Here is a trek that takes you half way round Garhwal from the Bhagirathi Valley to the Alaknanda Valley. A trip only for those who have done high altitude treks before; its very mention gives a thrill to even the most seasoned of climbers.

The trek starts from Gangotri and takes you through Nandavan, the base of the Bhagirathi peaks, a place that offers an unparallel view of the Shivling peak. The trail moves on to Vasukital (4900 M). With towering peaks all around the lake, its surface shimmers like a pearl and is the source of the Vasuki Ganga that drains into the Mandakini. We proceed to cross the Kalindikhal pass (5968 M), a tough climb from where you feel that there is little else left to be see. It is as if you are a part of this majestic setting of snow peaks. The trail then descends to Arwatal and to Mana the last village on the Chinese frontier. The trek fittingly ends at Badrinath with a visit to the holy temple.

Area: Garhwal Himalayas
Duration: 22 Days.
Altitude: 5968 mts /19578 ft
Grade: Moderate to tough
Season: Mid July - Mid September

Day 01: Delhi
Up on arrival at Delhi airport met our representative and then transfer to hotel for overnight stay.

Day 02: Delhi - Rishikesh (227 kms/6-7hrs)
Morning after breakfast drive (227 km) to reach Rishikesh. Stop at Haridwar for sightseeing of Ganga Ghats & Temples then proceed to Rishikesh. Arrive & check in at the hotel. Evening free in Rishikesh. Dinner and overnight stay at Hotel.

Rishikesh: Situated at the foothills of Garhwal hills along Ganges, Rishikesh is a gateway to the important religious places of Badrinath, Gangotri, Kedernath and Yamunotri. Places of interest includes visit to Bharat Mandir the oldest temple in Rishikesh, Nilkanth Mahadev, this is believed to be the place where Lord Shiva drank the poison churn out of the cosmic ocean among many other temples. Also visit some of its many Ashrams: Ashrams are centers for spiritual studies, meditation, Yoga, sacred prayers besides being residential centers for the resident gurus.

Day 03: Rishikesh - Uttarkashi (170 kms/ 4-5 hrs)
Morning after breakfast proceed for Uttarkashi (1150 mt), which takes 5-6 hrs. Upon arrival check-in at Shikhar Nature Resort. After lunch visit NIM (Nehru Institute of Mountaineering) Institute & Museum.

Uttarkashi is the principle town in the region. Nehru Institute of Mountaineering is situated here. It is also the gateway to many mountaineering and trekking expedition in Gangotri area.

Day 04: Uttarkashi - Gangotri (3048 m/ 10,000 ft) Drive (250 kms).
Morning after breakfast drive to reach Gangotri via Harsil (approx 25 km before Gangotri (3048 mt) by covering approx 95 km in 4-5 hrs. On arrival check-into Mandakini Guest House.

There is a beautiful Gorge at Bhairav Ghati over which there is a steel guarder bridge. Gangotri is the place where the Goddess Ganga descended on Earth from Heaven. There is a Temple of Goddess Ganga where thousands of devotees throng to pay homage to her.

Gangotri: The shrine of Gangotri is situated at an elevation of 3200 m surrounded by deodars and pines. The original temple was constructed by the Gorkha General Amar Singh Thapa. Every year people from all around the world visit this shrine. A number of ashrams and Dharamshalas are located on the other side of the river. It is believed that Raja Bhagirath used to worship Shiva on a slab of rock "Bhagirath Shila" situated near the temple. Submerged in the river there is a natural Shivling where, according to mythology, Lord Shiva sat when he received the Goddess Ganga in his matted locks. A days trek takes one to Gomukh, the source of the mighty Ganges.

Day 05: Gangotri - Bhoj Kharak (5 - 6 hrs)
In the morning after breakfast trek to Bhoj Kharak. The steep ascent to Bhoj Kharak starts as we leave the camp. After an hour climb we traverse Kedar gorge to reach Bhoj Kharak. The entire trek is along Kedar Ganga, through fir (cedus) and Bhoj (birch) trees. The bark of birch was used as paper for ancient manuscript in India. Arrive Bhoj Kharak and camp. Meals and overnight camp.

Day 06: Bhoj Kharak - Kedar Kharak (4 - 5 hrs)
Today we leave the tree line and trek through a long meadow with Bhirgupanth peak in backdrop. Arrive and camp near the gushing stream in the meadow. Meals and overnight camp.

Day 07: Kedar Kharak - Kedar Tal (4 - 5 hrs)
Today the trek is very steep and through boulders and stones. After 3-4 hrs walking on difficult terrain we reach Kedar Tal. Arrive and camp. Enjoy an excellent sunset on Thalayasagar peak with its reflection in the lake. Meals and overnight camp.

Day 08: Kedar Tal - Bhoj Kharak (4 - 5 hrs)
Early morning witness special sunrise on the peaks and lake. After breakfast trace your steps back to Bhoj Kharak. Lunch at Kedar Kharak. Arrive Bhoj Kharak and camp. Meals and overnight camp.

Day 09: Bhoj Kharak - Gangotri (4 - 5 hrs)
Early morning start trekking down to Gangotri. Witness evening prayer at Gangotri temple, dedicated to Goddess Ganges. Meals and overnight tourist bungalow.

Day 10: Gangotri - Bhojwassa (3792 m/12440 ft) Trek (14 kms /5-6 hrs).
Morning after early breakfast start first days trek to Bhojbasa following the river Bhagirathi on right bank by covering approx 14 kms in 4-5 hrs. Trek is full of fascinating Himalayan sights and you can have beautiful views of snow clapped peaks around. Upon arrival at Bhojbasa, set up camp for overnight stay.

Day 11: Bhojwassa - Nandanvan (4337 m/14230 ft) Trek (6 kms / 3-4 hrs).
Morning trek 4-5 hrs t o reach the beautiful base of Bhagirathi group of peaks, Nandanvan. The trek crosses Gangotri Glacier. From here view the Shivling, Bhagirathi, Sudarshan, Thelu peaks and Kedardome. Overnight stay in tents.

Day 12: Nandanvan - Vasuki Tal (4880 m/16000 ft) Trek (6 kms / 4-5 hrs).
Morning trek along with Chaturangi Glacier to reach Vasukital, a beautiful base for Mt Satopanth and Mt Vasuki Parbat with a small lake. The trek is steady upward. Arrive in 5-6 hours and overnight stay in tents.

Day 13: Vasuki Tal - Khara Pathar (Suralya Bamak) (5480 m/17975 ft) Trek (6 kms/3-4 hrs).
Morning after breakfast start trek to Suraiaya Bamak (Khara Pathar) with packed lunch. Dinner and overnight in camp. Camping on Moraine

Day 14: Khara Pathar - Kalindikhal Base (5500 m/18040 ft) Trek (8 kms / 4-5 hrs).
Morning after breakfast trek 10 Km to reach Kalindikhal Base (Sweta Glacier) (5500 mt). Dinner and overnight stay in the camp.

Day 15: Kalindikhal Base - Raja Parav (4910 m/16105 ft) Trek (12 kms / 6-7 hrs).
Mornings after breakfast proceed your trek (12 km) to Kalindi Pass (5947 mt). Spend some time at the spot and then trek down to Rajparav for dinner and overnight stay in the camp.

Day 16: Raja Parav - Arwatal
Morning after breakfast proceed your trek to reach Arwatal (3910 mt) 13 km from Rajparav. Overnight stay in the camp.

Day 17: Arwa Tal - Ghastoli (3796 m/12450 ft) Trek (16 kms / 5-6 hrs).
Morning after breakfast proceed your trek to reach Ghastoli (3796 km), which is 16 Km from Arwatal. Dinner and overnight stay in the camp.

Day 18: Ghastoli - Mana - Badrinath (3096 m/10155 ft) Trek (18 kms / 5-6 hrs).
Morning after breakfast start trek to Badrinath situated on the bank of Alaknanda, standing like twin sentinels over the valley are the Nar and Narayan peaks, and in the distance soars the resplendent Neelkanth peak. A seven hrs walk brings you to Mana Village, the last village before the border, where you break for lunch. Later a 2 kms drive brings us to town of Badrinath. On arrival check into hotel. Afternoon visit the temple of Badrinath. Return to hotel for Dinner & Overnight.

Badrinath, Badrinath Temple is the abode of Lord Vishnu. It is situated at an altitude of 3130 m at the banks of Alaknanda. In the backdrop, is the Neelkanth mountain peak situated between the twin peaks of Nar and Narayan. The name is derived from wild berries called Badri. Adi Shankarcharya established the idol of Vishnu in the temple. Near the temple is a hot water sulphur spring, Tapt Kund.

Day 19: Badrinath - Joshimath
Early in the morning visit the temple. After breakfast drive to Joshimath. Morning after breakfast drive down to reach Joshimath 44 Km from Badrinath. Overnight stay in the Hotel Dronagiri.

Joshimath The religious centre, established by Adi Shankaracharya, which he called Jyotirmath, later came to be known as Joshimath. Among the sites of interest are the temples of Nav Durga and Narsingh. Apart from its obvious religious importance, Joshimath is known for its scenic beauty.
Day 20: Joshimath - Rishikesh
Morning after breakfast drive (257 km) down to reach Rishikesh. On arrival check-in the Hotel for overnight stay. In the evening after wash and change visit Laxman Jhula, Thirteen storied temple, Geeta Ashram, Parmarth Niketan and later join the Aarti ceremony at Triveni Ghat. Latter return back to the Hotel for overnight stay.

Rishikesh Rishikesh is a celebrated spiritual town which is situated on the bank of holy Ganga and it is surrounded by the Himalayas mountain range Shivalik from three sides. Being a starting point for the Four Dham Pilgrimage of the Hindus in which pilgrims go to Gangotri, Yamunotri, Badrinath and Kedarnath for spiritual salvation. Rishikesh is also famous for meditation and Yoga .This place is a heaven for the adventurous, Rishikesh has some of the best treks in Uttarakhand. This place is the starting point of trekking expeditions and excursions towards the Himalayan mountain range.

Day 21: Free Day at Rishikesh
Free day in Rishikesh for personal activities. You can visit the Geeta Bhawan, Ram Juhla, Laxman Juhla and Ashram etc.

Day 22: Rishikesh - Delhi
Morning after breakfasts drive to Delhi (227 km). Lunch enroute. Upon arrival at Delhi transfer to hotel. Overnight stay at hotel.