Area: Garhwal Himalayas Duration: 11 Days. Altitude: 4463 mts /14638 ft Grade: Moderate to tough Season: May - June & Sept - Oct Celebrated in Hindu mythology and religion, the Garhwal Himalayas are said to be the "Abode of the Gods". The river Ganges takes its source in this remote massif, at the sacred shrine of Gangotri, and rushes down to the plains in a torrential fury. Very few trekkers follow this itinerary which will lead to one of the most important spots of Hindu spirituality, where you will experience a strange atmosphere of religious fervour. From Kedarnath, where hundreds of pilgrims arrive from all regions of India, the path proceeds at first along the sacred Bhagirathi

river, then through dense forests and grassy areas as far as Lata. From there it is a 5-hour drive to Gangotri, where the second part of the trek starts. Near Gaumukh, close to the Source of the Ganges, you will experience the strange view of half-naked saddhus in the lotus position, meditating on the bank of the bubbling stream pouring out the glacier. Further up, Tapovan is a grassy area with numerous brooks, surrounded by snowy peaks.

It is a round-trip itinerary starting in Kedarnath, along the sacred Baghirathi river, then heading west, through dense forests and grassy areas. The northern part of the itinerary will offer magnificent views of several high altitude lakes.

Itinerary:-

Day 01): Arrive Delhi
On arrival at Delhi airport met our representative and then transfer to hotel for overnight stay.

Day 02): Delhi - Haridwar - Uttarkashi
In the morning board Dehradun Shatabdi train for Haridwar at 06:55 hrs. Arrival at Haridwar by 11:20 hrs. On arrival drive to Uttarkashi. Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.

Day 03): Uttarkashi - Gangotri (3048 M/10000 ft)
In the morning after breakfast drive to Gangotri via a beautiful valley Harsil. Enroute take a holy dip in Gangnani hot water springs. Arrive at Gangotri by evening. Check in to hotel for dinner and overnight stay.

Gangnani: Further up on way to Gangotri about 26 kms from Maneri is the hot water spring at Gangnani, where one can have refreshing bath in the Kund called Rishi Kund. There is a temple near the kund dedicated to the Sage Parashar, believed to be the father of Ved Vyas.

Harsil: Harsil is a beautiful spot to see the colors of the nature. The walks, picnics and trek lead one to undiscovered stretches of green, grassy land. Harsil is a perfect place to relax and enjoy the surroundings. Sighting here includes the Wilson Cottage, built in 1864 and Sat Tal (seven Lakes). The adventurous tourists have the choice to set off on various treks that introduces them to beautiful meadows, waterfalls and valleys. Situated amidst the incredible beauty of mountain peaks, Harsil is counted amongst some of the most beautiful places in the Garhwal region.

Bhaironghati On way to Uttarkashi Bhaironghati is a place where one can stay and enjoy the mountainous landscape. A temple of Bhairon Devta here is visited by scores of pilgrims. The awe-inspiring lofty peaks, deep gorge of Jahnavi and Bhagirathi rivers with a bridge at a considerable altitude from river level flowing below and the towering deodar trees provide a rare natural bonanza.

Gangotri: The shrine of Gangotri is situated at an elevation of 3200 m surrounded by deodars and pines. The original temple was constructed by the Gorkha General Amar Singh Thapa. Every year people from all around the world visit this shrine. A number of ashrams and dharamshalas are located on the other side of the river. It is believed that Raja Bhagirath used to worship Shiva on a slab of rock "Bhagirath Shila" situated near the temple. Submerged in the river there is a natural Shivling where, according to mythology, Lord Shiva sat when he received the Goddess Ganga in his matted locks. A days trek takes one to Gomukh, the source of the mighty Ganges.

Day 04): Gangotri (3048 mts/10000 ft) - Bhojwassa (3792 mts/12440 ft) 13 kms trek/5-6 hrs)
Morning after breakfast we commands our trek further to Bhojbasa via Chirbasa (3600mt). From Gangotri we move along the beaten track towards Chirbasa, which is on tree line. The entire trek today is along the roaring Bhagirathi River. Beyond Chirbasa the terrain becomes really desolate and barren. In fact, it has been referred to as Artic Tundra by many trekkers. From Chirbasa we trek further to Bhojwassa, the entire trail passes through dense forest, Arrive Bhojbasa, there is a small temple and a potential campsite near down the river. We make our camp near river side. Afternoon free to explore the area and to enjoy excellent sunset on Bhagirathi group of peaks. Dinner and overnight stay in tents.

Day 05): Bhojwassa - Gomukh (3890 mts/12760 ft) - Tapovan (4463 mts / 14640 ft) Early in the Morning enjoy the panoramic view of Bhagirathi group of peaks. After breakfast trek to Gomukh (3890mt), the source of the Ganges. Gomukh is where the water of Ganga trickles down from the glaciers. The sages called it 'Gomukh', because in the distant past, it probably appeared like a cow's mouth. Explore the area and trek to Tapovan, one of the finest high altitude alpine meadows in the area. The trek from Gomukh to Tapovan is ascent steep, and as we climb, the view of the surrounding peaks becomes clearer. The appear to be just a stone's throw away. Tapovan known for its beautiful meadows that encircle the base camp of the Shivling peak, Tapovan is a very pleasant surprised spot with a large meadow complete with bubbling streams, wildflowers and campsites. Herds of Bharal (blue mountain goats) is a common sight from here on mountain ridges. On the far side of the glacier the Bhagirathi I, II, III (6454mt), provide an equally impressive backdrop. It is also the little wonder where Sadhus and saints choose this spot for extended meditation during the long summer month. Arrive Tapovan and camp. Dinner and overnight stay in camp. Gomukh: The Gomukh glacier is the source of Bhagirathi (Ganges) and is held in high esteem by the devout who do not miss the

opportunity to have a holy dip in the bone chilling icy water.

Tapovan: Tapovan is an ideal location for the tourists looking for peace and adventure. Tapovan is located on an altitude of 4463m / 14640ft above sea level. Tapovan is base camp for Shivlinga peak in Uttrakhand hills. One can also have a nice view of Bhagirathi peaks from Tapovan Meadow. Every year this place has been visited by thousands of tourist including foreigners for adventure activity like mountaineering & trekking.

Day 06): Tapovan (4463 mts / 14640 ft)
Free to acclimatize, relax and enjoy the magnificent snow clapped peaks, flora & Fauna and mountain landscape. Dinner and overnight stay at the camp.

Day 07): Tapovan - Nandanvan (Trek 4-5 hrs)
We trace back to Nandan van via Gomukh glacier. The route from Tapovan leads from the upper section of the meadow till down and onto the glacier. From Gomukh turn towards Nandanvan (4340m) and steering on right one will be on top of the Gangotri glacier. The glacier runs between two ranges and the landslides make a layer of rocky moraine on the ice which makes the walking easier. The glacier walk is very slippery and a slight lack of concentration would be dangerous. Huge crevasses gaped here and there. After a walking for about a kilometer there is a vertical ascent. Big rocks enroute offer grips and foot - holds but many of them are deceptive too. Dinner and overnight stay in tents.

Day 08): Nandanvan - Bhojwassa (Trek 4-5 hrs)
Early morning enjoy the sunrise on high peaks. After breakfast trek down to Bhojbasa. Arrive Bhojbasa and camp. Dinner and overnight stay at the camp.

Day 09): Bhojwassa - Gangotri (Trek 4-5 hrs) - Uttarkashi
Morning after breakfast trek down to Gangotri, where our car will be waiting for us. Then drive to Uttarkashi. Dinner and overnight stay at the camp.

Day 10): Uttarkashi - Haridwar (170 kms/5 hrs) - Delhi
Morning after breakfast drive to Haridwar. On arrival transfer to railway station to catch Dehradun Shatabdi train for Delhi at 18:05 hrs. Arrival at Delhi by 22:45 hrs. On arrival transfer to hotel for overnight stay.

Day 11): Delhi
Take a full day city tour and by evening transfer to international airport to catch onwards flight.