Garhwal Pilgrim Trail
19 Days | Trekking 13 Days
Garhwal region is a land blessed with snow-bound peaks, crystal glaciers, rolling meadows, jagged rock faces, scenic valleys, meandering rivers, cascading waterfalls, dense forests and hospitable people, with a rich culture, who beckon all to trudge its trails to know them, their culture and traditions by interacting with them closely.
Tour Profile
We experience some of the most magnificent scenery on Earth on this 19-day adventure that can be divided into five segments with each one of them providing varied experience: drive from Delhi to Guarikund; trek from Gaurikund to the Belak Pass (near Gangotri); trek from Gangotri up to Tapovan and back; experiences in Uttarkashi and Rishikesh; and drive back 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 temple, Triyugi Narayan. From Maggu (3250m) the trail passes through enchanting bugyals, refreshing alpine meadows typical of this region. The ascent to the Panwali Pass is exceptionally beautiful with fantastic views across the mountains including Nanda Devi (7,817m).
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 (6,543m), a majestic spire of rock and ice.
We cross the rubble-strewn glacier slopes to reach the expansive meadows at Tapovan (4,450m), the highest point of the trek, and take excursions to the nearby Kedar Dome and Meru glacier before trudging back to Gangotri. We finish our trek here and drive back to Rishikesh after a night in the picturesque temple town of Uttarkashi to wear off our exhaustion from walking. En route back to Delhi, we stop to visit Har-Ki-Pauri (Footstep of Vishnu) at Haridwar to watch Hindu pilgrims taking a holy dip in the sacred Ganges and performing other rituals related to Hinduism.
Tour Highlights
- Picturesque villages, terraced fields and the enchanting bugyals (Alpine meadows).
- Majestic Shivling peak (6,543 metres) - a spire of rock and ice.
- Local temples and ghats of Rishikesh.
- Hindu temples and ashrams in Uttarkashi.
- Tapovan (4,450 metres), the highest point of the trek.
- Gaumukh - the source of the Ganges.
Tour Itinerary
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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 visited, activities and experiences, hotel category (star/rating) and any specific requirements that you may have.
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DAY 01 - Delhi
Arrive in Delhi. Arrive at the international airport of Delhi. After a traditional welcome we transfer to our hotel for check-in. Rest of the day is free. Overnight Hotel
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DAY 02 - Rishikesh
Delhi – Rishikesh (240 kms/06 hrs). In the morning drive to Rishikesh, situated on the banks of the Ganges. Rishikesh is said to be the birth place of yoga and known as the gateway to four major Dhams (pilgrimage sites) of Hindus - Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri and Yamunotri. Overnight Hotel
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DAY 03 - Gaurikund
Rishikesh – Gaurikund (1980m/300 kms). Drive uphill almost full day along the serpentine road on the right side of river Ganges up to Devprayag and continue via Srinagar to Rudraprayag and then further to reach Gaurikund. Arrive & check-in to the lodge. Overnight Hotel / Guest House
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DAY 04 - Kedarnath
Gaurikund – Kedarnath (3500m; approx. 6 hrs). Today the trek starts with a gentle climb to Kedarnath. During the pilgrimage season there are chances to get mingled with the pilgrims who come from different parts of India. Overnight Hotel / Guest House
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DAY 05 - Gaurikund
Trekking back to Gaurikund (1980m;4-5 hrs). Early in the morning pay a visit to this holy shrine to feel the spiritual atmosphere in and around the temple. Later descend back to Gaurikund. Overnight Hotel / Guest House
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DAY 06 - Maggu
Gaurikund – Triyugi Narayan – Maggu (3250m ;5-6 hrs). In the morning take a short transfer up to the starting point of the trek and walk around one hour through some rice fields up to Triyugi Narayan Temple. Continue with gradual ascents passing through a beautiful village and dense forest with spectacular views of snow peaked mountain ranges. Overnight Camp
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DAY 07 - Dhuphanda
Maggu – Dhuphanda – Panwali Kantha (3300m; 6-7 hrs). This day, one of the most exciting days on the trek, provides magnificent views of surrounding mountains and landscapes Having enjoyed the panoramic views all along, walk through a small but very beautiful village of Panwali before reaching the camp. Overnight Camp
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DAY 08 - Ghuttu
Panwali Kantha – Ghuttu (1600m;6-7 hrs). 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. Overnight Camp
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DAY 09 - Bhairon Chatti
Ghuttu – Bhairon Chatti (2450m;6-7 hrs). 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. Overnight Camp
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DAY 10 - Buda Kedar
Bhairon Chatti – Buda Kedar (1550m;6-7 hrs). Today’s 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. Overnight Camp
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DAY 11 - Belak Pass
Buda Kedar – Belak Pass (2950m;5-6 hrs). 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. Overnight Camp
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DAY 12 - Gangotri
Belak Pass – Malla & Transfer to Gangotri (3415m;4-5 hrs). 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. Transfer to Gangotri (75 kms) by bus/Jeep. Overnight Camp
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DAY 13 - Bhojbasa
Gangotri – Chirbasa (3600m) – Bhojbasa (3775m ;5-6 hrs). The second part of the trek starts with a gradual ascent through the forest. Arrive in Bhojbasa that has a small temple down the river. Camp near the river side. Afternoon is free to explore the area and to enjoy excellent sunset on Bhagirathi group of peaks. Overnight Camp
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DAY 14 - Tapovan
Bhojbasa – Gaumukh – Tapovan (4450m;5-6 hrs). Trek from Bhojbasa to Gaumukh, the source of the Ganges, then steeply uphill to Tapovan, the highest point of the route. Tapovan is a very pleasant surprise spot with a large meadow replete with bubbling streams, wildflowers and campsites. Overnight Camp
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DAY 15 - Chiribasa
Tapovan – Bhojbasa – Chirbasa (3600m;4-5 hrs). 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. Overnight Camp
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DAY 16 - Uttarkashi
Chirbasa – Gangotri (3415m) – Uttarkashi (1138m - 95 kms). 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. Overnight Hotel/Guest House
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DAY 17 - Rishikesh
Uttarkashi – Rishikesh (125 kms/5-6 hrs). After an early breakfast set out on another beautiful drive (6 hrs) 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. Overnight Hotel
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DAY 18 - Delhi
Rishikesh – Delhi (240 kms/06 hrs). 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 where the pilgrims have a holy dip in the Ganges, and continue towards Delhi for overnight stay. Overnight Hotel
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DAY 19 - Delhi
Departure Delhi. Today is a free day to relax or to explore Old and New Delhi. In the evening transfer to International Airport to catch flights to respective destinations.
Send an enquiry
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.
