Altitude: 5960m
Total no. of days: 14 days/13 nights
Type of Trek: Tough
Total no. of trek days: 6days
Fixed Departure dates: Minimum 4 member group
Starting point of trek: Gangotri
End point of trek: Badrinath

Location Chart: New Delhi - Rishikesh - Uttarkashi - Gangotri - Bhojwasa - Tapovan - Nandanvan - Khara Pathar - Sweta Glacier - Raj parav - Arwatal - Ghastoli - Badrinath - Riskhikesh - New Delhi
Average Walking time : 6 - 7 hours per day
Best time to Visit: July - August

This trek is for the more adventurous and for those with some fundamental knowledge of mountaineering. The trek falls in the 'inner line'. It starts from Gangotri and takes you through Nandanvan, the base of the Bhagirathi peaks, a place that offers an unparalled view of the Shivling peak. The trail moves on to Vasukital (4900m ). With towering peaks all around the lake, its surface shimmers like a pearl and is the source of Vasuki Ganga that drains into the Mandakini. We proceed to cross the Kalindikhal pass (5968m), a tough climb from where you feel that there is little else left to be seen. It is as if you are a part of this majestic setting of snow and ice. The trail then descends to Arwataal and to Mana the last village on the Chinese frontier. The trek fittingly ends at Badrinath with a visit to the holy temple of Lord Vishnu - the ruling deity of the kings of Garhwal.

ITINERARY

Day 1: New Delhi
On arrival our representatives meet you and escort you to your hotel. Afternoon, half-day city tour of Old and New Delhi. Evening is free. Overnight at a hotel.

Day 2: New Delhi - Uttarkashi
Early morning we take you to the railway station to board a superfast express train to Haridwar. Breakfast on board. Reach Haridwar at 1130 hrs and into the waiting car for your onward trip to Uttarkashi 190km ( at 1885m ). Uttarkashi is the base of many trekking and mountaineering activities. During the evening, we have a final inspection of the trekking gear, rations and logistics for the trek ahead. Dinner and overnight in hotel.

Day 3: Uttarkashi to Gangotri
In the morning after a relaxed breakfast, drive towards Gangotri which is 95km from Uttarakashi. En route stop for "Chai" at Harsil ( 2623m ), a beautiful sylvan hamlet, with its winding shaded roads. Later drive onwards to Gangotri ( 3048m ) - the place where according to Hindu mythology the sacred Ganga came down from the Heavens and continued down the valley. The gorge at Bhairon Ghati and the temple of Goddess Gangotri is worth a visit. On arrival check in at a hotel. Dinner and overnight in tents.

Day 4: Bhojwasa
After breakfast, proceed on a trek to Bhojwasa ( 3792m ). Starting with an easy climb the route is filled with breathtaking sights as the magnificent scenery unfolds itself at every step. Stop for lunch at Chirbasa ( 3600m ), clothed in the greenery of pines with stunning glimpses of the gigantic Gaumukh glacier, before reaching our camping site. From here one can see the majestic view of Bhagirathi peaks. On arrival we pitch tents. Dinner and overnight stay in Bhojwasa.

Day 5: Tapovan
Morning, after breakfast, proceed towards Tapovan ( 4500m ). Cross the Gangotri glacier, and the rocky face - an ascent of 300m ( a verticle wall ), before arriving on this vast plateau of lush green meadows. From where rises the Shivling Peak ( 6543m ) flanked by the Meru ( 6630m ) and the Kedar Dome ( 6808m ). Tapovan is surrounded by many named and still unnamed peaks of the Garhwal Himalayas. The peaks of Bhagirathi and Sudarshan flank the other side of the glacier. All the accumulated lactic acid (fatigue!) is suddenly lost in the vast expanse of these golden meadows. A rivulet almost frozen, meanders through the middle of the plateau. Set camp. After this the traveller is free to photograph, wander and marvel at the beautiful creations of nature. A freshly prepared dinner and overnight stay in tents.

Day 6: Nandanvan
After breakfast proceed on a 8km trek to Vasukital. Decend to Nandanvan (337m). Traverse along the Gangotri and Chaturangi glaciers. This trek combines the experience of mountain and rock climbing besides boulder hopping and glacier traversing. Break for a quick brunch at the junction of the two glaciers.From here one can view the Shivling, Bhagirathi, Sudarshan, Thelu peaks and the Kedar dome. Carry on, on a steady uphill trek for another 4 hours to reach Vasukital ( 4898m ) - a crystal clear pearl of a lake set in an unparalleled setting, a base for the treks to Mt. Satopanth and Mt. Vasuki Parbat from where originates the Vasuki Ganga which meets the Mandakini at Sonprayag. The Tal (lake) is about 1km in radius and has clear glistening water. Paian Tal is about 1km to the northwest. This lake sets even higher standards of natural beauty. At the bottom of it are visible rectangular slabs of rocks, as if they have been placed there purposefully. The view of Chaukhamba peaks and the Mandakini valley is breathtaking. Later, on arrival, pitch tents, by the side of this small lake. Dinner and overnight stay in tents.

Day 7: Khara Pathar
After breakfast, proceed on a 6km trek to Suraiaya Bamak ( Khara Pathar 5456m ) with packed lunch. It involves a trek of about 5 hrs. Dinner and overnight stay in camp.

Day 8: Sweta Glacier
After a morning breakfast, start on a 10km ( 5 hrs ) trek to Sweta Glacier (Kalindi base 5500m ) with carried lunch. Dinner and overnight stay in camp set on the glacier.

Day 9: Raj paraav
Morning after breakfast cross the Kalindi pass ( 5947m ) and then trek down to Raj paraav (4910m ); (12km; 4 hrs ). Dinner and overnight stay in camp.

Day 10: Arwatal
After breakfast, start a 13km ( 6 hrs ) trek to Arwatal ( 3910m ) with packed lunch. Dinner and overnight stay in camp.

Day 11 : Ghastoli
After breakfast start on a 16km ( 7 hrs ) trek to Ghastoli ( 3796m ) with packed lunch. Dinner and overnight stay in camp.

Day 12: Badrinath
After sunrise and breakfast start a 16km trek to Badrinath, situated on the banks of the Alaknanda. Standing like twin sentinels over the valley are the Nar and Narayana peaks, and in the distance soars the resplendent Neelkanth peak. A 7-hour walk brings you to Mana Village, the last village before the Chinese border, where you break for lunch. Later, a 2km walk brings us to the town of Badrinath. On arrival check in at a hotel. During afternoon, visit the temple of Badrinath. Return to the hotel for dinner and overnight stay.

Day 13: Riskhikesh
Drive down 298km ( 7 - 8 hrs ) to reach Rishikesh in the late afternoon. Lunch en route in local restaurant. Later, check in at a hotel. Rest of the day is free for local sightseeing. Rishikesh is situated on the right bank of river Ganga and is surrounded on three sides by Himalayan ranges. From times immemorial the Himalaya is known as the celestial abode and a great pilgrimage centre of India. It has been the abode of saints and sages from where they began the arduous pilgrimage that lay ahead on the distant Himalayan peaks.This gateway to the kingdom of Gods and pilgrimage to Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri and Yamunotri is dotted with Ashrams, Tourist Rest Houses and dharamshalas. The Yoga centres of Rishikesh are well known and have enhanced the spiritual significance of this region worldwide. Tourists from the world over visit this place to take lessons in Yoga and meditation.

Day 14: Delhi
In the morning, proceed for a half-day city tour of Rishikesh, visiting the Ashrams, Laxman Jhoola (ancient rope bridge) and other renowned temples, before returning to the hotel for lunch. After lunch free till departure to the Haridwar Railway Station to meet the superfast express train for Delhi. Arrival at 2210 hrs and escort to International airport to connect to flights for onward journey.

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