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. Location: Garhwal Himalayas Base: Rishikesh Duration: 10 Days Itinerary ( kedarnath Trekking) Day 01): Arrive Delhi Arrive Delhi where you will be met and transfered to your hotel. (Hotel B&B)

Day 02): Delhi – Haridwar - Rishikesh by bus (5h).
We will go on a sightseeing tour of Haridwar, which is an important pilgrimage place.

Day 03): Haridwar – Gaurikund (2000m) by bus (9h).

Day 04): Gaurikund – Kedarnath (3600m) in 6h.
This is a steep climb where we will walk with hundreds of pilgrims from all over India. The forest slowly gives way to splendid views of Mount Kedarnath (6940m).

Day 05): Seightseeing in Kedarnath
Kedarnath is one of the most important Indian pilgrimage places. The temple, built in the 8th century and dedicated to the goddess Shiva, is magnificently surrounded with snow-capped peaks.

Day 06): Kedarnath &ndash Gaurikund in 4h.

Day 07): Gaurikund – Maggu(3050m) in 6h.
After a 4-km drive to Sonprayag, we trek upwards through dense forest.

Day 08): Maggu – Panwali Khanta(3150m) in 5h.
After a short climb, we follow a pleasant trail over a flat area, and descend towards the meadows of Panwali Khanta.

Day 09): Panwali Khanta – Ghuttu (1600m) in 6h. We climb up to Khinko La (3500m), then descend through a magnificent tropical forest and rice-fields. Day 10): Ghuttu – Baghi Chatti (2600m) in 5h. We continue our way through forest and rice-fields to a ridge trail. From the top, the view towards Mount Garhwal is quite impressive. Day 11): Baghi Chatti – Budakedar (1530m) in 4h. An easy day, all-downward, through fields and forests. Day 12): Budakedar – Belak Khal (2750m) in 6h. The trail passes through a succession of tiny villages: Agund, Jhala and Pangrana. Magnificent high-alpine panorama.

Day 13): Belak Khal – Lata (1700m) in 3h – 22 Kms Drive to Uttarkashi.

Day 14): Uttarkashi - Rishikesh-155 Kms Drive to Rihikesh. In the Afternoon arrive Rishikesh.