magnificent summit from where you can see Tibet, Kashmir and even Pakistan on a very clear day. |
Days 20 - 22 | Reserve Summit Days. These will be taken at camp 2 until a summit bid day has been decided. |
Day 23 | Descent to Base Camp |
Days 24 - 25 | Return Trek |
Days 26 - 27 | Drive to Rishikesh and then on to Delhi. |
Day 28 | In Delhi. Debriefing for the leader with the Indian Mountaineering Federation |
Days 29 - 30 | Return flights can be booked for the evening of day 29 allowing time for transport delays. |
It is essential for a trip of this type that you are adequately insured. When researching insurance options, please ensure the policy covers you for the following:
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We are aware the following provide insurance:
Expeditions and Treks under 7000m - Campbell Irvine Direct : http://www.campbellirvine.com/AdventurePeaks
HCC Medical Insurance Services: LLC sales@hccmis.com Tel: 1-800-605-2282
Travelex Ins. Services: www.travelexinsurance.com Tel: 1-800 228 9792
True Traveller Ins: www.truetraveller.com Tel: 0333 999 3140 for treks including over 4500m
Austrian Alpine Club (UK) www.aacuk.org.uk Tel: +44 (0)1929 556870
Rothwell & Towler: www.world-first.co.uk Tel: 0345 908 0161 (under 6400m)
J S Insurance: www.jsinsurance.co.uk Tel: 0844 848 1500
Snowcard: www.snowcard.co.uk Tel: 01295 660836
The B.M.C.: www.thebmc.co.uk Tel: 0161 445 6111 (call and speak to Jim. Please note the BMC cannot cover Mt Damavand)
Dogtag: www.dogtag.co.uk Tel: 0800 036 4824 (Check excess etc)
HCC Medical Insurance Services: LLC sales@hccmis.com Tel: 1-800-605-2282
Travelex Ins. Services: www.travelexinsurance.com Tel: 1-800 228 9792
True Traveller Ins: www.truetraveller.com Tel: 0333 999 3140 for treks including over 4500m
Austrian Alpine Club (UK): www.aacuk.org.uk Tel: +44 (0)1929 556870
AXA Worldwide Travel Ins: www.axainsurance.com Tel: +44 (0)844 874 0360
Ingle International: www.ingleinternational.com Tel: (USA) 1.800.360.3234
Insure for Less: www.insure4less.com.au (Australian clients)
You do not have to use any of the above, but if you make your own insurance arrangements documentary evidence of your own policy is required.
Please forward the details of your Insurance as soon as you have it: we need the insurance company’s name, their 24 hour emergency telephone number and your insurance policy number – admin@adventurepeaks.com