Trek to the source of the Ganges... this 14 day adventure takes you on a fascinating journey into the Himalayas, enjoying the spectacular scenery along the way as you trek, with our highly experienced guides from Gangotri to Gaumukh, staying in tented camps in the mountains. Add to this, visits to the unforgettable cities of Haridwar and Rishikesh... as well as an opportunity to witness the Taj Mahal at sunrise... Whether you're an experienced trekker, a keen photographer or simply what to experience the awesome beauty of the Himalayas on foot... this is the trip for you.
Different itineraries and shorter trips are also available. Please contact us for more details.
Day 1 - Delhi
Upon arrival, check-in to your hotel and relax before welcome
dinner and an introductory talk from your guides.
Day 2 - Haridwar
Catch the Shatabdi express train to Haridwar arriving late
morning. One of the oldest towns of the world, in the foothills
of the majestic Himalayas and surrounded by tranquil forests,
Haridwar is a revered Holy city and a spiritual centre, since
time immemorial. Here the mighty Ganges touches the plains
after flowing through the mighty Himalayas. Visit Mansa Devi
Temple, Jain Temple of Haridwar before checking in to your
hotel. In the evening, witness the famous Ganga Aarti ceremony
at Harki Pauri where oil lamps are set on the water to drift
downstream as priests perform elaborate rituals - an unforgettable
sight.
Day 3 - En route to Gangotri
Set off for Gangotri, passing through several villages before
visiting the Palace of the King of Tehri now a spa resort.
Later pass through Tehri, site of the largest dam in Asia,
located on the banks of the legendary Bhagirathi river. Overnight
at Uttarkashi.
Day 4 - Gangotri
After breakfast drive further to visit the hot springs at
Gangnani and then continue to the temple town of Gangotri.
Overnight at the hotel.
Day 5 - Bhojbasa
After a visit to Gangotri Temple, dedicated to the Holy river
Ganges, walk on a well-made fairly level path to reach Bhojbasa
(6 hours). The entire route provides spectacular views of
the Mt. Bhagirathi and Shivling group of peaks. Dinner & overnight
at tented camp.
Day 6 - Gaumukh
Morning trek to Gaumukh at 3892m, the source of river Ganges,
also known as Bhagirathi. (Gaumukh means "cow's mouth"). Overnight
at tented camp.
Day 7 - Bhojbasa
Traverse through the lateral moraine of the Gangotri glacier
to Tapovan (base camp of Mt Shivling) at 4200m and then on
to Nandanvan. Overnight walk back to Gaumukh then proceed
to Bhojbasa. Overnight at tented camp.
Day 8 - Gangotri
Morning return trek to Gangotri. Overnight at hotel Bhagirathi
Sadan in Gangotri.
Day 9 - Gangotri
A relaxing day, free to visit the saints and sages and watching
people performing religious rites by the side of the holy
river. Overnight at hotel Bhagirathi Sadan in Gangotri.
Day 10 - Rishikesh
Early morning drive from Gangotri to Rishikesh.
Day 11 - Rishikesh
Day free for own activities exploring Rishikesh. In the evening,
catch the Shatabdi express from Haridwar to Delhi. Overnight
at the hotel in Delhi.
Day 12 - Taj Mahal
Early morning departure for Agra, the city of the Taj Mahal.
After check in at your hotel, head to Agra Fort, an immense
fortified palace that was a seat of the Mughal power. Some
of its battlements are more than 60 feet tall. Later visit
to a tomb also known as the Mini Taj "Itimadu'd Daula", followed
by a visit to the carpet factory, which is one of the famous
handicrafts of the local people from Agra, apart from its
marble carvings & leather shoes.
Day 13
Wake early to catch a sunrise view of the Taj Mahal and enjoy
the colours changing in the sunlight. We'll seek out several
views of the exterior before touring the inner chambers. By
noon board the train to Delhi. Reach Delhi and transfer to
hotel. Dinner & overnight at hotel.
Day 14
Drive to the Hotel Imperial for Farewell breakfast before
departure.
TOUR INCLUDES
All veg/non-veg meals from arrival dinner to morning breakfast
on day of departure
High altitude tented accommodation as per requirement i.e.
twin sharing with sleeping bags & mats
Guide services or porters, First Aid facilities & transportation
TOUR DOES NOT INCLUDE
Items of personal nature, phone calls, aerated drinks, laundry
etc.
TRIP GRADING 4C - Good physical
condition required and basic mountaineering skills for some
glacier walking (helpful but not essential). A little strenuous
on day 5.
Small group departures of this itinerary run throughout the year and it can also be run as a tailor-made trip to suit your requirements.
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