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Mt. Shivling Trek

20/01/2013 14:37

Duration: 16 days / 15 nights
Altitude: 5263 mts (17263 ft)
Grade: Moderate to tough
Season: May - June & Aug end - early Oct
Places covered: Delhi - Mussoorie - Uttarkashi - Gangotri - Gangnani - Bhairon Ghat - Gangotri - Bhojvasa - Gomukh - Tapovan - Kirti Bamak - Nandanvan - Vasuki Tal - Nandan Van - Bhojvasa - Gangotri - Uttarkashi - Haridwar

Detail itinerary:

Day 1 Arrive Delhi

Upon arrival at Delhi meet our representative and transfer to hotel for overnight stay at hotel.

Day 2 Delhi

Spend the full day after breakfast sightseeing Delhi. Visit the Red Fort, the Gandhi Memorial at “Raj Ghat”, the India Gate, the President House- “Rashtrapati Bhavan”, the Qutab Minar etc. Overnight stay at hotel.

Day 3 Delhi - Mussoorie (1921 mts/6300 ft)

In the morning drive to Mussoorie- the queen of the hills, with its green hills and varied flora & fauna, is a fascinating hill station. Commanding snow ranges to the north-east, and glittering views of the Doon Valley & Shivalik ranges in the south, the town presents a fairyland atmosphere to the tourists.
Its history dates back to 1827 when Captain Young, an adventurous military officer, explored the present site and laid the foundation of this holiday resort which now has few rivals. Mussoorie is famous for its scenic beauty and the hustle bustle of a hill resort. It provides many amusements for domestic and foreign tourists.
Mussoorie is conveniently connected to road by Delhi and major cities and is the 'Gateway' to Yamunotri and Gangotri Shrines of Northern India.
and a 6 – 7 hours (295 kms) journey from Delhi via Dehradun. Upon arrival at Mussoorie transfer to hotel for dinner and overnight stay.

Day 4 Mussoorie - Uttarkashi (1150 mts/3772 ft)

After breakfast, drive to Uttarkashi, along the narrow and winding roads first entering the Yamuna valley and finally into the Bhagirathi valley via Chamba. One can see a panoramic view of the high mountain peaks of Garhwal, and the famed albeit controversial 2400 MW Tehri Dam (the highest dam in Asia). The night halt is at Uttarkashi a town located in the wide Bhagirati valley, and has been a centre for learning and religion since the days of the Vedas! This sacred town has been home to some very famous sages and saints. The name of the town reflects its similarity to and location (as north of) the city of Kashi (Varanasi). Similar to Varanasi, town of Uttarkashi lies next to a hill named Varunavrat Parvat, and set on the banks of river Bhagirathi at an altitude of 1158 metres, about 145 kms from Rishikesh on the main route to Gangotri. The famous Vishwanath temple here is dedicated to Lord Shiva. In front of the temple is unique Mahadev-ka-Vishal Trishul or Shiva's Great Trident, made of eight major metals (Astadhatu). It is believed Lord Shiva killed Vakasur with this trident. Other important temples are dedicated to Lord Parashuram, Lord Ekadash Rudra and Goddess Kali.
Uttarkashi is an important stopover for pilgrims visiting Gangotri. Uttarkashi has also emerged as an important centre for adventure sports.. Overnight in hotel.

Day 5 Uttarkashi - Gangotri (3048 mts/9998 ft)

In the morning drive to Gangotri via the beautiful Harsil valley lined with Cider trees and famous for the Wilson Apples. Enroute take a holy dip in hot Sulphur springs at Gangnani. Upon arrival at Gangotri check in to hotel. Evening free to explore the beautiful surroundings. Dinner and overnight stay in hotel/TRH.

Day 6 Gangotri

The day is utilized for relaxation, acclimatization and exploration the place for pilgrimage. Dinner and overnight stay at hotel/Tourist Rest House.

Day 7 Gangotri - Bhojwassa (3350 mts/10988 ft)

The walk begins with gradual ascent through pine trees, alongside the roaring Bhagirathi River with towering cliffs on your left hand side, and the sheer drop on the right. Soon after one leaves Gangotri, one passes a forest department check post for the “Gangotri Conservation Project”. The money collected from you is utilised to plant trees damaged and cut by years of uncontrolled tourist activities, and to reverse the degradation caused by polythene pollution. It is because of the same, that now the total number of individuals within the Gangotri National Park cannot exceed more than 100 on any given time!

The day’s walk is quite short and is mainly to assist acclimatization. Chirbasa means “abode of pine trees”. Here one gets to see breathtaking views of Hanuman Tibba (17,186 ft/5366m), Bhrigu Parbat (19,217 ft/6000m), and Bhagirathi I, II and III (21,958 ft/6856m, 20,857 ft/6512m, and 20,671 ft/6454m respectively). One could well spot herds of Bharal roaming the gravelly hillside above Chirvasa. Dinner and overnight stay in tents at Bhojvasa.

Day 8 Bhojbasa - Gomukh (3890 mts/12760 ft) - Tapovan (4463 mts / 14640 ft)

Enjoy the panoramic view of Bhagirathi group of peaks while having breakfast. A little while later, trek to Gaumukh Glacier (3890mt), the source of the Ganges. The name 'Gomukh', (meaning Cow’s : mouth) was so named probably because in the distant past, it appeared like a cow's mouth. Explore the area and trek to Tapovan- a fine meadow replete with gurgling streams and velvety grass!. The trek from Gomukh to Tapovan is a steep ascent, over the Gangotri Glacier. The peaks appear to be deceptively close and seem to be just a stone's throw away. Tapovan is finally reached and is known for its beautiful meadows that touches the base of the Shivling peak, The meadow is known as Tapovan, as it might have been used by “Rishis” in the distance past to meditate (Tap means meditation and Van means Jungle in Sanskrit and Hindi), owing to its isolation and natural beauty with hundreds of different wild flowers in full bloom after the spring thaw! Herds of Bharal (blue mountain goats) is a common sight here, and on the far side the Bhagarithi I, II, III (6454mt)peaks , provide an equally impressive backdrop. It is also little wonder that Sadhus and Rishis still choose this spot for extended meditation during the long summer month. Arrive Tapovan and camp. Dinner and overnight stay in camp.

Day 9 Tapovan - Kirti Bamak - Tapovan (7 kms/6 hrs)

Early in the morning a full day trek to Kirti Bamak glacier. From here you can see the Kedardome peak (6850 mts/22468 ft), Kirti Bamak (6500 mts/21320 ft) and a magnificent view of Shivling from the east. After exploring the area return to Tapovan for dinner and overnight stay.

Day 10 Tapovan - Meru Glacier - Tapovan (5 hrs/6 kms)

The day is also thrilling to see the Mt. Meru peak (6400 m). In the morning trek to the base of Mt. Meru crossing the meadows of Tapovan the trail climbs into another valley North – west of Tapovan. The Meru Bamak (Glacier) is set at a 60 degree to the Gangotri glacier. The walking over loose rocks and moraine calls for extra caution as the soil and rock are loosely held in the sandy glacial mud. The view of the Bhagirathi group of peaks to the South – east and the Vasuki Parvat located East – south East of the Meru glacier present a breathtaking background! After exploring the area return back to Tapovan for dinner and overnight stay.

Day 11 Tapovan - Nandanvan (4570 mts/14990 ft/ Trek 4-5 hrs)

One must now retrace the way back to Nandanvan once again crossing the Gomukh glacier. The route from Tapovan leads from the upper section of the meadow On traversing the Gaumukh glacier, turning towards Nandanvan (4340m) to the right, one enters the Nandanvan, a beautiful campsite with a crystal clear mountain stream. The Tapovan – Nandanvan trek combines the experience of mountain climbing, rock climbing, boulder-hopping and glacier traversing. Though the trek is not a very rigourous and is easily negotiable by non mountaineers, it still requires caution!. From Nandanvan, the view of the Shivling, Bhagirathi, Sudarshana, Thelu, and Kedar Dome peaks is a photographer’s dream come true! Overnight stay in tents.

Day 12 Nandanvan - Vasuki Tal (4800 mts/15744 ft) - Nandanvan (7 kms/6 hrs)

Trek along a gentle mountain stream towards the East parallel to the Chaturangi Glacier up an incline for almost 1.5 hours till one reaches a glacial valley gouged out by the raw power of an advancing glacier to reach the rim of the gorge. It take as a further 10 minutes of diagonal descent to get to Vasuki lake, roughly North – west of the looming Vasuki Parvat, after first seeing it fron the ridge. The camping area though not very big, is a comfortable ground, a short distance away from the lake. The area commands a beautiful view of the Vasuki parvat, and a bird’s eye view of the Gangotri valley. The area acts as a base camp base for climbing Mt Satopanth and Mt Vasuki Parbat. After exploring and photographing the area, trek back to Nandanvan for dinner and overnight stay.

Day 13 Nandan Van - Bhojbasa (Trek 4-5 hrs)

Early morning breakfast in the company of the glittering snow clads heralds the retracing of the previous days’ route. In the next 30 minutes, one must take as many photographs, as the peaks attain a golden colour of the rising Sun. A speedy descent follows immediately after, terminating at Bhojvasa. Dinner and overnight stay at the camp.

Day 14 Bhojbasa - Gangotri (Trek 4-5 hrs) - Uttarkashi

Immediately after reakfast trek down to Gangotri

Day 15 Uttarkashi - Haridwar - Delhi (275 kms/8-9 hrs)

Post breakfast drive 170 kms along the Ganges river valley to reach Haridwar. Arrival at Haridwar by afternoon. Explore the surroundings (especially the temples and the Bazaar) and to railway station to board the evening train to Delhi. Arrival at Delhi by night and then transfer to hotel for overnight stay.

Day 16 Delhi Departure

Half day city tour and evening transfer to airport to catch your onwards destination.

Day 1	Arrive Delhi Upon arrival at Delhi meet our representative and transfer to hotel for overnight stay at hotel.
Day 2	Delhi Spend the full day after breakfast sightseeing Delhi. Visit the Red Fort, the Gandhi Memorial at “Raj Ghat”, the India Gate, the President House- “Rashtrapati Bhavan”, the Qutab Minar etc. Overnight stay at hotel.
Day 3	Delhi - Mussoorie (1921 mts/6300 ft) In the morning drive to Mussoorie- the queen of the hills, with its green hills and varied flora & fauna, is a fascinating hill station. Commanding snow ranges to the north-east, and glittering views of the Doon Valley & Shivalik ranges in the south, the town presents a fairyland atmosphere to the tourists. Its history dates back to 1827 when Captain Young, an adventurous military officer, explored the present site and laid the foundation of this holiday resort which now has few rivals. Mussoorie is famous for its scenic beauty and the hustle bustle of a hill resort. It provides many amusements for domestic and foreign tourists. Mussoorie is conveniently connected to road by Delhi and major cities and is the 'Gateway' to Yamunotri and Gangotri Shrines of Northern India. and a 6 – 7 hours (295 kms) journey from Delhi via Dehradun. Upon arrival at Mussoorie transfer to hotel for dinner and overnight stay.
Day 4	Mussoorie - Uttarkashi (1150 mts/3772 ft) After breakfast, drive to Uttarkashi, along the narrow and winding roads first entering the Yamuna valley and finally into the Bhagirathi valley via Chamba. One can see a panoramic view of the high mountain peaks of Garhwal, and the famed albeit controversial 2400 MW Tehri Dam (the highest dam in Asia). The night halt is at Uttarkashi a town located in the wide Bhagirati valley, and has been a centre for learning and religion since the days of the Vedas! This sacred town has been home to some very famous sages and saints. The name of the town reflects its similarity to and location (as north of) the city of Kashi (Varanasi). Similar to Varanasi, town of Uttarkashi lies next to a hill named Varunavrat Parvat, and set on the banks of river Bhagirathi at an altitude of 1158 metres, about 145 kms from Rishikesh on the main route to Gangotri. The famous Vishwanath temple here is dedicated to Lord Shiva. In front of the temple is unique Mahadev-ka-Vishal Trishul or Shiva's Great Trident, made of eight major metals (Astadhatu). It is believed Lord Shiva killed Vakasur with this trident. Other important temples are dedicated to Lord Parashuram, Lord Ekadash Rudra and Goddess Kali. Uttarkashi is an important stopover for pilgrims visiting Gangotri. Uttarkashi has also emerged as an important centre for adventure sports.. Overnight in hotel.
Day 5	Uttarkashi - Gangotri (3048 mts/9998 ft) In the morning drive to Gangotri via the beautiful Harsil valley lined with Cider trees and famous for the Wilson Apples. Enroute take a holy dip in hot Sulphur springs at Gangnani. Upon arrival at Gangotri check in to hotel. Evening free to explore the beautiful surroundings. Dinner and overnight stay in hotel/TRH.
Day 6	Gangotri The day is utilized for relaxation, acclimatization and exploration the place for pilgrimage. Dinner and overnight stay at hotel/Tourist Rest House.
Day 7	Gangotri - Bhojwassa (3350 mts/10988 ft) The walk begins with gradual ascent through pine trees, alongside the roaring Bhagirathi River with towering cliffs on your left hand side, and the sheer drop on the right. Soon after one leaves Gangotri, one passes a forest department check post for the “Gangotri Conservation Project”. The money collected from you is utilised to plant trees damaged and cut by years of uncontrolled tourist activities, and to reverse the degradation caused by polythene pollution. It is because of the same, that now the total number of individuals within the Gangotri National Park cannot exceed more than 100 on any given time! The day’s walk is quite short and is mainly to assist acclimatization. Chirbasa means “abode of pine trees”. Here one gets to see breathtaking views of Hanuman Tibba (17,186 ft/5366m), Bhrigu Parbat (19,217 ft/6000m), and Bhagirathi I, II and III (21,958 ft/6856m, 20,857 ft/6512m, and 20,671 ft/6454m respectively). One could well spot herds of Bharal roaming the gravelly hillside above Chirvasa. Dinner and overnight stay in tents at Bhojvasa.
Day 8	Bhojbasa - Gomukh (3890 mts/12760 ft) - Tapovan (4463 mts / 14640 ft) Enjoy the panoramic view of Bhagirathi group of peaks while having breakfast. A little while later, trek to Gaumukh Glacier (3890mt), the source of the Ganges. The name 'Gomukh', (meaning Cow’s : mouth) was so named probably because in the distant past, it appeared like a cow's mouth. Explore the area and trek to Tapovan- a fine meadow replete with gurgling streams and velvety grass!. The trek from Gomukh to Tapovan is a steep ascent, over the Gangotri Glacier. The peaks appear to be deceptively close and seem to be just a stone's throw away. Tapovan is finally reached and is known for its beautiful meadows that touches the base of the Shivling peak, The meadow is known as Tapovan, as it might have been used by “Rishis” in the distance past to meditate (Tap means meditation and Van means Jungle in Sanskrit and Hindi), owing to its isolation and natural beauty with hundreds of different wild flowers in full bloom after the spring thaw! Herds of Bharal (blue mountain goats) is a common sight here, and on the far side the Bhagarithi I, II, III (6454mt)peaks , provide an equally impressive backdrop. It is also little wonder that Sadhus and Rishis still choose this spot for extended meditation during the long summer month. Arrive Tapovan and camp. Dinner and overnight stay in camp.
Day 9	Tapovan - Kirti Bamak - Tapovan (7 kms/6 hrs) Early in the morning a full day trek to Kirti Bamak glacier. From here you can see the Kedardome peak (6850 mts/22468 ft), Kirti Bamak (6500 mts/21320 ft) and a magnificent view of Shivling from the east. After exploring the area return to Tapovan for dinner and overnight stay.
Day 10	Tapovan - Meru Glacier - Tapovan (5 hrs/6 kms) The day is also thrilling to see the Mt. Meru peak (6400 m). In the morning trek to the base of Mt. Meru crossing the meadows of Tapovan the trail climbs into another valley North – west of Tapovan. The Meru Bamak (Glacier) is set at a 60 degree to the Gangotri glacier. The walking over loose rocks and moraine calls for extra caution as the soil and rock are loosely held in the sandy glacial mud. The view of the Bhagirathi group of peaks to the South – east and the Vasuki Parvat located East – south East of the Meru glacier present a breathtaking background! After exploring the area return back to Tapovan for dinner and overnight stay.
Day 11	Tapovan - Nandanvan (4570 mts/14990 ft/ Trek 4-5 hrs) One must now retrace the way back to Nandanvan once again crossing the Gomukh glacier. The route from Tapovan leads from the upper section of the meadow On traversing the Gaumukh glacier, turning towards Nandanvan (4340m) to the right, one enters the Nandanvan, a beautiful campsite with a crystal clear mountain stream. The Tapovan – Nandanvan trek combines the experience of mountain climbing, rock climbing, boulder-hopping and glacier traversing. Though the trek is not a very rigourous and is easily negotiable by non mountaineers, it still requires caution!. From Nandanvan, the view of the Shivling, Bhagirathi, Sudarshana, Thelu, and Kedar Dome peaks is a photographer’s dream come true! Overnight stay in tents.
Day 12	Nandanvan - Vasuki Tal (4800 mts/15744 ft) - Nandanvan (7 kms/6 hrs) Trek along a gentle mountain stream towards the East parallel to the Chaturangi Glacier up an incline for almost 1.5 hours till one reaches a glacial valley gouged out by the raw power of an advancing glacier to reach the rim of the gorge. It take as a further 10 minutes of diagonal descent to get to Vasuki lake, roughly North – west of the looming Vasuki Parvat, after first seeing it fron the ridge. The camping area though not very big, is a comfortable ground, a short distance away from the lake. The area commands a beautiful view of the Vasuki parvat, and a bird’s eye view of the Gangotri valley. The area acts as a base camp base for climbing Mt Satopanth and Mt Vasuki Parbat. After exploring and photographing the area, trek back to Nandanvan for dinner and overnight stay.
Day 13	Nandan Van - Bhojbasa (Trek 4-5 hrs) Early morning breakfast in the company of the glittering snow clads heralds the retracing of the previous days’ route. In the next 30 minutes, one must take as many photographs, as the peaks attain a golden colour of the rising Sun. A speedy descent follows immediately after, terminating at Bhojvasa. Dinner and overnight stay at the camp.
Day 14	Bhojbasa - Gangotri (Trek 4-5 hrs) - Uttarkashi Immediately after reakfast trek down to Gangotri
Day 15	Uttarkashi - Haridwar - Delhi (275 kms/8-9 hrs) Post breakfast drive 170 kms along the Ganges river valley to reach Haridwar. Arrival at Haridwar by afternoon. Explore the surroundings (especially the temples and the Bazaar) and to railway station to board the evening train to Delhi. Arrival at Delhi by night and then transfer to hotel for overnight stay.
Day 16	Delhi Departure Half day city tour and evening transfer to airport to catch your onwards destination.

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Mt. Shivling Trek

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