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Glorious Garhwal Trek

19 Days | Trekking 13 Days

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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Tour Highlights

  • Trek through the picturesque villages, terraced fields and the enchanting bugyals (Alpine meadows)
  • Majestic view of Shivling peak (6,543 metres) - a spire of rock and ice
  • Visit the local temples and ghats of Rishikesh along the holy river Ganges
  • Uttarkashi, with its many Hindu temples and ashrams
  • Tapovan (4,450 metres), the highest point of the trek, surrounded by beautiful meadows and mountain
  • The source of the Ganges at Gaumukh
  • Flexible tailor-made booking options

Best Season In Season

  • May
  • Jun
  • Sep
  • Oct

Tour Details

You’ll experience some of the most magnificent scenery on Earth on this 19-days adventure: the trip can be divided into five parts: by road from Delhi to Gaurikund; the trek from Gaurikund to the Belak Pass (near Gangotri); the second part of the trek, from Gangotri up to Tapovan and back; days in Uttarkashi and Rishikesh; and the return to Delhi.

Trekking begins with a gentle 1,500-metre ascent through a lush green valley from Gaurikund to Kedarnath, a pilgrimage centre with a wonderful old temple. We return to Gaurikund, and then set off for Maggu, via another venerable temple, Triyugi Narayan. From Maggu we are above 3,000 metres, and trail passes enchanting bugyals, refreshing alpine meadows typical of this region. The ascent to the Panwali Pass is especially beautiful, with fantastic views across the mountains including Nanda Devi (7,817 metres).

Starting from Gangotri, the second phase of our trek passes through lush rhododendron forests and verdant alpine pastures to reach Gaumukh. It is actually here that the Ganges gushes out from the glacier snout overlooked by Shivling peak (6,543 metres), a majestic spire of rock and ice. We cross the rubble strewn glacier slopes to reach the expansive meadows at Tapovan (4,450 metres), the highest point of the trek, and take excursions to the nearby Kedar Dome and Meru glacier, before re-tracing our steps back to Gangotri. The trek is now completed, and from here it’s back to Rishikesh after a night in the picturesque temple town of Uttarkashi for some well-earned recuperation.

En route back to Delhi we’ll stop to visit Har-Ki-Pauri (Footstep of Vishnu) at Haridwar, a sacred place for Hindus who bathe in the Ganges here.

View Itinerary

  • Flexibility Guaranteed

    Please note: You can use this itinerary as a guide to fully customise this tour as per your budget and requirements. Flexible options include travel dates and duration, places, activities and experiences, hotel category (star/rating) and any specific requirements that you may have.

  • DAY 01 - Delhi

    Arrive Delhi and transfer to hotel for check-in. Afternoon and evening free.

    Arrive at the international airport of Delhi. After a traditional 'Swagat' (Welcome) our KVT’s representative would assist you at the airport and transfer you to the hotel for check-in. Rest of the day is free to relax or we can explore the nearby area.

    Overnight Hotel

  • DAY 02 - Rishikesh

    Drive to Rishikesh, holy city on the Ganges

    After breakfast we drive by surface to Rishikesh (Distance: 235km), reach & check-in at the hotel. Rishikesh is surrounded by scenic beauty of the hills on three sides with Holy River Ganges flowing through it. The whole place is considered to be sacred among Hindus. It is said to be the birth place of yoga and known as the gateway of the four major Dhams (pilgrimage site) of Hindus – Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri and Yamunotri. Later time free for us to relax at the hotel. In the evening, visit the Ghats of the river Ganges to observe the sights and the sounds of chanting at the Aarti ceremony.

    Overnight Hotel

  • DAY 03 - Gaurikund

    Drive to Gaurikund, arrive late afternoon and check into hotel or guesthouse (1,980m).

    After breakfast, we drive by surface 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. (1980m)

    Overnight Hotel / Guest House

  • DAY 04 - Kedarnath

    Trek from Gaurikund to Kedarnath, (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 Hotel or Guesthouse. (3583m | distance: 15km | 6-7hrs trek)

    Overnight Hotel / Guest House

  • DAY 05 - Gaurikund

    Trek back from Kedarnath to Gaurikund

    Early morning take bath and head to Kedarnath shrine at around 4:45 am. Attend the’ Abhishekam’, the worship 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. (1980m | 4-5hrs trek)

    Overnight Camp

  • DAY 06 - Maggu

    Trek from Gaurikund up to Triyugi Narayan temple and on to Maggu

    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 the goddess Parvati here and Visit Shiva & Parvati temple also. 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. (3250m | 5-6hrs trek)

    Overnight Camp

  • DAY 07 - Dhuphanda

    Trek to Panwali Pass

    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. (3300m | 6-7hrs trek)

    Overnight Camp

  • DAY 08 - Ghuttu

    Trek from Dhuphanda to Ghuttu

    Today's trek starts with gradual ascent for about half 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. (1600m | 6-7hrs trek)

    Overnight Camp

  • DAY 09 - Bhairon Chatti

    Trek from Ghuttu to Bhairon Chatti

    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. (2450m | 6-7hrs trek)

    Overnight Camp

  • DAY 10 - Buda Kedar

    Trek from Bhairon Chatti to Buda Kedar

    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. (1550m | 6-7hrs trek)

    Overnight Camp

  • DAY 11 - Belak Pass

    Trek from Buda Kedar to Belak Pass

    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. (3000m | 5-6hrs trek)

    Overnight Camp

  • DAY 12 - Gangotri

    Trek from Belak Pass to Lata village and then 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. (3415m | 3-4hrs trek). Meet your vehicle (bus/jeep) and transfer by road to Gangotri. Upon your arrival, check-in to your Camp. (75kms)

    Overnight Camp

  • DAY 13 - Bhojbasa

    Trek from Gangotri to Bhojbasa

    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. (3775m | 6hrs trek)

    Overnight Camp

  • DAY 14 - Tapovan

    Trek to Gaumukh, the source of the Ganges, then steeply uphill to Tapovan

    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. (4450m | 5-6hrs trek)

    Overnight Camp

  • DAY 15 - Chiribasa

    Trek back downhill from Tapovan to Bhojbasa, then on to Chirbasa

    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. Arrive in Bhojbasa and explore the local area. (3600m | 4-5hrs trek)

    Overnight Camp

  • DAY 16 - Uttarkashi

    Trek from Chirbasa to Gangotri and then transfer to Uttarkashi by Jeep (trek ends)

    After a walk for about a couple of hours reach Gangotri where vehicle that carries us down to our lodge at Uttarkashi is waiting. In the evening there is free time to explore the town. (3415m | 2hrs trek) (Trek ends)

    Overnight Hotel / Guest House

  • DAY 17 - Rishikesh

    Drive to Rishikesh

    After an early breakfast 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 at Triveni Ghat. (Distance: 160kms | 5-6hrs)

    Overnight Hotel

  • DAY 18 - Delhi

    Drive to Delhi; en-route visit Har-Ki-Pauri

    Early in the morning leave Rishikesh and drive to Delhi. En-route visit Haridwar which is one of the holiest places for Hindus in India. Visit Har-Ki-Pauri (means ‘Footsteps of the Lord’) where the pilgrims have a holy dip in the Ganges and continue towards Delhi for overnight stay. (Distance: 235kms | 6hrs)

    Overnight Hotel

  • DAY 19 - Delhi

    Full Day free to relax and evening departure transfer to the international airport.

    Today is a day free to relax or to explore Old and New Delhi. In the evening transfer to Indira Gandhi International Airport, Delhi to board the flight for back home.

Tour Map (Only key areas marked)

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Flexibility Guaranteed! Using the above itinerary as a guide you can fully customise this tour as per your budget and requirements. Flexible options include travel dates and duration, places, activities and experiences, hotel category (star/rating) and any specific requirements that you may have. On receiving your enquiry we will respond with prices and work with you to create a truly personalised holiday experience that is in your budget and personal style.

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Enjoy complete flexibility in planning and booking our tours for a truly personalised India holiday that is in your budget and personal style.

  • Flexible travel dates and duration
  • Flexible itinerary (places, activities)
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