Ganges Origin Expedition

🗻 Max Altitude: 372 m / 1,220 ft
📈 Altitude Gain: +156 m / 511 ft
⏱️ Travel Time: 5–6 hours
🚌 Travel Distance: 224 km / 139 miles

We will be driving in order to reach Rishikesh. After having lunch you can take a stroll in the city. In the evening we can walk to the Trivani Ghat. It is a very sacred Ghat where people bathe in the evening and where ceremonies are held called “Ganga Arti”, with religious songs when the pilgrims light a lamp of butter with fresh flowers to make an offering. We will then return to the hotel to have dinner.

🗻 Max Altitude: 1,500 m / 4,921 ft
📈 Altitude Gain: +1,128 m / 3,694 ft
⏱️ Travel Time: ~6–7 hours
🚌 Travel Distance: 156 km / 97 miles

It will be an early departure by road to Ghuttu, a quiet Himalayan village nestled in the hills. Overnight stay will be arranged in a lodge or comfortable camp setup in Ghuttu.

🗻 Max Altitude: 2,400 m / 7,874 ft
📈 Altitude Gain: +900 m / 2,953 ft
⏱️ Trek Time: 5–6 hours
🥾 Trekking Distance: ~10–12 km

The trek begins with a scenic walk through terraced farmlands, traditional villages, and small hill temples. As we gain elevation, the path winds through a beautiful pine forest before reaching the peaceful meadow of Bhairon Chatti. Overnight stay in tents under the forest canopy.

🗻 Max Altitude: 1,500 m / 4,921 ft
📉 Altitude Loss: −900 m / 2,953 ft
⏱️ Trek Time: 5–6 hours
🥾 Trekking Distance: ~10 km

Today we descend steadily through mixed forests and farmlands, eventually crossing the Ball Ganga River. We’ll set up camp beside the serene village of Budha Kedar and visit its revered Shiva temple—an ancient spiritual site steeped in quiet charm.

🗻 Max Altitude: 2,400 m / 7,874 ft
📈 Altitude Gain: +900 m / 2,953 ft
⏱️ Trek Time: 6 hours
🥾 Trekking Distance: ~12 km

We ascend gradually through forested terrain to reach the final pass of the trek. The trail then winds down across farmlands and scattered villages. We’ll camp near the peaceful village of Belak, surrounded by lush greenery and local life.

🗻 Max Altitude: 3,100 m / 10,170 ft
📈 Altitude Gain: +700 m / 2,296 ft
⏱️ Trek Time: 4 hours
🥾 Trekking Distance: ~8 km
⏱️ Travel Time: 3–4 hours
🚌 Travel Distance: 80 km / 50 miles

We descend through several traditional villages down to the Bhagirathi River, then ascend to reach the hill village of Malla. From here, we drive through stunning river gorges to Gangotri—home to the sacred Ganga temple. Overnight stay in a local lodge.

🗻 Max Altitude: 3,800 m / 12,467 ft
📈 Altitude Gain: +700 m / 2,297 ft
⏱️ Trek Time: 5 hours
🥾 Trekking Distance: ~14 km

We follow the Bhagirathi River upstream, trekking through the majestic Chirbasa (pine forest) and on to Bhujbasa, named after the birch trees dotting the valley. The trail offers magnificent views of Himalayan giants rising above 6,000 m. Overnight stay in a tourist bungalow or camp.

🗻 Max Altitude: 4,465 m / 14,649 ft
📈 Altitude Gain: +665 m / 2,182 ft
⏱️ Trek Time: 4–5 hours
🥾 Trekking Distance: ~8 km

We begin with a 4 km trek to Gaumukh, the revered source of the Ganga, where pilgrims collect holy water and take ritual dips. From here, a challenging ascent over the Gaumukh Glacier leads us to Tapovan, a high-altitude meadow surrounded by towering peaks. Overnight stay in camp.

🗻 Max Altitude: 4,400 m / 14,435 ft
📉 Altitude Loss: −65 m / 213 ft
⏱️ Trek Time: ~6 hours (exploration)
🥾 Trekking Distance: ~6–8 km (optional)

A full day to explore the pristine surroundings of Tapovan, nestled beneath the towering Shivling Peak. Optional hikes include a trek toward Meru Glacier and a visit to the glacial lake, reaching elevations near 5,000 m. Enjoy the silence of the high Himalayas—and if lucky, spot elusive mountain goats in this surreal landscape. Overnight stay in camp.

🗻 Max Altitude: 3,600 m / 11,811 ft
📉 Altitude Loss: −800 m / 2,624 ft
⏱️ Trek Time: 5 hours
🥾 Trekking Distance: 12 km

We retrace our steps along the Bhagirathi valley, descending steadily through glacial terrain and alpine forests to reach Chirbasa, the pine-covered rest point from earlier in the journey. Overnight stay in camp nestled among the trees.

🗻 Max Altitude: 3,415 m / 11,204 ft (Gangotri)
📈 Altitude Gain: +185 m / 607 ft
⏱️ Trek Time: 4–6 hours
🥾 Trekking Distance: ~9 km
⏱️ Travel Time: ~4–5 hours
🚌 Travel Distance: 100 km / 62 miles

We begin the day with a scenic return trek to Gangotri, where our vehicle awaits. From there, we drive to Uttarkashi, pausing en route at Gangnani for a rejuvenating dip in its natural hot springs. Overnight stay in a tourist hotel in Uttarkashi.

🗻 Max Altitude: 372 m / 1,220 ft
📉 Altitude Loss: −3,043 m / 9,984 ft
⏱️ Travel Time: 5–6 hours
🚌 Travel Distance: 150 km / 93 miles

We drive back to Rishikesh, descending from the high Himalayas to the sacred banks of the Ganga. In the afternoon, visit ancient temples and peaceful Ashrams, or simply unwind and enjoy the riverside atmosphere. Overnight stay in a hotel.

🗻 Max Altitude: 314 m / 1,030 ft
📉 Altitude Loss: −58 m / 190 ft
🚌 Travel Distance: 23 km / 14 miles

We begin with a short drive to Haridwar, one of the holiest cities on the Ganges. Spend the day visiting ancient temples and sacred ghats. In the evening, witness the moving Ganga Aarti ceremony, as pilgrims float flower-lit oil lamps on the river. Visit the Daksha Mahadev Temple before retiring for the night in a local hotel.

🗻 Max Altitude: 216 m / 709 ft
📉 Altitude Loss: −98 m / 321 ft
⏱️ Travel Time: 6 hours
🚆 Travel Distance: 240 km / 149 miles

After breakfast, you’ll be driven to Haridwar Railway Station to board your train to Delhi. Upon arrival, our representative will receive you and assist with your hotel transfer. Spend the afternoon sightseeing iconic landmarks like the Red Fort, Jama Masjid, and Shanti Van. Later, you’ll be dropped at Indira Gandhi International Airport for your onward flight.