Source of Ganges

The River Ganges or the Ganga is the most sacred river in the Hindu religion and its source at Gaumukh on the Gangotri glacier is one of the holiest destinations for Hindu pilgrims who come here to witness the birth of Mother Ganga. Our trek takes us to Gaumukh (translates to cows mouth), the mythological source of the River Ganges, which is at the snout of the Gangotri glacier. At Gaumukh, blocks of glacier fall into the river and pilgrims 'cleanse themselves of their sins' in freezing water.

Season: May to October
Total Duration: 11 Nights / 12 Days
Trekking days: 05 Days
Trekking Kilometers: 56 Kilometers approx
Special Features: Source of the Ganges, Mountain Peaks & Temples
Trek Grade: Moderate
Max Alt.: 4400mtrs.

Itinerary

Day 01: Arrive Delhi
Arrive late evening at New Delhi International airport. Upon arrival at International Airport, you will be met by our representative, after a traditional 'Swagat' (Indian welcome consisting of Aarti-Tikka and garlands) our representative would assist you at airport & transfer to hotel for two nights.Whilst the room keys and check-in is organized, our representative would introduce the tour to you and hand over the documents to you. Welcome to India, or as we say ‘atithi devo bhava’ (the guest is an incarnation of God). Thank you for giving us the opportunity to serve you!

Day 02: Delhi
Enjoy full day sightseeing of New & Old Delhi.(Including the Qutub Minar, Humayun's tomb and Lutyen's buildings, Jama Masjid, Red Fort and the bazaars of Chandni Chowk) Old Delhi pulses with the energy and colour, the hustle and bustle of thronged bazaars and is laced by a maze of narrow lanes which twist and turn between tall, leaning houses full of the sights, sounds and aromas of the Indian sub-continent. In Old Delhi you will see the famous Red Fort surrounded by shops, and bazaars (built by the Emperor Shah Jehan – the builder of Taj Mahal), the Jama Masjid mosque with its tapering minarets and wonderful marble domes, Chandni Chowk (Old Delhi's business nerve center), the hustle-bustle of everyday Indian life all around you and chattering voices.

Note: The Red Fort is closed on Mondays

New Delhi stands in formal splendour, like a lone sentry guarding an outpost of a long-gone empire. It is a city of wide boulevards, which offers ever-changing perspectives of Lutyen's landscaped city. It is a city rich with formal parks and you will see the magnificent Parliament Building and the Rashtrapati Bhawan (the official residence of the President of India in the 330 acres of land and designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens), once the awe-inspiring residence of the British Viceroys and now the Presidential Palace, India Gate (a majestic 42-mts high arch, built as a memorial to the Indian Soldiers killed in World War I), Qutub Minar (the 72.5 mts high tower dating back to 13th century and one of the greatest bequests of Islamic Culture), Humanyun's Tomb (built in the 16th century and architecturally the fore runner of the Taj Mahal, has Mughal Architecture at its graceful best).After finishing the sightseeing tour we drive back to our hotel for Overnight stay

Day 03: Delhi-Haridwar (200Kms / 05hrs)
In the morning, we will drive to Haridwar. Haridwar is the gateway to the four pilgrimages in the Uttrakhand region and is located on the foothills of Shivaliks. It is on the banks of River Ganges. The River G anges leaves the mountains and enters the plains with Haridwar being the first major town on the plains. Though the Ganges does not lose its rapids completely nevertheless it becomes very quite and calm here. The city acquires a unique charm in the evening when the ghats become breathtakingly beautiful with thousands of Diyas and Marigold floating in the waters of Ganges. We visit various places like Mansa Devi temple, Sapt Rishi, Daksha Mahadev temple etc. In the evening we will visit Har Ki Pauri again. In the evening a Maha Aarti is performed on this ghat.Overnight stay at the hotel.

Day 04: Rishikesh - Uttarkashi (175 Kms. / 7-8hrs)
Morning after breakfast start drive with packed lunch to Uttarkashi (1885 M) by covering approx 155 kms in 7 hrs. The road climbs up steadily to Srinagar and then onwards steeply.Arrive and check into tourist bungalow / Camp for Dinner and overnight stay.

Day 05: Uttarkashi - Gangotri (101 Kms. / 4-5hrs)
Morning after breakfast drive to reach Gangotri (4038 M) by covering approx. 101 kms in 5 hrs. En-route visit the Ganganani hot springs, There is a beautiful Gorge at Bhairav Ghati. Arrive and check into tourist bungalow for Lunch. Dinner and overnight stay at the tourist anglow.

Day 06: Gangotri - Bhojwasa (14Kms. / 6-7hrs)
Post breakfast we strat our trek from Gangotri we move along the beaten track towards Chirbasa, which is on the treeline. Here we will have Packed lunch. From here we get a clear view of the Bhagirathi Peak. Beyond Chirbasa the terrain becomes really desolate and barren. Infact, it has been referred to as the Arctic Tundra by many trekkers. From Chirbasa we reach Bhojwasa. Dinner and overnight in camps.

Day 07: Bhojwasa - Tapovan (10 Kms / 5-6hrs)
Morning after breakfast start trekking to Tapovan (4400 M) by covering approx. 8 kms in 3 hrs. First reach Gaumukh, the source of the river Ganges, cross the Gangotri glacier and climb steeply to reach a beautiful Meadow, Packed Lunch on the way to tapovan, Tapovan with a majestic view of Mt. Shivling Meru etc. Arrive Tapovan, Dinner and overnight stay in tents.

Day 08: Tapovan - Nandanvan (8 Kms/ 5-6hrs)
Post breakfast trek to Nandanvan. Enroute we cross Gaumukh - Gangotri Glacier with packed lunch. Dinner and overnight in camps.

Day 09: Nandan van - Bhojwasa (12 Kms/ 6-7hrs)
Post breakfast trek to Bhojwasa, with packed lunch. Dinner and overnight in camps..

Day 10: Bhojwasa to Gangotri (14 Kms/ 6-7hrs) / Harsil (25 Kms/01hr)
Morning after breakfast start trekking with packed lunch to reach Gangotri by covering approx. 14 kms in 4 hrs. From Gangotri drive to Harsil by covering approx. 30 kms in 1 hr. Arrive and overnight stay at the Deluxe Camp. Dinner and Overnight.

Day 11: Harsil / Haridwar ( 240 Kms. / 10 hrs)
Morning after breakfast drive to reach Haridwar with packed lunch, Arrive Haridwar by late afternoon and and check in at your hotel, In the evening perform the Aarti on Har Ki Pauri. Dinner and overnight at the hotel.

Day 12: Haridwar - Delhi (200Kms / 4-5hrs)
After breakfast we visit Har ki pauri and then go to Chandi Devi by Cable car After lunch we proceed to Delhi.
Tour concludes. T4U thank you for your patronage and ensure a punctual transfer to International Airport to catch the flight back home