Kirti Gangotri Glacier Trek

Arrive at Haridwar by the morning Shatabdi. Alternatively, you can fly in to the Jolly Grant Airport by 12 noon. Board waiting vehicles to be driven straight to Kuflon Basics in the Assi Ganga valley (7hrs). Breakfast enroute. Overnight Kuflon.

Drive 4 hrs to reach the holy shrine of Gangotri (3000m). Visit the temple and the start the 4 hr walk up towards Gaumukh, the source of the river Ganges. The trail keeps following the river and just short of Chirbasa one gets the first views of the Bhagirathi Peaks. Chirbasa (3600m), literally meaning the home of pine is now a cluster of shops and some pine trees. Walk down from the main trail and setup camp close to the river.

Have a relaxed day with only about 3 hrs of walk. Reach the campsite of Bhojbasa, home of birch (now only a few left in the much denuded area) and setup camp. Evening walk to one of the high points close by is recommended for better acclimatisation.

Walk about 2hrs to reach Gaumukh (4000m), the source of the Ganges. Spend time admiring the beauty and the power of nature. It’s a visual treat and an experience in itself to watch the Ganga gush out of the snout of the Gangotri glacier. Cross the glacier and start the steep ascent to reach the beautiful meadow of Tapovan.

An early morning start for a full day trek to Kirti Bamak glacier. From here you can see the Kedardome peak, Kedarnath, Bhartekuntha, Thalay Sagar, Bhrigupanth, Meru and a magnificent view of Shivling from the east. After exploring the area return to Tapovan for dinner and overnight camp.

Rest day at Tapovan – a lush green meadow dotted with wildflowers right at the foot of the giant Shivling. Spend your day doing walks around the campsite, or visiting the sadhus, reading a book or just admiring the mighty peaks of Bhagirathi, Shivling, Meru and others.

Start the trek back to reach Chirbasa in about 5 hrs. Setup camp.

After breakfast carry on the trail to reach Gangotri (4hrs) and board the waiting vehicles to drive back to the camp Kuflon Basics for the comforts of hot shower, barbeque and the campfire.

Have an easy start, let the aching muscles rest. An early lunch / brunch and drive back (5 hrs) to Haridwar to board the 1810 hrs Shatabdi Express to Delhi. Trip ends.