GULABI KANTHA TREK

BASECAMP

HANUMAN CHATTI

DURATION

5D / 4N

GRADE

MODERATE

ALTITUDE

12,000 ft.

DISTANCE

22 KMS

PICKUP/DROP

DEHRADUN

Gulabi Kantha is a stunning high-altitude meadow trek located near Hanuman Chatti in the Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand. Situated at an altitude of approximately 12,000 feet, it remains one of the most unexplored and pristine trekking trails in the Indian Himalayas. Its name, “Gulabi Kantha,” translates to “Pink Meadow,” inspired by the blooming pink rhododendrons (gulabi) that carpet the region during the spring and early summer months.

This 5 to 6-day trek takes you through dense forests of oak and pine, across crystal-clear streams, and finally into expansive alpine meadows offering panoramic views of iconic Himalayan peaks such as Bandarpunch, Swargarohini, Kala Nag, and Kedarkantha. The trail is relatively easy to moderate in difficulty, making it ideal for both beginners and seasoned trekkers looking for a peaceful, crowd-free Himalayan experience.

The summit day is the highlight, rewarding trekkers with 360-degree views and a surreal sense of solitude. Unlike the more commercialized trails like Kedarkantha and Dayara Bugyal, Gulabi Kantha remains largely untouched, preserving its natural charm and cultural authenticity.

The trek starts from Hanuman Chatti, which also serves as the base for the Yamunotri Dham. Campsites such as Seema Thatch offer incredible night skies, making this trek a delight for stargazers and nature lovers.

If you’re seeking a serene Himalayan adventure with lush landscapes, vibrant wildflowers, and awe-inspiring vistas, the Gulabi Kantha trek is a hidden gem worth exploring.

Day 1 : Dehradun to Hanuman Chatti

Day 2 : Hanuman Chatti to Seema Thatch

Day 3 : Seema Thatch to Gulabi kantha Summit

 Day 4 : Seema Thatch to Hanuman Chatti

Day 5 : Hanuman Chatti to Dehradun

Day 1: Dehradun to Hanuman Chatti

Distance : 210 kms

Time : 8–9 hrs

  • Pickup Point: Dehradun Railway Station (early morning, around 6:00 AM)

  • Route: Dehradun – Mussoorie – Barkot – Yamunotri Road – Hanuman Chatti

  • Drive Time: ~8–9 hrs

  • Stay: Homestay or guesthouse in Hanuman Chatti

  • Altitude: 7,000 ft

Highlights:

  • Scenic drive along the Yamuna river

  • Hanuman Chatti is also the starting point of the Yamunotri trek

  • Acclimatize and rest well for the upcoming trek

  • Last ATM: Barkot (withdraw cash here)

 

 

Day 2: Hanuman Chatti to Seema Thatch

Distamce : 5 kms

Time : 5 hrs

  • Altitude Gain: 7,000 ft → 9,000 ft

  • Trail Type: Forest trail with gradual ascent

  • Terrain: Mixed forest (oak, pine, rhododendrons), small streams

  • Stay: Tented campsite in Seema Thatch

What to Expect:

  • Soft forest floor, birdsong, and occasional views of snow-clad peaks

  • Cross wooden bridges and walk under thick canopies

  • Campsite is a wide open meadow with views of the surrounding valleys

 

 

Day 3: Sema Thatch to Gulabi Kantha Summit 

Distance : 12 kms

Time 7 hrs

  • Early Start: Begin around 6:00 AM for clear skies at summit

  • Altitude Gain: 9,000 ft → 12,000 ft

  • Trail Type: Meadow and alpine terrain

  • Views from Summit:

    • Swargarohini Range

    • Bandarpunch Peak

    • Kala Nag (Black Peak)

    • Kedarkantha and Har Ki Dun Valley in the distance

  • Stay: Return to Seema Thatch campsite

Highlights:

  • Trail blooms with pink rhododendrons (Gulabi = Pink) in spring

  • Wide alpine meadows similar to Dayara Bugyal but less crowded

  • Ideal place for photography, meditation, and mountain gazing

  • Possibility of spotting wildlife: Himalayan monal, barking deer

 

 

Day 4: Seema Thatch to Hanuman Chatti

Distance : 5 kms

Time :  3 hrs

  • Descent: Easy walk down through the forest

  • Stay: Homestay or guesthouse at Hanuman Chatti

Relaxation Day:

  • Explore the village, interact with locals, try local cuisine

  • Optional dip in nearby hot water springs (Yamunotri is ~5 km away if you want a short detour)

 

 

Day 5: Hanuman Chatti to Dehradun

Distance : 210 kms

Time : 8–9 hrs)

  • Departure: After early breakfast

  • Drop-off Point: Dehradun Railway Station or ISBT by evening (~6:00 PM)

  • Can connect to night trains/buses to Delhi or Rishikesh

Type Of  Packages

  1. Group Discount Package ( minimum 5 person required) – ₹ 7,999/- per person 
  2. Fix Departure – ₹ 8,499/- Per Person
  3. Customise Package starting from – ₹ 10,999/- per person
  4. Solo Package – ₹ 15,999/- per person

1. Accommodation:

✔ Stay in guesthouses/homestays at Hauman Chatti.
✔ Tented accommodation during the trek (twin/triple sharing basis).

2. Meals:

✔ Nutritious vegetarian meals (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Tea/Snacks) from Day 1 dinner to Day 6 breakfast.
✔ High-altitude energy snacks and hot drinks.

3. Transportation:

✔Dehradun to Dehradun shared vehicle.

✔ Internal transfer  as per itinerary.

4. Permits & Fees:

✔ All forest entry fees, camping charges, and trek permits.
✔ Trek insurance (if included in the package).

5. Trekking Staff & Support:

✔ Experienced trek leader and guide (certified mountaineering experts).
✔ Support staff (porters/mules) to carry group camping equipment.
✔ Cook & helpers for fresh meals.
✔ Oxygen cylinder, first aid kit, and emergency support.

6. Trek Equipment:

✔ High-quality tents, sleeping bags, and sleeping mats.
✔ Microspikes and gaiters for snow patches.

❌ Personal expenses (laundry, phone calls, tips, etc.).
❌ Any transportation costs beyond itinerary (e.g., early departure, personal travel).
❌ Personal trekking gear (shoes, jackets, trekking poles, backpack, etc.).
❌ Insurance for trekkers (can be arranged on request).
❌ Emergency evacuation, medical expenses, or rescue charges.
❌ Any additional meals/snacks beyond itinerary.
❌ Anything not mentioned in “Inclusions”.

  • Travel to Dehradun

    • ✈️ By Air: Fly into Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun.

    • 🚆 By Train: Trains run regularly to Dehradun Railway Station from major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, and Lucknow.

    • 🚌 By Bus/Car: Well-connected by road from nearby states like Delhi, Himachal, and Punjab.

  • Dehradun to Hanuman Chatti (210km / 8–10 hrs)

    • Take a shared jeep, private cab.

1. Booking & Payment

✔ Advance Payment: 30% of the total package cost at the time of booking.
✔ Full Payment: Must be completed before departure.

Cancellation Policy:

30+ days before trek: Full refund (minus processing fee)

15-30 days before trek: 50% refund

Less than 15 days: No refund

2. Package Inclusions & Exclusions

✔ The package covers accommodation, meals, transport, permits, and guide services as per itinerary.
✔ Personal expenses, insurance, and emergency evacuation are not included.

3. Fitness & Medical Condition

✔ Trekkers must be physically fit and disclose any medical conditions before booking.
✔ The company is not responsible for health issues arising due to altitude sickness or pre-existing conditions.

4. Trekking Rules & Safety

✔ Follow the trek leader’s instructions at all times.
✔ Consumption of alcohol, drugs, or smoking is strictly prohibited during the trek.
✔ Littering and harming wildlife is not allowed.

5. Cancellation by Organizers

✔ If the trek is canceled due to natural calamities, landslides, or government restrictions, a partial refund or alternative trek will be offered.

Here’s a complete list of trek essentials for the Gulabi Kantha trek, categorized to make it easy for you to pack smart and light, while staying safe and comfortable in the mountains:

 

Gulabi Kantha Trek – Packing Essentials Checklist

 

Clothing

Layering is key in the mountains due to changing weather.

Base Layers (for warmth)

  • Thermal innerwear (top & bottom)

Mid Layers (insulation)

  • 1-2 fleece jackets or sweaters

  • Down jacket or padded jacket (lightweight & warm)

Outer Layer (weather protection)

  • Waterproof & windproof jacket (with hood)

  • Waterproof trekking pants / quick-dry trousers (2 pairs)

Extra Clothing

  • T-shirts (quick-dry) – 2–3

  • Trekking pants – 2

  • Warm track pants or joggers (for camp)

  • Undergarments (quick-dry, avoid cotton)

  • Woolen cap/beanie & sun cap

  • Gloves (one warm, one waterproof pair)

  • Buff or neck gaiter

  • Extra pair of socks (4–5 pairs; 2 woolen)

 

Footwear

  • Trekking shoes (ankle-high, waterproof, with good grip)

  • Lightweight slippers/sandals (for campsite use)

  • Extra laces (optional)

 

Backpack & Accessories

  • 40–50L backpack with rain cover

  • Daypack (10–15L, optional for summit day)

  • Rain poncho or waterproof backpack cover

 

Toiletries & Personal Hygiene

  • Toothbrush, toothpaste

  • Biodegradable soap/shampoo

  • Quick-dry towel

  • Lip balm with SPF

  • Sunscreen (SPF 50+)

  • Moisturizer

  • Toilet paper & wet wipes

  • Hand sanitizer

  • Sanitary products (for women)

 

Medical Kit (Personal First Aid)

  • Diamox (for altitude, consult your doctor)

  • Painkillers (like Combiflam)

  • Antiseptic cream

  • Band-aids & crepe bandage

  • Antacids

  • Anti-diarrheal tablets

  • Cold & flu meds

  • Personal medications (if any)

 

Trek Gear & Tools

  • Headlamp with extra batteries

  • Water bottles (2L total) or hydration pack

  • Trekking pole (helps a lot on descents)

  • Sunglasses (UV protected)

  • Power bank

  • Camera / GoPro (optional)

  • Ziplock bags (to keep electronics safe)

  • Notebook & pen (optional for journaling)

Documents & Money

  • Valid ID proof (Aadhar, DL, passport copy)

  • 4–5 passport-size photos

  • Medical certificate (if required by trek agency)

  • Trek insurance (if applicable)

  • Cash (no ATMs beyond Barkot)

1. Where is Gulabi Kantha located?

Gulabi Kantha is located in the Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand, near Hanuman Chatti, close to the Yamunotri Dham route.


2. What is the altitude of Gulabi Kantha?

The highest point of the trek reaches approximately 12,000 feet (3,658 meters) above sea level.


3. How difficult is the Gulabi Kantha trek?

It is an easy to moderate trek. Suitable for beginners with decent fitness. No prior trekking experience is necessary, but regular walking or cardio helps.


4. What is the best time to do the Gulabi Kantha trek?

The best seasons are:

  • Summer: May to June (lush greenery, rhododendrons in bloom)

  • Autumn: September to mid-October (clear skies, golden meadows, snow-capped views)


5. How many days does the trek take?

The trek typically takes 5 to 6 days, including travel from Dehradun and back.


6. Is it a good trek for solo or female travelers?

Yes, it’s safe and suitable for solo and female trekkers, especially with a reputed trekking group or operator.


7. Are mobile networks available during the trek?

Limited to no connectivity. You might get patchy signals at Hanuman Chatti (BSNL/Jio), but no network beyond the base village.


8. Are there any homestays or accommodations en route?

Only at Hanuman Chatti. The rest of the trek involves camping in tents (usually arranged by trek organizers).


9. What kind of views can I expect on this trek?

Expect panoramic views of Himalayan peaks like Swargarohini, Bandarpunch, Kala Nag, and Kedarkantha, along with lush meadows, wildflowers, and forest trails.


10. Do I need a permit or guide for this trek?

While it’s not mandatory for solo trekking, it’s highly recommended to go with a local guide or trekking group. Some areas may require forest permits, which organizers usually handle.

Fitness for Gulabi Kantha Trek

Trek Profile Summary

  • Altitude: 12,000 ft (~3,658 m)

  • Trek Duration: 3 trekking days (6 days overall with travel)

  • Daily Trekking: 4–7 hours/day

  • Difficulty: Easy to Moderate

  • Trail Type: Forest trails, gradual ascents, meadows, alpine terrain


Who Can Do This Trek?

  • Beginners: Yes, with basic fitness

  • Kids (10+) & Seniors (under 60): Yes, if fit and healthy

  • No prior trek experience needed, but stamina is key


Fitness Preparation (Start 3–4 Weeks Before)

Cardiovascular Endurance

You’ll be trekking at high altitudes where oxygen is thinner.

  • Brisk walking – 5 km in 35–40 minutes

  • Jogging or swimming – 30 minutes daily

  • Stair climbing (great for leg strength + cardio)

Leg & Core Strength

  • Squats – 3 sets of 15

  • Lunges – 3 sets of 10 per leg

  • Planks – 30–60 seconds hold

Flexibility & Breathing

  • Yoga/stretching – focus on hamstrings, calves, and lower back

  • Pranayama – helps adapt to high altitude breathing

 

Health Tips

  • No heart or serious respiratory issues

  • Consult a doctor if you have asthma or altitude sensitivity

  • Carry personal meds and a basic first-aid kit

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