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). River Ganges gushes out here from the glacier snout overlooked by Shivling (6,543 m).
Overview
While crossing the glacier slopes that lead to the vast meadow at Tapovan, surrounded by magnificent peaks Crossing Kalindi Khal pass we arrive at Mana village and drive to Badrinath visiting around we drive to Joshimath. Spending few days exploring the Kumoun Himalaya. We drive back to Rishikesh then finally to Delhi.
ITINERARY
Day 1: Delhi – Rishikesh, 230 km, 6-7 hrs drive.
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
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: Uttarkashi
Uttarkashi – Innerline permit.
Day 4: Drive Uttarkashi – Gangotri (3050m)
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. Overnight stay at Tourist Bungalow.
Day 5: Trek to Chirbasa (3600 m), 4 Hrs.
Leaving Gangotri and following a well-defined trail of this pilgrimage route to Gangotri glacier. we stop at Chirbasa which is a heavily forested area of Chir tree.
Day 6: Trek Gangotri – Bhujbasa (3658m), 14 kms, 5 hrs.
We continue trek to 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 Shivling and Meru peak. Overnight stay in camp.
Day 7: 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. After Rajghat 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), Meru (6660m), and Gaumukh peaks. Overnight camp at Tapovan.
Day 8: Trek Tapovan – Nandan Van (4500m), 10 kms.
After breakfast, ascent towards Nandan Van along the left side of Gangotri glacier. The trek is a little steep and challenging. Overnight camp.
Day 9: Trek Nandanvan -Vasukital
Today we trek along Chaturangi Glacier to Vasukital (4898 MT) 3-4 hours. The trek is steady upward. Overnight stay in a camp situated by the side of the small lake.
Day 10: Trek Vasukital – Khara Pathar (5456m)
Today after breakfast we start trek to Khara Pathar (5456 m) which is named after the sheer rock face of the slope. 4-5 hours from Vasukital. Overnight stay in the camp.
Day 11: Trek Khara Pathar – Kalindikhal Base
An exhausting day of trek 10 Km to Kalindikhal Base -Sweta Glacier- (5500 m). En route a view of Satopanth (7075 m), Chandra (6739 m), and other groups. A good view of Chandra Parvat. Overnight stay in the camp.
Day 12: Trek Kalindikhal Base – Kalindi pass (5947m) – Rajparav
Trek to Rajparav (4910 m) in 5-6 hours spending some time at the Kalindi Pass (5947 m). Cross the icefall and then climb the Kalindi slopes and finally descend. Overnight stay in the camp.
Day 13: Trek Rajparav – Arwatal
Trek to Arwatal (3910 m) 13 km 5-6 hours. Overnight stay in the camp.
Day 14: Trek Arwatal – Ghastoli
Trek to Ghastoli (3796 km), 16 Km in 6-7 hours. On the way, there is an ITBP (Indo Tibetan Border Police) checkpoint that existed for inner line permission check post Overnight stay in the camp.
Day 15: Trek Gastoli – Mana 4 hrs, Drive to Badrinath (3133m)
Trek to Mana village 14 Km in 5-6 hours on a good pony trail and reach Badrinath.
Badrinath is one of the four sacred shrines (Char Dham) of Hindu, situated at 3133 meters. Nar and Narayan mountains are on both sides with Neel Kanth peak providing a splendid backdrop. Facing the back of temple by Alaknanda River. Where there is a hot water spring known as TaptKund. Badri Van forest of berries was once carpeted with wild berries. Badrinath temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu, the temple of Badrinath Ji built in a 15 meters height in a form of a cone. Overnight stay at hotel or camp. Visit the holy shrine of Badrinath
Day 16: Badrinath – Rishikesh
Drive to reach Joshimath 44 Km from Badrinath. Visit Adi Guru Shankaracharya temple, Narsimha temple. Continue to Nandprayag, Karanprayag, Rudraprayag, Devprayag to reach Rishikesh 253 km. Overnight stay at the hotel
Day 17: At Rishikesh
At Rishikesh
Day 18: Rishikesh – Delhi, fly home.
Rishikesh – Delhi, fly home.
Trip Highlights
- GHT - An adventurous trekking in Uttarakhand Himalayas
- Trek to the source of River Ganges
- Gangotri national park
- Gangotri and Badrinath dham