Source of the Sacred Ganges Trek
Overview
Highlights
- Fantastic views of Shivling, the Matterhorn of India
- Trek to the source of the Sacred Ganges
- Pilgrimage town of Rishikesh andMussoorie the ‘Queen of hill stations’
What's this trip about?
Details
Travel Themes
Destinations
Activities
Min Group Size
Max Group Size
Trip includes
- All breakfasts, 10 lunches and 10 dinners
- All accommodation
- All transport and listed activities
- Tour leader throughout
- Flights from London (if booking incl. flights)
- Arrival and departure transfers
Itinerary
Depart London
On arrival at Delhi International airport you will be met and transferred to the hotel for overnight stay. The group flight usually arrives into Delhi in the morning. Hotel check-in is normally available from 12 noon. The rest of the day is free to relax and reco...
This morning the group will fly to Dehra Dun airport where we join our vehicles for the drive to Rishikesh. The road soon leaves the plains behind and starts to wind its way into the hills. It should take about 1.5hr (25km) to reach Rishikesh. Every evening as dus...
We continue heading north into the hills following the Bhagirathi River all the way to Uttarkashi, an important pilgrimage centre on the banks of the Bhagirathi River, famous for its ashrams and temples and the Nehru Institute of Mountaineering. The drive takes us...
Today we now start the first of our two treks. This short first trek will be great for acclimatisation and also affords wonderful views of the Indian Himalaya. More remote than the Source of the Ganges trek we still get wonderful views from spectacular campsites. ...
For the energetic there is an optional walk to a fantastic viewpoint called Bakaria Top at 3,800m (for those who do not want to do the peak they can go with the cook and ponymen direct to camp). Please note if you do the optional walk the distance covered will be ...
We spend two nights at the beautiful Syari Bugyal and for those who want to we can trek to the fantastic viewpoint at Surya Top, the highpoint of this warm up trek. From camp we ascend onto the ridge above us and follow the ridge climbing all the time. As we gain ...
Today is the last day of our acclimatisation trek. We descend back to the tree line and enter thick forest. As we descend we can still see the mountains ahead and in spring the rhododendrons, gentians and primulas add an extra dimension of colour. We finally emerge from the forest at the village of Barsu, where we started our trek. *Basic hotel (sleeping altitude 2,250m)*
Our warm up trek is now complete and we head further north and closer to the mountains, to the start of the Source of the Ganges trek at Gangotri. The road follows the valley as it winds its way into the hills, still following the Bhagirathi River. The higher it g...
We now begin the second trek to the source of the Ganges called Gaumukh. It is 19km from Gangotri, which will take us one and a half days. The trek starts with an easy climb surrounded by magnificent scenery. We pass the checkpost for the Gangotri Conservation Pro...
From Bhojwassa we trek gradually uphill for 5km to Gaumukh. This is the actual source of the Ganges and is where the many pilgrims will trek to. The river starts at the snout of the Gaumukh glacier and is one of the holiest places for Hindus to visit. We leave th...
Spend a day in Tapovan, with time to enjoy the stunning scenery and views or take an optional walk to Meru base camp. The trail follows the right side of the valley and ascends the rocky moraine towards Meru base camp. The views are even more stunning as Shivling ...
Hopefully we will get a ast stunning sunrise over the great peaks around us before we leave this mountain arena and retrace our steps down the valley past Gaumukh and Bhojwassa to Chirwassa. *Full-service camping (sleeping altitude 3,800m)*
We finish our trekking today with a short walk back to Gangotri, where we meet our transport for the drive down the valley to Uttarkashi for the night. The drive is approximately 100km and will take about 4 hours. *Basic hotel*
Today we descend into the foothills and drive from Uttarkashi to Mussoorie. The scenery is no less spectacular as we descend the valley. The drive takes us through forested areas, small busy towns and farmlands. After around a 5 hour drive we will reach the busy hill station of Mussoorie where we spend the night. (altitude 1,880m) *Standard hotel*
We have time this morning to explore Mussoorie. Called the ‘Queen of Hill Stations’, it lies in the foothills of the Garhwal Himalaya. Now a bustling Indian town it was founded by the British, who were trying to escape the heat of the plains. It became the centre ...
Those on the flight inclusive package will depart for London this morning for the daytime flight back to London; Land Only arrangements will finish after check-out from the hotel.
Land Only
The tour starts at the hotel in Delhi today. The group flights usually arrive into Delhi in the morning. Hotel check-in is normally available from 12 noon. The rest of the day is free to relax and recover from the flight or for individual exploration of Delhi. There will be information at the hotel about the time for the welcome briefing. *Standard hotel*
This morning the group will fly to Dehra Dun airport where we join our vehicles for the drive to Rishikesh. The road soon leaves the plains behind and starts to wind its way into the hills. It should take about 1.5hr (25km) to reach Rishikesh. Every evening as dus...
We continue heading north into the hills following the Bhagirathi River all the way to Uttarkashi, an important pilgrimage centre on the banks of the Bhagirathi River, famous for its ashrams and temples and the Nehru Institute of Mountaineering. The drive takes us...
Today we now start the first of our two treks. This short first trek will be great for acclimatisation and also affords wonderful views of the Indian Himalaya. More remote than the Source of the Ganges trek we still get wonderful views from spectacular campsites. ...
For the energetic there is an optional walk to a fantastic viewpoint called Bakaria Top at 3,800m (for those who do not want to do the peak they can go with the cook and ponymen direct to camp). Please note if you do the optional walk the distance covered will be ...
We spend two nights at the beautiful Syari Bugyal and for those who want to we can trek to the fantastic viewpoint at Surya Top, the highpoint of this warm up trek. From camp we ascend onto the ridge above us and follow the ridge climbing all the time. As we gain ...
Today is the last day of our acclimatisation trek. We descend back to the tree line and enter thick forest. As we descend we can still see the mountains ahead and in spring the rhododendrons, gentians and primulas add an extra dimension of colour. We finally emerge from the forest at the village of Barsu, where we started our trek. *Basic hotel (sleeping altitude 2,250m)*
Our warm up trek is now complete and we head further north and closer to the mountains, to the start of the Source of the Ganges trek at Gangotri. The road follows the valley as it winds its way into the hills, still following the Bhagirathi River. The higher it g...
We now begin the second trek to the source of the Ganges called Gaumukh. It is 19km from Gangotri, which will take us one and a half days. The trek starts with an easy climb surrounded by magnificent scenery. We pass the checkpost for the Gangotri Conservation Pro...
From Bhojwassa we trek gradually uphill for 5km to Gaumukh. This is the actual source of the Ganges and is where the many pilgrims will trek to. The river starts at the snout of the Gaumukh glacier and is one of the holiest places for Hindus to visit. We leave th...
Spend a day in Tapovan, with time to enjoy the stunning scenery and views or take an optional walk to Meru base camp. The trail follows the right side of the valley and ascends the rocky moraine towards Meru base camp. The views are even more stunning as Shivling ...
Hopefully we will get a ast stunning sunrise over the great peaks around us before we leave this mountain arena and retrace our steps down the valley past Gaumukh and Bhojwassa to Chirwassa. *Full-service camping (sleeping altitude 3,800m)*
We finish our trekking today with a short walk back to Gangotri, where we meet our transport for the drive down the valley to Uttarkashi for the night. The drive is approximately 100km and will take about 4 hours. *Basic hotel*
Today we descend into the foothills and drive from Uttarkashi to Mussoorie. The scenery is no less spectacular as we descend the valley. The drive takes us through forested areas, small busy towns and farmlands. After around a 5 hour drive we will reach the busy hill station of Mussoorie where we spend the night. (altitude 1,880m) *Standard hotel*
We have time this morning to explore Mussoorie. Called the ‘Queen of Hill Stations’, it lies in the foothills of the Garhwal Himalaya. Now a bustling Indian town it was founded by the British, who were trying to escape the heat of the plains. It became the centre ...
Those on the flight inclusive package will depart for London this morning for the daytime flight back to London; Land Only arrangements will finish after check-out from the hotel.
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Dates & Availability
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The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.
Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.
Exodus Travels Reviews & Ratings
Wonderful blend of culture and trekking
A very enjoyable trip with stunning mountain scenery on both the warm-up trek to Surya Top/Uchlaru Top and the main trek to Tapovan/Meru Base Camp. This wonderful ...
Other Exodus Travels Reviews
Patient and knowledgeable operative
Rick was really helpful and patient. He explained things clearly, was happy to answer questions. It is a long time since I last travelled solo but I felt confident t...
Very professional organisation
Very professional organisation, trip leaders and guides. Good cultural ethics and a genuine interest in sustainable tourism, hence Exodus values are aligned to my o...
India, the Tropical South
An excellent trip, we really enjoyed it and would highly recommend. Our guide Biju deserves a special thank you for being brilliant, he really adds to the experience...
Tour Operator
It is all about adventure. That is what Exodus was founded upon and what the company is still all about. Discovering countries, cultures, environments, cities, mountain ranges, deserts, coasts and jungles; exploring this amazing planet we all live on.
At Exodus, we know what makes you tick when it comes to holidays. It’s a desire shared by so many others. A yearning to visit new places and come home with a real sense of what they’re all about. This means delving into local traditions, cultures, cuisine, lifestyles – anything that contributes to its unique identity. At the same time, we always remember that we are only guests. So we travel courteously and respectfully, in smaller groups to minimise our impact, to ensure that every Exodus holiday is a beneficial experience for everyone involved.
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Logistics
Accommodation
The cancellation policies of this trip when booked through Travelstride are determined by the stated policies of the tour operator - Exodus Travels.
If you or any other member of your party decides to cancel a confirmed booking you must notify Travelstride in writing. Your notice of cancellation will only take effect when it is received in writing by Travelstride and will be effective from the date on which we receive it.
If You Cancel Your Holiday
You, or any member of your party, may cancel your travel arrangements at any time. Written notification from the lead name or your travel agent must be received at our offices.
Since we incur costs in canceling your travel arrangements, you will have to pay cancellation charges as follows (see also the exceptions below):
- More than 42 days - No cancellation fee. Deposit can be transferred to a new booking departing within 2 years of date of travel of original booking. Any remaining balance will be refundedThis excludes all non-refundable costs as set out in clause 4 above (for example international and domestic flights and local services).
- Between 41 and 21 days (inclusive) - No cancellation fee. Balance and deposit can be transferred to a new booking departing within 2 years of date of travel of original bookingThis excludes all non-refundable costs as further explained in clause 4 above (for example international and domestic flights and local services).
- Between 20 and 15 days (inclusive) - 80% of the holiday cost
- 14 days or less; or failure to join the holiday (inclusive) - 100% of the holiday cost
Certain trips may involve different cancellation charges; you will be advised if this is applicable to your holiday during the booking process.For Polar holidays, the following cancellation charges will be made for all Polar holidays. Period before departure in which you notify us:
Cancelation charge
- More than 133 days - Deposit only
- 133 days or less (or failure to join the holiday) (inclusive) - 100% of the holiday cost
Notes (i) Your deposit is non-refundable, even if the cancellation charge calculated is lower than the deposit amount paid; (ii) If the reason for your cancellation is covered under the terms of your insurance policy, you may be able to reclaim these charges; (iii) certain travel arrangements may be subject to higher cancellation charges and could incur a cancellation charge of up to 100% of that part of the arrangements from the moment the booking is confirmed.
If You Change Your Booking
If, after our Booking Confirmation has been issued, you wish to change your travel arrangements in any way, for example your chosen departure date or accommodation, we will do our utmost to make these changes but it may not always be possible. Any request for changes to be made must be in writing from the lead name or your travel agent. You will be asked to pay an administration charge of $60, and any further cost we incur in making this alteration (including those charged by third party suppliers who provide the component parts of your booking). You should be aware that these costs could increase the closer to the departure date that changes are made and you should contact us as soon as possible. Note: Certain travel arrangements may not be changeable after a reservation has been made and any alteration request could incur a cancellation charge of up to 100% of that part of the arrangements.
You can transfer your booking to another person, who satisfies all the conditions that apply to this booking, by giving us notice in writing at least 7 days before departure provided that the new lead passenger accepts the transfer and these Terms and Conditions. Both you and the new traveler are responsible for paying all costs we incur in making the transfer. Please bear in mind that certain airlines and other transport providers treat changes as a cancellation and charge accordingly, up to 100% of the cost for that part of the arrangement. Where applicable these charges will be passed on to you.
If We Cancel Your Booking
Exodus reserves the right to cancel an itinerary before departure for any reason whatsoever, including too few participants ,logistical problems, a Force Majeure Event (as defined in Section 8), or any other circumstances that may make operation of the trip inadvisable. All trip payments received will be promptly refunded, and this refund will be the limit of Exodus’s liability without any further obligation on Exodus’s part. Exodus is not responsible for any expenses incurred by trip members in preparing for the trip, including non-refundable or penalty-carrying airline tickets, special clothing, visa or passport fees, or other trip-related expenses.
If We Change Your Booking
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Changes to the price. We can change your holiday price after you’ve booked, only in certain circumstances. Changes in the price of the carriage of passengers resulting from changes to the cost of fuel or other power sources, the level of taxes or fees imposed by third parties including tourist taxes, landing taxes or embarkation or disembarkation fees at ports and airports, or exchange rates mean that the price of your travel arrangements may change after you have booked.
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Changes other than the price. It is a term of your booking that we are able to make changes to any aspect of your booking. If the change is insignificant, we will ensure that you are notified about it. Examples of insignificant changes include alteration of your accommodation to another of the same or higher standard. If we are forced by circumstances beyond our control to alter significantly any of the main characteristics of the travel services that make up your package you will have the rights set out below.
2.1 - We will contact you and you will have the choice of accepting the change or having a refund of all monies paid. You can also accept an alternative holiday, where we offer one (we will refund any price difference if the alternative is of a lower value). We will tell you the procedure for making your choice. Please read any notification of changes carefully and respond promptly as if you do not respond to us within the timescale given your booking may be canceled.
2.2 - If you choose to accept a refund then that is the only liability we have and we will not be liable for any further sums, compensation or otherwise and you are advised to adequately insure yourselves against cancellation for any reason
Please note that insurance premiums and amendments charges are not refundable in any circumstances.
Once you have put down a deposit for a tour, you are unable to cancel and re-book within a promotional period and we reserve the right to amend the pricing on any new booking you make within that time. If you cancel a tour and book the same tour under a promotional code, we reserve the right to decline the booking.
Important Note: Certain arrangements may not be amended after they have been confirmed and any alteration or cancellation could incur a cancellation charge of up to 100% of that part of the arrangements in addition to the charge above.
If the reason for your cancellation is covered under the terms of your insurance policy, you may be able to reclaim these charges.
Where possible, we will deduct the cancellation charge(s) from any monies you have already paid to us.
For more additional details, see the booking conditions of TruTravels at the following web address: https://www.exodustravels.com/us/about-exodus/exodus-booking-conditions.
- 4 nights hotels, all en-suite, 4 nights guesthouses, 7 nights full-service camp
- 9 days point-to-point walking with full porterage
- Group normally 4 to 16, plus leader and staff. Min age 16 yrs.
- Altitude maximum 4,500, average 3,300m
- Travel by bus, mini bus and on foot
- Golden Triangle Extension available at the end of the trek
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