The River Ganges or the Ganga is the most sacred river in Hindu religion and its source at Gaumukh on the Gangotri glacier is one of the holiest destinations for Hindu pilgrims, who come here to witness the birth of Mother Ganga. Our trek takes us to Gaumukh, the mythological source of the River Ganges, which is at the snout of the Gangotri glacier. At Gaumukh, blocks of glacier fall into the river and pilgrims dip themselves in the freezing water to “cleanse themselves of their sins”. The Gangotri glacier’s melting waters form the Bhagirathi River and at this point the river sparkles and starts its rapid descent through the mountains. A combination of the trek and the Bhagirathi rafting expedition is an excellent introduction to the adventure opportunities, the colorful culture and the traditional village life of the Himalayas.
Day 1: Arrival Shivpuri, near Rishikesh
Arrive at the ScoutIndia’s Camp in Shivpuri. Overnight at Camp.
Day 2: At Shivpuri
At the ScoutIndia’s Camp preparing for the expedition. Overnight at Camp.
Day 3: Drive to Uttarkashi (5 hour drive)
Begin drive towards the trek start point at Gangotri. Today’s drive entails a 140-km drive up to Uttarkashi (1158 m). Arrive and check into resort for dinner and overnight stay. Overnight stay at Uttarkashi.
Day 4: Drive to Gangotri
After breakfast, drive to Gangotri. Arrive and check into tourist bungalow. Gangotri is at 3,048 m. Rest of the day at leisure for acclimatization and to prepare for the trek. Dinner and overnight stay at Gangotri.
Day 5: At Gangotri
Free day at Gangotri for acclimatization. Visit the Gangotri temple and ashrams. Short warm up trek. Dinner and overnight stay at Gangotri.
Day 6: Trek to Bhujbasa (Trek 14 km)
After breakfast depart for 14-km trek to Bhujbasa at 3,800m. Establish camp at Bhujbasa. Dinner and overnight stay in camp.
Day 7: Trek to Gaumukh (Trek 10 km)
After breakfast, start the two-hour trek to Gaumukh (3892 m) the mythological source of the Ganges. We have the option of carrying on to Tapovan (4463 m), a grassy meadow on the eastern bank of Gangotri glacier, which is the base camp for climbing expeditions to the beautiful Shivling (6,543 m), the Matterhorn of the Himalayas. Trek back to Bhujbasa after picnic lunch. Dinner and overnight stay in camp.
Day 8: Return to Uttarkashi
Trek back to Gangotri and drive to Uttarkashi. Overnight at Uttarkashi.
Day 9: Drive to Shivpuri
Early Morning drive to Artzone Camp. Overnight at camp.
Day 10: Drive to onward destination
Depart on the six hour drive to Delhi.
What to Bring Along
For Trekking:-
Good walking shoes (not new)
Small knapsack
Long trousers
Rain gear (Poncho)
Lockable duffel bag
For Camp:-
Torch
Shoes
Track pants & T-shirts
Personal medical kit and toiletries
Warm clothes for evenings, early mornings
Sun shade/ cap
Sun block lotion
Retainers for prescription glasses/ sun glasses
Water bottle
Camera
Musical instrument/ reading/ writing material
Your Spirit of Adventure and sense of humor!
