Region: Garhwal Himalayas
Base: Mala
Main View: Kush Kalyani And Panwali Bugyal
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.
ITINERARY:-
Day 01) 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 – 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 – Gangotri (3050m)
by bus (5h).
We descend towards Bhagirathi, one of the Gange’s tributaries.
Afterwards, we drive the 80 km to Gangotri, a famous place of pilgrimage.
Day 14 Gangotri – Bhojbasa (3800m) in 5h.
We progress along a picturesque trail, congested with porters, mules,
pilgrims and mobile traders. From Raj Ghat, the glacial valley gets
wider, and soon we can see the Bhaghirati massif, which rises above
6500m.
Day 15 Bhojbasa – Gaumukh (3900m) - Tapovan (4450m) in 4h.
From Gaumukh, source of the Ganges, the scenery is fascinating,
with praying pilgrims and half-naked saddhus meditating along the
banks of the tumultuous stream that pours out of the glacier. The
trail crosses Gangotri moraines before reaching Tapovan and
its gorgeous meadows, furrowed with streams and scattered with flowers.
From here the panoramic view over Shivling (6540m), Meru (6660m)
and the Bhaghirati massifs (above 6500m) is stunning. It
is not surprising that saddhus chose this area to meditate in summer
time.
Day 16 Tapovan – Bhojbasa in 3h.
In the morning, we lazily enjoy the charms of this magic spot. In
the afternoon we descend towards Bhojbasa.
Day 17 Bhojbasa – Gangotri in 4h.
We visit temples of Gangotri in the afternoon.
Day 18 Gangotri – Uttarkashi (bus) in 6h.
Day 19 Uttarkashi – Delhi (bus) in 12h. (Hotel B&B)
Day 20 At leisure in Delhi. Safety day for your international
flight. (Hotel B&B)
Day 21 Transfer to airport and fly back home.
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