Mt. Bhagirathi 2 (Max Altitude 6512 m)
The Sentinel of Garhwal – A demanding technical climb reserved for skilled mountaineers.
Mt. Bhagirathi 2
Grade 7+If you’re ready to transition from beginner-friendly peaks to the realm of true technical mountaineering, Bhagirathi II is the perfect next step. Standing at 6,512 meters in the heart of the Garhwal Himalayas, this striking peak dominates the Gangotri region with its sharp ridges and imposing ice faces. Everything about Bhagirathi II—from its dramatic rock-and-ice architecture to its steep, unforgiving slopes—radiates intensity. Part of the iconic Bhagirathi massif, it rises beside its siblings Bhagirathi I (6,856 m) and Bhagirathi III (6,454 m), forming one of the most photographed mountain groups of the Himalayas. This magnificent trio overlooks the sacred Gangotri Glacier, the birthplace of the River Ganga.
The Indian Himalayas have long attracted climbers seeking challenging and rewarding ascents, and Bhagirathi II stands out among them as a technical classic. For many mountaineers, it serves as a stepping stone to even more demanding peaks; for others, summiting it is a milestone of skill, grit, and endurance. First climbed in 1933, Bhagirathi II remains known for its mix of vertical ice, rock sections, and unpredictable mountain conditions that push climbers to their limits.
Crevasse zones, broken glaciers, steep ice pitches, fragile snow bridges, and the famously unpredictable weather of the Gangotri Valley make Bhagirathi II a serious undertaking. The mountain demands technical competence, excellent fitness, and a high degree of mental resilience. It rewards only those who climb with precision, patience, and teamwork.
Because of its technical nature, this expedition is recommended only for trained and experienced climbers. You must have solid mountaineering skills, be confident with technical equipment, and possess prior high-altitude experience—ideally with at least one 6,000-meter summit or formal mountaineering training.
Stay on this page to explore everything you need to know about the Bhagirathi II Expedition—detailed itinerary, route overview, FAQs, and eligibility requirements.
Day 1: Make your way to Gangotri (3,415M)
Day 2: Rest and acclimatization at Gangotri (3,415M)
Day 3: Gangotri (3,415M) to Bhojwasa (3,775M) via Chirbasa (3,600M)
Day 4: Bhojwasa (3,775M) to Nandanvan (4,800M) via Tapovan (4,460M) and Gomukh (4,025M)
Day 5 – Day 17: Expedition
Day 18: Depart from Gangotri (3,415M)
Day 19 and Day 20: Reserve Day
Day 1: Arrival at Gangotri (3,415 m)
Drive from Dehradun (~245 km, 8–9 hours)
Early assembly at 7 AM to account for mountain road delays
Settle in at Gangotri and rest
Day 2: Rest & Acclimatization at Gangotri (3,415 m)
Explore the local market and town culture
Group debrief: trek schedule, dos & don’ts, environmental guidelines
Evening acclimatization walk
Day 3: Gangotri → Bhojwasa (3,775 m) via Chirbasa (3,600 m)
Distance: 14 km Trek
Trek along Bhagirathi River to Chirbasa (“home of pine”) – ~4 hours
Continue to Bhojwasa (“home of birch trees”)
Evening: sunset views of Bhagirathi range; overnight by the river
Day 4: Bhojwasa → Nandanvan (4,800 m) via Tapovan (4,460 m) and Gomukh (4,025 m)
Distance: 21 km Trek
Trek to Gomukh, the snout of Gangotri glacier (source of Ganga)
Cross Tapovan alpine meadows at the base of Shivling Peak
Continue via Meru Glacier moraines to Nandanvan (Base Camp)
Terrain: glacial moraines, boulders, steep ascents, hidden crevasses
Overnight at Nandanvan with magnificent views of Shivling Peak
Day 5 – Day 17: Expedition
Camps: Base Camp → Advanced Base Camp (5,000 m) → Camp 1 (5,200 m) → Camp 2 → Summit Camp (6,000 m)
Rotation rounds between camps for acclimatization: “Climb High, Sleep Low”
Load ferry to higher camps, return to lower camps, then occupy higher camps next day
Terrain: ice and snow, hidden and open crevasses, boulders, technical slopes requiring fixed ropes
Summit Attempt:
Day 13: Summit push to 6,512 m (requires technical climbing, roped sections, extreme caution)
Day 14–17: Descent back to Base Camp, Bhojwasa, and finally Gangotri
Day 18: Depart from Gangotri (3,415 m)
Celebrate summit achievement
Travel arrangements and return home
Day 19–20: Reserve Days
Reserved for bad weather or unforeseen conditions preventing summit attempts
What's Included
- Food as per menu on the trek
- Forest Permits/Camping Charges (upto the amount charged for Indian nationals)
- 4 season Dome Tents, Thermal rated Sleeping bags, Sleeping mats
- Safety Equipment includes static rescue rope, seat harness, carabiners, pulleys
- Expedition guide, cook, helpers, HAP and LAP for carrying common supplies
- Course certified & experienced Expedition Leader with Wilderness Emergency Responder & Rescue. course from NIM Uttarkashi
- Technical Equipment – PP Ropes, Helmet, Ice Axe, Crampons, Mountaineering Boots, Snow Stake, Dead Man/Boy
- Peak Booking Fee Charges (upto the amount charged for Indian nationals)
What's Not Included
- Portage of personal bags during the expedition
- Meals during road journeys from Dehradun to Gangotri
- Meals during hotel stay in Gangotri
- Cost of any kind of Travel Insurance.
- IMF Peak Booking Fee for foreign nationals US$ 700 for a team of two members and US$ 325 for every additional participants
- Forest Permit / Camping Fee for foreign nationals (USD 880-1000 upto group of 10)
- Mandatory Liaison Officer Fee for foreign expeditions ( ~USD 500 for group of 10)
Frequently Asked Questions
Bhagirathi II is situated in the Garhwal Himalayas, Uttarakhand, near the Gangotri Glacier, forming part of the famous Bhagirathi massif.
Bhagirathi II stands at 6,512 meters, making it a challenging high-altitude peak in the Garhwal region.
No. Bhagirathi II is a technical peak requiring prior high-altitude mountaineering experience, ice-climbing skills, and familiarity with ropes and crampons.
The ideal climbing window is May–June and September–October, when the weather is relatively stable and snow conditions are favorable.
A typical Bhagirathi II expedition lasts 14–18 days, including acclimatization, trekking to base camp, establishing higher camps, summit attempt, and return.
The Gangotri region is home to Himalayan monal, snow leopard, Himalayan tahr, musk deer, and diverse alpine flora. for more info Kailasa Treks.
