About the Gangotri Trek, Uttarakhand:
Total Trekking Distance: 47 km (approx.)
Maximum Altitude: 4,400m
Temperature Range: May to June: 11 to 23-degree; October to December: 3 to 19-degree
The Gangotri glacier is one of the primary sources of holy river Ganges and there are many mythological stories associated with the origin and descent of the Ganges.
This tour explores various such points starting from the sacred city of Rishikesh, which is also known as the “Gateway to the Himalayas”. After reaching Uttarkashi which is the base for many trekking expeditions, you reach Gangotri. The Gangotri trek starts from here which will take you through Bhojbasa as you walk alongside River Bhagirathi.
About the Gangotri Trek, Uttarakhand:
Gangotri is also one of the destinations of the ‘Chota Char Dham’ pilgrimage tour. Apart from religious belief, if you are an ardent nature lover, then this trip will give you a mix of both spiritual fulfilment and instant gratification of your finer senses. As a part of daily hygiene protocol, proper care of hygiene and sanitation is maintained all through to ensure the utmost care and personal safety of the guests.
Get close to the mountains when you cross the Gangotri glacier and reach Tapovan known for its scenic landscape. The mighty Bhagirathi group of peaks and Neelkanth Peak are a spectacular view from here. The entire Gangotri trek is through pine forest and flowering valleys.
The Gangotri Glacier trek package includes all the meals during the trek, i.e. from Day 2 dinner to Day 6 lunch.
Camping along with camping gears
Experienced guides and their charges
Cook
Porter to carry the camping equipment and the ration.
To and fro transportation from Haridwar
Stay in tents, camps or lodges.
Proper sanitization and hygienic conditions
Gomukh is at a distance of 18 KM from Gangotri in the foothills of Bhagirathi at a height of 4255m. It is the snout of the Gangotri Glacier. If you opt to travel by bus then you should plan on reaching either Haridwar or Rishikesh.
Both the places are well-connected and if you are traveling by air, then the nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun at the distance of 250 KM. You can even hire chopper service to Gangotri from Dehradun. If you want to travel by train then the nearest station is Rishikesh 234 KM before Gangotri on NH58 and is perfectly connected by rail with major destinations of India.
Gangotri is considered as one of the toughest treks in the Himalayan region and mostly taken during the summer season. The stretch between Gangotri and Chirbasa is a bit easy but the challenging nature of the trek starts to come more into the picture as you move ahead. Gangotri is a small town and finding the starting point of Gaumukh trek would not be a difficult task.
Gangotri trek begins from around 100 meters behind the Gangotri temple and one has to climb steep stairs in order to reach the base point of the trek. You get to pass through larger than life mountainscapes and beyond the tree line but witness the Bhagirathi peaks glistening in the moonlight.
The ideal time to go for Gangotri trek is from Mid April to June and then from September to November. Here the weather is neither too cold nor too much of rainfall. Summer season is the most suitable for the Gangotri Glacier Trek when the Skies are clear, and the sun shines the brightest.
Another best time for this trek is during the spring season when you get to witness greenery everywhere and pleasant climate. It is advisable to avoid visiting during winter and monsoon season because monsoon makes the conditions difficult with sloppy trails and the road to Chardham gets to closed during the winter season because of heavy rainfall. It is to be informed that the roads remain closed from November to march month.
During your Gangotri trek the stay will be provided in tents and camps. You will surely enjoy your stay as your stay offers a perfect blend of both spiritual fulfillment and instant gratification of your finer senses.
Yes, pick-up and drop-off facility will be provided from Haridwar for Gangotri trek. Your Gangotri glacier trek starts with an early morning drive from Haridwar to Uttarkashi.
Yes, it is safe to trek with kids in Gangotri but you need to very careful as you have to accompany your child all the time during trek. One can hire a palki for the kids and takes around 6 hours to reach the temple. You should inform your trek leader on priority and follow his instructions.
The campsite is fully equipped with first aid kit, oxygen cylinders to address the situation. It is to be informed that the mobile networks do not reach and one has to cut off from the world of calls, SMSs or watsapps.
Located in the extreme terrain of Uttarkashi region, 28 km long and almost 4 km wide. There are various routes around Gangotri Glacier and the range of trek circuits including Gangotri Gomukh Tapovan Trek, Gangotri Tapovan Trek, and Gangotri Gaumukh Trek.
And, the Gangotri trek difficulty varies with routes. But, one will surely find the treks thrilling and a trail to watch out in the Himalayan land.
During your Gangotri Trek, you need to carry:
- Warm jacket to protect against cold wind
- Extra pair of socks and a waterproof jacket
- Comfortable trekking shoes
- Caps, gloves
- Raincoat or Umbrella
- Synthetic track pants
- Full sleeves tees with collar
- Enough undergarments
- Woolen head-scarf/ muffler
- Light towel
Here is the list of best Uttarakhand treks that you can book from Thrillophilia: