Brief Itinerary

Day 1 :- Arrival at Manali

• Altitude: 2,000m/6,550ft.
• Check in Hotel (CP Plan) (twin/triple sharing).
• Briefing after lunch approx 12 pm.
• In the evening go for sightseeing.
• Visit Hidimba Devi Temple, Vashist Kund and other major sightseeing points (avoid Rothang Pass).
Note: Only hotel stay hotel included in the cost (food and sightseeing is excluded).

Day 2 :- Manali to Chhikka

• Altitude: 3,100m/10,200ft
• Altitude difference: 900m/3,000ft.
• Drive: 12km, 1 hour.
• Trek: 5km, 2-3 hours.
• Drive till local dam at Khanaul via Jagatsukh.
• Enough natural water source on the way.
• First 20 minutes is steep climb.
• Most of the trek is gradual ascent in alpine forest.
• last half an hour is on open grasslands filled.
• Jagatsukh is an old kullu capital.
• Chikka is famous for the temple of the Nag Devta.
• Stay in tent (twin sharing).

Day 3 :- Chhikka to Seri

• Altitude: 3,850m/12,600ft.
• Altitude difference: 750m/2400ft.
• Trek: 6km, 4-5 hours.
• Moderate level, gradual ascent till Seri.
• Walk through forest, meadow and big boulders.
• Trek is on the right bank of Jagatsukh Nala.
• View of Deo Tibba Peak.
• Enough water sources on the way.
• Seri camp site is a big green grass land.
• Seri was once a glaciated lake.
• Hot lunch at camp site.
• Stay in tent.

Day 4 :- Seri to Deo Tibba Base Camp

• Altitude: 4,500m/14,800ft.
• Altitude difference: 650m/2,200ft.
• Trek: 8km, 5-7 hours.
• Seri to Deo Tibba Base Camp via Tainta and Chota (mini) Chandratal.
• Gradual and steep mixed ascent.
• Two major steep ascents, both are just before Tainta and Chota Chandratal.
• Till Tainta walk is on grass land after that on moraine.
• Enough water sources on the way.
• According to Hindu mythology, Dhomya Rishi did meditation at Chota (mini) Chandratal.
• Mesmerizing view of Deo Tibba Peak for the base camp.
• Stay in tent.

Day 5 :- Rest / Acclimatization Day

• An acclimatization day at this height is mandatory.
• Explore and enjoy campsite surrounded by peaks.
• Technical gear distribution
• Hot lunch at campsite.
• Visit Chota Chandratal after lunch.
• General meeting for the setup of Camp 1 and Summit Camp.
• Stay in tent.

Day 6 :- Load ferry to Camp 1 (Duhangan Col)

• Altitude: 5,100m/16,800ft.
• Trek: 4-5 hours (one way).
• Moderate ascent first 200m, steep for next 300m and last 100m gradual.
• Camp 1 is set at the Duhangan Pass.
• Camp 1 is marked by a saffron coloured rock, visible from your base camp.
• Steep slope between 45-65 degrees.
• Deo Tibba Glacier has to cross for Camp 1 setup.
• Glacier is full of open and hidden crevasses.
• Ascent is a mix of snow, rock and ice, known for rockfalls.
• Load ferry will help Participant to be better acclimatized for day 7.
• Carry enough water.
• Packed lunch for the day.
• Stay in tent (Deo Tibba Base Camp)

Day 7 :- Deo Tibba Base Camp to Camp 1

• Altitude: 5,100m/16,800ft.
• Altitude difference: 600m/2,000ft.
• Trek: 5-6 hours.
• Entire team will move to Camp 1.
• Leave the Base camp early in the morning.
• Give proper rest to your body and keep warm.
• Stay in tent (Camp 1)

Day 8 :- Load ferry to Summit Camp

• Altitude: 5,600m/18,400ft.
• Altitude difference: 500m/1,600ft.
• Trek: 4-5 hours (one way).
• Also known as Camp 2.
• Ascent is full of snow
• First 1 hour is gradual ascent, rest all is steep ascent.
• Snow clothing and crampons are required.
• Spend some time at Summit camp for better acclimatization and back to Camp 1.
• Packed lunch for the day.
• Carry warm water from the camp site.
• Stay in tent (Camp 1)

Day 9 :-  Camp 1 to Summit Camp

• Altitude: 5,600m/18,400ft.
• Trek: 4-5 hours.
• Entire team will move to Summit Camp.
• Leave all unnecessary things at Camp 1.
• Final Summit briefing.
• Stay in tent (Summit Camp).

Day 10 :- Summit Attempt and back to Camp 1

• Altitude: 6,000m/19,700ft.
• Altitude difference: 400m/1,300ft.
• Trek: 4-6 hours.
• Recheck all equipment.
• Summit attempt 2-3 am next morning.
• Fixed rope required through the gully.
• First 300m/1,000ft is steep and technical ascent.
• Last 100m/300ft easy walk on dome.
• Indrasan peak is clearly visible.
• Summit is a giant snow dome.
• Final ascent to the peak has a few crevasses.
• Just before the summit, the slope becomes steeper.
• Summit is wide and can accommodate all team members.
• After summit attempt windup the summit camp and back to Camp 1.
• Reach Camp 1 early evening.
• Stay in tent (Camp 1).

Day 11 :- Camp 1 to Deo Tibba Base Camp

• Altitude: 4,500m/14,800ft.
• Altitude loos: 600m/2,000ft.
• Trek: 4-5 hours.
• Steep descent all the way.
• Reach Base camp by afternoon.
• Return all the technical equipment given by the TTH.
• Stay in Tent.

Day 12 :- Base Camp to Chhikka

• Altitude: 3,100m/10,200ft
• Altitude loos: 1,400m/4,600ft.
• Trek: 14km, 6-8 hours.
• Mix steep and gradual descent.
• Packed lunch on the way.
• Stay in tent.

Day 13 :- Chikka to Manali

• Altitude: 2,000m/6,550ft.
• Altitude loss: 900m/3,000ft.
• Trek: 5km, 2-3 hours.
• Drive: 12km, 1 hour.
• Reach Manali by lunch.
• Stay is not included in the cost.

Day 14 & 15 :- Buffer Day

• Buffer day will be used if unable to summit due to of any unforeseen circumstances.
• Opting a buffer day will be a team decision not an individual.
• Keep a buffer day in your travel plan.
• Buffer day is not included in the cost.
• Rs XXXX has to pay for the buffer day, per day and per person.
• If buffer day is not used in the Expedition then it can be used to explore Manali.

Note:- • Distance, Altitude and Trekking hours are approximate and round off.

Who Can Participate?

• Experience of any high altitude trek, at least 2 treks of 5,000m/16,400ft.

• The climber must be fit and have sufficient stamina to cover 6 km of distance in 30 minutes without a stress.

• The climber should be able to carry a 10-15 kg backpack.

• Heart problem, high blood pressure, asthma, and epilepsy cannot be reconciled on this mission. The climber must not have the conditions mentioned above.

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1 : Arrival at Manali

Arrive with excitement in the adventure hub, Manali. Get fresh and be ready to explore Manali. Manali is a town located on the banks of Beas river. It is completely covered with tall Pine trees; the weather is pleasant throughout the year. On a clear day, you can also see the DeoTibba peak. You can roam around on the Mall Road or visit Hadimba temple, VashishtKund. Try not to go far or gain height it may hurdle the acclimatization process. Delay your plans of visiting Rohtang pass after the expedition.

Day 2 : Manali to Chika

Get all ready to begin the first day of your trek. First, you start with a ride till Sethan and then followed by a small trek to Chika. Make sure you actively observe the sceneries during the ride. It is wonderful climbing up passing through Jagatsukh. It is one of the beautiful villages with colourful wooden houses. Jagatsukh was old Kullu capital. The road ahead is not that good with bumpy curves. Look the greenery around as you slowly move away from Manali.

Right before Chika, you will cross Sethan. It is another popular adventure site, it is famous for rock climbing and snowboarding. You can see big tunnel doors of the Hydro Power project at even distances. After you have crossed the Khanual dam get ready to start your trek. The trek route is through dense forests and uphill. First 20 minutes is steep then it is a gradual walk through the valley. You will arrive at your campsite in 2-3 hours of the trek. Enjoy your blissful stay in tents.

Day 3 : Chhikka to Seri

Wake up fresh to start your hike to Seri. The trail starts with a gradual ascent through dense forest. As you move up slowly you may notice the forest cover gets sparse. The trail is throughout on the right of the JagatsukhNala. You may also encounter freshwater springs at Panduropa and DuduPatthar.

The Birch also starts welcoming us through the trail followed by bushes. All of which vanishes to open grounds of meadows. These are the grasslands of Seri but the campsite is away from here. You can see Tainta cliffs at the left and waterfalls on these rocks. About an hour's walk through the meadows and you reach the Seri campsite. This campsite is also pleasantly located on flat grounds.

Day 4 : Seri to DeoTibba Base Camp

Today will be a little tough day compared to the previous two. The trek starts with a flat trail. The climb is on the zig-zag trail till Tainta cliff. Once you cross the Nala or stream moraines start. You will overcome the boulder field. Another hour's walk on the ridge and you will be on the Tainta camp which is the base of the glacier.

As you can imagine henceforth the trail is through loose scree. Take your steps carefully. The climb through such trail is for two hours until you reach ChotaChandratal. It is a tiny lake in mountain depression. Your camp will be towards the downside of the lake. Unlike the previous two camps, this camp is in the closed valley.

Day 5 : Rest / Acclimatization Day

Wake up today to chill and rest. Since we have reached at 4200 meters height it is important to give time for acclimatization. You can roam here and there and explore around the campsite. Technical equipment will be distributed and tested by our team. You can try them and clear your doubts.

You can visit ChotaChandratal after lunch. In the evening there will be briefing sessions on the summit process and further plans.

Day 6 : Load ferry to Camp 1 (Duhangan Col)

Today will mark your journey into mountaineering world. In Mountaineering it is important to do load ferry. It is a term that works on work high and sleep low, where climbers first carry their equipment and gear to the higher camp and rest for the night at base camp. This helps for acclimatization and avoids AMS even at higher heights. Today you will be carrying your gear to camp 1 and will come back for the night at the base camp.

The trail is difficult that starts with the moderate ascent for first 200 m then steep for 300 m followed by 100 m flat slope. Camp 1 is situated on Duhangan Pass. Uniquely the location of the campsite can be seen from Base Camp also due to saffron-coloured rocks. The slope is between 40-65 degrees and filled snow and rocks. You can see that the glacier starts. There are many crevasses on the glacier so watch your steps. The trail is known for rock fall, therefore, follow your guide and team.

Once you have loaded all the gear have your lunch at camp 1 and get ready to go down. Stay will be in the tents at Base Camp.

Day 7 : DeoTibba Base Camp to Camp 1

Today will be the actual day when you will shift to camp 1 completely. Follow the same route as you did the day before. Be cautious on the rock fall area, glacier and while crossing rocks. The climb will take almost 5-6 hours. Make sure you not exhaust your body and take enough rest. Stay in tents at camp 1.

Day 8 : Load ferry to Summit Camp

It is time to move to the summit camp. But again it will only be load ferry and coming back to camp 1. The entire trail is filled with snow. Therefore, wearing all the snow gear and clothing is necessary. Along with the snow, the trail is difficult.

For the first one hour, the trail is of moderate climb later on it is all steep climb. Be careful and follow your team. Follow the footsteps of your guide as he breaks route open for you. Spend little time on the summit camp, have lunch so that your body starts acclimatization. Again retrace your steps back to camp 1.

Day 9 : Camp 1 to Summit Camp

The entire team will now move to summit camp. Carry only minimal items that will be needed and leave the rest at camp 1 only. Follow the same as the day before. Once you reach the camp, your team will brief you about the summit attempt. The night will be exciting as it will be the summit night. Eat full and rest properly for the summit attempt.

Day 10 : Summit Attempt and back to Camp 1

The summit attempt will start at 2 am in the early morning. Wake up accordingly to get all geared up for the summit push. Recheck all your equipment and be prepared. The route starts by crossing a gulley using fixed ropes. First 300 m is steep and technical ascent.

Keep climbing up on the snow slopes. You can see Indrasen peak as you gain height. The slope gets steeper right before the summit. The summit is actually big snow dome, open and flat. Hence, the last 100 m to the summit is almost a flat walk. There are also many crevasses towards the end.

The summit is wide open that can accommodate all the team members. When you arrive at the summit you can clearly see Indrasen peaks and a mountain lake. The views are absolutely stunning.

If for any cases summit push gets halted then buffer days will be used. After the summit attempt come back to camp 1.

Day 11 : Camp 1 to DeoTibba Base Camp

After the summit attempt is now time to start the return journey. Follow the same trail to DeoTibba Base Camp. It is a steep descent, therefore, watch your steps. Try to reach the Base Camp till lunchtime. Return all your technical equipment to your Trek Leader. Rest after the strenuous days in your tents.

Day 12 : Base Camp to Chika

Start your return journey to back home. Retrace steps through steep trail and moraines. The path is gradual and flat in between. The path will be 14 km long hence carry your packed lunch. Enjoy your last tent stay at Chika.

Day 13 : Chikka to Manali

The last day of the trek has arrived. Collect all the memories and say goodbye to the mountains. Follow the same trekking trail and then ride back to Manali. You will reach Manali till lunchtime.

Day 14 & 15 : Buffer Day

Every expedition plan has buffer days for flexible planning. This day is used in case of unfavourable conditions when the summit attempt gets halted. So to increase the chances of the summit, 2 days are included in the itinerary. If due to any situation summit is not possible then the team will wait at camp 1 and try attempting summit again.

Using the buffer day will be a team decision. Please note that the cost of the buffer day is not included in the trek cost. In case the team decides to use the buffer day the said cost must be paid. Make sure to already discuss the buffer costs with your team. If everything goes as planned and buffer days are never used then you can utilize them to travel around in Manali.

How to Reach

By Air :-

Bhuntar, which is 52 km away from Manali, is the nearest airport. Taxi services are available from Bhuntar to Manali, which costs about Rs. 700- Rs1000. Bhuntar is well connected to Delhi by air. The airliners that take you to this Airport are Indian Airlines, Kingfisher airlines, MDLR Airlines and Jagson Airlines, operating flights from Delhi and Chandigarh to Kullu.

By Road:-

Manali is well connected to Delhi. Take an overnight bus from Delhi to Manali. Tickets can be booked online at www.redbus.in or www.hrtc.gov.in, Tip: Since Delhi Manali is a long journey most Volvo private buses leave Delhi between 5 pm and 6 pm. The last govt bus leaves at 8.30 pm from ISBT Kashmere Gate. Manali to Delhi Like the onward journey, buses leave from Manali to Delhi between 4 and 5 p.m. Your tentative arrival at Delhi may be anywhere between 6 a.m and 10 a.m. Plan your onward journeys only post noon giving enough buffer for bus delays.