Gulabi Kantha is a 4,000m summit in the Yamunotri Valley of Uttarkashi, Uttarakhand. The Vertical Tribe runs it as a 5-day winter trek from Dehradun: drive to Hanuman Chatti, walk up through Channi Camp and Seema Thatch to the summit, and return the same way. Roughly 25 km of trekking at an easy grade, with summit views of Bandarpunch, Swargarohini and the Yamunotri ranges. It runs as a quieter winter-snow alternative to nearby Kedarkantha.
Highlights
- The quieter Kedarkantha. Same Uttarakhand winter-snow brief, similar altitude — but a fraction of the foot traffic. Kedarkantha is one of India's busiest winter treks.
- A Yamunotri-valley summit view. From the top: Bandarpunch and Swargarohini.
- Beginner-suitable winter snow. The terrain is easy (~25 km total, max 4,000m) and needs no technical skills, but Dec-Feb adds real winter load: deep snow underfoot. With warm layers, broken-in boots and 4-6 weeks of cardio prep, it works as a first Himalayan winter trek; it is not a fair-weather walk.
Gulabi Kantha Winter Trek at a glance
- What is Gulabi Kantha?
- A 4,000m summit in the Yamunotri Valley of Uttarkashi, Uttarakhand — a 5-day winter snow trek above Hanuman Chatti.
- How hard is it?
- The terrain is easy: about 25 km spread over 5 days, max 4,000m, no technical skills. But Dec-Feb adds real winter load — deep snow underfoot. With proper winter kit it is beginner-suitable as a first Himalayan winter trek; it is not a fair-weather walk.
- How long does it take?
- 5 days, 4 nights, Dehradun to Dehradun.
- How much does it cost?
- ₹12,000 per trekker — covers tents and stays from Day 1, all meals from Day 1 dinner to Day 6 breakfast, all permits and national park charges, gaiters, micro-spikes, and certified trek leaders.
- When is it best done?
- Winter — December through February.
How difficult is Gulabi Kantha Winter Trek, really?
The brochure grades it Easy: 25 km approx. over 5 days and 4 nights, with no technical skills required. The longest day is summit day — 14 km, 7-8 hrs — topping out at 4,000m. Our first-trek recommender is more cautious than the grade alone: it rates absolute-beginner fit as conditional and altitude risk as high, and says to avoid this trek if you need to stay below 4,000 m.
- Altitude
- Sleeps run 2,400m at Hanuman Chatti, then 2,700m at Channi Camp, then 3,474m at Seema Thatch. The summit is 4,000m on Day 4, and that day descends to sleep back at 2,700m the same night. So the highest night is 3,474m and the summit is a same-day out-and-back above it.
- Summit day
- Seema Thatch to Gulabi Kantha summit (4,000m) and back to Channi camp. Distance: 14 km. Duration: 7-8hrs.
Overview
The trek follows a classic Yamunotri-valley line. From Dehradun, drive 160 km up the Yamuna valley to Hanuman Chatti (2,400m) — the road head and trek base. The walk goes Hanuman Chatti to Channi Camp (2,700m) to Seema Thatch (3,474m) to the Gulabi Kantha summit (4,000m), with summit day done as a long out-and-back from Seema Thatch back down to Channi Camp. Day 5 retraces the line down to Hanuman Chatti and drives back to Dehradun. Roughly 25 km of trekking total.
Who climbs with us
Gulabi Kantha is our gentlest winter expedition on terrain — a snow trek that tops out at 4,000m — though Dec-Feb still means deep snow, so warm kit matters. One of our reviewers called this her first trek. The trip is built to make a first Himalayan winter trek work, given proper layers.
The route, point by point
| Point | Altitude | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Hanuman Chatti | 2,400m | Yamunotri-valley road head; trek base |
| Channi Camp | 2,700m | First camp on the trail |
| Seema Thatch | 3,474m | High meadow camp before the summit |
| Summit (Gulabi Kantha) | 4,000m | 13,200 ft approx.; view of Bandarpunch and Swargarohini |
Itinerary
5 days, Dehradun to Dehradun.
- Day 1: sleeps at 2,400m .
- Day 2: sleeps at 2,700m .
- Day 3: sleeps at 3,474m .
- Day 4: sleeps at 2,700m , climbing to 4,000m.
- Day 5: sleeps at 2,400m .
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Day 1 Dehradun to Hanuman Chatti
Approach 2,400mAssemble at Dehradun by 5:30 AM and drive up the Yamuna valley to Hanuman Chatti — the Yamunotri-side road head and trek base. Settle in, gear check, early dinner.
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Day 2 Hanuman Chatti to Channi Camp
Approach 2,700mA short, easy first walking day onto the trail to acclimatise. Steady gain through forest to the Channi Camp clearing.
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Day 3 Channi Camp to Seema Thatch
Approach 3,474mClimb out of the forest onto the higher meadows. Camp at Seema Thatch — a wide alpine bowl that sits below the summit ridge. Summit briefing in the evening, sleep early.
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Day 4 Seema Thatch to Gulabi Kantha summit (4,000m), back to Channi Camp
Climb 4,000msummit, return to 2,700m camp
Pre-dawn start with headlamps. Walk up the ridge from Seema Thatch to the Gulabi Kantha summit at 4,000m. View across Bandarpunch and Swargarohini. Long descent past Seema Thatch back down to Channi Camp.
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Day 5 Channi Camp to Hanuman Chatti to Dehradun
Descend 2,400mroad head
Short walk down to Hanuman Chatti. Vehicle waiting; drive back to Dehradun. Trip ends in the evening.
What's included
Included
- Accommodation — stay from Day 1 to Day 5 in tents/stay
- Food — all meals from dinner on Day 1 to breakfast on Day 6
- Permits & camping charges — all trekking permits and national park charges
- Trekking and safety equipment — tents, sleeping bags, gaiters, micro-spikes
- Certified trek leaders, expert trek team, backpack offloading charges
- Transport — Rishikesh to Hanuman Chatti / Nishni village and back
Not included
- Meals during transit
- Rescue — insurance and rescue expenses
- Insurance
- Personal expenses of any kind
- Anything apart from the inclusions
- Customary tips
How it compares to other peaks
| Peak | Altitude | Grade | Best for | Why pick it |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gulabi Kantha (this trek) | 4,000m | Easy-moderate | Quiet winter-snow trek | The benchmark for a quiet winter-snow trek — a quieter Yamunotri-side line. |
| Kedarkantha | 3,810m | Easy-moderate | Famous, busy winter classic | Pick this if you want the social, well-known winter summit and don't mind crowded campsites. |
| Brahmatal | 3,734m | Moderate | Frozen lakes + Trishul views | Pick this for big Trishul-and-Nanda Ghunti panoramas and a frozen alpine lake. |
| Dayara Bugyal | 3,642m | Easy-moderate | Rolling alpine meadows | Pick this for the gentle meadow line — less summit, more wide-open winter pasture. |
Dates & availability
No fixed dates yet — get in touch for the next Dec – Feb batch or private/custom dates.
No public slots are available for this trek yet. Reach out and we'll share the next departure as soon as it's confirmed, or set up a private group on dates that suit you.
or email us →Need different dates? Private departures are possible through Dec – Feb with a minimum of 4 trekkers — message us on WhatsApp.
Your leaders
Subodh Bhadauriya ITRA
Lead Trek Leader · Mountain Athlete · 8+ years
What we don't do
- We don't fabricate summit success rates
- No "X% 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.
Permits, rules and cancellation
Permits
- All trekking permits and national park charges — handled by TVT, included in the trek fee
Cancellation
- Cancellation more than 60 days before the start date — full refund
- Cancellation between 60 to 30 days before the start date — 50% refund
- Cancellation less than 30 days before the start date — no refund
Rules on the mountain
- No alcohol or smoking during the trek
- Don't litter; do not disturb the flora and fauna
- No loudspeakers
- Leave No Trace
Frequently asked
How much does it cost?
₹12,000 per trekker. Includes accommodation from Day 1 to Day 5, all meals from Day 1 dinner to Day 6 breakfast, all trekking permits and national park charges, tents and sleeping bags, gaiters and micro-spikes, certified trek leaders, and backpack offloading.
Do I need a permit?
All trekking permits and national park charges are included in the trek fee and handled by TVT.
Where exactly is Gulabi Kantha?
In the Yamunotri Valley, Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand. The road head is Hanuman Chatti — the same Hanuman Chatti on the Yamunotri pilgrimage route.
Is it less crowded than Kedarkantha?
Yes. Gulabi Kantha is a quieter Yamunotri-side alternative to crowded winter treks.
What can I see from the summit?
A Yamunotri-valley panorama including Bandarpunch and Swargarohini.
What's the temperature on the Gulabi Kantha trek?
We do not publish a temperature range for the camps or summit day, because we have no measured record of our own to publish and a figure copied from a general forecast is not worth planning against. What we do share on confirmation is a gear list graded for the conditions we actually pack for in the Dec-Feb window. Ask us and we will talk you through it.
What's the cancellation policy?
More than 60 days before the start date — full refund. 60 to 30 days before the start date — 50% refund. Less than 30 days before the start date — no refund.
What gear is provided versus what do I bring?
We provide tents, sleeping bags, gaiters, and micro-spikes. You bring trekking boots, layered warm clothing, gloves, headlamp, sunglasses, sunscreen, and personal essentials. Full gear list shared on confirmation.
