Source of the Ganges & beyond Exploring Flamboyant India

Region: Garhwal Himalayas
Season: May to October

The River Ganges or the Ganga is the most sacred river in the Hindu religion & its source at Gaumukh (Cow's mouth) on the Gangotri glacier is one of the holiest destinations for Hindu. Pilgrims & adventurers alike, come here to witness the birth of Mother Ganga at Gaumukh, the snout of the Gangotri glacier. Many pilgrims take a dip in the freezing cold water of the river to 'cleanse themselves of their sins'.

Duration: 10 Nights & 11 Days
Routing: Delhi - Haridwar - Rishikesh - Uttarkashi - Gangotri - Gaumukh - Nandanvan - Delhi

Tour Highlights
Haridwar	Mansa Devi temple, Har-ki-pauri
Uttarkashi	Vishwanath Temple
Gangotri	Shiva Temple
Gaumukh	Gaumukh Glacier
Nandanvan	Alpine meadow
Rishikesh	Laxman Jhula, Ram Jhula, Geeta Bhawan,temples & ashrams

Detailed Itinerary

Day 01 : Arrive Delhi

Arrive by International flight, after traditional 'Swagat' (Welcome) our representative would assist you at airport & transfer to hotel for check in.
Delhiisa bustling metropolis, which successfully combines in its folds the ancient with modern. Its strategic location was the prime reasons why successive dynasties chose it as their seat of power. In fact, more mythological cities are believed to be here, like the city of Indraprastha from the Hindu epic Mahabharata, founded around 5000 BC. Numerous monuments were built over several centuries by different rulers like Qutub-ud-din Aibek, Alauddin Khilji, Tughlaks, Humayun & Shah Jahan, who built the Walled City Shah Jahanabad.

Later in first half of 20th century much of New Delhi was planned by Sir Edwin Lutyens, who laid out a grandiose central administrative area as a testament to British rule in India. The division in walled city & New Delhi also marks the division in life styles.
Overnight Hotel - Delhi (B)

Day 02 : Delhi - Haridwar (225 km -05 hr)

Today we drive to Haridwar, on the banks of holy river Ganga (Ganges) & located at the foothills of the lower Himalayan Range of the Shivalik Mountains. Haridwar literally meaning Gateway to God is one of the most sacred pilgrimage sites for Hindus.

We visit Mansa Devi temple, which is situated at the top of Bilwa Parwat (hill). The rope-way with its brightly colored cable cars takes devotees to this hilltop temple. Later we witness spectacular view of Aarti (collective prayer ceremony)at Har Ki Pauri. This sacred Ghat (stepped holy river bank for bathing), was constructed by King Vikramaditya in memory of his brother. This sacred bathing ghat is also known as Brahmakund. There is activity all around & we observe various rituals performed on the Ghat.
Overnight Hotel - Haridwar. (B)

Day 03 : Haridwar- Uttarkashi (1158 m) (170 km -07 hr)

Today we drive to Uttarkashi situated on the bank of River Bhagirathi. On arrival we check-in the Hotel. In the evening we will visit the ancient Vishwanath Temple devoted to God Shiva, situated in the heart of the town. It is told that this temple was established by Parasuram, one of the Avatars of God Vishnu, & was renovated by Maharani Khaneti, wife of Sudarshan Shah in 1857.
Overnight Hotel - Uttarkashi (B)

Day 04 : Uttarkashi - Gangotri (3048 m) (100 km-05 hr)

Today we drive to reach Gangotri, (3048 m) amidst captivating surroundings. The temple was constructed by the Gorkha General Amar Singh Thapa in the 18th century & is situated on the left bank of the River Bhagirathi. Little before Gangotri, there is a gorge, Bhairon Ghati, & we cross the bridge over this beautiful gorge. On arrival we check-in the Hotel. Evening at leisure & attend Aarti (prayer) ceremony at the temple.
Overnight Hotel - Gangotri (B)

Day 05 : Gangotri - Bhojwasa (3792 m) (14 km trek -06 hr)

Today we start walking on the well-beaten track towards Chirbasa (3600 m), which is on the tree line. From here we get a clear view of the Bhagirathi Peak. Beyond Chirbasa the terrain becomes really desolate & barren. From Chirbasa we reach Bhojwasa (3792 m) on the banks of the River Bhagirathi. On arrival we check-in the Camp. Evening at leisure & enjoy the beauty of the place.
Overnight Tent - Bhojwasa (B, L, D)

Day 06 : Bhojwasa - Gaumukh (3892 m) - Tapovan (4 km + 5 km trek - 06 hr)

Today we trek 4 km in 2 hr to Gaumukh, the source of River Ganges. After spending sometime at this fascinating sight, we carefully cross the Gangotri Glacier & start the steep climb to reach the beautiful meadow of Tapovan (4463 m), with majestic view of peaks like Shivling (6540 m), Meru (6660 m) & Bhagirathi massifs (above 6500 m). On arrival we occupy our tents. Rest of the day we enjoy the beauty of the place.
Overnight Tent - Tapovan (B, L, D)

Day 07 : Tapovan - Nandanvan (6 km -06 hr)

Today we trek 6 km to Nandanvan (4337 m). We again carefully cross Gangotri Glacier & reach Nandanvan at the base of the Bhagirathi peaks. Nandanvan is also a beautiful alpine meadow. On arrival we occupy our tents.
Overnight Tent - Nandanvan (B, L, D)

Day 08 : Nandanvan - Bhojwasa (12 km -07 hr)

Today we trek back to Bhojwasa. On arrival we check-in the Camp -Hotel.
Overnight Hotel - Bhojwasa (B, L, D)

Day 09: Bhojwasa to Gangotri (14 Kms-07hr)
Today we start trekking to reach Gangotri. On arrival we check-in the Hotel.
Overnight Hotel - Gangotri (B)

Day 10 : Gangotri - Rishikesh (245 km -10 hr)

Today we drive to Rishikesh. Rishikesh is a very important Hindu pilgrimage site. There is also a cluster of a number of Ashrams & temples giving the entire place a very spiritual atmosphere. The ceaseless flow of the river, regarded as Goddess Ganga adds to the beauty & the purity of the place. Along the river, the area is filled with thick green forests in the all-mountainous region. Rishikesh is famous for its yoga & meditation sessions that are taught here by many yoga experts. It is also a very popular centre for Ayurveda system of healing (traditional Indian medicine system). Besides the sadhus & saints, a mass of tourists too visit this place every year to have a look at this much heard about place. In addition to wonderful scenery & the numerous pilgrimage sites, Rishikesh also makes some of the most popular adventure sport destinations of India like river rafting, trekking, rock climbing & hiking.
Overnight Hotel - Rishikesh (B)

Day 11 : Rishikesh - Delhi (250 km -06 hr)

Today we will visit Laxman Jhula, Ram Jhula, Geeta Bhawan & other temples & ashrams. Later we will drive back to Delhi & reach by evening. On arrival transfer to airport.

Our tour concludes: We thank you for your patronage & look forward serve you again in near future

Package includes:

• 10 Nights accommodation on twin sharing basis with Breakfast.
• All meals during trekking
• Transportation as per the itinerary (No transportation on leisure days).
• Local English speaking guide for the Tour
• Services of Helper, Porter, Cook during trekking

Package does not include:

• Any airfare or airport tax.
• All presently applicable taxes.
• Any insurance or claim due to natural calamities such as land slide, road blockage etc.
• Any expense of personal nature such as hard/soft drinks, laundry, phone/fax calls, tips etc.
• Any other expense not mentioned in the “Package includes”.