The Sources of Ganges Trek #1

18 days in India, 9 days trekking; Level: moderate-strenuous Highest Point: 4,900m Dates: May, June, September, October, November

Highlights: Delhi - Rishikesh - Uttarkashi - Gangotri – Bhojabassa – Goumukh – Tapovan – Nandavan – Basukital – Cheerbasa – Harsil – Uttarkashi – Rishikesh – Delhi

The scenically stunning trek commences in Gangotri, the second of the major shrines in the Garhwal Himalaya. Up to Gaumukh, the present source of the Bhagirathi (Ganga) River, the mouth of the Gangotri Glacier where blocks of glacier ice fall into the river and pilgrims cleanse themselves in freezing water, the route follows well defined trail. Beyond Gaumukh (3,969 m) the trek gets much more demanding as we enter an amphitheatre of 6,500-7,000 m peaks which include Satopanth (7,084 m), Basuki (6,792 m), Kedar Dome and the prominent trio of Bhagirathi I (6,856m), II and III. The views are breathtaking, among which that of Shivling (6,543 m), the Matternhorn of the Himalaya, one of the most spectacular peaks in the entire Himalaya, accompany you along the trek across moraine to a meadow at Tapovan, crossing across the glacier to Nandavan (4,400m), and on to Vasukital.

The Sources of Ganges Trek #2

23 days; 14 days trekking; level: moderate-strenuous

Highest Point: 5,100m

Dates: May, June, September, October, November

Same as above but including trek to Kirti Glacier, Sundervan and Kedar Tal (5,000m), a small glacial lake surrounded by Meru (6,672 m), Pithwara (6,904m) and Bhrigupanth (6,772 m), returning to Gangotri via Rudugaira Valley.