Bhagirathi II is a 6,512m peak in the Gangotri region of Garhwal, Uttarakhand, climbed from Nandanvan base camp at 4,800m. The Vertical Tribe runs it as a 20-day Dehradun-to-Dehradun expedition (3–22 May 2027): two nights in Gangotri, two trail days to base camp, a 13-day climbing block through four higher camps, and two reserve days.
Updated
Highlights
- A summit camp at 6,000m. Bhagirathi II has five camps from base camp to summit camp (Nandanvan 4,800m, ABC 5,000m, Camp 1 5,200m, Camp 2, summit camp 6,000m), so you live and move on a glacier for a week, not a single push from one high camp.
- The approach follows the Bhagirathi river to its source. Two trail days from Gangotri pass Chirbasa and Bhojwasa to Gomukh (4,025m), the snout of the Gangotri glacier, then climb past Tapovan (4,460m) to Nandanvan.
- It is the next step after a first 6,000er. At 6,512m it is 125m higher than Black Peak and 112m higher than Kang Yatse I, and it puts every skill from a mountaineering course to use: crampons, fixed ropes, jumar, abseil and roped glacier travel.
Bhagirathi II Expedition at a glance
- What is Bhagirathi II?
- A 6,512m peak in the Gangotri region of Garhwal, Uttarakhand, on the IMF open-peaks list with its base camp at Nandanvan. It is the second-highest of the three Bhagirathi peaks: the IMF lists Bhagirathi I at 6,856m and Bhagirathi III at 6,454m.
- How hard is it?
- Harder than a first 6,000er. The route is ice and snow-covered ice from base camp up, with open and hidden crevasses, fixed ropes on the steeper sections and roped travel where it is exposed. The batch is open only to climbers with a Basic or Advanced Mountaineering Course (BMC/AMC), and we recommend a 6,000m summit behind you as well.
- How long does it take?
- 20 days Dehradun to Dehradun. Day 1 is the drive to Gangotri and Day 18 the drive out, so 13 days sit on the mountain (Days 5 to 17) and Days 19 and 20 are reserve days for weather.
- How much does it cost?
- ₹1,60,000 per climber for the May 2027 batch. Register early: we send the team list to the IMF for approval in advance. The fee covers stays from Gangotri to Gangotri, meals on the mountain, transport from Dehradun, IMF and Gangotri National Park permits and technical equipment. Insurance, evacuation and tips are extra.
- When is the best time to climb?
- The windows are May to June before the monsoon and September after it. Our 2027 batch runs 3 to 22 May.
How difficult is Bhagirathi II, really?
Yes, technical. The route is ice or snow-covered ice from base camp to the summit, with open and hidden crevasses, fixed ropes on the steeper sections and roped travel on exposed ground. You need to be able to walk in crampons, self-arrest with an ice axe, ascend a fixed rope on a jumar, abseil and move on a rope team across a glacier.
- Terrain
- Valley trail along the Bhagirathi from Gangotri to Bhojwasa, then the Gomukh glacier snout and moraine past Tapovan to Nandanvan. Above base camp the whole route is on ice, crossing crevassed glacier between camps.
- Altitude
- Summit 6,512m. The ladder is Gangotri 3,415m (two nights), Bhojwasa 3,775m, base camp at Nandanvan 4,800m, ABC 5,000m, Camp 1 5,200m, Camp 2, and summit camp 6,000m, moved through on load-ferry rotations from Day 5.
- Summit day
- The team occupies summit camp at 6,000m around Day 12 and makes the summit attempt around Day 13, climbing 512m of ice and snow-covered ice with fixed ropes on the steeper sections. Days 14 to 17 descend to base camp, Bhojwasa and Gangotri.
Are you fit enough?
- The benchmark
- What you need to be able to do: walk in crampons on hard snow and ice, arrest a fall with an ice axe, ascend a fixed rope on a jumar, abseil, and travel roped across a crevassed glacier. For endurance, the physical standards published for NIM's Advanced Mountaineering Course intake are a useful bar: a 10 km run under 60 minutes and a 5 km loaded carry with 12 kg under 60 minutes.
Overview
Bhagirathi II is climbed from Gangotri, at the end of the road up the Bhagirathi valley. Day 1 is a 245 km drive from Dehradun to Gangotri (3,415m), and Day 2 is a rest and acclimatisation day there with a short evening walk and the expedition briefing. The trail then follows the river: 14 km past Chirbasa (3,600m) to Bhojwasa (3,775m), and the next day 21 km to Gomukh (4,025m), the snout of the Gangotri glacier, across moraine past Tapovan (4,460m) and on to base camp at Nandanvan (4,800m). From Day 5 the team works up the mountain in rotations, ferrying loads and moving camp through ABC (5,000m), Camp 1 (5,200m) and Camp 2 to a summit camp at 6,000m, occupied around Day 12. The summit attempt follows around Day 13 on ice and snow-covered ice, with fixed ropes on the steeper sections. Days 14 to 17 bring the team down to base camp, Bhojwasa and Gangotri, Day 18 is the drive back to Dehradun, and Days 19 and 20 are held in reserve for weather. The route covers about 78 km on foot.
Who climbs with us
Bhagirathi II suits a climber who has stood on one 6,000m summit, such as Kang Yatse II or Black Peak, and wants a longer expedition on glaciated ice. Expect to carry loads between camps, sleep at 5,000m and above for several nights, and spend most of a week on a rope.
The route, point by point
| Point | Altitude | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Gangotri | 3,415m | Roadhead; two nights to acclimatise, last mobile network on the route |
| Chirbasa | 3,600m | On the Day 3 trail to Bhojwasa |
| Bhojwasa | 3,775m | Overnight on the walk in and again on the way out |
| Gomukh | 4,025m | Snout of the Gangotri glacier |
| Tapovan | 4,460m | Passed on Day 4 on the moraine crossing to base camp |
| Base Camp (Nandanvan) | 4,800m | Base for the climbing block, Days 5 to 17 |
| Advanced Base Camp | 5,000m | First camp on the ice |
| Camp 1 | 5,200m | Crevassed glacier; roped travel between camps |
| Camp 2 | — | Altitude not yet confirmed by our ops team |
| Summit Camp | 6,000m | Occupied around Day 12 |
| Summit | 6,512m | Attempt around Day 13; fixed ropes on the steeper sections |
Itinerary
20 days, Dehradun to Dehradun.
- Day 1: sleeps at 3,415m .
- Day 2: sleeps at 3,415m .
- Day 3: sleeps at 3,775m .
- Day 4: sleeps at 4,800m .
- Days 5–17: sleeps at 4,800m , climbing to 6,512m.
- Day 18: sleeps at 3,415m .
-
Day 1 Dehradun to Gangotri
Approach 3,415mLeave Dehradun in the morning for the 245 km drive up the Bhagirathi valley to Gangotri (3,415m). Allow 8 to 9 hours on the road. Overnight in Gangotri.
-
Day 2 Rest and acclimatisation in Gangotri
Acclimatise 3,415mA full day at 3,415m to let the body adjust before the trail. A short walk in the evening, then the expedition briefing: route, camps, gear check and the plan for the climbing block.
-
Day 3 Gangotri to Bhojwasa via Chirbasa
Approach 3,775mWalk up the Bhagirathi valley to Chirbasa (3,600m), about 4 hours from Gangotri, then continue to Bhojwasa (3,775m) for the night. 14 km in all.
-
Day 4 Bhojwasa to Nandanvan Base Camp via Gomukh and Tapovan
Approach 4,800mThe longest trail day: 21 km from Bhojwasa to Gomukh (4,025m), the snout of the Gangotri glacier, then across glacier moraine past Tapovan (4,460m) to base camp at Nandanvan (4,800m).
-
Day 5–17 Climbing block: rotations, summit attempt and descent to Gangotri
Climb 6,512msummit, base camp 4,800m
Thirteen days on the mountain. From base camp (4,800m) the team ferries loads and moves camp up through ABC (5,000m), Camp 1 (5,200m) and Camp 2 to a summit camp at 6,000m, occupied around Day 12. The summit attempt on Bhagirathi II (6,512m) follows around Day 13. The whole route is on ice or snow-covered ice, with open and hidden crevasses, fixed ropes on the steeper sections and roped travel on exposed ground. Days 14 to 17 descend to base camp, then Bhojwasa, then Gangotri.
-
Day 18 Gangotri to Dehradun
Descend 3,415mLeave Gangotri for the drive back down the valley to Dehradun.
-
Day 19–20 Reserve days
Descend VariableTwo days held back for weather or a delayed summit window on the mountain. If the climb runs to plan, they are not needed.
What's included
Included
- Accommodation: first two nights and the last night in Gangotri; tents (sharing) on the trail and the mountain
- Meals: all meals from Gangotri to Gangotri
- Transport: Dehradun to Gangotri and back
- Certified expedition leads, experienced guides and support staff
- All necessary permits and entry fees, incl. IMF peak royalty and Gangotri National Park permits (Indian nationals)
- All technical equipment
Not included
- Any kind of personal expenses, food during transit
- Porter charges for backpack offloading
- Customary tip to guides and porters
- Evacuation and medical expenses
- Insurance (mandatory)
- Additional IMF, Liaison Officer and state fees for foreign nationals (see Permits)
- Anything not outlined under 'Inclusions'
What gear you need
We provide
- Fixed ropes, anchors and rope-team ropes for glacier travel
- Technical climbing equipment, per our standard inclusion (we confirm the item list when you book)
- Tents and kitchen equipment on the mountain
You bring
- Mountaineering boots rated for 6,000m and compatible with your crampons
- Layering system: base layers, fleece, down jacket, waterproof shell jacket and trousers
- Liner gloves and insulated summit mitts
- Glacier glasses and a headlamp with spare batteries
- Backpack for load ferries between camps
- Two power banks for the days on the mountain
- Personal medication and a water bottle that will not freeze shut
Optional
- Your own harness, ice axe and crampons if you prefer climbing on gear you know
How it compares to other peaks
| Peak | Altitude | Grade | Best for | Why pick it |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bhagirathi II (this expedition) | 6,512m | No published grade | Climbers with a 6,000er behind them who want a longer glacier expedition | 20 days, five camps on ice from base camp up, and a summit camp at 6,000m. |
| Black Peak (Kalanag) | 6,387m | AD- | Fit BMC graduates who want a real ice-wall summit day | The Garhwal step before Bhagirathi II: 15 days, summit camp at about 5,500m, one 70° fixed-rope ice wall. |
| Kang Yatse I | 6,400m | AD | Technical second 6,000er | A mixed rock-and-ice ridge in Ladakh over 14 days, with KY II climbed first for acclimatisation. |
| Kang Yatse II | 6,250m | PD+ | A first 6,000er with a Markha Valley approach | The first rung: 9 days Leh to Leh, a snow climb with one fixed-rope summit ridge. |
Dates & availability
One departure scheduled, Dehradun to Dehradun. Get in touch for private or custom dates.
- MAY 3–22 2027Open₹1,60,000 per climber
Need different dates? Private departures are possible through May–Jun · Sep with a minimum of 4 climbers. Message us on WhatsApp. See this trip on the departures calendar.
What we don't do
- We don't fabricate summit success rates
- No '85% summit rate' marketing line. Conditions and weather decide too much for a number to mean anything honest. We tell you what we control, and we turn around when conditions don't support a safe attempt.
- We don't pad the itinerary
- Twenty days is the drive in, a rest day in Gangotri, two trail days to Nandanvan, thirteen days of rotations, summit attempt and descent, the drive out, and two reserve days for weather. Each block is there because the climb needs it.
- We don't publish numbers we haven't confirmed
- Where we have not confirmed a figure for this batch, such as the Camp 2 altitude, the page says so. We do not fill the gap with an estimate.
Permits, rules and cancellation
Permits
- IMF peak royalty and Gangotri National Park permits: handled by TVT and included in the fee for Indian nationals
- Bhagirathi II is on the IMF open-peaks list at 6,512m, base camp Nandavan (IMF directory, fetched 2026-07-20).
- Indian nationals: the IMF publishes no INR fee schedule on indmount.org (checked 2026-07-20); its portal quotes the charge at application. The Uttarakhand waiver for Indian climbers reported in August 2023 covered peaks up to 6,500m, and Bhagirathi II is 6,512m, so we confirm the state fee at booking.
- Foreign nationals: Bhagirathi II falls in the IMF 6,501m to 7,000m band. The IMF guidelines for foreign teams (dated 4 April 2018) list US$700 for a team of two and US$325 for each additional member, up to twelve. Every foreign expedition is accompanied by an IMF-appointed Liaison Officer, with US$500 for LO equipment hire on top. The IMF portal quotes the binding figure at application (checked 2026-07-20).
- Foreign nationals also pay the Uttarakhand state mountaineering fee: ₹25,000 for peaks of 6,501m to 7,000m, as reported by the Economic Times on 3 August 2023. That is one press report; we found no state-government schedule.
Budgeting permit fees yourself? Use our IMF permit & India trek cost calculator.
Cancellation
- More than 90 days before departure: 80% refund
- 61 to 90 days before departure: 50% refund
- 60 days or less before departure: no refund
Rules on the mountain
- No alcohol or smoking during the expedition
- Don't litter; do not disturb the flora and fauna; respect local culture
- No loudspeakers
- Leave No Trace
Frequently asked
What experience do I need for Bhagirathi II?
A Basic or Advanced Mountaineering Course (BMC/AMC) is required for this batch, and we recommend one 6,000m summit before this peak as well, because you will spend a week on crevassed ice and climb fixed ropes above 6,000m. Kang Yatse II (6,250m) or Black Peak (6,387m) are the usual first 6,000ers. If you have done Himalayan treks but no peak yet, start there.
How much does the Bhagirathi II expedition cost, and what is included?
₹1,60,000 per climber for the 3 to 22 May 2027 batch. Slots are limited and registration closes early, because we send the team list to the IMF for approval before the season. The fee covers transport from Dehradun to Gangotri and back, stays from Gangotri to Gangotri, all meals on the mountain, IMF peak royalty and Gangotri National Park permits for Indian nationals, guides, support staff and technical equipment. Insurance, evacuation, porter offloading, tips and the extra fees for foreign nationals are not included.
What is the best time to climb Bhagirathi II?
May to June, before the monsoon, and September, after it. Our 2027 batch runs 3 to 22 May.
Can foreign nationals join, and what extra do they pay?
Yes. At 6,512m the peak is in the IMF 6,501m to 7,000m band: US$700 for a team of two plus US$325 per additional member under the IMF foreign-team guidelines dated 4 April 2018, US$500 for Liaison Officer equipment hire, and a ₹25,000 Uttarakhand state fee reported in August 2023. The IMF portal quotes the binding total at application. Foreign climbers also need an X (mountaineering) visa.
Is there mobile network or an ATM on the route?
Mobile network reaches Gangotri and stops there, so expect no signal from Day 3 until you return on Day 17. The only ATM is in Gangotri and it is unreliable: bring the cash you need from Dehradun. Carry two power banks for the days on the mountain.
What happens on summit day?
The team moves to summit camp at 6,000m around Day 12 and attempts the summit around Day 13. Summit day climbs 512m on ice and snow-covered ice, with fixed ropes on the steeper sections and the team roped together on exposed ground. If the weather closes the window, the reserve days on Days 19 and 20 give the plan room to wait.
How do I reach Dehradun for the expedition?
Dehradun is reachable by train (Dehradun Railway Station), air (Jolly Grant Airport) and overnight bus from Delhi. Arrive a day early: the Day 1 drive to Gangotri is 245 km and takes 8 to 9 hours.
