Source of Ganges Tour

Region: Garhwal Himalayas
Season: May to October

The River Ganges or the Ganga is the most sacred river in the Hindu religion & its source at Gaumukh (Cow's mouth) on the Gangotri glacier is one of the holiest destinations for Hindu. Pilgrims & adventurers alike, come here to witness the birth of Mother Ganga at Gaumukh, the snout of the Gangotri glacier. Many pilgrims take a dip in the freezing cold water of the river to 'cleanse themselves of their sins'.

Duration: 10 Nights & 11 Days
Destination Covered: Delhi - Haridwar - Rishikesh - Uttarkashi - Gangotri - Gaumukh - Nandanvan - Delhi

Tour Highlights
Haridwar	Mansa Devi temple, Har-ki-pauri
Uttarkashi	Vishwanath Temple
Gangotri	Shiva Temple
Gaumukh	Gaumukh Glacier
Nandanvan	Alpine meadow
Rishikesh	Laxman Jhula, Ram Jhula, Geeta Bhawan,temples & ashrams

Detailed Itinerary

Day 01: Arrive Delhi
By the noon you will be ariving at the airport in Delhi -which is the National Capital of the country. after you have freshen up, you will set out to explore the markets near to the hotel. Or you can spend time at leisure.
Overnight Hotel – Delhi (B)

Day 02: Delhi – Haridwar (225 km -05 hr)
On the 2nd day of the tour we will be driving to Haridwar, on the banks of holy river Ganga (Ganges) & located at the foothills of the lower Himalayan Range of the Shivalik Mountains.

Later on we will visit Mansa Devi temple, which is situated at the top of Bilwa Parwat (hill). The rope-way with its brightly colored cable cars takes devotees to this hilltop temple. Later we witness spectacular view of Aarti (collective prayer ceremony)at Har Ki Pauri. This sacred Ghat (stepped holy river bank for bathing), was constructed by King Vikramaditya in memory of his brother. This sacred bathing ghat is also known as Brahmakund. There is activity all around & we observe various rituals performed on the Ghat.
Overnight Hotel - Haridwar. (B)

Day 03: Haridwar- Uttarkashi (1158 m) (170 km -07 hr)
Furthering our tour we drive to Uttarkashi on the 3rd day of the tour, situated on the bank of River Bhagirathi. On arrival we check-in the Hotel. In the evening we will visit the ancient Vishwanath Temple devoted to God Shiva, situated in the heart of the town. It is told that this temple was established by Parasuram, one of the Avatars of God Vishnu, & was renovated by Maharani Khaneti, wife of Sudarshan Shah in 1857.
Overnight Hotel – Uttarkashi (B)

Day 04: Uttarkashi – Gangotri (3048 m) (100 km-05 hr)
On the 4th day of the tour you will discover true colours of IndiaToday we drive to reach Gangotri, (3048 m) amidst captivating surroundings. The temple was constructed by the Gorkha General Amar Singh Thapa in the 18th century & is situated on the left bank of the River Bhagirathi. Little before Gangotri, there is a gorge, Bhairon Ghati, & we cross the bridge over this beautiful gorge. On arrival we check-in the Hotel. Evening at leisure & attend Aarti (prayer) ceremony at the temple.
Overnight Hotel – Gangotri (B)

Day 05: Gangotri – Bhojwasa (3792 m) (14 km trek -06 hr)
Today we start walking on the well-beaten track towards Chirbasa (3600 m), which is on the tree line. From here we get a clear view of the Bhagirathi Peak. Beyond Chirbasa the terrain becomes really desolate & barren. From Chirbasa we reach Bhojwasa (3792 m) on the banks of the River Bhagirathi. On arrival we check-in the Camp. Evening at leisure & enjoy the beauty of the place.
Overnight Tent – Bhojwasa (B, L, D)

Day 06: Bhojwasa – Gaumukh (3892 m) - Tapovan (4 km + 5 km trek - 06 hr)
Today we trek 4 km in 2 hr to Gaumukh, the source of River Ganges. After spending sometime at this fascinating sight, we carefully cross the Gangotri Glacier & start the steep climb to reach the beautiful meadow of Tapovan (4463 m), with majestic view of peaks like Shivling (6540 m), Meru (6660 m) & Bhagirathi massifs (above 6500 m). On arrival we occupy our tents. Rest of the day we enjoy the beauty of the place.

Day 07: Tapovan – Nandanvan (6 km -06 hr)
Today we trek 6 km to Nandanvan (4337 m). We again carefully cross Gangotri Glacier & reach Nandanvan at the base of the Bhagirathi peaks. Nandanvan is also a beautiful alpine meadow. On arrival we occupy our tents.
Overnight Tent – Nandanvan (B, L, D)

Day 08: Nandanvan – Bhojwasa (12 km -07 hr)
Today we trek back to Bhojwasa. On arrival we check-in the Camp -Hotel.
Overnight Hotel – Bhojwasa (B, L, D)

Day 09: Bhojwasa to Gangotri (14 Kms-07hr)
Today we start trekking to reach Gangotri. On arrival we check-in the Hotel.
Overnight Hotel – Gangotri (B)

Day 10: Gangotri - Rishikesh (245 km -10 hr)
After Gangotri we drive to Rishikesh. Rishikesh is a very important Hindu pilgrimage site. There is also a cluster of a number of Ashrams & temples giving the entire place a very spiritual atmosphere. The ceaseless flow of the river, regarded as Goddess Ganga adds to the beauty & the purity of the place. Along the river, the area is filled with thick green forests in the all-mountainous region. Rishikesh is famous for its yoga & meditation sessions that are taught here by many yoga experts. It is also a very popular centre for Ayurveda system of healing (traditional Indian medicine system). Besides the sadhus & saints, a mass of tourists too visit this place every year to have a look at this much heard about place. In addition to wonderful scenery & the numerous pilgrimage sites, Rishikesh also makes some of the most popular adventure sport destinations of India like river rafting, trekking, rock climbing & hiking.
Overnight Hotel – Rishikesh (B)

Day 11: Rishikesh – Delhi (250 km -06 hr)
Today we will visit Laxman Jhula, Ram Jhula, Geeta Bhawan & other temples & ashrams. Later we will drive back to Delhi & reach by evening. On arrival transfer to airport.

Our tour concludes : Caper thanks you for your patronage & look forward serve you again in near future.