Bandarpunch is located at the western edge of the high Himalayan range where it turns the corner to the northwest. It is part of the Sankari Range and lies within the Govind Pashu Vihar National Park and Sanctuary. It is a major watershed for the headwaters of the Yamuna River, whose source lies above Yamunotri, on the west end of the massif below White Peak. Yamunotri is the westernmost of the four most sacred pilgrimage places (Chota Char Dham) and destination for thousands of pilgrims annually. On the north side of the Bandapoonch massif, the 12 km long glacier from its flanks feeds the Ruinsar Gad which flows into the Yamuna at Seema. On the south side, the glacier at the base of Bandarpoonch peak feeds the Hanuman Ganga River which joins the Yamuna at Hanuman Chatti.
Advance Facilities
Challenge
- High Altitude: Risk of altitude sickness due to the trek’s significant elevation.
- Difficult Terrain: Steep and rocky paths require careful navigation and endurance.
- Unpredictable Weather: Sudden changes in weather, including snow and cold, can make the trek challenging.
