1

Arrive in Delhi and transfer to the hotel. Begin your Indian exploration with a city tour of Old Delhi, including Jama Masjid, Chandini Chowk, Humayun’s Tomb, India Gate, Parliament Buildings, and President House. Overnight stay at the hotel.

2

We drive to Rishikesh, with a stop at Haridwar to visit Mansa Devi and other temples. Explore Har-ki-Pauri, one of the sacred ghats for Hindus, and then continue to Rishikesh, known as the ‘place of sages,’ where the Ganges and Chandrabhaga rivers meet. Visit Laxman Jhula and Bharat Mandir. Overnight stay in Rishikesh.

3

We proceed to Uttarkashi (1150 mts), the principal town in the region, known for the Nehru Institute of Mountaineering. It serves as the gateway to mountaineering and trekking expeditions in the Gangotri area. Explore temples and ashrams. Overnight stay in Uttarakashi.

4

Drive to Gangotri via Harsil, checking-in at the hotel upon arrival. Gangotri, surrounded by deodars and pines, is home to the shrine where the Ganges originates. Visit the temple and explore the area. Overnight stay in Gangotri.

5

A splendid gorge known as Bhairon Ghati features a steel girder bridge spanning its beauty. Gangotri, the sacred site where Goddess Ganga descended from Heaven to Earth, hosts a revered Temple of Goddess Ganga, drawing thousands of devotees who come to pay homage. The morning, following breakfast, marks the beginning of our trek towards Bhojwassa through Chirbasa (3600 meters).

Progressing from Gangotri, we follow a well-trodden path toward Chirbasa, situated at the tree line. The entire trek unfolds alongside the thundering Bhagirathi River. As we venture beyond Chirbasa, the landscape transforms into a desolate, barren expanse often likened to the Arctic Tundra by seasoned trekkers. Continuing our journey, we reach Bhojwassa, navigating through dense forests. At Bhojwassa, a small temple and a potential campsite greet us near the riverside. We set up camp by the river, with the afternoon offering free time to explore the surroundings and relish the breath-taking sunset view over the Bhagirathi group of peaks. Dinner and an overnight stay await in the comfort of our tents.

6

In the early morning, savor the panoramic spectacle of the Bhagirathi group of peaks. Following breakfast, we embark on a trek to Gomukh (3890 meters), the origin of the Ganges where its waters trickle down from the glaciers. Named ‘Gomukh’ by the sages due to its resemblance to a cow’s mouth in the distant past, this sacred site invites exploration.

After exploring the Gomukh area, we continue the trek to Tapovan, an exquisite high-altitude alpine meadow in the region. The ascent from Gomukh to Tapovan is steep, revealing clearer views of the surrounding peaks with each step. These majestic peaks seem almost within arm’s reach. Tapovan is renowned for its beautiful meadows encircling the base camp of the Shivling peak. A delightful surprise, Tapovan boasts a vast meadow adorned with bubbling streams, wildflowers, and convenient campsites. Herds of Bharal (blue mountain goats) are a common sight on the mountain ridges. Across the glacier, the equally impressive backdrop of Bhagirathi I, II, III (6454 meters) unfolds.

Tapovan is a favored spot for Sadhus and saints who choose it for extended meditation during the long summer months. Upon reaching Tapovan, set up camp, and relish dinner amidst the serene surroundings. An overnight stay in the camp awaits, providing an opportunity to appreciate the tranquillity of this high-altitude haven.

Gomukh: The Gomukh glacier, the revered source of the Bhagirathi (Ganges), holds immense significance for the devotees who seek to experience a holy dip in its bone-chilling icy waters.

Tapovan: Positioned at an altitude of 4463 meters (14640 feet) above sea level, Tapovan emerges as an ideal destination for tourists seeking both peace and adventure. Serving as the base camp for the Shivlinga peak in the Uttarakhand hills, Tapovan offers a splendid view of the Bhagirathi peaks from its meadow. Every year, thousands of tourists, including foreigners, visit this location for adventure activities like mountaineering and trekking.

7

Free day to acclimatize, relax, and appreciate the surroundings. Optionally, trek to Meru Peak Base Camp. Dinner and overnight stay at the camp.

8

We traverse the path back to Nandanvan via the Gomukh glacier. The trail from Tapovan descends from the upper part of the meadow and proceeds down to the glacier. Upon reaching Gomukh, shift direction towards Nandanvan (4340 meters), steering to the right, which brings one to the summit of the Gangotri glacier.

The glacier is situated between two ranges, and the presence of landslides forms a layer of rocky moraine on the ice, facilitating easier walking. However, the glacier walk presents a slippery surface, and a momentary lapse in concentration could be perilous. Numerous large crevasses present challenges along the way. After covering approximately one kilometre, a vertical ascent awaits. While significant rocks en-route provide handholds and footholds, some can be deceptive. Conclude the day with dinner and an overnight stay at the camps.

9

Enjoy the sunrise on high peaks and trek down to Bhojwassa. Dinner and overnight stay at the camp.

10

Trek down to Gangotri. Dinner and overnight stay at the camp.

11

Morning trek down to Gangotri, followed by a drive to Uttarkashi. Check-in at the hotel for overnight stay.

12

After breakfast, embark on a journey to Haridwar for an overnight stay. Haridwar serves as the gateway to the four pilgrimages of Uttaranchal and marks the starting point of the journey to the sacred sources of the Ganga and the Yamuna rivers. According to the legend, Prince Bhagirath performed penance here to save the souls of his ancestors, who had perished due to Sage Kapila’s curse. The penance was answered, and the river Ganga trickled forth from Lord Shiva’s locks, reviving the sons of King Sagara. In the tradition of Bhagirath, devout Hindus stand in the sacred waters here, praying for the salvation of their ancestors.

Haridwar, the holy city, is home to some of the most sacred Hindu rituals. Throughout the year, devotees from all over the country flock here to perform “Poojas” or prayers. Renowned for the “Maha Kumbh Mela,” which occurs every 12 years, and the enchanting “Aarti” at “Har Ki Pauri,” where hundreds of burning wick lamps float down the Ganges, this town has held a distinguished place in the Indian society for centuries.

13

After breakfast, head to Delhi to catch a flight for your onward destination.