Glorious Garhwal Trek

Total Duration

19 days

Avg. Activity

6 hrs/day

Trekking

13 days

Max. Altitude

Tapovan (4,450m)

Overview

This classic Garhwal trek is designed to showcase the breathtaking natural beauty and cultural richness of this fabulous part of the Indian Himalayas. The trail is covered in two phases, starting from Gaurikund along an ancient pilgrim route to Gangotri – and then steeply uphill to the source of India’s sacred river, the Ganges, and majestic Tapovan.

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$1,322/ person

Best Months
May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct
Highlights

  • Trek through the picturesque villages, terraced fields and the enchanting bugyals

  • Majestic view of Mt. Shivaling (6,543 metres) - a spire of rock and ice

  • Rishikesh - the yoga capital of the world

  • Uttarkashi, with its many Hindu temples and ashrams

  • Tapovan (4,450m), the highest point of the trek, surrounded by beautiful meadows and mountain

  • The source of the River Ganga at Gaumukh
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Route Map

Glorious Garhwal Trek

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Daily Itinerary
  • DAY 01

    Arrive at Delhi

    Arrive at Delhi by international flight. A KVT representative will meet you at the airport and assist you to the vehicle. Later transfer to hotel. Rest of the time free to relax at the hotel or independent activities. Optional half day Delhi sightseeing can be arranged at additional cost. (meals: Nil)

  • DAY 02

    Train to Haridwar, Drive to Rishikesh

    After breakfast, departure to Delhi railway station for train to Haridwar. Meeting on arrival and drive to Rishikesh (45mins to 1hr drive) through the winding mountain roads. Check into hotel upon arrival at Rishikesh. Rest of the day is free to relax or explore the town on your own. (Meals: Breakfast)

  • DAY 03

    Drive to Gaurikund (1,980m)

    After breakfast, we drive to Gaurikund. Today’s drive takes you along the serpentine road that runs along the right side of the Ganges, winding uphill to Devprayag. Continuing via Srinagar to Rudraprayag, you’ll turn left on the side of the Mandakini River and journey on until you arrive in Gaurikund. (Driving Time: 8 – 9hrs / Meals: Breakfast)

  • DAY 04

    1st Day Trekking: Trek to Kedarnath (3583m / Trek begins)

    Morning after breakfast, we start our trek from Gaurikand, which is a main base for trek to Kedarnath shrine. Kedarnath is a shrine of lord Shiva and is situated in the Uttar Kashi district of the northern state of Uttaranchal. Very close to the Indo-Chinese border, it is the source of the Mandakini River. It is couched in the scenic locales of the Garhwal Himalayas at 3583 meters above sea level. The walk is over a well laid out path and quite steep at certain bends, the noisy river Mandakani flows to your right all along the trail. Kedarnath is a huge temple village and right in the center stands the ancient temple of Kedarnath. In the evening visit the temple for Aarti ceremony. Later, check-in to the Guesthouse. (Trekking Time: 6 – 7hrs / Meals: Breakfast & Dinner)

  • DAY 05

    2nd Day Trekking: Trek back to Gaurikund

    Early morning take bath and head to Kedarnath shrine to attend the puja ceremonies of Lord Shiva. Offer sincere prayers in the shrine and get the blessings of Lord Shiva. After completing all the darshans, follow the well-marked 15 km trail descending towards Gaurikund. Reach Gaurikund and check-in to your Camps. (Trekking Time: 6 – 7hrs / Meals: Breakfast & Dinner)

  • DAY 06

    3rd Day Trekking: Trek to Triyugi Narayan and on to Maggu (3250m)

    Early in the morning transfer to the starting point of the trek and begin your walk around 01 hour through rice fields up to Triyugi Narayan Temple. According to legend, Lord Shiva married goddess Parvati here. Continue your trek with gradual ascents, passing through a beautiful village and dense forest, lush meadows with enjoying the spectacular views of snow-capped mountain ranges. Reach and rest in your Camps. (Trekking Time: 5 – 6 hrs / Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)

  • DAY 07

    4th Day Trekking: Trek to Panwali Pass (3300m)

    Today is one of the most exciting days the trek has to offer, providing magnificent views of the surrounding landscapes and mountains. Climb for around two hours to reach Maggu Top, from where you can admire the panoramas of the high peaks of Kedarnath and Sumeru Parvat, among others. Walk along the ridge overlooking the valley of rhododendrons and bamboos, and keep a look out for wildlife such as deer and black-faced langoors. Continue through the small but beautiful village of Panwali before arriving at camp. Reach and rest in your Camps. (Trekking Time: 6 – 7hrs / Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)

  • DAY 08

    5th Day Trekking: Trek to Ghuttu (1600m)

    Today's trek starts with gradual ascent for about an hour to Panwali Pass where one can appreciate panoramic views of the massive of Nanda Devi (7817m) on one side and fantastic views of forests, green meadows and pastures on the other. After the pass a downhill trek through meadows will take us to Ghuttu, our campsite for the night. (Trekking Time: 6 – 7hrs / Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)

  • DAY 09

    6th Day Trekking: Trek to Bhairon Chatti (2450m)

    Today the trek starts with a gradual acclivity. The trail passes through some beautiful villages where people welcome the guests with a smile and men are eager to talk to them. Camp at a beautiful site with lush green ground near Bhairon Temple with fantastic views of some high mountains and thick forest. (Trekking Time: 6 – 7hrs / Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)

  • DAY 10

    7th Day Trekking: Trek to Agunda via Buda Kedar (1550m)

    Today walk is for about 6-7 hours, starting with gradual descent through thick forests for about 2 hours and then almost a flat walk through some rice fields leading us to a picturesque village of Binak Khal and then on to Agunda via Buddha Kedar located near River Bal Ganga. (Trekking Time: 6 – 7hrs / Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)

  • DAY 11

    8th Day Trekking: Trek to Belak Pass (3000m)

    Today’s trek starts with a gradual walk through the village. After crossing Bal Ganga by wooden bridge at Jalla, walk uphill through thick forests and some pastures up to Belak, which is on the border line of Chamoli and Uttarkashi towns, to camp at the top of the forest. (Trekking Time: 6 – 7hrs / Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)

  • DAY 12

    9th Day Trekking: Trek to Lata village (3415m), Transfer by road to Gangotri

    Today trek starts with gradual descent towards Lata. The trail passes through dense forests for about 3-4 hours to the bottom of the forest. Cross a big stream over the bridge and then a level walk up to Malla, the road head, where the trek ends. Meet your vehicle (bus/jeep) and transfer by road to Gangotri. Upon your arrival, check-in to your Camp. (Trekking Time: 3 – 4hrs / Driving Time: Approx. 3hrs / Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)

  • DAY 13

    10th Day Trekking: Trek to Bhojbasa (3775m)

    The second part of your trek begins with an ascent through the forest. From Gangotri, you’ll walk along a beaten track towards Chirbasa (3600m), before following the river Bhagirathi which later joins the Alaknanda River to form the Holy Ganga. Enjoy spectacular views of high peaks as you walk through conifer and deodar forests. Later, beyond Chirbasa, the terrain changes, becoming desolate and barren. Arrive in Bhojbasa where you’ll camp alongside the river. Take the afternoon to explore the area, including a small temple, and later enjoy a fantastic sunset on Bhagirathi group of peaks. (Trekking Time: 5 – 6hrs / Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)

  • DAY 14

    11th Day Trekking: Trek to Gaumukh, then to Tapovan (4450m)

    Admire panoramic views of the Bhagirathi group of peaks as you trek to Tapovan via Gaumukh, where the water of Ganga trickles down from glaciers into the Gangotri Valley and beyond. After stopping in Gaumukh to explore, continue your trek to Tapovan, one of the area’s finest high-altitude alpine meadows. The trek takes you over the glacier, where views of the surrounding peaks become clearer and clearer. Tapovan is renowned for its scenic beauty, with bubbling brooks, wildflowers and green meadows. (Trekking Time: 5 – 6hrs / Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)

  • DAY 15

    12th Day Trekking: Trek back downhill to Bhojbasa, then on to Chirbasa (3600m)

    Tapovan is a convenient base camp for climbers’ expeditions to different peaks and is a real delight for the keen and enthusiastic photographers. Post breakfast make a swift descent down to Bhojbasa, covering the seemingly endless trek in a matter of hours. We continue with our descent following the same downhill trail to Chirbasa. (Trekking Time: 5 – 6hrs / Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)

  • DAY 16

    13th Day Trekking: Trek to Gangotri (Trek Ends), Transfer to Uttarkashi

    After a walk for about a couple of hours we reach Gangotri where vehicle will be waiting for us. We will drive to Uttarkashi and upon arrival will check in to guesthouse. In the evening there is free time to explore the town. (Trekking Time: Approx. 2hrs / Driving Time: Approx. 3hrs / Meals: Breakfast)

  • DAY 17

    Drive to Rishikesh

    After an early breakfast we set out on another beautiful drive to Rishikesh via Chamba. In the afternoon exercise an option to visit Lakshman Jhoola or surrounding temples. There is also a chance to attend evening prayer of river Ganga. (Driving Time: 5 – 6hrs / Meals: Breakfast)

  • DAY 18

    Train to Delhi

    Morning is free to explore the holy town on your own. Afternoon you will be transferred to Haridwar railway station for train to Delhi. Assistance on arrival at the railway station and transfer to hotel. (Meals: Breakfast)

  • DAY 19

    Depart from Delhi

    After breakfast transfer to the airport for international flight back to home country. (meals: Breakfast)

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