Mt. Indrasan (Max Altitude 6221 m)
Mt. Indrasan – A notoriously difficult Himalayan peak known for its steep ice walls and extreme technical challenges.
Mt. Indrasan
Grade 7+Your Mount Indrasan expedition begins before sunrise, when the first light barely touches the horizon. The initial stretch of the trail is steep, rocky, and demanding, quickly leaving the village and valley far below. Your guide remains by your side, helping navigate tricky sections, suggesting the safest route, and keeping morale high. As you ascend, the scenery gradually changes from forested slopes to snow-dusted ridges and alpine terrain. Reaching the first ridge rewards you with panoramic views of surrounding peaks, glaciers, and valleys. A short break allows you to catch your breath and soak in the scenery. Each upward step brings a mix of effort, awe, and excitement, and the mountain begins to reveal its rugged beauty. Mount Indrasan is challenging but achievable with proper guidance and preparation. The experience at this stage sets the tone for the higher climbs ahead, filling climbers with anticipation for the summit.
Despite not being the tallest peak, Mount Indrasan demands technical skill, endurance, and focus. Climbers face steep slopes, rocky sections, and snow-covered ridges that test both strength and concentration. Having an experienced guide ensures safety, manages logistics, and provides encouragement at crucial points. Higher up, the thinning air requires careful pacing, rest, and hydration. Every step closer to the summit brings expansive views of glaciers, valleys, and neighboring peaks. The final climb is physically demanding yet exhilarating, making the summit moment unforgettable. Standing atop Indrasan, climbers experience a profound sense of achievement, surrounded by sweeping Himalayan vistas. The mountain is a challenge of perseverance, patience, and mental toughness. Each stage reinforces the rewards of preparation, skill, and determination.
Mount Indrasan, over 4,000 meters tall, offers a combination of adventure, technical challenge, and breathtaking scenery. The trek begins through lush valleys and meadows, gradually leading to rocky slopes, snowfields, and exposed ridges. Along the way, climbers witness remote Himalayan landscapes, rich flora, and cultural glimpses of local villages. The expedition requires mountaineering skills such as navigation, ice axe use, and roped climbing, making it suitable for experienced trekkers. Every day presents a mix of acclimatization, effort, and awe-inspiring views, building toward the thrilling summit push. The reward at the top is unparalleled: a panoramic Himalayan vista stretching for miles. Beyond physical accomplishment, the climb offers lessons in teamwork, resilience, and appreciation of the wilderness. For those prepared to take on its challenges, Mount Indrasan promises an unforgettable adventure.
Day 1: Arrival in Manali (2,000 m)
Day 2: Briefing & Preparation with Team
Day 3: Manali → Khanol → Trek to Chikka (2,900 m)
Day 4: Chikka → Seri (3,600 m)
Day 5: Seri → Tainta / Deo Tibba Base Camp (4,100–4,200 m)
Day 6: Tainta → Indrasan Base Camp (4,600–4,700 m)
Day 7: Base Camp – Acclimatization & Load Ferry
Day 8: Move to Advance Base Camp (ABC – 5,150 m)
Day 9: ABC → Camp 1 (5,600 m) – Load Ferry & Return
Day 10: Rest Day at ABC
Day 11: ABC → Camp 1 (Move Up)
Day 12: Camp 1 → Camp 2 (≈5,900–6,000 m) – Load Ferry & Return
Day 13: Move to Camp 2
Day 14: Summit Camp Establishment (≈6,100–6,150 m)
Day 15: Summit Attempt (6,221 m) → Descend to Camp 1/Camp 2
Day 16: Descend to ABC → Base Camp
Day 17: Base Camp → Tainta → Chikka → Drive to Manali
Day 18: Departure From Manali
Day 1: Arrival in Manali
- Check-in at hotel, relax after travel.
Day 2: Briefing & Preparation with Team
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Expedition briefing with leader.
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Equipment check and rental adjustments.
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Explore Manali market (optional).
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Overnight in hotel.
Day 3: Manali → Khanol → Trek to Chikka (2,900 m)
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Drive to Khanol/Jagatsukh roadhead.
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Start trek through pine forest and meadows.
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Reach Chikka campsite by late afternoon.
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Overnight in tents beside Duhangan stream.
Day 4: Chikka → Seri (3,600 m)
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Gradual ascent through boulder fields and open meadows.
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Stunning view of Deo Tibba massif.
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Settle in Seri campsite.
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Optional acclimatization walk in the evening.
Day 5: Seri → Tainta / Deo Tibba Base Camp (4,100–4,200 m)
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Trek through alpine pastures and moraine.
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Camp at Tainta, a common base for climbs in this valley.
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Briefing and rest.
Day 6: Tainta → Indrasan Base Camp (4,600–4,700 m)
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Move along glacial moraine toward the Duhangan Glacier.
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Establish Base Camp; orientation on glacier safety.
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Evening weather briefing.
Day 7: Base Camp – Acclimatization & Load Ferry
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Short hike for altitude adaptation.
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First load ferry to ABC.
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Practice glacier travel, crampon technique & knots.
Day 8: Move to Advance Base Camp (ABC – 5,150 m)
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Steady climb across glacier terrain.
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Establish Advance Base Camp.
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Rest and hydrate thoroughly.
Day 9: ABC → Camp 1 (5,600 m) – Load Ferry & Return
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Carry loads to Camp 1 over crevasse zones.
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Stash equipment and return to ABC.
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Overnight rest.
Day 10: Rest Day at ABC
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Important acclimatization day.
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Equipment check and weather assessment.
Day 11: ABC → Camp 1 (Move Up)
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Shift to Camp 1 with full gear.
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Prepare for higher push.
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Early sleep.
Day 12: Camp 1 → Camp 2 (≈5,900–6,000 m) – Load Ferry & Return
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Technical climb on ice slopes and fixed rope sections.
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Ferry loads to Camp 2 and return to Camp 1.
Day 13: Move to Camp 2
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Second climb to Camp 2 carrying remaining load.
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Overnight stay at high camp.
Day 14: Summit Camp Establishment (≈6,100–6,150 m)
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Climb to a safe platform near the final ridge.
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Set up Summit Camp (weather-dependent).
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Briefing for summit attempt.
Day 15: Summit Attempt (6,221 m) → Descend to Camp 1/Camp 2
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Summit push begins around midnight.
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Challenging ascent on steep ice & exposed ridge sections.
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Enjoy top views of Deo Tibba, Norbu Peak, Ali Ratni Tibba & the Kullu–Lahaul ranges.
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Descend safely to Camp 2 or Camp 1.
Day 16: Descend to ABC → Base Camp
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Long descent day.
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Reach Base Camp by afternoon/evening.
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Celebration with the support team.
Day 17: Base Camp → Tainta → Chikka → Drive to Manali
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Trek back through Seri meadows to Chikka.
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Drive back to Manali.
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Hot shower, rest, and closing ceremony.
Day 18: Manali → Delhi (End of Expedition)
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Morning departure to Delhi by bus/jeep.
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Team disperses.
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Expedition officially ends.
What's Included
Meals during the expedition as per the planned menu, starting from Lunch on Day 3.
Required forest permissions, trail passes, and camping charges for Indian nationals.
Four-season dome tents, high-altitude sleeping bags, and sleeping mats.
Safety gear including static ropes, harnesses, carabiners, pulleys, and related equipment.
Experienced support staff: guide, cook, helpers, and HAP/LAP for common load carrying.
Qualified Expedition Leader with certified training in wilderness rescue and emergency response.
Technical gear provided for group use: climbing ropes, helmets, ice axes, crampons, mountaineering boots, snow anchors, etc.
Peak registration and permit fees applicable for Indian nationals.
Hotel stay in Manali (or starting point) on a twin-sharing basis.
What's Not Included
Personal baggage portage during the expedition.
Meals during hotel stay in Manali or transit points.
Travel, medical, or expedition insurance.
For foreign nationals: USD 1000 for first two members, USD 450 for each additional participant.
Forest permits and camping fees for foreign nationals (USD 880–1000 for group up to 10).
Mandatory Liaison Officer fee for foreign expeditions (~USD 500 for group of 10).
Frequently Asked Questions
Mt. Indrasan stands at 6,221 meters (20,413 ft) above sea level.
The ideal climbing window is late May to June and September to early October, when weather conditions are relatively stable.
This is a technical high-altitude peak, recommended only for experienced mountaineers with prior glacier and ice climbing experience.
The full expedition usually takes 18–20 days, including acclimatization, trek, and summit attempt.
Climbers need a peak permit from the Indian Mountaineering Foundation (IMF), plus forest and camping permits. for more info Kailasa Treks.