Region: Garhwal Himalayas Duration: 16 Nights 17 Days
Destination covered: Delhi – Rishikesh – uttarkashi – Gangotri – Gaumukh – Tapovan – Vasuki Tal – Suralya Bamak – Kalindi Pass – Arwa Tal – Mana Village – Badrinath – Joshimath – Haridwar – Delhi
Altitude: 6002 m above sea level
Grade: Alpine Trek
Best Time: May to June and Mid August to October
This trek is one the most adventures and rewarding trek option in Garhwal region. Passing over high pass at close to 6000 meters, the trek route crosses many glaciers, lakes and valleys. Combining two sacred Hindu sites of Gangotri and Badrinath, the trek offers best of everything. Be it pilgrimage, climbing or experiencing elements of nature at its prime.
Day by Day Itinerary
Day 01: Arrive Delhi
Arrive Delhi. Meeting and assistance on arrival. Transfer to hotel.
Day 02: Delhi – Rishikesh
Drive to Rishikesh (225 km) via Haridwar. Rishikesh is known as ‘Gateway to Himalayas ‘ and center of Yoga & Meditation. In the afternoon visit various Ashrams and Temples. Enjoy the ‘Ganga Aarti’ in the evening. Overnight stay in hotel.
Day 03: Rishikesh – Uttarkashi
In the morning drive (182 km) to Uttarkashi (1150 m). Uttarkashi is the base of many trekking and mountaineering expeditions in Gangotri valley. Also India’s premier Mountaineering institute ‘Nehru Mountaineering Institute’ is situated at Uttarkashi. In the afternoon proceed for sightseeing tour of Uttarkashi. Overnight stay at Hotel.
Day 04: Uttarkashi – Gangotri
In the morning drive (100 km) to Gangotri (3048 m). Gangotri is the place where the Goddess Ganga descended on earth from heaven. Its also the road head for the trekking in Gangotri valley. Visit the temple of Goddess Ganga. Overnight stay in tourist lodge.
Day 05: Gangotri – Bhojbasa
Trek 14 km to Bhojbasa (3658 m) following the river Bhagirathi on right bank. The trek is gradual ascent for most of the part. From Bhojbasa you can have majestic view of Bhagirathi group of peaks. On arrival set-up camp for overnight stay.
Day 06: Bhojbasa – Nandanvan / Tapovan
Trek to Nandanvan (4500 m) via Gaumukh – the source of river Ganges. From Gaumukh climb over to Gangotri glacier and trek along it following right bank. Nandanvan is the base camp for climbing Bhagirathi group of mountains.
Day 07: Nandanvan – Vasuki Tal
Morning trek (11 km) along Chaturangi Glacier to reach Vasukital (4898 mts) Vasuki Tal is base camp for Mt Satopanth and Mt Vasuki Parbat with a small lake. The trek is steady ascent till Vasuki Tal. On arrival set-up camp for overnight stay.
Day 08: Vasuki Tal – Khara Pathar (Suralya Bamak)
Morning after breakfast trek to Khara Pathar (5456 mts.) (Suralya Bamak) 8 Km from Vasukital. Overnight stay in the camp.
Day 09: Khara Pathar – Kalindikhal Base
Morning after breakfast trek 10 Km to reach Kalindikhal Base at Sita Glacier (5500 mt). The trek follows Chaturangi glacier. On arrival set-up camp for overnight stay.
Day 10: Kalindikhal Base – Rajaparav
Todays trek is most challening with steep climb to Kalindi Pass (5947 mt). Spend some time at the spot and then trek down to Rajparav (4910 mt). The descent from the pass is very steep over glacier and ice walls. On arrival at Rajparva, set-up camp for overnight stay.
Day 11: Rajparav – Arwa Tal
Morning after breakfast trek (13 km) to reach Arwa Tal (3910 mt). The trek follows Arwa Bank glacier for most of the time before reaching Rajparva. Overnight stay in tented camp.
Day 12: Arwa Tal – Ghastoli
Trek (16 km) to reach Ghastoli (3796 km). The trek is gradual descend following Arwa Nala. Overnight stay in tented camp.
Day 13: Ghastoli – Mana – Badrinath
Morning after breakfast trek (16 km) to reach Mana village. Mana is last village in this valley. From Mana drive 3 km to Badrinath. Badrinath is one of the most important Hindu pilgrimage place. One of the four Dham in the Himalayas, the temple at Badrinath is dedicated to lord Vishnu. On arrival check-into hotel for overnight stay.
Day 14: Badrinath
Witness the puja (prayer) at Badrinath Temple in the morning. Rest of the day at leisure. Overnight stay in hotel.
Day 15: Badrinath – Joshimath
In the morning drive to Joshimath (46 km). On arrival check-into hotel. In the afternoon, proceed for excursion to Auli. Auli is a large high altitude meadow and a famous ski resort during winter. it offers excellent view of Nanda Devi mountain range. Return back to hotel for overnight stay.
Day 16: Joshimath – Rishikesh
Morning after breakfast drive (257 km) down to reach Rishikesh. On arrival check-in the Hotel for overnight stay.
Day 17: Rishikesh – Delhi
Departure Morning after breakfast drive to Delhi, on arrival transfer to the airport, time to catch flight for onward destination.