|
Safari Source to Sea - Ganga
Duration 13 Days
Grade Moderate
Season June to October
Permit Not Required
Fixed Departures 27th APRIL
Trip Highlights
The Garhwal region contains some of the finest mountains in
the Himalaya and is highly accessible. This spectacular trek
takes you deep into the Central Himalaya. It is a “Sadhu”
Trail which the devotees use to cross over from Gangotri to
Kedarnath. This is one of the very few Sadhu trails left in
the Himalaya. Dramatic canyons, majestic mountains,
cascading waterfalls, pine and birch trees, together with
the holy waters of India’s most sacred river make the Source
of the Ganges trek a feast for the soul and senses. The
views of Mount Shivling and the Bhagirathi range in the
Garhwal Himalaya are unforgettable.
You start with an acclimatization trek before arriving at
Gangotri to embark on the Source of the Ganges trek which
ascends to 14,294ft/4463m at Tapovan. This acclimatization
walk is a unique, short Himalayan trek with the interesting
objective of passing through the foothills and actual hill
villages where the world-famous ‘Man-Eating Leopard of
Rudraprayag’ spread terror among the local people. The route
was ‘recced’ in 2000 by our Managing Director, Steve Berry.
The scenery is lovely, giving commanding views of the main
peaks of the Garhwal Himalaya and taking you through lush
terraced hills, pristine forests and many villages. The
weather at this time of year is typically warm and sunny,
clear blue skies being the norm.
We have designed this tour to give you a comprehensive
Indian experience – you will stay in one of Delhi’s top
hotels, take an Indian train journey across the plains,
drive on twisting mountains roads through the Garhwal
foothills, visit holy ghats, ashrams and temples in
Rishikesh and Haridwar, trek to a height of 14,294ft/4463m,
and watch the sunrise on the dramatic Garhwal Himalayan
giants such as Shivling (20,956ft/6543m) and Bhagirathi I,
II and III (21,958ft/6856m, 20,857ft/6512m, and
20,671ft/6454m respectively).
Location Chart :
New Delhi - Haridwar - Rishikesh - Srinagar - Gultir -
Kothki Sam - Ishala - Agar - Gimtoli - Sodi - Rudraprayag -
Chirbasa - Gaumukh - Tapovan - Chirbasa - Gangotri -
Uttarakshi.
DAY BY DAY ITINERARY
DAY 1: ARRIVE DELHI, DAY AT LEISURE.
You will be met on arrival and transferred to your hotel. A
chance then to sample the heat, dust and atmosphere of
India's capital city. Time is your own to do your own thing,
any shopping before the trek, or perhaps hustle up taxis to
have a look around the city. A good place to start is Old
Delhi, as here you see India in the raw. Crowded bazaars,
shops selling everything under the sun and people on every
form of transport imaginable and from every part of the
sub-continent. Overnight stay at hotel Pouls Court.
DAY 2: SHATABDI EXPRESS TRAIN TO HARIDWAR, DRIVE TO
RISHIKESH.
(Approximately 1 hour drive time) You transfer early morning
by taxi to board the 7:00am Shatabdi Express to Haridwar,
one of the seven holy cities of Hinduism. The train journey
takes 5 hours, 40 minutes. Legend has it that Vishnu's
footprint was found on the bank of the holy river, giving it
its sanctity. Situated at the base of the Siwalik Hills,
Haridwar is where the River Ganga (Ganges) passes through
its last gorge and begins a 2,000km journey across the
plains of India to the Bay of Bengal. Haridwar is a very old
town and was mentioned by the Chinese traveller, Hiuen
Tsang. The wealth of the town attracted the attention of
Timur the Great, more commonly known as Tamerlane, who
sacked it in 1399.
After arrival at Hardiwar Station (12:40pm) you will be met
and first visit the town's 'steps' on the banks of the
Ganges. Haridwar is the gateway of pilgrimage to Badrinath,
Kedernath, Gangotri and Yamunotri, which lie further up in
the mountains. Every twelve years, when Venus and Jupiter
coincide with Aquarius and the Sun and Moon are in Aries and
Sagittarius respectively, there takes place an event unlike
any other in the world. This is the 'Khumbh' Mela, when more
than a million Hindu pilgrims gather on the banks of the
Ganges to bathe in its holy waters. At more normal times
there is still a great deal of activity and you will see
Sadhus, pilgrims, hawkers, snake charmers and people bathing
in the river, some diving for coins and others praying.
Incense pervades the air and you are suddenly immersed in
the experience that is India.
You then drive on to Rishikesh (25kms) where again there
should be some time to cross the Laxman Jhoola (a large
suspension bridge) to visit the 13-storey temple on the
other side and visit perhaps Triveni Ghat, Bharat Temple
and/or the place Lord Rama bathed at Rishikund. This small
town is the ancient roadhead for all pilgrim traffic and in
the season is hectic with groups of villagers from all over
India clamouring for seats on the buses to the four hill
shrines. The northern part of the town is called
Muni-ki-Reti and refers to the silver shores of the river
where the rishis of old meditated. Across the Ganga, large,
sprawling but well-maintained ashrams teach yoga and publish
books on the scriptures. You stay overnight at the Hotel
Natraj.
DAY 3: DRIVE VIA SRINAGAR TO GULTIR (2,116ft/645m) AND TREK
TO KOTHKI SAM (2,083ft/635m).
(Approximately 2 hours' drive time, 1 hour trekking). One
hour's drive from Srinagar look out for Gulab Bari, 3km
before Rudraprayag. This is the place where Jim Corbett made
his famous 'Shot in the dark' and killed the Man-Eating
Leopard of Rudraprayag. Here there is a commemorative plaque
on the exact spot below the tree where he had his platform.
Accounts differ but it is believed the leopard had killed
upwards of 125 people before Jim Corbett's single shot put
paid to its reign of terror. He stayed on his tree platform
until it was light for fear he had only wounded the animal
that locals believed was an 'evil spirit'. Nearby is the
'Pundit's House' and if he is at home you may meet Totaram,
the grandson of the pundit, who was Corbett's friend. He
will show you a photo of his grandfather and Corbett, and a
copy of Corbett's book describing the hunt. The road through
Rudraprayag itself is noisy and congested and the staff will
probably stop to buy fresh vegetables. Further down the road
you will see your first views of snow-capped peaks framed in
the distance. Not far from here to Gultir.
Gultir village is situated on the left bank of the
Alakananda River. You cross the river over a suspension
bridge and commence the trek from the right bank. The trail
is flat and easy along the banks of the Alakananda River.
There is a small Hindu temple above the campsite. Time
permitting, you can walk up to the village of Kothki and
then descend to the river camp. The word 'Sam' means
'playground' or 'festival place'. This is where village
festivals are occasionally held. There is a small pumping
station nearby which gives water supply to the village. Camp
overnight.
DAY 4 : TREK TO ISHALA (4,593ft/1,400m). 5-6 hours.
The trail is at first level by the river, then you climb
through fields and trees to Chimka. From here the 'short
cut' goes very steeply up to Ishala but is very tough and
the longer route is much more interesting. The 'long route'
begins by descending very slightly then on the level for
some time passing a small hamlet below. The river is now
some way below. Then begins an easy climb to Kodadkhal
(2,960ft/925m). Before it is reached there is a huge Pipal
tree next to a water supply. The tree is a tangle of
creepers and roots dropping from branches. At Kodadkhal
there is a red stone memorial to some 'Freedom Fighters'
contained in a walled enclosure. There is a post office
here. After Kodadkhal the path pulls steadily up through a
fir forest to reach a ridge from where you can see over and
down into the next valley. Then on up the ridge until
eventually Ishala is seen in profile. Almost bare dun-coloured
mountain tops rise beyond and you can see the 'pass' up
there with a village sprawling on the west of the village.
You stop at Ishala where camp is set in old terraced fields.
At Ishala you start to see orange trees: one of the main
crops in the area. Camp overnight.
DAY 5 : TREK TO AAGAR (6,555ft/1,998m). 4-5 hours.
Initially it is quite a stiff pull for an hour or so to
reach the 'pass', mainly through forest with many pretty
birds. You come to the crest of the ridge and now there are
views of big peaks to the north, Chaukhamba
(23,418ft/7,138m), just peeping over the ridge in front of
us. You are now at the village of Kandi, 5,508ft/1,679m.
Again lots of orange trees. The next village is clearly seen
on the next ridge and doesn't look too far. You contour
around past terraced fields to come up to the village
astride the ridge, Jagtoli (5,310ft/1,771m). There are great
views from here west to Trisul, 23,389ft/7,066m, and
Dunagiri, 23,182ft/7,066m. Locals say the big massif is
Nanda Devi but it is really hidden behind Trisul.
Just as you enter the village there is a silver smith with a
small shop. A small Hindu shrine occupies a hillock behind
the houses and from here the views are excellent. Then you
pass through the school ground down below the village.This
is an Inter school with 438 students. You are now so high
that range after range of foothills march into the distance
and the views down the valleys with their terraced fields
and forests are lovely. Lots of eagles today. From where you
are you can see the next village of Aagar. You walk up the
slope behind the playing field; through some small stone
gulleys, up a steep mud track to gain a fine stone paved
path to the village. Camp overnight just beyond the village.
DAY 6: TREK TO GIMTOLI (6,391ft/1,948m), CONTINUE TO FOREST
CAMP (5,249ft/1,600m).
4-5 hours trekking. Up to Aagar Pass (6,624ft/2,019m) from
where there are nice views of Kedernath, 22,769ft/6,940m,
Kedar Dome and again Chaukhamba. Looking down there is the
village of Gimtoli 6,503ft/1,982m, and below that another
school ground. When you reach Gimtoli however there is a
road and it is possible to catch a local bus to drive 6km to
Kanak Churri, 7,109ft/2,167m, a small village on the road.
From the village you walk up to Kartik Swami Temple
(8,163ft/2,488m), 1 hr 5 mins with no stops. This is a
lovely walk through woods and eventually out onto the top of
an airy ridge. Another 45 mins brings you to a couple of
houses for Sadhus. The Temple itself was destroyed on 25
April 1999 by an earthquake centred some 60 kms from here.
The Temple has now been re-built. It sits right on top of,
and at the end of the ridge, which itself is the highest for
miles around. A nice place for a picnic, with huge eagles
cruising the ridge. Returning to the road take one of the
buses back to Gintoli. From here it is a long descent to the
bottom of the valley and the village of Suwarri,
5,335ft/1,626m, through terraced fields. Looking at the
hillside opposite you can see the path zig-zagging up to the
ridge, but instead of crossing this ridge you will
eventually contour leftwards for 20 minutes to reach another
ridge crossing point in a forest. There is a small shrine at
the 'pass'. You descend now for half an hour to a clearing
in the forest, used by the locals as a cricket pitch with
obstacles, where you camp. Two years ago our reconnaissance
party were kept awake by the sounds of a leopard nearby!
Camp overnight.
Note - it is possible to trek directly to Kartik Swami
Temple from Aagar and to the forest camp without using the
bus from Gimtoli. This does make a much longer day and this
option can be examined with your leader at the time. The bus
though is quite an interesting Indian experience!
DAY 7 : TREK TO SODI (2,677ft/816m), DRIVE TO RUDRAPRAYAG.
Trek time 2-3 hours.
Today you trek downhill through some of the prettiest
country so far and pass through the villages of Mangu and
Bathwari. The next village is Deodar where there is a
government school. The road to Kedarnath is visible from
here. The Mandakini river can also be seen as it flows along
beside the road. Drive to Rudraprayag. Camp overnight.
DAY 8: DRIVE TO GANGOTRI (10,170ft/3100m). Gangotri is alive
with Rishis, Sadhus, Pandas and hippy clad westerners.
Gangotri's stunning waterfalls mark the spot where the
Goddess Ganga descended from heaven in ancient times. Shiva
received the shattering impact of the celestial torrent upon
his head, and the Ganga split into four sacred streams:
Bhagirathi, Yamanu, Mandakini and Alaknanda. Here you are
rewarded for your 3 day journey with superb views of
Sudarshan peak. In the evening you visit the famous temple
which serves the devout Hindu pilgrims, and witness the
daily puja. Overnight at Tourist Guest House.
DAY 09: TREK TO CHIRBASA (11,549ft/3606m). Approx. 3-4
hours.
The walk begins with gradual ascent through pine trees,
alongside the roaring Bhagirathi river with towering cliffs
on your left hand side. Soon after you leave Gangotri, you
pass a check post for the Gangotri Conservation Project. The
money they collect from your guide on your behalf goes
towards projects such as collection of litter, re-planting
birch trees, and an awareness campaign for trekkers on
eco-sensitive tourism. Today's walk is quite short to help
with acclimatisation. Chirbasa means pine trees. Here you
have superb views of Manda peak (20,853ft/6511m), Hanuman
Tibba (17,186ft/5366m), Bhrigu Parbat (19,217ft/6000m),
Bhagirathi I, II and III (21,958ft/6856m, 20,857ft/6512m,
and 20,671ft/6454m respectively). You could well spot herds
of Bharal roaming the hillside above Chirbasa. Overnight
camp.
DAY 10 : TREK TO GAUMAUK (3892m). Approx. 4 hours.
It takes approximately 1-2 hours to reach Bhojbasa
(12,145ft/3792m) which has an ashram, a tourist guest house
and police post. Here the majestic soaring peak of Shivling
(20,956ft/6543m) comes into view. The trek from Bhojbasa to
Gaumauk is a fairly gradual ascent. "Gau" means cow, and "Mauk"
means mouth. At Gaumauk, you can dip your hands and toes in
the revered holy water of the Ganges, and you may well find
your guide collecting holy water here on the decent for a
puja. Gangotri used to be the source, but the glacier has
receded now to just beyond Gaumauk. Overnight camp.
DAY11:TREK TO TAPOVAN(14,294ft/4463m).(Approx.3 hours)
Although relatively short in distance, today's walk will
feel strenuous with the combined effects of the altitude,
the ascent to be gained, the glacier crossing, and the
steep, rocky terrain on the final climb to Tapovan. You
begin by trekking over boulders on your approach to the
glacier. The trail steepens noticeably as you ascend slowly
over the rocky terrain. The glacier is covered by morraine
so you do not need any technical equipment, although a
steadying trekking pole is definitely handy. As you take
your last step up the steep rocky path to enter the Tapovan
meadow, you are greeted with the most spectacular view of
Mount Shivling, rising like a great deity before you and
inspiring awe. Meru, Manda, the the Bhagirathi sister peaks
also dominate your view. Gazing down proudly at your ascent,
you can see Gangotri glacier. Overnight camp.
DAY 12: TREK TO CHIRBASA. Approx. 5/6 hours.
Rise early, exit from your canvass kingdom, and you will be
rewarded with a spectacular panoramic setting. Watch the
sunrise on the surrounding 6000m peaks. Shivling is
undoubtedly the star of the show, commanding instant
attention as it soars dramatically into the sky, dwarfing
its neighbours. Today you will retrace your steps to
Chirbasa. A steep descent down to the glacier is followed by
a rocky traverse of the glacier. Continue your gradual
descent to Chirbasa where you will camp for the night in the
birch trees grove.
DAY 13: TREK TO GANGOTRI. DRIVE TO UTTARKASHI.
Retrace your steps from Chirbasa to Malla (3 hours approx.).
Drive to Uttarkashi (approx. 5/6 hours). Uttarkashi is an
attractive small town situated on the right bank of
Bhagirathi at an altitude of about 4,964ft/1,550m. The
temples and ghats have names almost identical to those in
Varanasi, a historical city in the Indian plains. The most
important temple dedicated to Shiva is known as Vishwanath
Mandir, where stands a magnificent Trishul (trident), one
meter in circumference and made of copper. It supports a
trident four meters long. Each prong is about two metres. |
