Starting from Delhi or Rishikesh or Uttarkashi we drive to Gangotri – the most scenic Dham (pilgrimage site) route in the Garhwal Himalayas. Arriving at Gangotri we commence our trek as we walk through the lush rhododendron forests and alpine pastures to visit Gaumukh (cow snout).
Overview
River Ganges gushes out here from the glacier snout overlooked by Shivling (6,543 m). While crossing the glacier slopes that lead to the vast meadow at Tapovan, surrounded by magnificent peaks Bhagirathi, Shivling, Meru, and much more. Spending few days doing glacier trekking to the base of Meru finally descent to Gangotri and drive back to Uttarkashi – Rishikesh – Delhi.
Bhagirathi Group of peaksITINERARY
Day 1: Delhi – Rishikesh, 230 km, 6-7 hrs drive.
Leaving Delhi drive to Rishikesh 6 hrs approx… Rishikesh the most famous meditation and spiritual center. Situated on the banks of river Ganges. Surrounded by the Shivalik range of lower Himalayas on three sides. Also, it’s the starting point of all four sacred shrines. Check into hotel evening visit surrounding Rishikesh: Laxman Jula and Ashrams. Overnight hotel.
Day 2: Drive Rishikesh – Uttarkashi 148 km.
The morning after breakfast drive to Uttarkashi (1885 M) by covering approx. 148 km in 7 hrs. The road climbs up steadily to Srinagar and then onwards steeply. Overnight stay in Hotel.
Day 3: Drive Uttarkashi – Gangotri (3050m), 101 km, 5 hrs. Trek Gangotri – Chirbasa (3600m) 4 hrs.
The morning after breakfast drive to reach Gangotri (4038 M) by covering approx. 101 km in 5 hrs. En-route visit the Gangotri hot springs. There is a beautiful Gorge at Bhairav Ghati. With its famous Goddess GANGA, the temple at Gangotri only inhabits during summertime. A boulder marks the spot where King Bhagirathi beseeched the goddess to descent to Earth. Temple dedicated to Ganga rises above the river. We explore around Gangotri. Today trek to the source of Ganges. And follow a well-defined trail of this pilgrimage route to Gangotri glacier. En route, we stop for lunch at Chirbasa was once a heavily forested area of Chir tree.
Day 4: Trek to Bhujbasa (3800m), 5 hrs.
Continue trek Bhujbasa following the river Bhagirathi. Now we cross on a loose boulder a descent to Bhujbasa which named after a Bhuj tree. En route a magnificent view of the Bhagirathi group of the peak. Overnight stay in camp.
Day 5: Trek Bhujbasa – Gaumukh (3900m) – Tapovan (4,463m), 12 kms. 4-5 hrs.
Today a fascinating day of trek to Gaumukh the source of the river Ganges. we will have a glimpse of the Bhagirathi massif rising above 6500 meters. While the scene around is fascinating to see a Sadhu meditating half-naked, pilgrims praying all around. Arrive at Gaumukh (cow mouth ) then cross the Gangotri glacier, climbing steadily arrive meadows at Tapovan. Tapovan an open grassland and base camp of Mount Shivaling (6450m), and Meru (6660m). Overnight camp at Tapovan.
Day 6: Trek to Kirti Bamak – Tapovan.
Today an early start from camp to a full-day trek to Kirti Bamak glacier. Finally an impressive view of Meru, Thalay Sagar, Kedarnath, Kedardome, and many other peaks. The most interesting point of view is Shivling. Finally, retrace back to camp.
Day 7: Trek Tapovan – Nandan Van (4500m), 10 kms.
After breakfast, ascent towards Nandan Van along the left side of Gangotri glacier. The trek is little steep and challenging. Overnight camp.
Day 8: Trek to Chirbasa (3600m). 6-7 hrs.
Retrace back to Chirbasa.
Day 9: Trek to Gangotri 3 hrs, Drive to Uttarkashi 4 hrs.
Early departure from camp to Gangotri and further drive to Uttarkashi. Overnight in hotel.
Day 10: Drive to Rishikesh or Dehradun. 5-6 hrs. ?Drive to Rishikesh/Delhi or Dehradun/Chandigarh. Fly home.
Drive to Rishikesh or Dehradun. 5-6 hrs. ?Drive to Rishikesh/Delhi or Dehradun/Chandigarh. Fly home.
REVIEW
It has been a very good journey. Kedarnath and Gaumukh are very beautiful at impressive locations. Many thanks for your organization and everything, what you have done for us.
Mr Wolfgang S, Mr Michael W. (Germany – Austria) – 3rd to 18th May
