The river Ganga or Ganges is the holiest river of India and on this trek, we will be able to explore its source which begins in Gaunmukh; situated at the feet of the Gangotri glacier. Here many pilgrims, particularly Sadhu’s (wise men), come to pay homage at the sacred temples on the banks of the river. On this journey, beginning in Rishikesh, you will be able to see some of Himalaya’s famous peaks that reach an altitude of around 6000 m / 19,685 ft. as well as beautifully imposing glaciers. We end our trek in Uttarkashi, where we will proceed to Rishikesh before you take the train from Haridwar to Delhi.
Day 1
Arrival in Delhi
Guests will be received at the airport followed by a transfer to a hotel, where you will be staying overnight.
Day 2
Journey from Delhi – Rishikesh
Travelling Distance: 224 km
Travelling Time: 5-6 hours
We will be driving in order to reach Rishikesh. After having lunch you can take a stroll in the city. In the evening we can walk to the Trivani Ghat. It is a very sacred Ghat where people bathe in the evening and where ceremonies are held called "Ganga Arti", with religious songs when the pilgrims light a lamp of butter with fresh flowers to make an offering. We will then return to the hotel to have dinner.
Day 3
Journey from Rishikesh to Ghuttu
Travelling Distance: 156 km
Altitude: 1500 m / 4,921 ft.
It will be an early departure by the road to Ghuttu. Overnight stay in a lodge or camp in Ghuttu.
Day 4
Trek 1 – Ghuttu – Bhairon Chatti
Trekking Time: 5-6 hours
Altitude: 2400 m / 7,874 ft.
The trek begins going through farms, fields and many villages and temples. We will eventually arrive at the top of a peak, where we will carry on trekking through a pine forest before reaching Bhairon Chatti. Overnight camp.
Day 5
Trek 2 – Bhairon Chatti – Buddha Kedar
Trekking Time: 5-6 hours
Altitude: 1500 m / 4,921 ft.
We will descend down through a forest and fields before crossing the Ball Ganga River. We will make camp beside a traditional village called Budha Kedar. We will visit the temple that is dedicated to Lord Shiva.
Day 6
Trek 3 – Buddha Keday – Belak
Trekking Time: 6 hours
Altitude: 2400 m / 7,874 ft.
We will make an ascent to the last pass of this trek, which is situated partly through forest. Then we will slope down through fields and some villages. We will camp close to the village of Belak.
Day 7
Trek 4 – Belak – Malla – Gangotri (Car)
Travelling Distance: 80 km
Trekking Time: 4 hours
Altitude: 3100 m / 10,170 ft.
We will trek down through many villages until Bhagirathi River, where we will ascend to the village of Malla. Then by vehicle we will drive for 3-4 hours to reach the temple of Gangotri. Overnight stay in a lodge.
Day 8
Trek 5 – Gangotri – Bhujbassa
Trekking Time: 5 hours
Altitude: 3800 m / 12,467 ft.
As we travel upstream to the Bhagirathi River, we will pass through the Chir Bassa (Pine Jungle) and further to Bhujbassa (Birch Jungle). The sun kissing Himalayan peaks all above 6000 m / 19,685 ft. Overnight stay at a tourist bungalow or camp.
Day 9
Trek 6 – Bhujbassa – Gaumukh – Tapovan
Trekking Time: 4-5 hours
Altitude: 4465 m / 14,649 ft.
We will trek 4 km to the source of the Ganges – Gaumukh (Cow’s Mouth). Pilgrims come over to take holy water and a holy dip in the Bhagirathi River to wash away their sins. It is then a further steep trek over Gaumukh glacier to Tapovan for about 4 Km.
Day 10
Trek 7 - Tapovan
Trekking Time: 6 hours
Altitude: 4400 m / 14,435 ft.
It is a full day to explore the beautiful place in the lap of the Shivling Peak. This is an excellent place to be immersed in the silence of the majestic Himalayas and supernatural power. We can even trek towards Meru glacier which is up to 5000 m / 16,404 ft. and visit glacier Lake. Also, if we are lucky enough, mountain goats can be seen as well.
Day 11
Trek 8 – Tapovan – Chribassa
Trekking Distance: 12 km
Trekking Time: 5 hours
Altitude: 3600 m / 11,811 ft.
The day will be spent trekking back to Chirbassa where we will camp for the night.
Day 12
Trek 9 – Chirbassa – Gangotri – Uttarkashi (Car)
Trekking Distance: 100 km
Trekking Time: 4-6 hours
From here we will trek back to Gangotri, followed by a drive to Uttarkashi en route stopping at Gangnani for a revitalising hot spring bath. Overnight stay in a tourist hotel.
Day 13
Journey from Uttarkashi to Rishikesh
Travelling Distance: 150 km
Travelling Time: 5-6 hours
We will be driving for Rishikesh, with an afternoon visit to the temples and Ashrams, whilst spending the rest of the day at leisure. Overnight stay in a hotel.
Day 14
Journey from Rishikesh to Haridwar
Travelling Distance: 23 km
Full day excursions to the ancient temples and Ghats, with an evening sightsee of the pilgrims floating hundreds of little flower bowls in the river with oil lamps also. We will also visit the Dasksha Mahadevi Temple. Overnight stay in hotel.
Day 15
Train Journey: Haridwar – Delhi
Travelling Distance: 240 km
Travelling Time: 6 hours
You will be driven to Haridwar Railway Station, where you will then catch the train to Delhi. Upon arrival in Delhi, you will be received by one of our representatives and transferred to the hotel. Then you will have half of the day to sightsee, including the Re Fort, Jama Masjid and the Shanti Van. You can spend the rest of your time as you wish before being transferred to the Indira Gandhi International Airport where you will depart to your onward destination.
