Location:
Garhwal Himalayas
Base: Rishikesh
Duration: 10 Days
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 ( KEDARNATH
TREKKING )
Day 01) Arrive Delhi
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 – 22
Kms Drive to Uttarkashi.
Day 14) Uttarkashi - Rishikesh-155 Kms Drive to Rihikesh.
In the Afternoon arrive Rishikesh.
