The Source of the Holy Ganges Trek

The Holy River Ganges is the most sacred river in the Hindu religion and its source at Goumukh on the Gangotri glacier and many other peaks. Goumukh is one of the holiest places for Hindu pilgrims who come here to witness the birth of Mother Ganga. The trek takes you to Goumukh (cows mouth), the mythological source of the River Ganges, which is at the snout of the Gangotri glacier.

• Famous Temples at Haridwar, Rishikesh, Uttarkashi & Gangotri, Goumukh Glacier, Snow clapped Himalayan Peaks and many more.
• High altitude trek with cavernous gorges, spacious views, vibrant colors. Dazzling variation in scenery
• Lush Green Meadows & Mountain Goats (Ibex).
• Comprehensive views to Mt. Shivlinga, Bhagirathi Group of peaks, Gangotri Group of Peaks & Kedarnath Peak. Possible sightings of some wildlife,
• Nights in Hotel, Guest House and Tents.

You may also be interested in :

• Lord Curzon Trail Kuari Pass Trek
• In The Shadow of Nanda Devi
• Roopkund Mysterious Lake
• Khatling Glacier Trek
• Chopta Chandrasila Trek

Area : Garhwal Himalayas
Duration : 12 Days.
Altitude : (4463 mts /14638 ft)
Grade : Moderate to tough
Season : May - June & August – Mid Oct
Map

Day 01: Arrive Delhi

Upon arrival at Delhi airport meet our representative and then transfer to pre booked hotel. Overnight in the hotel.

Day 02 : Delhi – Haridwar – Rishikesh

Drive to Rishikesh in the morning after breakfast via Haridwar. Upon arrival at Rishikesh meet our representative and hotel check in. Evening free to explore the area. Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.

Day 03 : Rishikesh – Uttarkashi (170 kms/ 4-5 hrs)

Proceed for Uttarkashi after breakfast (1150 mt), which takes 7-8 hrs driving time. Upon arrival check-in at Hotel. Evening free to explore the surrounding by your own. Overnight stay at hotel.

Uttarkashi the town of temples and sages is the principle town in the region. Popular with the spiritually inclined since ancient times, Uttarkashi is also the gateway to many mountaineering and trekking expedition in Gangotri area.

Day 04 : Uttarkashi - Gangotri (3048 m/ 10,000 ft) Drive (95 kms).

Morning after breakfast drive to reach Gangotri via Harsil (approx 25 km before Gangotri (3048 mt) covering approx 95 km in 4-5 hrs. On arrival Hotel check-in . Overnight in Hotel.
There is a beautiful Gorge at Bhairon Ghati spanned by a long motor able girder bridge. Gangotri is the place where the Goddess Ganga descended on Earth from Heaven. There is a Temple of Goddess Ganga where thousands of devotees throng to pay homage to her.

Gangotri : The shrine of Gangotri is situated at an elevation of 3200 m surrounded by Deodars (Cedar) and Chir (Pine) trees along a narrow glacial valley. The original temple was constructed by the Gorkha General Amar Singh Thapa. Every year people from all around the world visit this shrine. A number of ashrams and dharamshalas are located on the other side of the river. It is believed that Raja Bhagirath used to worship Shiva on a slab of rock "Bhagirath Shila" situated near the temple. Submerged in the river there is a natural Shivling where, according to mythology, Lord Shiva sat when he received the Goddess Ganga in his matted locks. A days trek takes one to Goumukh, the source of the mighty Ganges.

Day 05 : Gangotri (3048 mts/10000 ft) - Bhojwassa (3792 mts/12440 ft) 13 kms trek/5-6 hrs)

Morning after breakfast we begin our trek to Bhojwassa via Chirbasa (3600mt). From Gangotri we move along the beaten track towards Chirbasa, which falls within the tree line. The entire trek today is along the roaring Bhagirathi River. Beyond Chirbasa the terrain becomes really desolate and barren. In fact, it has been referred to as Arctic Tundra by many trekkers. From Chirbasa we trek further to Bhojwassa, the entire trail passes through dense forest, Arrive Bhojwassa; there is a small temple and a potential campsite near down the river. We make our camp near river side. Afternoon free to explore the area and to enjoy excellent sunset on Bhagirathi group of peaks watch the frolick of the Choughs, and if lucky witness a herd of the the rare Himalayan Ibex grazing on the hill sides. Dinner and overnight stay in tents.

Day 06 : Bhojwassa - Goumukh (3890 mts/12760 ft) - Tapovan (4463 mts / 14640 ft)

Early in the Morning enjoy the panoramic view of Bhagirathi group of peaks. After breakfast trek to Goumukh (3890mt), the source of the Ganges. Goumukh is where the water of Ganga trickles down from the glaciers. The sages called it 'Goumukh', because in the distant past, it probably appeared like a cow's mouth. Explore the area and trek to Tapovan, one of the finest high altitude alpine meadows in the area. The trek from Goumukh to Tapovan is steep ascent, and as we climb, the view of the surrounding peaks becomes clearer giving the appearance of being just a stone's throw away. Tapovan known for its beautiful meadows that encircle the base camp of the Shivling peak. The camping area is a lush green and large meadow complete with bubbling streams and wild flowers. Herds of Bharal (blue mountain goats) are a common sight from here on the mountain ridges. On the far side of the glacier the Bhagirathi I, II, III (6454mt), provide an equally impressive backdrop. It is also the little wonder where Sadhus and saints choose this spot for extended meditation during the long summer month. Dinner and overnight stay in camp.

Goumukh : The Goumukh glacier is the source of Bhagirathi (Ganges) and is held in high esteem by the devout who do not miss the opportunity to have a holy dip in the bone chilling icy water.

Tapovan : Tapovan is located on an altitude of 4463m / 14640ft above sea level, and serves as an ideal location for tourists looking for peace or adventure. This is the base camp for Shivlinga peak in Uttrakhand Himalayas. One can also get a nice view of Bhagirathi peaks from the Tapovan Meadow. Every year this place is visited by thousands of tourists including travelers from many nations for the quest for adventure and peace.

Day 07 : Tapovan (4463 mts / 14640 ft)

Acclimatize by relaxing and enjoying the magnificent snow clapped peaks, flora & Fauna and mountain landscape. Explore the Kriti & Meru Glacier. Dinner and overnight stay at the camp.

Day 08 : Tapovan – Bhojwassa (Trek 4-5 hrs)

Early morning enjoy the sunrise on high peaks. After breakfast trek down to Bhojwassa. Arrive Bhojwassa and camp. Dinner and overnight stay at the camp.

Day 09 : Bhojwassa - Gangotri (Trek 4-5 hrs)

Morning after breakfast trek down to Gangotri, Dinner and overnight stay at the camp.

Day 10 : Gangotri – Uttarkashi

In the morning after breakfast drive to Uttarkashi. On arrival check in to hotel. Overnight stay.

Day 11 : Uttarkashi – Haridwar - Delhi

Morning after breakfast drive to Delhi via Haridwar. On arrival transfer to hotel. Overnight stay.

Day 12 : Delhi Departure

Transfer to international airport according to your flight schedule.

Trip & Services Ends Here.

Cost Includes :

• Transport : AC Car from Delhi – Gangotri & back (AC will not run on the hills) Also airport transfer
• Accommodation : Hotel in Delhi, Rishikesh, Uttarkashi and Guest House in Gangotri on breakfast basis. While on trek we will provide you Dome/Alpine trekking tents on twin sharing basis. Camping mattresses, mess tent, dining tent, camping stool, table, toilet tent etc would be provided.
• Meals : Breakfast at Delhi, Rishikesh, Uttarkashi and Gangotri while on trek all meal will be provided. All meals will be freshly prepared and will be a mix of Indian, Chinese & Continental.
• Porters : For carrying camping equipment, rations, vegetables and some amount of personal gear of the clients (one bag not weighing more than 15 kgs).
• Professional local trekking guide and kitchen staff would accompany the group
• Entry fee for the park
• Trekking permit fees

Cost does not includes :

• Any charges for carrying still/video cameras etc.
• Alcohol, soft drinks, bottled water, beverages, etc.
• Personal expenses like tips, telephone calls, laundry, etc.
• Any meals/services not mentioned above
• Any costs arising out of unforeseen circumstances like landslides, road blocks, bad weather, etc.
• Travel insurance

Visa

You Need to have Indian Visa for entry to India on your holiday. To apply for Indian Visa you have to contact your nearest Indian consulate or you can call on 09057570045 or visit http://in.vfsglobal.co.uk/ for more information.

Indian Embassy in London

Address : Indian Embassy
India House, Aldwych,
London WC2B 4NA.
Tel: 020 7836 8484
Site URL : http://www.hcilondon.net/

Money

There is no limit to the amount of foreign currency that visitors can bring.

Banks

Banks are open in the major cities & the nearest towns of the sanctuaries for transaction from 10.00 to 14.00 hrs on all days except Sunday.

Best time to visit

High season: October to April - Monsoon.

Travel wear

Cotton outfits, hats, sunglasses, sunscreen lotion etc. Some woolen clothes require, during winter.

Credit cards

Main hotels, restaurants and shopping centers honor major credit cards.

Currency

Indian Rupee (INR)

Drugs

Heavy punishments including imprisonment are imposed for possession of narcotic drugs.

Food

All standard restaurants offer a variety of cuisines including Continental, Chinese, Indian & local.

Water

It is always better to drink bottled drinking water or drinking water from restaurants. It is not advisable to drink water from slow moving streams, lakes or dams. Mineral water is available in sealed bottles.

Trekking Equipment List:

• Trekking boots - well broken in and waterproofed
• Down jacket or equivalent with hood
• One heavy wool shirt or sweater
• Two cotton shirts
• One pair cotton trousers or shorts
• One pair woolen trousers
• One pair shorts or calf-length skirt for women
• Three pairs of regular underwear
• Long underwear - thermal or wool
• Wind- and rain-gear with hood
• Sun hat with brim
• Woolen hat or balaclava
• Woolen gloves
• Woolen socks to wear with boots
• Cotton socks
• Personal first-aid kit including medication for common ailments
• Flashlight with extra batteries
• Sunglasses or snow goggles (an extra pair is recommended)
• Water bottle, preferably wide mouthed, with at least one liter capacity
• Pocket knife
• Note book with pens and pencils
• Plastic bags - small size for books, film etc., larger bags for clothes, sleeping bags
• Well fitting strong shoes with a couple of woolen socks. The shoes should be used before treks to avoid blisters.
• First aid set for minor accidents and sickness.
• A raincoat is necessary to meet uncertainties of weather.
• Chocolates, lozenges, candies, glucose and dry fruits provide extra pep and energy.
• It is advisable not to exhaust energy by walking fast, as otherwise the trek will be not enjoyable.

Private Departures

Did you know that we can also arrange private departures on the vast majority of our small group tours? So if you can’t find a date to suit you or if you want to have your very own adventure just with your friends or family then we can help you.

Private departures will follow the same itineraries as our usual group tours, but on a date to suit you, with no minimum numbers.

Customised Private Groups

For a group of 6 or more people we can organise a customised private group tour where we design the itinerary and activities especially for you, according to your requirements.

To enquire about booking a private departure of this tour or about organising your own private group tour, please fill in the form below and our Private Tours Team will be in touch shortly.

Frequently Asked Questions

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