This classic Garhwal trek is designed to showcase the breathtaking natural beauty and cultural richness of this fabulous part of the Indian Himalayas. The trail is covered in two phases, starting from Gaurikund along an ancient pilgrim route to Gangotri – and then steeply uphill to the source of India’s sacred river, the Ganges, and majestic Tapovan.
Delhi
3 Hours Before Flight Time
Arrive at Delhi by international flight. A KVT representative will meet you at the airport and assist you to the vehicle. Later transfer to hotel. Afternoon start Delhi sightseeing. We proceed to Old Delhi and visit Jama Masjid – the largest mosque of Old Delhi built by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan. Later go for an exciting cycle rickshaw ride through lively thoroughfares and bustling alleyways of Old Delhi market rarely visited by typical tourists. Arrive at Khari Baoli and see Asia’s largest wholesale spice market. Our exploration continues as we drive past historic colonial landmarks, such as Rashtrapati Bhawan, Parliament House, and India Gate—a poignant memorial dedicated to soldiers of the First World War. (Meals- Ni)
After breakfast, departure to Delhi railway station for train to Haridwar. Meeting on arrival and drive to Rishikesh (45mins to 1hr drive) through the winding mountain roads. Check into hotel upon arrival at Rishikesh. Rest of the day is free to relax or explore the town on your own. (Meals: Breakfast)
After breakfast, we drive to Gaurikund. Today’s drive takes you along the serpentine road that runs along the right side of the Ganges, winding uphill to Devprayag. Continuing via Srinagar to Rudraprayag, you’ll turn left on the side of the Mandakini River and journey on until you arrive in Gaurikund. (Driving Time: 8 – 9hrs / Meals: Breakfast)
Morning after breakfast, we start our trek from Gaurikand, which is a main base for trek to Kedarnath shrine. Kedarnath is a shrine of lord Shiva and is situated in the Uttar Kashi district of the northern state of Uttaranchal. Very close to the Indo-Chinese border, it is the source of the Mandakini River. It is couched in the scenic locales of the Garhwal Himalayas at 3583 meters above sea level. The walk is over a well laid out path and quite steep at certain bends, the noisy river Mandakani flows to your right all along the trail. Kedarnath is a huge temple village and right in the center stands the ancient temple of Kedarnath. In the evening visit the temple for Aarti ceremony. Later, check-in to the Guesthouse. (Trekking Time: 6 – 7hrs / Meals: Breakfast & Dinner)
Early morning take bath and head to Kedarnath shrine to attend the puja ceremonies of Lord Shiva. Offer sincere prayers in the shrine and get the blessings of Lord Shiva. After completing all the darshans, follow the well-marked 15 km trail descending towards Gaurikund. Reach Gaurikund and check-in to your Camps. (Trekking Time: 6 – 7hrs / Meals: Breakfast & Dinner)
Early in the morning transfer to the starting point of the trek and begin your walk around 01 hour through rice fields up to Triyugi Narayan Temple. According to legend, Lord Shiva married goddess Parvati here. Continue your trek with gradual ascents, passing through a beautiful village and dense forest, lush meadows with enjoying the spectacular views of snow-capped mountain ranges. Reach and rest in your Camps. (Trekking Time: 5 – 6 hrs / Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)
Today is one of the most exciting days the trek has to offer, providing magnificent views of the surrounding landscapes and mountains. Climb for around two hours to reach Maggu Top, from where you can admire the panoramas of the high peaks of Kedarnath and Sumeru Parvat, among others. Walk along the ridge overlooking the valley of rhododendrons and bamboos, and keep a look out for wildlife such as deer and black-faced langoors. Continue through the small but beautiful village of Panwali before arriving at camp. Reach and rest in your Camps. (Trekking Time: 6 – 7hrs / Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)
Today’s trek starts with gradual ascent for about an hour to Panwali Pass where one can appreciate panoramic views of the massive of Nanda Devi (7817m) on one side and fantastic views of forests, green meadows and pastures on the other. After the pass a downhill trek through meadows will take us to Ghuttu, our campsite for the night. (Trekking Time: 6 – 7hrs / Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)
Today the trek starts with a gradual acclivity. The trail passes through some beautiful villages where people welcome the guests with a smile and men are eager to talk to them. Camp at a beautiful site with lush green ground near Bhairon Temple with fantastic views of some high mountains and thick forest. (Trekking Time: 6 – 7hrs / Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)
Today walk is for about 6-7 hours, starting with gradual descent through thick forests for about 2 hours and then almost a flat walk through some rice fields leading us to a picturesque village of Binak Khal and then on to Agunda via Buddha Kedar located near River Bal Ganga. (Trekking Time: 6 – 7hrs / Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)
Today’s trek starts with a gradual walk through the village. After crossing Bal Ganga by wooden bridge at Jalla, walk uphill through thick forests and some pastures up to Belak, which is on the border line of Chamoli and Uttarkashi towns, to camp at the top of the forest. (Trekking Time: 6 – 7hrs / Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)
Today trek starts with gradual descent towards Lata. The trail passes through dense forests for about 3-4 hours to the bottom of the forest. Cross a big stream over the bridge and then a level walk up to Malla, the road head, where the trek ends. Meet your vehicle (bus/jeep) and transfer by road to Gangotri. Upon your arrival, check-in to your Camp. (Trekking Time: 3 – 4hrs / Driving Time: Approx. 3hrs / Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)
The second part of your trek begins with an ascent through the forest. From Gangotri, you’ll walk along a beaten track towards Chirbasa (3600m), before following the river Bhagirathi which later joins the Alaknanda River to form the Holy Ganga. Enjoy spectacular views of high peaks as you walk through conifer and deodar forests. Later, beyond Chirbasa, the terrain changes, becoming desolate and barren. Arrive in Bhojbasa where you’ll camp alongside the river. Take the afternoon to explore the area, including a small temple, and later enjoy a fantastic sunset on Bhagirathi group of peaks. (Trekking Time: 5 – 6hrs / Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)
Admire panoramic views of the Bhagirathi group of peaks as you trek to Tapovan via Gaumukh, where the water of Ganga trickles down from glaciers into the Gangotri Valley and beyond. After stopping in Gaumukh to explore, continue your trek to Tapovan, one of the area’s finest high-altitude alpine meadows. The trek takes you over the glacier, where views of the surrounding peaks become clearer and clearer. Tapovan is renowned for its scenic beauty, with bubbling brooks, wildflowers and green meadows. (Trekking Time: 5 – 6hrs / Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)
Tapovan is a convenient base camp for climbers’ expeditions to different peaks and is a real delight for the keen and enthusiastic photographers. Post breakfast make a swift descent down to Bhojbasa, covering the seemingly endless trek in a matter of hours. We continue with our descent following the same downhill trail to Chirbasa. (Trekking Time: 5 – 6hrs / Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)
After a walk for about a couple of hours we reach Gangotri where vehicle will be waiting for us. We will drive to Uttarkashi and upon arrival will check in to guesthouse. In the evening there is free time to explore the town. (Trekking Time: Approx. 2hrs / Driving Time: Approx. 3hrs / Meals: Breakfast)
After an early breakfast we set out on another beautiful drive to Rishikesh via Chamba. In the afternoon exercise an option to visit Lakshman Jhoola or surrounding temples. There is also a chance to attend evening prayer of river Ganga. (Driving Time: 5 – 6hrs / Meals: Breakfast)
Morning is free to explore the holy town on your own. Afternoon you will be transferred to Haridwar railway station for train to Delhi. Assistance on arrival at the railway station and transfer to hotel. (Meals: Breakfast)
After breakfast transfer to the airport for international flight back to home country. (meals: Breakfast)
