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Mayali Pass Trek Overview
Quick Facts of Mayali Pass Trek
Maximum altitude: 5300 m
Grade: Difficult
Duration: 10 days
Trekking distance: 62 kilometers
Rail head: Rishikesh Railway Station
Airport: Jolly Grant Airport. Dehradun
Snow Season: January and February
Service from: Rishikesh
Base camp: Ghuttu
Best season: Winter season (January and February)
Region: Uttarakhand
Mayali Pass Trek Itinerary
From Rishikesh to Ghuttu
The first day on the Mayali Pass Trek itinerary is dedicated to travelling from Rishikesh to the trek base camp at Ghuttu village in Tehri Garhwal. The distance from Rishikesh to Ghuttu is approximately 138 kilometres, and it takes trekkers around 8 to 9 hours to complete the journey by bus. Once you arrive at ghuttu, you will check-in your hotel and doze off for the night.
From Ghuttu to Reehi
Your actual Mayali Pass Trek starts on the second day at Ghuttu base camp, from where you head towards Reehi village. The 7-to-8-kilometre trek uphill passes through the stunning scenery at Deolang village and ends as you reach Reehi by evening. Rest overnight in the tents or the GMVN rest house.
From Reehi to Gangi
Head out from Reehi early in the morning for a twelve-kilometre trek towards Gangi. After an hour of trekking, you would reach Buranschauri, while further trekking for approximately three hours you would reach Gangi village. Located 2,500 metres above sea level, Gangi is a picturesque village to rest overnight in.
From Gangi to Kharsoli
Day 4 is when you trek for 15 kilometres to reach Kharsoli from Gangi. Start early and cross the bewitching Deokhri Channi, which is renowned as the winter encampment of Gangi’s residents, and trek through lush green forests to reach the meadow at Kharsoli. Rest in your tent for the night.
From Kharsoli to Chowki
Start your day early as you head towards Chowki from Kharsoli. The trek is twelve kilometres long, and you will reach an elevation of 4,000 metres above sea level in approximately 5 hours. As you reach Chowki by late afternoon, camp next to the calming Doodh Ganga river, and stay here overnight.
From Chowki to Masar Tal
The eight-kilometre journey from Chowki to Masar Tal goes uphill for a few kilometres and then descends as you cross a ridge at an elevation of 3000 metres. Reach Masar Tal after a journey of approximately six hours, and sit by the pristine lake as you relax. Rest here overnight.
From Masar Tal to Vasuki Tal via Mayali Pass
The total trekking distance from Masar Tal is twelve kilometres, of which you would have an ascend of three kilometres. Reach an altitude of 4,800 metres and descend towards Vasuki Tal for approximately seven hours. Pitch your tent and savour the picturesque beauty of Vasuki Tal as you rest overnight.
From Vasuki Tal to Kedarnath
The trek on day 8 takes you to Kedarnath, a prominent highlight of the Mayali Pass Trek itinerary. Start from Vasuki Tal and trek for three hours through five kilometres to reach Kedarnath by late afternoon. Pay a visit to the revered temple and relax at the local guesthouse.
From Kedarnath to Gaurikund
The final leg of the Mayali Pass trek takes you from Kedarnath to Gaurikund, which is located 14 kilometres away and can be reached via easy descent. Embark on the trek in the morning and reach Gaurikund in approximately four hours, and stay for the night at a hotel in Gaurikund.
From Gaurikund to Rishikesh
Gaurikund is the final destination of the trek, so day 10 of the Mayali Pass Trek itinerary is a morning bus ride from Gaurikund to Rishikesh. Start after savouring your breakfast and reach Rishikesh after approximately nine hours. As you reach Rishikesh by late afternoon, you can further head back home.
What To Pack For Mayali Pass Trek?
Mandatory documents: You would need to carry the original and photocopies of your identity proof as well as other documents mentioned in your trek package.
Quick edibles: It is helpful to carry energy bars, biscuits, chocolates, toffees, nuts, and hydration packs (ORS) so you can munch on them for a quick boost of energy.
Medical kit: Remember to bring along medicines like paracetamol, vomistop, combiflam, Digene, band-aid, cotton, antiseptic cream, pain relief spray, crepe bandage, and your regular medication, if any, for the Mayali Pass Trek.
Personal kit: While you can customise your personal kit as per your needs, toiletry items like toothbrush, toothpaste, sanitiser, sunscreen, cold cream, lip balm, and tissues are essential to carry for your Mayali Pass Trek.
Essentials: Remember to carry a 50-60 litre backpack with rain cover, a water bottle, trekking shoes, rainwear, a torch, and warm clothing like thermal inners, woollen caps, socks, and gloves.
Know Before You Go for Mayali Pass Trek
The base camp for the Mayali Pass Trek itinerary is Ghuttu village in Tehri Garhwal, which can be reached by bus from the nearest city, Rishikesh. To reach Rishikesh, one can opt for air or train travel.
By Air: The nearest airport from Rishikesh is Jolly Grant Airport, which offers flight services to many major Indian cities. Drive down to Rishikesh from the airport and take a bus to Ghuttu.
By Train: The nearest railway station from Rishikesh is Haridwar, which is well-connected to many Indian cities. Take a bus from Haridwar to reach Rishikesh, and then hop on another bus to Ghuttu.
Mayali Pass Trek via Ghuttu: The most popular trekking route of Mayali Pass is the one that starts at Ghuttu village. Experience the stunning charm of the Himalayas as you embark on this adventurous route which hosts numerous trekkers throughout the peak season. It takes trekkers approximately 10 days to complete the trek via the Ghuttu route.
Mayali Pass Trek via Mala village: The Mala village route via Uttarkashi is rarely chosen by trekkers as it is a two-week trek as compared to the ten-day Ghuttu route. It, however, offers postcard-perfect scenes of the natural beauty of the Himalayas and their surroundings.
The Mayali Pass Trek is renowned as the toughest trekking adventure of the Garhwal Himalayas, which makes it necessary for visitors to know the rules and tips for trekking in the region. Suitable only for experienced trekkers, it is recommended that you remember these expert tips for a smooth Mayali Pass Trek experience.
The Mayali Pass Trek is not recommended for beginners, pregnant women, and those with hip, knee, or shoulder injuries, and heart and other health issues.
Avoid wearing clothing like sarees, long skirts, dhotis, and similar wear as they are uncomfortable for trekking purposes.
Carrying along precious valuables like jewellery on Mayali Pass Trek is not recommended.
Consumption of alcohol and other intoxicating substances is not permitted on the Mayali Pass Trek.
Littering on the trek route is prohibited and trekkers are requested to keep the route free of waste.
It is recommended that you carry light snacks to consume during the duration of the trek.
Remember to carry along essential documents, medicines, trek-appropriate clothing, walking shoes, and a water bottle for your Mayali Pass Trek.
Booking your Mayali Pass Trek itinerary in advance is highly recommended to ensure you get your preferred time slots for the trek.
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FAQs of Mayali Pass Trek
Are there horses available for offloading at Mayali Pass Trek?
Yes, horses are available for offloading at Mayali Pass Trek and you can avail their services at extra costs per day. The participants will not be expected to carry heavy loads during the trek apart from the small daypack along with the camera.
Where is the Mayali Pass Trek located?
Mayali Pass Trek is one of the renowned treks of the Garhwal Himalayas and is located in the Bhilangana Valley of Tehri Garhwal, Uttarakhand. It starts from Ghuttu and takes trekkers through Masar Tal, Vasuki Tal, Kedarnath, and Gaurikund.
How difficult is the Mayali Pass Trek?
The Mayali Pass Trek is a difficult trek, so much so that it is ranked as the toughest trek one can embark on in Garhwal, Uttarakhand. While trekkers can witness the pristine scenery of the Himalayas at Mayali Pass, few take up the challenging trek.
What is the best time to do Mayali Pass Trek?
The best time to do the Mayali Pass Trek is during the summer months of May to June. The weather during these months is pleasant, and the scenic landscape offers picturesque views of the Himalayan peaks. You can also visit during the post-monsoon months of September to mid-October.
What is the highest altitude of the Mayali Pass Trek?
The highest altitude of the Mayali Pass Trek is 5,300 metres above sea level. From where you can witness the scenic landscapes and high mountain ranges.
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