Overview
Bhagirathi III (6,454 m), rising in the Garhwal Himalaya, is renowned not for extreme altitude but for its formidable big-wall character—steep granite faces, mixed climbing, and committing rock-and-ice lines.
The peak was first climbed in 1933 by British alpinists Colin Kirkus and Charles Warren via the Southeast Ridge. Nearly half a century later, in 1982, Bob Barton and Allen Fyffe established the celebrated Southwest Pillar, often referred to as the Scottish Route, involving sustained granite climbing up to 5.9 A2, finishing on ice slopes.
The West Face, a striking and direct line up the overhanging wall, was pushed in 1990 by Slovenians Janez Jeglič and Silvo Karo—an ascent regarded as one of the most demanding in the Indian Himalaya at the time (Grade VIII, A4, 85° ice). Another legendary line, the “Impossible Star”, a 1,300-metre masterpiece graded 5.11 A3+, was opened by a Spanish team in 1984.
The probable first complete ascent of the Southwest Ridge was accomplished only recently, in October 2024, by a team including Stephan Siegrist and Jonas Schild. The Central Pillar of the Southwest Face was climbed in 1993 in the Czech Direct style by Z. Michalec and Z. Šlachta, while in 2004 W. Hölzler and J. Pflugmacher completed Stairway to Heaven, a direct line up the Southwest Pillar.
Adventure India’s 2006 Austrian-led expedition under Starchel Helmut remains a notable chapter in the mountain’s climbing history, followed more recently by the Slovak expedition led by Martin in 2019, operating between Bhagirathi III and IV. Our team has over twenty years of experience with this Big Wall.
ITINERARY
This programme has been designed with insights drawn from our extensive past expeditions; however, we recognise that every mountaineer approaches the same peak with distinct objectives, timelines, and climbing philosophies. Accordingly, we remain fully flexible—whether you wish to shorten the expedition to a practical minimum or extend your stay in the mountains for acclimatisation, technical preparation, or personal aspiration.
Cost variations will naturally arise depending on whether you choose an Alpine Style or Expedition Style approach. Finalising these details typically requires a detailed exchange of communication, as each team’s needs must be matched carefully with logistics, equipment, and support systems.
We have intentionally outlined a prevalent day-by-day plan from Base Camp to the summit because no two climbers experience the mountain in the same way, and conditions can vary widely. If required, we can share IMF-submitted expedition reports from our previous teams to help you understand the route, challenges, and technical specifics. Irrespective of the summit outcome, we insist on submitting a post-expedition report, as each attempt contributes to the collective knowledge of the mountain and helps future climbers prepare more responsibly.
Delhi Arrive New Delhi airport. Our office staff, most likely your base camp manager will come to receive you at the airport and assist you in smooth check in to a hotel centrally located, easy to explore Delhi and reach IMF next morning for the briefing. We host the welcome dinner this day in Delhi followed by a casual discussion about your expedition.
Hotel/ Camp- Oberoi Maidens
Meal Plan - Room + Breakfast + welcome dinner
As per the schedule received from IMF, our team will drive you to IMF for briefing. If you wish to purchase anything, including rice (Korea), you can do that and further we will drive to Rishikesh, with hot lunch on the way. Rishikesh is a beautiful holy city on the banks of River Ganges, we will see the evening prayer. Rishikesh exudes a distinct mysticism and spirituality. Known in mythology as the abode of Shiva and the place where Ram observed penance for killing Ravana, the place holds importance for all Hindus. It is believed that meditating in this ‘World Yoga Capital’ brings one closer to attaining salvation. Gateway to the Himalayas, Rishikesh abounds in natural beauty as the mighty Ganga flows majestically past lush green hills. Take a tour around this quiet town and let yourself be soaked in its beauty and tranquility. Lakshman Jhula: A landmark in the town, it is a suspension bridge across the Ganga. According to a legend the bridge was built of jute ropes by Lakshman, hence the name Lakshman Jhula. Enjoy spectacular views of the holy river that flows beneath it as well as the striking mountains which lie in the backdrop. A favorite pastime for tourists visiting Lakshman Jhula is feeding the fish in the river. Triveni Ghat: This is the main bathing ghat in Rishikesh, forever busy with thousands of devotees taking a dip early morning. The ghat derives its name from the belief that that the three rivers Ganga, Yamuna and Saraswati meet here. The ghat is especially busy in the evenings when the aarti is conducted. The air turns especially sacred when priests offer their prayers and chant mantras to the river. After the aarti, the river gives out a spectacular view as thousands of earthen lamps are set afloat on the river. Overnight Hotel
Hotel/ Camp- Vasundhara Palace
Meal Plan - Half Board
Rishikesh to Uttarkashi 165 Kms/ 6 hours: The drive between Rishikesh and Uttarkashi is reasonably wide, very smooth and scenic. Narendra Nagar is the first town, 15 Kms beyond Rishikesh. Thereafter, another vital town is Dharasu, about 115 Kms from Rishikesh. This is an important junction because the route to Yamunotri (100 Kms away from Dharasu) bifurcates from here. One gets the first view of Bhagirathi about 10 Kms before Dharasu. We reach Uttarkashi before noon and few hours are spent for the wild life formalities concerning our climb, although our advance party that joins us at Uttarkashi would have completed major formalities. Today with the climbing equipment, base camp equipment, Butane cartridges, mountain guide, cook and other staff. If you lack any gear, you can check here in our office, although it’s good to share the equipment demand well in advance. You will collect all necessary permits from our office and if required, the satellite phone and drone too with necessary approvals. You need to request for satellite, drone and walkie talkies well in advance.
Hotel/ Camp- Ganga Palace
Meal Plan - Full Board
(3046m), 95 Kms/ 3 hours
The drive is scenic, Gangotri is one of the most prominent Hindu shrines and here we perform prayer for the wellbeing of our expedition team and success in the mountains. Gangotri, the origin of the River Ganges and seat of the goddess Ganga, is one of the four sites in the Char Dham pilgrimage circuit. The original Gangotri Temple was built by the Gurkha general Amar Singh Thapa. The river is called Bhagirathi at the source and acquires the name Ganga (the Ganges) from Devprayag onwards where it meets the River Alaknanda. The origin of the holy river is at Gaumukh, set in the Gangotri Glaciers and is a 19 km trek from Gangotri, which is among the most beautiful in the Garwhal districts, with, high above, a snowline that endures year round and below a carpet of forests, superb Himalayan views and all the joys of trekking through God's country. Overnight tourist bungalow/Camp
Hotel/ Camp- Mandakini Hotel
Meal Plan - Full Board
This morning after breakfast we visit the famous Gangotri temple and later we trek to Bhojwasa. The entire trek today is along the roaring Bhagirathi river. Arrive Bhojwasa and camp. Afternoon free to explore the area and to enjoy excellent sunset on Bhagirathi group of peaks. Overnight at Camp
Hotel/ Camp- Adventure India Trekking Camp
Meal Plan - Full Board
We trek this morning to the Nandanvan, which is a beautiful meadow, with lush with Alpine flowers, and we fix our base camp here. You find the awesome sight of Shivling and the Bhagirathi mountains from this camp at Nandanvan.
Hotel/ Camp- Adventure India Trekking Camp
Meal Plan - Full Board
The initial two-hour trek across alpine meadows and sandy flats is deceptively easy towards the base camp which we set for the further acclimatization.
Hotel/ Camp- Adventure India Trekking Camp
Meal Plan - Full Board
Our LAP (low altitude porters) will come back from here and only cook+ kitchen helpers will stay. The HAP (high altitude porters) will stay longer according to the plan made with individual expedition leaders.
Hotel/ Camp- Establishing Base Camp
Meal Plan - Full Board
Higher Camps and summit day
Hotel/ Camp- Base Camp
Meal Plan - Full Board
The team reaches back to the base camp this day after closing its successful expedition, this day is the last day in the high mountains to celebrate the wellbeing and environment of mountains. The team and base camp staff including LO, cook and helper does the pack up and same day, the porters reach the BC from Uttarkashi for trek back with team and equipment.
Hotel/ Camp- Base Camp
Meal Plan - Full Board
We follow the same route and reach to Gangotri for the night stay.
Hotel/ Camp- Mandakini Hotel
Meal Plan - Full Board
Drive to Rishikesh via Uttarkashi We follow the same route and reach Uttarkashi, leave equipment and unused butane propane in our office and after lunch drive back to Rishikesh.
Hotel/ Camp- Vasundhara Palace
Meal Plan - Half Board
Drive to Delhi, the evening is free to visit some important places of interest. We will discuss in advance the places you can visit in Delhi this evening, and dinner will be hosted by us in which you can interact with some popular Indian mountaineers.
Hotel/ Camp- Ashoka Country Resort
Meal Plan - Half Board and farewell dinner
De briefing at IMF, visit places in Delhi and drive to airport to fly home
Cost of the expedition
Cost
Cost include
Cost doesn’t include
What extra cost can provide
Terms & conditions for mountaineering expeditions
1. Eligibility: Fitness, Experience & Motivation
All participants must be physically fit, technically prepared, and mentally motivated for high-altitude climbing. Your mountaineering résumé and experience records will be reviewed before we submit the team application to the Indian Mountaineering Foundation (IMF).
While peaks above 7,000 m demand exceptional stamina and technical competence, numerous Himalayan summits below 6,000 m are equally challenging due to route complexity, weather exposure, remoteness, and objective hazards.
2. Delayed Departure & Early Closure
Expedition timelines may shift due to weather, route conditions, medical concerns, permit directives, or the leader’s safety decisions.
- Delayed closure: Any extension of the itinerary will incur additional charges.
- Early pack-up/retreat: Should the expedition conclude earlier than scheduled, no refund will be provided.
- Any extra transport, hotel stay, lodge/camp nights, or logistical support arising out of delays, roadblocks, medical evacuation, or administrative regulation will be billed separately on a cost-to-cost basis.
3. Satellite Phones, Filming & Drone Permissions
Satellite communication devices are subject to regional security restrictions and cannot be used freely across the Himalaya.
- Only company-registered satellite phones may be used, and will be provided on additional rental in the areas allowed by the Indian Government.
- Drone operations, documentary filming, and aerial recording require prior permits, which vary by district, border zone, and wildlife protection area.
All protocols must be strictly followed to avoid administrative intervention or penalties.
4. Refund Policy
All refund considerations will follow the official cancellation policy issued along with your expedition dossier. Refunds, where applicable, will be processed only as per those terms.
5. Health, Insurance, Rescue & Indemnity
Participants must hold valid high-altitude insurance, including evacuation coverage.
- Any emergency medical service, evacuation helicopter, ground rescue, insurance activation, or hospitalisation can be coordinated through us in the knowledge of LO, but must be paid directly by the team or the insurer.
- All members are required to sign an Indemnity & Risk Acceptance Bond with Adventure India before departure.
6. Booking Confirmation
Once all expedition details, services, and logistics are finalised, the following payment schedule applies:
- 50 % of the expedition fee + IMF fee at the time of confirmation
- Remaining balance payable 61 days before expedition commencement
- 100% advance payment is required for last-minute bookings (booking within 61 days before departure)
7. Non-Refundable / Non-Credit Services
Expedition pricing is quoted as a complete logistical package, not as itemised services.
Therefore, no partial refunds, credits, or adjustments will be issued for unused services (e.g., unused load-ferry, camp nights, high-altitude rations, guide days, transport segments, etc.).
We strongly recommend purchasing full travel cancellation insurance at the time of booking.
8. Replacement Participant
If you nominate another climber to take your place:
- All cancellation charges will be fully waived provided:
- The replacement climber meets the fitness and mountaineering requirements, and
- Secures IMF approval and permit to climb the peak.
9. Sightseeing & Post-Expedition Extensions
Following intense climbing periods in remote high-altitude environments, we encourage participants to decompress and experience India’s cultural and natural richness.
Extension trips may be arranged at additional cost to:
- Taj Mahal / Agra
- Rajasthan Desert & Fort Circuit
- Ladakh & Trans-Himalaya Culture
- Goa / Konkan Coast
- South India (Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka)
- Northeast India or custom destinations
Cancellation policy
| Cancellations made more than 60 days before departure | A cancellation fee of 10% of the total trip cost will be charged, and the remaining amount will be refunded. |
| Cancellations made between 45 and 60 days before departure | A cancellation fee of 25% of the total trip cost will be charged, and the remaining amount will be refunded. |
| Cancellations made between 30 and 45 days before departure | A cancellation fee of 50% of the total trip cost will be charged, and the remaining amount will be refunded. |
| Cancellations made less than 30 days before departure | The entire deposit will be forfeited. |
UIAA Declaration
Checklist
Permits
The foremost requirement to climb a peak in India is obtaining permission from the Indian Mountaineering Foundation (IMF), which is the apex body in regulating mountaineering activities in India.
There are certain other permits too, which may be required for some particular areas/ states of India, for example, Wildlife/ Environment fees collected by the state governments, Inner Line Permits for the frontier states of India sharing international borders with other countries, or permits to enter into some National Parks, etc. Depending on your route, we will guide you through the process of obtaining applicable permits.
Click here for the IMF rules and regulations for foreign expeditions
UIAA Grade
The free-climbing / mixed-climbing grade of Bhagirathi III varies depending on the route. For example, the classic overhanging west face has been climbed at UIAA grade IX (or VIII–IX, depending on conditions).
For a more moderate route, the recently done SW ridge, climbers report UIAA grade IV–V (or “Grade 4–5”) for the rock-ridge sections.