Mt. Trishul Expedition

Days: 22D/21N
Altitude: 7120
Distance: 135
Grade: Difficult
Pick Up: Rishikesh
Drop: Rishikesh
Base Camp: Homekund
Season: Summer (May–Jun)
Stay: Guesthouse + Full Alpine Expedition Tents

The Mt. Trishul Expedition (7,120 M) is one of the most iconic, demanding, and historically significant 7000-meter Himalayan expeditions in India. Rising dramatically above the Nanda Ghunti and Maiktoli ranges in the Garhwal Himalayas, Mt. Trishul has long been regarded as a mountain for elite mountaineers only, demanding absolute technical proficiency, patience, and respect for extreme altitude.

Named after the trident (Trishul) of Lord Shiva, the mountain’s three distinct summits dominate the skyline and symbolize strength, balance, and discipline — qualities essential for any climber attempting this peak. Unlike more commercial 7000-meter mountains, Mt. Trishul offers no easy terrain, no short summit window, and no margin for error.

The expedition begins from Rishikesh, gradually transitioning from river valleys to remote alpine basins via Karanprayag, Ghat, Sitel, and Sutol. This long approach is not incidental — it plays a vital role in acclimatization, physical conditioning, and mental preparation before entering the expedition phase.

Homekund Base Camp (4,350 M) is located in a dramatic high-altitude cirque beneath massive ice walls. From here onward, the expedition enters a full alpine-style climbing phase involving multiple load ferry rotations, rope fixing, glacier navigation, and extended exposure above 6,000 meters.

Mt. Trishul demands:

  • Advanced glacier travel and crevasse management
  • Fixed rope ascent and descent on steep ice faces
  • Strong endurance for prolonged summit day
  • Ability to function in extreme cold and low oxygen

The summit day is long, technical, and mentally intense. Climbers leave Summit Camp in the early hours, ascending steep ice and snow slopes under headlamp light before navigating exposed ridges to the summit.

Reaching the summit of Mt. Trishul (7,120 M) is not merely a physical achievement — it represents mastery of expedition discipline, humility before the mountain, and deep personal resilience.

Terranova Expedition approaches Mt. Trishul with conservative strategy, extensive acclimatization, and uncompromising safety standards, ensuring that every decision prioritizes long-term climber well-being over aggressive summit ambitions.

HIGHLIGHTS OF THE MT. TRISHUL EXPEDITION

  • One of India’s most iconic and historic 7000 m peaks
  • Highly technical ice and snow climbing
  • Extended multi-camp alpine expedition experience
  • Remote and rarely attempted Garhwal terrain
  • Long acclimatization and rotation-based strategy
  • Elite-level mountaineering achievement
  • Preparation for the world’s toughest high-altitude peaks

Itinerary

Day 1

Rishikesh to Karanprayag – Ghat (Drive | 1,450 M)

Day 2

Ghat to Sitel (Drive), Trek to Sutol (2,350 M)

Day 3

Sutol to Latakhopri (3,080 M)

Day 4

Latakhopri to Homekund Base Camp (4,350 M)

Day 5

Base Camp | Equipment Distribution & Organisation

Day 6

Acclimatization Day at Base Camp

Day 7

Rest Day at Base Camp

Day 8

Load Ferry from Advance Camp Route to Camp I

Day 9

Load Ferry Rotation Continues

Day 10

Final Load Ferry to Camp I Route

Day 11

Occupy Camp I (5,160 M)

Day 12

Rest Day at Camp I

Day 13

Load Ferry Toward Camp II Route

Day 14

Load Ferry & Occupy Camp II (5,850 M)

Day 15

Rope Fixing Toward Summit Camp

Day 16

Occupy Summit Camp (6,340 M)

Day 17

Summit Camp to Mt. Trishul Summit (7,120 M) & Return to Camp II

Day 18

Reserve Day for Summit

Day 19

Camp II to Base Camp

Day 20

Homekund to Sutol Trek

Day 21

Sutol to Sitel – Drive to Ghat

Day 22

Ghat to Rishikesh | Expedition Closure

Inclusions & Exclusions

What’s included

  • Stay is included in Ghat hotel/lodge on sharing basis.
  • You will be staying in high altitude tents during expedition on sharing basis.
  • Transportation from Rishikesh to Ghat and return.
  • Breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks, soup, tea, hot drinks during expedition [Day 1 Dinner Day 21 Dinner]
  • High altitude meals.
  • Expedition permits & peak booking from Indian Mountaineering Foundation (For Indians)
  • Local National Park Permit Tourism department
  • Adventure Sports Cover & Medical Expense
  • Garbage cleaning charges.
  • Weather forecast report from the Indian Meteorological department & Windy.
  • Certificate of accomplishment
  • 3 men all season high altitude tents & high altitude tents, sleeping bag, mattress, kitchen tent, cutlery, dining & meeting tent & toilet tent, table & stool till base camp.
  • First aid, medical kit, oxygen cylinders, Blood pressure monitor, Oximeter, etc. will be available at all campsites to deal with emergencies.
  • Ice axe, snow boots, harness, carabiners, ascenders, descenders, gaiters, helmet, crampons, tape sling (all necessary safety & climbing gears)
  • Certified Expedition leader & Experienced Sherpas from Terranova Expedition.
  • Base Camp Manager
  • Cook, helper, mules support base camp.
  • High altitude cooks and supporting staffs for upper camp
  • Cloakroom facility for left luggage.

 

What’s not included

  • Mules or porters charge to carry personal luggage [Offload].
  • 5% GST
  • Any kind of personal expenses.
  • Expedition permits from Indian Mountaineering Foundation (For Foreigners)
  • Liaison Officer (For Foreigners)
  • Any early return travel costs or accommodation except for the days as per the itinerary.
  • Anything apart from inclusions.
  • Documentary filming, camera, and drone permit fee (if require)
  • Any emergency evacuation.
  • ASC 360 Insurance (Mandatory for Ladakh Region)
  • Tips for staffs

Refund & Cancellation

Quick Summary
Policy WindowRefund
30+ days before departure85%
20–29 days70%
15–19 days50%
7–14 days25%
< 7 days or no-showNo refund
If You Cancel
  • Advance/booking amount is non-refundable; reschedule credit may be offered if requested ≥ 7 days before departure.
  • Government permits, insurance, accommodation and transport already paid to vendors are non-refundable.
  • Force majeure (weather, landslides, strikes, roadblocks, government orders): trip may be postponed; paid amounts remain non-refundable; credit/reschedule may be offered where possible.
  • Unused services, early return or partial participation do not qualify for refunds.
  • Refunds are processed to the original payment method; allow 7–10 business days.
  • Name change/transfer possible until permits are issued; afterward, standard cancellation terms apply.

Things to Carry

Footwear

  • Waterproof Trekking Shoes [1 pair] Floaters / Slippers [1 pair] Socks [4-5 pair]

Clothing Layers

  • Quick dry T Shirts [3-4] Quick Dry Trek Pants [2] Windproof Pants for Sumit [1] Down Jacket [1] Thermal [1 set] Fleece [1] Windproof Jacket [1]

Rain Protection

  • Lightweight Rain Poncho Rain Jacket

Sun Protection

  • Sun Goggles UV Protected Sun Cap or Head Buff

Hydration

  • Water Bottle / Hydrapack [1L] Thermos Bottle [1L]

Snacks & Energy

  • Energy Bar Trail Mix Dry Fruits

Personal Medicines

  • Prescribed Medicines [If any] ORS

Headlamp & Batteries

  • Head Torch Spare Batteries Power bank Camera [If needed]

Warm Accessories

  • Woollen / Fleece gloves [1 pair] Waterproof Gloves [1 pair] Woollen / Fleece Beanie Neck Protector

Toiletries & Hygiene

  • Toiletery Kit [1 set] Quick Dry Towel [1] Toilet Paper Wet Wipes

Documents & Cash

  • Govt. ID Proof Emergency Cash Emergency Contact Number

Backpack & Daypack

  • 50-60L Rucksack [1] 20-30L Backpack [1]

How to Reach

By Air

  • Nearest airport: Jolly Grant Airport (Dehradun) – approx. 20 km from Rishikesh
  • Direct flights available from Delhi, Mumbai & major cities

By Road

  • Delhi → Rishikesh: 240 km
  • Well connected by buses and taxis from Delhi and Haridwar

By Train

  • Nearest railway station: Haridwar Railway Station – approx. 25 km from Rishikesh
  • Regular trains available from Delhi & major cities
FAQs

Common questions answered

How difficult is the Mt. Trishul Expedition?

Mt. Trishul is extremely difficult and highly technical, suitable only for experienced high-altitude mountaineers.

Is Mt. Trishul higher than Mt. Nun?

Yes. Mt. Trishul (7,120 M) is slightly lower than Mt. Nun but technically more complex.

Is prior 6000 m experience mandatory?

Yes. Successful ascents of 6000–6500 m peaks are essential.

What technical skills are required?

Advanced rope systems, fixed line movement, ice climbing, and glacier navigation.

How cold does it get near summit?

Temperatures can fall below –30°C with wind chill.

What is the trekking distance of the expedition?

Total travel distance is 38–45 km including approach, ascent and descent.

What is the best season to climb Mt. Trishul?

The ideal climbing windows are:

  • May–June (Summer climbing season with stable snow)
  • September–October (Post-monsoon clean cold weather)
What makes Mt. Trishul an ideal peak for training?

It offers steep snow climbs, rope-team travel, semi-technical summit ridge, crampon movement and weather exposure — all essential skills for future 6000M and 7000M expeditions such as Kang Yatse II, Mentok Kangri, Mera Peak, Lobuche East, Island Peak & Stok Kangri.

What physical fitness is required?

Trekkers must be capable of:

  • Trekking 8–10 hours a day
  • Climbing steep terrain with backpack weight
  • Managing cold, wind chill and altitude exposure
  • Cardiovascular endurance & leg strength
What training should I do before joining?

Recommended preparation includes:

  • Running/cycling/swimming (5–8 km, 5 days/week)
  • Stair climbing with backpack (10–20 floors/day)
  • Strength workouts for legs and core
  • Practice hikes carrying 8–10 kg backpack
Can someone with no climbing experience attempt this expedition?

No. Without basic trekking and altitude exposure, acclimatization difficulty and summit risk increase significantly.

What equipment is required for the expedition?

Required equipment includes:

  • Ice Axe, Crampons, Helmet, Harness, Gaiters
  • Layered clothing system (Base/Insulation/Shell)
  • High altitude trekking boots
  • Down jacket, gloves, sunglasses, headlamp

Technical equipment may be rented via Terranova.

What food is served during the expedition?

Nutritious vegetarian meals + eggs. High-calorie options are prepared for summit push days including soup, porridge, energy bars and hydration boosters.

What is the temperature on summit night?

Wind chill can drop between –15°C to –20°C.

What kind of accommodation is provided?
  • Comfortable homestay in Manali
  • High-quality alpine expedition tents during the climb
Is mobile network available on the route?

Limited network up to Bakarthach. No network at Lady Leg and Summit Camp.

What is the role of load ferry?

Load ferry helps the body adapt to altitude by exposing trekkers to higher elevation temporarily and then returning to lower elevation for recovery. This strategy reduces AMS risk and increases summit success.

Does Terranova Expedition carry emergency oxygen?

Yes. Medical oxygen and first aid kits are carried for emergency response.

What safety measures are in place?

Safety plan includes:

  • Daily pulse & oxygen saturation monitoring
  • Guide-to-trekker ratio planning
  • Strict turnaround time
  • Weather window management
  • Trained team for rescue coordination
Will there be rope fixing?

Rope assistance is used for safety during steep incline and summit ridge traversal. The technical lead determines rope strategy based on snow & ice quality.

What if I feel unwell or have altitude sickness symptoms?

Immediate descent is enforced as safety rule. Our guides are trained in AMS, HAPE & HACE protocols.

What are AMS symptoms?

Headache, nausea, appetite loss, fatigue, dizziness, breathing difficulty, bluish lips. Strict medical reporting is mandatory.

Is the summit guaranteed?

No Himalayan summit is guaranteed. Safety and weather conditions determine decision.

Can I attempt the summit if I am struggling?

Only if medically cleared and within turnaround safety limits.

Is rescue helicopter service available?

Arrangements available depending on government and weather conditions.

Is travel insurance required?

Highly recommended.

What is the minimum age requirement?

Minimum recommended age: 16+ with fitness certificate.

Can older trekkers attempt this expedition?

Yes, if medically cleared.

Can international climbers join?

Yes — full support provided from Manali.

What makes Mt. Trishul special?

Its semi-technical nature, beautiful training environment and outstanding summit ridge view make it one of the most respected Himalayan climbing programs.

What makes Terranova Expedition different?

Experienced Himalayan mountaineering team, safety-first approach, technical instruction, structured acclimatization and personalized expedition handling.

How is weather assessed for summit push?

Wind speed, snow firmness, cloud formation, temperature drop and avalanche possibilities are analyzed daily.

Can trekkers rent gear from Terranova?

Yes, subject to availability.

Is group customization available?

Private and professional-level batches available.

What are the next peak recommendations after Mt. Trishul?

Friendship Peak, Kang Yatse II, Mentok Kangri, Mera Peak, Island Peak.

How many hours a day do trekkers walk?

5–7 hours on average; Summit Day is longest (10–13 hours).

What happens on the buffer day?

Used only for weather delay or safety extension.

Is tipping the team expected?

Optional but considered respectful.

Will I get a summit certificate?

Yes, after successful submission and safe return.

How do I register for the expedition?

Contact Terranova Expedition through phone, WhatsApp or website enquiry form.

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