Category: Moderate Adventure.
The Ganga in India has a legend, a story and a belief attached to it at every other step of its course and its source at Gangotri glacier is no different. Gaumukh or Gomukh (Cow’s mouth) from where the Ganga originates too has a pilgrimage value and a legend attached to it. It is said that King Bhagirath got the Ganga down here from the heavens so that salvation could be bought for his sons. True or not Gaumukh with its icicle Gangotri glacier is a challenge for every trekker and adventurer, most of who like to go beyond the Gaumukh point to camp right at the base of Shivling peak from where one also gets to see a magnificent view of Bhagirathi peaks.
Note:
- 50% advance payment confirms your booking.
- We will transport all your belongings for you so that you only have to carry your day pack with camera, water bottle and jacket.
- We serve three meals a day including snacks and drinks. We provide a variety of tasty healthy food including Indian, Chinese and Western meals with lots of vegetables and fruit.
What is included in the tour
- Road transportation from Rishikesh to Rishikesh by car.
- Hotel accommodation in Uttarakashi and Gangotri
- Accommodation in tents on twin share basis during trekking.
- All meals (Day 1 Lunch to Day 9 Lunch)
- All camping gear including tents and sleeping mattress. Kitchen, Dining and toilet tent
- Permits and Entrance fees.
- Good English speaking guide, cook, Helper and porters.
What is NOT included in the tour
- Personal Insurance.
- All alcoholic beverages and personal expenses.
- Accommodation in Rishikesh
- Good down sleeping bags can be provided at an additional cost of Rs.100 per day.
- Tapovan Base Camp
- View of Bhagirathi and Shivling Mountain- 6500m
- Gangotri Shrine- One of the Famous 4 Pilgrimages
- Interaction with Sadhus/ Sants and their lifestyle
- A great views of Source of Ganga - Gaumukh
- Highest point 4500m
DAY 01:
DELHI – RISHIKESH (6hrs):
Arrive in Delhi and drive to Rishikesh overnight.
DAY 02:
RISHIKESH – UTTARKASHI (6hrs):
Arrival in Rishikesh in the morning. We meet at our office. After freshening up, Trip starts with a drive to Uttarakashi which takes through mountain road of Garhwal. We drive to Uttarkashi which is considered as the Northern Kashi or Varanasi. The town is situated at an elevation of 5084 ft. on the right banks of river Bhagirathi. It is a district located in the northern Himalayan state of Uttaranchal. Its boundaries also mark the Chinese precincts. Uttarkashi is known for its temples dedicated to Rishi Parasurama, Datatryea, Goddess Annapurna Devi, Goddess Kali, and Bhairon. At one time, there used to be 365 temples in this town. The town is also known for its various ashrams, which are the homes of the saints and hermits. Overnight at Hotel / Guest House / Deluxe Camps.
DAY 03:
UTTARKASHI – GANGOTRI (5hrs):
Gangotri is one of the major 4 Hindu pilgrimages of Uttarakhand where it is believed that Ganga, the Holiest river of India touched earth for the first time. According to Hindu mythology, Goddess Ganga - the daughter of heaven, took the form of a river to absolve the sins of King Bhagirath's predecessors, following his severe penance of several centuries. Lord Shiva received Ganga into his matted locks to minimize the impact of her fall. This small town is centered on a temple of the goddess Ganga, which was built by the Gorkha General, Amar Singh Thapa in the early 18th century. The temple is closed on Diwali day every year and is reopened in May. During this time, the idol of the goddess is kept at Mukhba village, near Harsil. The Source of Ganga, Gomukh is 18km further upstream from Gangotri. The trek to Gomukh is gradual, and several pilgrims undertake the journey to pay homage to the river at its known source. Overnight at Guest House.
DAY 04:
GANGOTRI – CHEERBASA (11650 Ft/ 5hrs)
After breakfast, start trek to Cheerbasa. We start with an easy climb. The route is filled with breathtaking sights as the magnificent scenery unfolds itself at every step. We have lunch on the way and reach at a small isolated forest of pine at Cheerbasa, overnight in camp.
DAY 05:
CHEERBASA – GOMUKH & BACK TO BHOJBASA (13Km/ 5hrs):
Day starts with small uphill to the main trail and then trail gets gradual up to Gomukh. It is about 9km and takes about 4-5 hours to reaches Bhojbabsa. Bhojbasa has a small temple there and this used be full of Birch tree but unfortunately it is not there anymore. We camp at Bhojbasa for overnight stay but we go up to Gomukh for acclimatization as it is in an altitude of 4000m and then return our camp.
DAY 06:
GOMUKH – TAPOVAN:
Till Gaumukh, it is a well-defined trail. But after Gomukh, it is full of boulders on Glacier and one has to walk over boulder to boulder some places.
After crossing the moraine and glacier, we finally reach the place from where we leave the Gangotri glacier below and climb very steep uphill to reach Tapovan from where rises the Shivling Peak (6543m) flanked by Meru (6630m) and Kedar Dome (6808m). Tapovan is surrounded by many named and unnamed peaks of the Garhwal Himalayas. You can see the peaks of Bhagirathi & Sudershan from Tapovan, a base camp of Shivling Mountain. The view from Tapovan is definitely worth the effort. We set up camp and spend the rest of the day exploring and taking pictures of peaks with lights. Dinner & overnight stay in tents.
Day 06:
DAY AT TAPOVAN:
It is a day to relax and enjoy the views of Himalayas. We can also opt to walk up to ridge to give a look at Meru glacier or a full day walk to the Kirti Bamak glacier and to the base of peaks “Kedarnath Dome 6850 m”, Kirti Bamak 6500 m to a view of Shivling from the east. We return to camp where our dinner will be ready. Overnight stay at the camp.
DAY 07:
TAPOVAN TO CHEERBASA (5HRS):
Morning after breakfast, we trek for 13km back to Cheerbasa. At arrival we have dinner and overnight stay at Cheerbasa.
DAY 08:
CHEERBASA – GANGOTRI & DRIVE TO UTTARKASHI (6-7HSR):
Morning after breakfast, we trek back to Gangotri and board our vehicles & drive to Uttarakashi. Overnight stay at Uttarkashi.
Day 10:
DRIVE TO RISHIKESH (7HRS):
Morning after breakfast 7 hours to drive to Rishikesh from Uttarakashi. Lunch is served on the way. Trip ends after arrival at Rishikesh. Checkin to your hotel great Ganga. overnight stay at the Hotel.
