Source Of Ganges & India Adventure

This trip starts with a tour of Delhi and a visit to the Taj Mahal and the Red Fort in Agra. Then we head to the Himalayas and one of India's best treks to the source of the Ganges River high up in the Himalayas might be the best option. The source of the Ganges attracts numerous Hindu pilgrims ever year to witness this spiritual location. The actual source of the Ganges is at the end of the long Gangotri Glacier and is known as the "Gomukh (meaning cows mouth)." This trek will depart from Delhi and we will spend the first day getting to Rishikesh a small village on the banks of the Ganges at the base of the Himalayas. It’s another two days of ldriving through the high peaks of the Garhwal Himalayas to reach the end of the road at Gangotri where the trek starts. The first day of trekking takes up the banks of the Bhagirathi River and we are rewarded with views of the Bhagirathi group of peaks all of which are over 6000m/20,000 feet. We spend the next day hiking up to the actual source of the Ganges at the end of the giant Gangotri Glacier whose melting waters feed the Ganges. We then make a steep climb to the meadows at Tapovan where we have fantastic views of Shivling Peak. This area is a mecca for hindu pilgrims and still visited by many of the Sadhus as the religious wise-men of India are referred. We spend the next day with a long hike up the glacier reaching a high point of 5250m/1725ft and admiring the surrounding mountains before again camping at Tapovan and returning back to Delhi via the same route as we came. The best season for this trek is from May to June and Sept to early November.

What's Included?

• 12 day adventure, 4 of which include 3 meals a day
• 4 nights of accommodation; 2 nights Uttarkashi and Rishikesh, 1 night each; Agra, Delhi and Gangotri
• Transport by Air Conditioned Train/Bus/Auto
• Tents and supplies while trekking
• All permits and sees
• Fully-licensed, English-speaking guide
• Porter service
• Local and government taxes

Day 1: Delhi

Arrive in Delhi and if time permits a short city before returning to the hotel.

Day 2: Delhi to Agra

We leave early in the morning to arrive in Agra by around 10am so we can have a full day tour of the Taj Mahal and the Red Fort

Day 3: Agra to Rishikesh

We will head from Agra and travel by air conditioned bus or train to Rishikesh, a small village on the banks of the Ganges at the base of the Himalayas. Spend the evening relaxing and exploring the town. Overnight in Hotel.

Day 4: Rishikesh

Relax in the delightful town of Rishikesh on the banks of the Ganges and at the base of the Himalayas. Visit a traditional meditation center or try your hand on a white water rafting trip.

Day 5: Rishikesh to Uttarkashi

172 km
We leave in the morning after breakfast for the Uttarhashi which lies on the banks of the Bhagirathi, considered by Hindus as the source of the Ganges. We overnight in Uttarkashi and have the late afternoon and evening free to explore. Overnight in Hotel.

Day 6: Uttarkashi to Gangotri

98 km
This morning we head to Gangotri a 98km drive after breakfast. We can stop enroute at the Gangnani hot springs for a relaxing dip. We arrive in Gangotri in the early afternoon and can spend the evening free. Overnight in Hotel.

Day 7: Gangotri to Bhojwassa

3350m/10990ft - 5 to 6 hours trek
The trek follows the banks of the Bhagirathi River as it gradually ascends through the forested slopes. Bharal (Himalayan Blue Sheep) are commonly sighted on the forest slopes. We are rewarded with views of the Bhagirathi group of peaks all of which are over 6000m/20,000 feet. We overnight in tents at Bhojwassa.

Day 8: Bhojwassa to Tapovan

4460m/14640ft - 5 to 6 hours trek
We spend the morning trekking to the actual source of the Ganges which is called the Gomukh. The Gomukh is at the end of the giant Gangotri Glacier whose melting waters feed the Ganges. We then make a steep climb to the meadows at Tapovan where we have fantastic views of the Shivling Peak and we can camp in the meadow at the base of the peaks. This is holy area and one still visited by many of the Sadhus, as religious wise-men of India are referred.

Day 9: Tapovan - Day Hiking

5250m/1725ft
Today we hike up the lateral moraine of the Glacier for great views of the surrounding peaks which include; Kedardome, Kirti Bamak and Mount Shivling. After a full day hiking we return to the meadows at Tapovan for camping.

Day 10: Tapovan to Bhojwassa

Return via Same Route

Day 11: Bhojwassa to Uttarkashi

Hike down to Gangatori and return by car to Uttarkashi.

Day 12: Uttarkashi to Delhi

It takes a full day to get back to Delhi and we can transfer you to train station, airport or a hotel. This is the end of the trip.