You begin the trek at Gangotri, which is bustling with sages and sadhus (holymen) who have journeyed here to pay homage at the source of the Ganges, the most revered river in India. The spiritual intensity of Gangotri, one of India's most sacred pilgrimage sites, is palpable as you witness the daily puja at the temple, and the Hindu devotees bathing at the water's edge.

The trek to Tapovan takes one through Gaumukh (Cow’s mouth), said to be the source of the Ganges. One sees water gushing out of a snout like opening and towering rocks and the thick chunks of hardened ice of the glacier. The awe-inspiring view is no doubt revered by one and all. One can catch a glimpse of sadhus taking a dip here as part of their penance as it is believed that a dip in these holy waters washes away one’s sins. As you weave your way from Gangotri to Tapovan, every twist in the trail reveals another stunning snowclad Himalayan giant. The campsite at Tapovan must rate as one of the most awe-inspiring spots in the world, as you gaze at the Shivling peak rising like a great deity before you and not to mention the twin Bhagirathi peaks.

DAY 01: HARIDWAR – HARSIL (Drive/245 kms/8-9 hrs)
Upon arrival at Haridwar transfer to Harsil. Check into the Himalayan Eco Lodge for overnight stay.

DAY 02: HARSIL – GANGOTRI  – BHOJWASSA (Drive/20 kms/45 mins & Trek/14 kms/4-5 hrs)
After breakfast a short drive to Gangotri and once you have paid your respects at the temple here, set out on the trek towards Bhojwassa. This trek of 14 kms will take us about 5-6 hrs. The area gets its name from the bhoj leaves that were used as paper during the ancient times. Overnight in tents/guesthouse.

DAY 03: BHOJWASSA – GAUMUKH – BHOJWASSA (Trek/10 kms both ways/3-4 hrs)
After an early breakfast we start on our hike to Gaumukh. Today’s trek is of 10 kms and will take us about 3-4 hrs, moving at a leisurely pace. Overnight in tents/guesthouse.

DAY 05: BHOJWASSA – GANGOTRI – HARSIL (Trek/14 kms/3-4 hrs & Drive/20 kms/45 mins)
We will trek down to Gangotri and from here drive down to Harsil. Evening at leisure. Overnight in the Himalayan Eco Lodge.

COST INCLUDES

• All road transfers from and back to Haridwar
• Accommodation in The Himalayan Eco Lodge in Harsil and in 3/4 season tents or in a guesthouse in Bhojwassa during the trek on twin sharing basis
• All vegetarian meals beginning with dinner on Day 01 to breakfast on Day 06.
• Professional guide (trained from Nehru Institute of Mountaineering, Uttarkashi) and kitchen staff would accompany the group
• Porter/mules for client baggage (one bag per client not weighing more than 15 kgs)
• Camping equipment

COST DOES NOT INCLUDE

• Taxes (@3.09%)
• Travel between Delhi and Haridwar (can be arranged by us on request)
• Any meals/services not mentioned above
• Any charges for video cameras, still cameras, etc.
• Alcohol, soft drinks, beverages, etc.
• Personal expenses like tips, telephone calls, laundry, etc.
• Any costs arising out of unforeseen circumstances like landslides, road blocks, bad weather, etc.
• Insurance

TRANSPORT OPTIONS (DELHI – HARIDWAR – DELHI)

For travel to Haridwar and back, train travel is recommended. The closest railway station to the camp is Haridwar and there are a number of trains that connect to Haridwar from all over the country. For train details, you could log on to www.indianrail.gov.in and for online railway ticket bookings you could log on to www.irctc.co.in. For air travel, the closest airport is the Jolly Grant Airport (at Dehradun) and is well connected to Delhi and other parts of the country by Air India, Jet Airways, Kingfisher Airlines, etc.

There are frequent Public Transport buses available from Delhi to Haridwar that cost about Rs. 200 per person. These buses depart from Delhi ISBT every 30 mins. or so and take about 6 hrs to cover the distance. The same is also applicable on the return journey. A private vehicle could also be arranged for if you require the same.

PAYMENT TERMS & CONDITIONS

• Full payment to be made in advance at the time of booking the trek
• Payment to be made by Bank Transfer/Cheque/DD in favour of GREAT INDIAN OUTDOORS (P) LTD. payable at New Delhi/Gurgaon
• Payment for this trip will not be adjusted against any future trips
• Cancellation policy
  • >30 days: Full refund (after deducting any expenses that have been incurred for hotel bookings, transport, etc.)
  • 21-30 days: 75% of trip cost will be refunded (after deducting any expenses that have been incurred for hotel bookings, transport, etc.)
  • 14-21 days: 50% of trip cost will be refunded (after deducting any expenses that have been incurred for hotel bookings, transport, etc.)
  • <14 days: No refund

LIST OF ESSENTIALS

• Shirts / T-shirts
• Trousers / Track Pants
• Windproof jacket
• Fleece / Full-sleeve Woollen sweater
• Thermal inner wear (upper & lower)
• Woollen cap
• Mittens (Woollen gloves)
• Scarf
• Woollen socks (extra pairs to be carried)
• Comfortable Trekking/Hiking shoes (shoes with a thick sole are recommended)
• Raincoat / Poncho
• Towel
• Water bottle
• Cap / Hat
• Walking stick / Trekking pole
• Sunscreen Lotion
• Lip Balm
• Torch / Flashlight (with extra batteries)
• Medicines, if requiring any specific medication
• Camera (with extra film rolls)
• Sunglasses
• Personal toiletries
• Books, if you like reading