Sources of the Ganges (Gomukh) (IAP0021)

Duration : 10 Days
Destinations Covered : Delhi - Leopard Beach - Uttarkashi - Gangotri - Bhujbasa - Gaumukh - Haridwar

DAY 01 : Arrive Leopard Beach Tented Camp
Depart from Delhi by coach for the six hour drive to Leopard Beach Tented Camp and the Himalayan foothills. The route north -east passes through Meerut and Muzaffarnagar to the sacred city of Hardwar for a first sight of the Holy Ganges. Rishikesh lies a few kms further on. The base camp, Leopard Beach Camp, is 16 km up river from Rishikesh. Afternoon at leisure / kayaking / beach volleyball . Dinner and overnight at Leopard Beach Camp

DAY 02 : At Leopard Beach
At Leopard Beach Camp. Early morning a warm up trek to a nearby village. After breakfast at Leopard Beach drive for 14 kms. To Marine Drive, and raft back to the Camp. Lunch. Afternoon flip drill and training. Expedition briefing around the campfire. Overnight at Leopard Beach Camp.

DAY 03 : Drive to Uttarkashi
Early start for the 140 km drive up to Uttarkashi (at 1158 meters ). Arrive and check into tourist bungalow for dinner and o/n stay.

DAY 04 : Drive to Gangotri
Morning after breakfast drive to Gangotri. Arrive and check into tourist bungalow for dinner and o/n stay. Gangotri is at 3,048m (over 10,000 feet a.s.l) and it is best to take a day-off here to acclimatize and make preparations for the trek.

DAY 05 : At Gangotri
Free day at Gangotri for acclimatization. Visit the Gangotri temple and the Ashrams in Gangotri. Short warm up trek.

DAY 06 : Trek to Bhujbasa
After breakfast depart for 14-km trek to Bhujbasa at 3, 800 m. The five hour trek through spectacular scenery is gradual and follows the Bhagirathi river with some spectacular mountain views. Establish camp at Bhujbasa which has a forest of Bhojpatra trees. The paper like bark of these trees was used in ancient times for writing. Dinner and o/n stay in tents / tourist rest house.

DAY 07 : Trek to Gaumukh
After breakfast, start the two-hour trek to Gaumukh (3892 m) the mythological source of the Ganges. We have the option of carrying on to Tapovan (4463m), a grassy meadow on the eastern bank of Gangotri glacier, which is the base camp for climbing expeditions to the beautiful Shivling (6,543m), the Matterhorn of the Himalayas. Trek back to Bhujbasa after picnic lunch. Dinner and o/n in tents / rest house.

DAY 08 : Return to Uttarkashi

Trek back to Gangotri and drive to Uttarkashi. O/n at Uttarkashi.

DAY 09 : Drive to Haridwar/ Leopard Beach Tented Camp
Early Morning departure for the drive to Haridwar/ Leopard Beach Tented Camp.

DAY 10 : Drive to Delhi
Depart on the six hour drive to Delhi