Source Of The Ganges
Trip Highlights
- Holy cities of Hinduism
- Garhwal Himalayan peaks
- Goddess famous temple at Gangotri &Gangotri glacier
- A spectacular panoramic setting
- Ashrams of Rishikesh
- A rafting experience
The Route
| Title | Source Of The Ganges |
| Details | Delhi-Haridwar –Rishikesh-Rudraprayag-Gangotri-Chirbasa-Gaumauk-Tapovan-Bhojbasa-Gangotri-Uttarkashi-Near Rishikesh-Delhi |
| Duration | 11 Nights / 12 Days |
This spectacular trek gives you a perfect blend of cultural interest and physical challenge. Dramatic canyons, majestic mountains, cascading waterfalls, pine and birch trees, together with the holy waters of India’s most sacred river make the Source of the Ganges a feast for the soul and senses.
You begin your trek at Gangotri, which is bustling with Sages and Sadhus who have journeyed here to pay homage to the source of that, holiest of holy rivers: the Ganga. The spiritual intensity of Gangotri, one of India’s most sacred pilgrimage sites, is palpable as you witness the daily puja at the temple, and the Hindu devotees bathing at the water’s edge.
As you weave your way from Gangotri to Tapovan 14,294 Ft / 4463 M, every twist in the trail reveals another stunning 6,000 M Garhwal Himalayan giant. Your campsite at Tapovan must rate as one of the most awe-inspiring spots in the world, as you gaze at Mount Shivling’s elegant peak – rising like a great deity before you.
Day 01 : Arrive Delhi
You will be assisted on arrival and transferred to your hotel. The morning is at leisure. In the afternoon you will be driven on a tour to visit Humayun’s Tomb built in the Indo Persian style and a predecessor to The Taj Mahal in Agra; India Gate - a War Memorial Arch as also a drive past the President's house, Parliament house, Government secretariat buildings and Connaught Place - the heart of New Delhi and a busy shopping center.
You will be assisted on arrival and transferred to your hotel. The morning is at leisure. In the afternoon you will be driven on a tour to visit Humayun’s Tomb built in the Indo Persian style and a predecessor to The Taj Mahal in Agra; India Gate - a War Memorial Arch as also a drive past the President's house, Parliament house, Government secretariat buildings and Connaught Place - the heart of New Delhi and a busy shopping center.
Day 02 : To Rishikesh - by surface / approx 25 km / 1 hr
You will be transferred early in the morning to New Delhi Railway station to board the Shatabdi Express for Haridwar, which is one of the seven holy cities of Hinduism. On arrival at Haridwar Railway Station you will be received and taken to visit the town’s ‘steps’ on the banks of the Ganges. You then drive on to Rishikesh.
You will be transferred early in the morning to New Delhi Railway station to board the Shatabdi Express for Haridwar, which is one of the seven holy cities of Hinduism. On arrival at Haridwar Railway Station you will be received and taken to visit the town’s ‘steps’ on the banks of the Ganges. You then drive on to Rishikesh.
Day 03 : To Rudraprayag (610 m) - by surface / 145 km / approx 5 hrs
After breakfast you will drive to Rudraprayag. The close and stunning view of the many Garhwal Himalayan peaks such as Nanda Devi, Trishul & Nanda Ghat makes the mountain horizon an enviable spectacle.
After breakfast you will drive to Rudraprayag. The close and stunning view of the many Garhwal Himalayan peaks such as Nanda Devi, Trishul & Nanda Ghat makes the mountain horizon an enviable spectacle.
Day 04 : To Gangotri (3048 m) - by surface 270 km / approx 9 hrs
The somewhat long drive from Rudraprayag to Gangotri that is undertaken today culminates amidst celestial surroundings in the abode of the Gods. Gangotri is alive with Rishis. Gangotri’s stunning waterfalls mark the spot where the Goddess Ganga descended from heaven in ancient times. In the evening you visit the famous temple at Gangotri, which serves the devout Hindu pilgrims, and witness the daily puja.
The somewhat long drive from Rudraprayag to Gangotri that is undertaken today culminates amidst celestial surroundings in the abode of the Gods. Gangotri is alive with Rishis. Gangotri’s stunning waterfalls mark the spot where the Goddess Ganga descended from heaven in ancient times. In the evening you visit the famous temple at Gangotri, which serves the devout Hindu pilgrims, and witness the daily puja.
Day 05 : To Chirbasa (3600 m) - trek / approx 4 hrs
The walk begins with a gradual ascent through pine trees, alongside the roaring Bhagirathi River with towering cliffs on your left hand side. Today’s walk is quite short to help with acclimatization.
The walk begins with a gradual ascent through pine trees, alongside the roaring Bhagirathi River with towering cliffs on your left hand side. Today’s walk is quite short to help with acclimatization.
Day 06 : To Gaumauk (3892 m) - trek / approx 4 hrs
From Chirbasa it takes approximately 1-2 hours of a trek to first reach Bhojbasa (3792 M), which has an ashram, a tourist guesthouse and police post. Here the majestic soaring peak of Shivling (20,956 Ft / 6,543 M) comes into view
From Chirbasa it takes approximately 1-2 hours of a trek to first reach Bhojbasa (3792 M), which has an ashram, a tourist guesthouse and police post. Here the majestic soaring peak of Shivling (20,956 Ft / 6,543 M) comes into view
Day 07 : To Tapovan (4463 m) - trek / approx 3 hrs
Although relatively short in distance, today’s walk will feel strenuous with the combined effects of the altitude, the ascent to be gained, the glacier crossing, and the steep, rocky terrain on the final climb to Tapovan. Gazing down proudly over the path that you traversed, you can see Gangotri glacier. Overnight in a camp
Although relatively short in distance, today’s walk will feel strenuous with the combined effects of the altitude, the ascent to be gained, the glacier crossing, and the steep, rocky terrain on the final climb to Tapovan. Gazing down proudly over the path that you traversed, you can see Gangotri glacier. Overnight in a camp
Day 08 : To Bhojbasa
Rise early, exit from your canvas kingdom, and you will be rewarded with a spectacular panoramicsetting. Watch the sunrise on the surrounding 6,000 M peaks. A steep descent down to the glacier is followed by a rocky traverse of it. Continue your gradual descent to Bhojbasa
Rise early, exit from your canvas kingdom, and you will be rewarded with a spectacular panoramicsetting. Watch the sunrise on the surrounding 6,000 M peaks. A steep descent down to the glacier is followed by a rocky traverse of it. Continue your gradual descent to Bhojbasa
Day 09 : To Gangotri - trek / approx 3 hrs & drive ToUttarkashi
Retrace your steps to Gangotri and drive to Uttarkashi. The temples and ghats have names almost identical to those in Varanasi, a historical city in the Indian plains.
Retrace your steps to Gangotri and drive to Uttarkashi. The temples and ghats have names almost identical to those in Varanasi, a historical city in the Indian plains.
Day 10 : To near Rishikesh - by surface / 210 km / approx 6 hrs
The drive to Rishikesh takes approx. 6 hours. There will be plenty of time in the late afternoon and evening to visit the bazaars and ashrams of Rishikesh. At sundown each evening there is a service besides the river, at the bathing ghat in the middle of Rishikesh where tiny candle rafts are lit and let out over the choppy water to float away into the dusk.
The drive to Rishikesh takes approx. 6 hours. There will be plenty of time in the late afternoon and evening to visit the bazaars and ashrams of Rishikesh. At sundown each evening there is a service besides the river, at the bathing ghat in the middle of Rishikesh where tiny candle rafts are lit and let out over the choppy water to float away into the dusk.
Day 11 : To Delhi- by shatabdi express / dep at 1810 hrs / arr at 2245 hrs
After breakfast you will have an extremely exciting day on the Ganges River. You will enjoy a rafting experience from the camp and run some of the best rapids on the river
After breakfast you will have an extremely exciting day on the Ganges River. You will enjoy a rafting experience from the camp and run some of the best rapids on the river
Day 12 : Departure Delhi
In the morning proceed for a city tour of Old Delhi. Visit Red Fort built by Emperor Shah Jahan and Jama Masjid, one of the largest mosques in India. You will be transferred to the international airport for your onward journey / home.
In the morning proceed for a city tour of Old Delhi. Visit Red Fort built by Emperor Shah Jahan and Jama Masjid, one of the largest mosques in India. You will be transferred to the international airport for your onward journey / home.