Bandarpunch (Bandarpoonch), literally meaning "Monkey's Tail" or "Hanuman's Tail" is a beautiful massif located in the Western Garhwal Himalayas of Uttarakhand. The massif has three peaks namely Bandarpunch I (6316 M), Bandarpunch 2 (6102 M) and Kalanag (Black Peak - 6387 M). Bandarpunch 1 peak is ideal for those looking to prepare for expeditions of peaks climbing to 7000M+. However, not be too technical the Bandarpoonch peak expedition must be attempted by only those who have previous trekking experience and ample knowledge on mountaineering techniques along with the use of technical equipment like rope-up procedures, jumar and crampons. The expedition has its fair share of challenges such as a heavily crevasse infested route to the summit and unpredictable weather conditions. Acclimatization to the high altitudes of the peak is imperative. The summit offers magnificent views of the surrounding peaks like Kalanag, Swargarohini, Satopanth, Sudarshan Parvat, Jogin, Gangotri range and many more. The trail takes you across the Bandarpunch glacier which is the source of Yamuna river. The standard route for the summit is the south-eastern route and we will follow the same. Bandarpoonch Peak expedition is for those looking to push their limits and conquer one of the most beautiful peaks in the Garhwal Himalayas. Stay on this page for more information on the Bandarpunch Peak Expedition.
Arrival at Uttarkashi
Our vehicles will receive you from Dehradun ISBT and drive you to Uttarkashi which will take approximately 7-8 hours. You will be accommodated in a hotel/guesthouse. There will be an introduction and briefing session. We will also check and prepare our technical equipment required for the expedition. Have dinner and retire for the night.
Uttarkashi to Sukhi (8202 FT) - 2.5 hours Drive. Sukhi to Forest Camp (9843 FT) via Khagi Pass (10,630 FT)
We start early and drive to Sukhi Village which is the start point of the trek. The village has only a handful of houses and many apple orchards. The trail from Sukhi village is a steep uphill to Khagi Pass followed by a steep descent to Forest Camp. We camp here for the night. Have dinner and retire for the night.
Forest Camp (9843 FT) to Base Camp (12,402 FT)
Today's trek is a long one to the Base Camp from the Forest Camp with a descend to the confluence of Son Gad and Chaiyaan Gad rivers and continue to follow the Chaiyaan Gad river till you reach the base camp. The trail takes you through dense forests and meadows eventually going past the tree line to reach the base of Chaiyaan Glacier which will be our campsite for the day. We step-up camps here. Have dinner and retire for the night.
Rest Day at Base Camp
Today will be a rest day at Base Camp. We will take a short walk uphill and return to the camp. This will allow your body to acclimatize. We will also sort out our equipment required for the expedition. Retire for the night.
Base Camp to Camp 1 and back to Base Camp
Today we will load ferry from Base Camp to Camp 1 and return back to Base Camp. We will rest for the night here.
Rest Day at Base Camp
A day to rest and acclimatize at Base Camp.
Base Camp to Camp 1 (14,600 FT)
Today we will move forward to Camp 1 from Base Camp. We will spend the night here. Overnight in tents,
Camp 1 to Summit Camp and back to Camp 1
Today we will load ferry from Camp 1 to Summit Camp and return to Camp 1 where we spend the night.
Camp 1 to Summit Camp (16,995 FT)
Today we move forward to summit camp and rest for the day.
Rest day at Summit Camp
Today we will rest and acclimatize at the summit camp. We will also sort out our equipment and fix ropes wherever needed. Prepare for the next day's summit push. Retire for the night.
Summit Camp to Summit (20,722 FT) and back to Summit Camp
We will start the summit push by 2am. The route to the summit is heavily crevassed. Upon reaching the summit you will get a splendid display of mighty peaks on all sides stretching far and wide. Enjoy and cherish this moment of accomplishment. We start our descend to summit camp before the weather turns bad. Overnight in summit camp.
Summit Camp to Base Camp
Today we will retrace our steps and descend down to base camp. Overnight in tents.
Base Camp to Forest Camp
Today's trek includes a long way down to the Forest camp. Overnight in tents.
Forest Camp to Sukhi - Trek. Sukhi to Uttarkashi - Drive
We will retrace our way to Sukhi village where our vehicles will drive you to Uttarakashi. Overnight in hotel/guest house.
Depart from Uttarkashi
Leave early and drive to Dehradun. If opted a vehicle with us then you will be dropped at Dehradun ISBT.
Reserve Day
Reserve a day for summit climb if the weather does not allow you to summit the day before.
Reserve Day
Reserve a day for summit climb if the weather does not allow you to summit the day before.
In accordance with the rules and regulation set forth by the Indian Mountaineering Foundation (IMF) for mountaineering expeditions, out of 12 seats per batch:
- 6 seats are reserved for aspirants with a certificate in Advanced Mountaineering Course (AMC)
- 4 seats are reserved for aspirants with a certificate in Basic Mountaineering Course (BMC)
- The remaining 2 seats are reserved for aspirants with previous trekking experience of expeditions above 5500 - 6000 meters
Foreign Nationals - Due to a specific set of guidelines for Foreign Nationals it is recommended to call our support team to gain information on the list of documents and procedure involved in booking a mountaineering expedition with us.
Bandarpunch (Bandarpoonch) Peak is made only for experienced trekkers who want to test their limits. The challenges faced in the trek should not be underestimated. You should attempt this trek only If you have already done treks that climb to 4700-5500 metres. It is recommended not to opt this trek if you cannot get acclimatized in high altitudes. Besides you need to have a strong physical endurance to complete this trek. For details on trek difficulty level, please read on Bikat Rating Scale
A basic mountaineering course is recommended though not mandatory in case of highly experienced & skilled trekkers. At least 2-3 challenging treks along with 20 – 25 total trekking days in the Himalayas. Medical fitness certificate from CMO of a recognized hospital.
Jog/Run for 5 Kms in 25-30 mins Or Walk continuously for 10 kms (with 3-4 small breaks) on plain terrain (slight incline is better) and
Hold your breath for 40 seconds and
3 sets of Climbing 30 – 40 steps in one stretch and
Push Ups – 10 and
Lunges & Squats – 15 X 2 sets
If you are not meeting these benchmarks, please use the preparation schedule to improve your fitness till you achieve the above benchmarks.
How to use an Ice Axe
How to use Climbing boots & Crampons
How to rope up & follow queued climbing/descending
How to self-arrest using an ice axe
Knowledge of Basic First aid
June and September to mid-October are the best months to undertake the Bandarpunch (Bandarpoonch) Peak expedition.
Click here for packing list.
The start point of the Bandarpunch Peak Expedition is from Uttarkashi. You can catch a bus to Uttarkashi from the Pahadi bus stand in Dehradun, near the railway station. In order to get a taxi, you must reach the Rispana Pull (Bridge) by bus. You can get a regular taxi for Uttarkashi from here. If you opt for transport from us the nwe will pick you up from Dehradun ISBT and drop you at the same location.
BSNL and Airtel have good connectivity in Uttarkashi. No network beyond this point on during trekking days.
The holy town of Uttarkashi is of great religious importance to Hindus. One can explore this holy town before embarking on the trail. There are a number of places to visit in Dehradun and Mussoorie. Sahastradhara, a ‘thousand-fold water spring’ is a famous tourist spot in Dehradun. The waters of the spring are believed to have medicinal properties. Robber’s Cave or Guchhi Pani is a famous picnic spot for fun-loving enthusiasts. Visit the holy Tapkeshwar Temple on the bank of Asan River which is believed to have one of the oldest Shivling. Enjoy the splash at much touted Kempty Falls in Mussoorie. The highest place in Mussoorie, Lal Tibba is where you can enjoy the panoramic views of the snow-capped mountains. Admire the Kumaon and Garhwal Art & Culture at SOHAM Heritage and Art Centre.
The minimum age limit is 13 years. However, minors aged between 13 to 17 should be accompanied with their parents or guardians. If you are above the age of 60, kindly carry a medical certificate from your doctor that deem you fit for adventure activities like trekking.
When you arrive in Uttarkashi, your stay will be made at local guest house.The rooms will be provided on twin or triple sharing basis. You will receive the details of your accommodation through email few days prior the trek. On trekking days you will be accommodated in tents on a twin sharing basis.
We provide 4 seasons tents by Gipfel for higher altitudes which can easily withstand heavy snowfall and storms. They are spacious enough to accommodate 3 people at once with a vestibule to place the backpacks. Our sleeping bags are made up of Heatseeker Pro synthetic insulation that can provide you comfort in -10 degrees Celsius. We also use additional fleece liners to have thermal efficiency even in the extreme temperatures of -17 degrees Celsius. If you carry your own sleeping bag, you will get a cashback reward provided that you inform us as soon as you have booked your trek.
Toilet tents will be provided to you on the trek. These are portable toilets tents where a deep pit will be dug. A shovel will be provided inside the tent to cover the waste after you have made your business. You can take a toilet roll inside. Make sure you dig used toilet paper along with the waste. Though water is recommended in place of toilet paper. Please refrain from using wet wipes as they are non-biodegradable. There will be no facility for bathing on the trek. Go through our blog section for tips on how to maintain personal hygiene on treks.
Since this is a technical climb at extremely high altitudes on snow and ice, all required technical equipment such as Ropes, Helmet, Ice Axe, Crampons, Mountaineering Boots, Jumar, Descender, Harness will be provided. You can refer to the inclusions section for more details.
Vegetarian food will be served throughout the trek. The only non-vegetarian item served on our treks are eggs. Our kitchen staff follows a proper menu for breakfast, lunch, and dinner which has been designed in order to fulfill the nutritional requirements of the participants. There will be milk, poha, eggs, muesli/corn flakes, bread, and butter served for breakfast. Rice or simple roti sabzi will be packed for lunch. In dinner, you will have dal, egg curry or any other vegetarian dish along with rice, roti, and a dessert item. Packed lunch will be provided to you on the days you are trekking. You are requested to carry your own tiffin box and a mug to consume food. The meals consumed on the journey and arrival day are not included in our cost.
You can rent the following items from us- Trekking Pole, Trekking Shoes, Fleece Jacket, Rucksack.
You can expect temperatures to drop to as low as -10°C to -20°C at higher camps on the climb. The more altitude we gain the colder it gets. However, the weather is always unpredictable so be prepared with all the essential layers required to keep yourself warm and dry.
Since this is a technical climb at 6300 M, you can expect snow and ice on the expedition.
If you want to offload your rucksack, you will have to make a request for offloading a few days prior to the trek through an email so that arrangement can be made in advance. You will be charged per day for offloading your rucksack. In case you decide to offload on the spot, you may have to pay a higher price than usual. However, offloading your rucksack is not recommended since it is not a safe practice.
A team of participants will be led by an IMF certified mountaineering guide. All participants are requested to abide by what their leader says. There will also be a team of kitchen staff and porters on the trek. We maintain a 1:8 ratio of trek leader and participants. All our trek leaders and staff have certified training in first-aid and rescue operation.
Yes, the trekking pole is necessary. If you don’t want to buy one, you can rent it from us on minimal daily basis charges. You can request the renting link from us.
Yes, there are stores/shops in Uttarkashi from where you can buy necessary stuff. Though it is recommended that you come prepared with all the stuff. Please do not leave anything for last minute buying.
Yes, it is absolutely safe for a solo woman to travel in fix departures. Women on the trek will be sharing a tent with each other. In case you are the only woman on the trek, you will be given a separate tent.
Yes, e-certificates will be given at the end of each trek provided that you completed it. It will bear your name, the trek, and the maximum altitude you achieved on the trek.
If you opt for the transport with us then the pick-up point will be ISBT Dehradun. The Drop-off location is the same.
Expect to reach Dehradun by late afternoon or latest by early-evening. So plan your further travel and accommodation accordingly.
ID Proof (Soft Copy to be sent to us in Advance & original to be carried), Medical Certificate (Soft Copy to be sent to us & original to be carried) and Photocopy of ID Proof and passport size photos are the mandatory documents required for the trek.
Our community is an integral part of us and we take pride in our trekkers and climbers. When you complete at least three days on any trek or expedition with us, you become eligible for our membership and referral programs.
For us, a successful summit is not about reaching the highest point of a mountain but about making it safely back to base.
Cancellations up to 30 days prior to departure date
5% Deduction
Between 30 days to 15 days prior to departure
50%
deduction
Less than 15 days of departure
No Cash Refund
Cancellations up to 5 days prior to departure date
No Deduction
Cancellations less than 5 days prior to departure
No Refund
Sarthak Madan 22 November 2018
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