Kedartal Gaumukh Tapovan Trek

Day 1 : New Delhi - Rishikesh (225 kms/6 hrs)
In the morning drive to Rishikesh. Upon arrival at Rishikesh transfer to the hotel. In the evening visit the Aarti ceremony at Swargashram. Back to hotel for overnight stay.

Rishikesh : Rishikesh is the gateway to the four pilgrimages of Uttaranchal. It's also starting point on the journey to the sacred sources of the Ganga and the Yamuna Rivers. According to legend, Prince Bhagirath performed penance here to salvage the souls of his ancestors who had perished due to Sage Kapila's curse. The penance was answered and the river Ganga trickled forth from Lord Shiva's locks and its bountiful water revived the sons of King Sagara. In the tradition of Bhagirath, devout Hindus stand in the sacred waters here, praying for the salvation of their ancestors.

Day 2 : Rishikesh - Uttarkashi (185 kms/6 hrs)
Drive to Uttarkashi, located on the Bhagirathi River in the foothills of the Himalayas. Upon arrival at Uttarkahi transfer check into the hotel.

UTTARKASHI AREA
Vishwanath Temple : One of the major Shiva worship centers for all India, this ancient and renowned temple is an interesting and important pilgrimage and touristic monument.
Uttarkashi Town : Situated on a new lake, this clean and nature-surrounded little city features a line of ashrams along the banks of the Bhagirathi River, an early branch of the sacred Ganga.
Nehru Institute of Mountaineering : World famous institution of instruction for the mountaineer.

Day 3 : Uttarkashi - Gangotri (100 kms/5 hrs)
5 hours by vehicle from Uttarkashi, market center north central Garhwal, set in a valley surrounded by foothills and terraced valleys, Scenic drive along the roaring Bhagirati River, one of the source rivers of the sacred Ganges, through terraced fields, deodar forests, apple orchards, and villages to Gangotri (one of the Char Dham - the series of holy pilgrimage sites, the four sources of the Ganges & Yamuna Rivers) set in an enchanting forest of deodar pines, featuring the impressive Gangotri waterfall, and the historic picturesquel sited Gangotri temple, where the evening puja (colorful prayer ceremony) can be enjoyed. Stay in hotel.

Day 4 : Gangotri - Bhojkharak (8kms/5hrs)
Steep 8 k uphill, trek through a gorge with Alpine forest of bhojpatra, (the famous "paper tree"), juniper, and stately deodar trees. Frequent sightings of families of lithe & lively langoor (like a black-faced monkey) swinging through the tree canopy high above. Views of the Gangotri town. Camp at Bhojkhark amidst the 'paper trees".

Day 5 : Bhojkharak - Kedarkharak (6kms/4hrs)
Moderate to steep 6 k uphill trek through bugyals (Alpine meadows) along the KedarGanga River with views of the valley and the snowy Himalayan peaks - summit of Thalaysagar mountain. Camp at Kedarkharak with beautiful landscapes surrounded by the high mountain ridge and spectacular views of the valley below and water falls.

Day 6 : Kedarkharak - Kedartal (5kms/5hrs)
Steep 5k up hill trek on the ridge and Kedar bamak (glacier) with spectacular vies of down valleys. Camp at Kadar Tal, one of the most spectacularly beautiful spots in the Gangotri region, famous for the reflection of the mountain in the clear water of the lake. Closely surrounded by snowy peaks - Jogin Massif, Bhirgu panth, Thalyasagar. Kedartal also is the base camp for climbs to the summits of all these mountains.

Day 7 : Kedartal - Bhojkharak (11kms/5hrs)
Modrate to steep 11k down hill trek on the Kedar bamak and ridges along the Kedar ganga. Chance to see bear, mountain marmot, ibex, snow fox, mountain crow, vultures & eagles. Camp at Bhojkharak.

Day 8 : Bhojkharak - Gangotri (7kms/3hrs)
Moderate to steep 7 k downhill trek returning via same route to Gangotri. Stay in hotel (hot water for bathing!).

Day 9 : Gangotri - Bhojvasa (14kms/8hrs)
Gentle 14 k uphill trek, with many colorful sadhus (Hindu holy men) and pilgrims on their way to Gomukh, along the roaring torrent of the Bhagirati River, with views of famous Himalayan peaks (Sudarshan, Bhagirati Massif, etc.), to Bhojbasa, with its busy ashrams. Camp with sunset view of Bhagirati Massif.

Day 10 : Bhojvasa - Tapovan (8kms/6hrs)
Gentle 4 k uphill trek to dramatic Gomuk, sacred spot where the holy Ganges River emerges from its glacier. One of the most important pilgrimage sites in all India. 3kModerate up & down hill trek across the Gangotri Glacier, then steep 1 k uphill trek to Topovan, a famous bugyal, base camp for Shivling Peak and Mehru Massif, several sadhu ashrams, and spectacular views of many famous mountains.

Day 11 : Trek around Tapovan
Leisurely explorations around Tapovan, for views of many high snow cappedmountains Bhagirathi massif, Tehlu, Koteswar, Srikailash, Radhanath, Kharchakund, Kedardome & glaciers and the opportunity to see ibex, snow fox, mountain crow, & vultures.

Day 12 : Tapovan- Chirvasa (13kms/7hrs)
Steep 1 k down then moderate 12 k gentle downhill trek to Chirvasa - beautiful camp site surrounded by pine trees, and a chance to see a lovely sunset on Bhagirathi massif.

Day 13 : Chirvasa - Dharali (30kms/6hrs)
Three hour walk along the Bhagirathi River to get Gangotri and same day transfer to Dharali 1 hour by vehicle along a scenic mountain road, through a deodar and pine forest along the Bhagirati river, to Dharali. Visit the villages and temples - stay at hotel.

Day 14 : Dharali - Uttarkashi (78kms/4hrs)
4 hours by vehicle along scenic mountain road, through villages, along the Bhagirati river, to Uttarkashi, market center north central Garhwal, set in a valley surrounded by foothills and terraced valleys.

Day 15 : Uttarkashi- Hardwar (200kms/7hrs)
Reach Haridwar to explore this popular and beautiful shrine town as opposed to Rishikesh. One hour further stay at hotel. Opportunity to visit and participate in the colorful evening "Aarti" river-side puja (religious service) in honor of the river godess, Ganga.

Day 16 : Haridwar - Delhi (200kms/5hrs)
Return to Delhi

Best time to visit Kedartal Gaumukh Tapovan Trek : End May, June, August, September and October