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India Trekking
GANGOTRI AND THE SOURCE OF THE GANGES
Magnificent mountains, spiritual pilgrims and
the River Ganges make this trek on of the most fascinating in the Indian
Himalaya.
This trek takes us deep into the heart of the
Garwhal Himalaya. Known as the dev bhoomi or Land of the Gods, this is a
region that abounds with mythology, mysticism and mountain magic. Travelling
north-west from Delhi, we first encounter the Ganges (or Ganga, India’s most
sacred river) at Haridwar. An auspicious site, this emotive place is considered
as the gateway to the gods and the evening ceremony on the river is a memorable
and moving experience. Trailing the river upstream, we begin our trek at
Gangotri, a sacred place where, legend has it, the purifying waters of the
Ganges first tumbled to earth from heaven. Ascetics, sadhhus, pilgrims and
hermits flock here and the hardy brave the chilly waters of the main bathing
ghat. By trekking upstream we find the true physical source of the river at
Gaumakh, where an icy torrent emerges from Gangotri Glacier. From here we visit
the high altitude meadow of Tapovan, below the 6000m peak of Shivling. A trek
into the spiritual heartland of India that encounters stunning mountain scenery
as well as intense devotional scenes.
Duration: 15 days; 6.5 days walking.
Day by Day
Day 1 Arrive Delhi
Day 2 Travel by train to Haridwar. At leisure in this holy town
on the banks of the Ganges. Hotel
Day 3 A longer day of driving through the foothills to the small
town of Uttarkashi. Hotel.
Day 4 A spectacular drive on mountain roads to Gangotri (3050m),
the start point of our trek. Simple guesthouse.
Day 5 Walking upstream along the pilgrim trails to Chirbasa
(3600m). Camping.
Day 6 Trekking to Gaumakh (3890m) the true source of the Ganges.
Camping.
Day 7 A day to enjoy the surroundings and acclimatise. Camping.
Day 8 A harder day across glacial moraine to Tapovan (4350m).
Camping.
Day 9 A day on the high altitude meadow below Shivling and the
6000m Bhagirathi peaks. Camping.
Day 10 Walking back down the valley to Chirbasa. Camping.
Day 11 Am early start for the return trek to Gangotri and then by
road to Uttarkashi. Hotel.
Day 12 We retrace our steps to Rishikesh and explore this unusual
town on the Ganges. Hotel.
Day 13 An early start for the return drive to Delhi. Late
afternoon/evening transfer to the airport.
Hotels in Delhi: The Oberoi Maidens, the Siddarth or the
Connought. Comfortable en-suite guest houses and forest rest houses elsewhere.
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