Planethimalayas

The journey begins with a long but beautiful 9–10 hour drive from Rishikesh, gradually gaining altitude as the road winds past Uttarkashi, the apple orchards of Harsil Valley, and the ever-changing moods of the Bhagirathi River. The final approach to Gangotri feels almost sacred — steep cliffs, deodar forests, and the roar of the river echoing through the valley. By evening, you reach the ancient Gangotri Temple, one of the revered Char Dhams of Uttarakhand. Offering prayers here as the sun sets behind the mountains sets the tone for the days ahead. Nightfall brings crisp mountain air and a peaceful stay at a local guesthouse or hotel.

Since Gangotri is at an altitude of 10,000 ft, a full day in Gangotri helps your body adjust to the altitude. The day feels relaxed yet enriching — you can walk to Pandava Gufa, a quiet cave surrounded by pine forests, or visit Surya Kund, where the Bhagirathi crashes through a dramatic gorge. Trek leaders conduct a detailed briefing and gear inspection while the slow pace allows you to observe the wildlife of this region. Himalayan griffon vultures circle the cliffs above, yellow-billed choughs hop fearlessly around temple steps, and mountain breezes drift through the valley. The night is spent once again in Gangotri, giving your body the ideal acclimatization window.

The trek truly begins as you step into the protected limits of Gangotri National Park. The initial trail moves through mixed forests of oak, pine, and birch before transitioning into a more alpine landscape. For much of the day, the Bhagirathi River accompanies you — sometimes as a distant roar, sometimes rushing right beside the trail. The route passes through Chirbasa, a place literally named “the home of pines,” where the forest thickens and the air carries the resinous scent of blue pine. Beyond Chirbasa, vegetation thins out and the valley opens wide. Eventually, you reach the windswept plain of Bhojwasa, named after the bhojpatra (birch) forests that once flourished here. With views of the Bhagirathi peaks dominating the horizon and the last line of trees behind you, you settle into camps pitched beside the river — a dramatic setting for the night.

Begin early from Bhojbasa and cross the Bhagirathi River using the fixed trolley system, which may involve some waiting depending on conditions. After the crossing, follow the familiar trail toward Gaumukh, walking along the wide, gravelly riverbed carved by the Bhagirathi. The dramatic ice snout of the Gangotri Glacier soon comes into view — an immense wall of ice and debris from where the sacred Ganga emerges, marking one of the most powerful landscapes in the Indian Himalayas. From Gaumukh, the route diverges from the Tapovan trail. Instead of climbing upward, the path traverses the entire width of the Gangotri Glacier’s terminal moraine. This section is technically demanding and requires extreme caution. You will walk across loose moraines, unstable boulders, and ice-polished rock slabs, with several open crevasses hidden beneath debris. The terrain here is fragile and constantly shifting — it is absolutely essential to stay close to the guide, follow instructions carefully, and avoid unnecessary movements or shortcuts. After safely crossing the glacier, the trail begins a steep ascent on the opposite side, climbing through loose scree, moraines, and large boulders for nearly an hour. This final push demands patience and controlled movement, as the ground remains unstable. The effort is richly rewarded upon reaching Nandanvan — a high-altitude alpine meadow dramatically perched above the Gangotri Glacier. The campsite lies beside a clear glacial stream, surrounded by some of the most iconic Himalayan giants. Mt. Shivling (21,467 ft) rises sharply to the south, while Bhagirathi I (22,489 ft), Bhagirathi II (21,290 ft), and Bhagirathi III (21,151 ft) dominate the skyline. Meru (21,850 ft) and Sudarshan Parbat (21,345 ft) complete the amphitheater of peaks, creating a setting that feels both overwhelming and deeply humbling. Overnight camping at Nandanvan.

Depart early from Nandanvan and move eastward toward Vasuki Parvat, following the Kalindi Pass trail. The route initially traces the lateral moraine ridge of the Chaturangi Glacier, offering a steady and largely gradual ascent. This section is deceptively comfortable, with wide views opening toward the Bhagirathi massif while the glacier flows silently below, etched deep into the valley. As the meadow ends, the trail descends briefly toward a connecting glacier that drains down from the slopes of Bhagirathi peaks and Vasuki Parvat. After carefully crossing this icy stretch, the route turns sharply upward. What follows is the most demanding section of the day — a near-vertical climb up the opposite lateral moraine leading directly toward Vasukital. The ascent is extremely steep, close to a 90-degree incline in places, composed of loose scree, unstable moraines, and large boulders. Due to the high risk of slipping and rock movement, fixed ropes are commonly used here, usually set up by seasonal climbers. Trekkers must use the rope for both balance and safety while ascending this exposed slope. Once this technical section is negotiated, Vasukital suddenly comes into view — a pristine high-altitude lake resting on a flat alpine shelf directly beneath Vasuki Parvat (21,075 ft). The lake sits in stark isolation, often holding ice even during peak summer months. This area serves as a seasonal base camp for climbers attempting Bhagirathi peaks, as well as an important acclimatization ground for expeditions heading toward Kalindi Pass, Satopanth, and other major summits of the region. Spend time at the lake absorbing the silence and raw grandeur of the surroundings before beginning the descent. The return follows the same route — carefully down-climbing the steep moraine using the fixed rope, followed by an easy and relaxed walk back along the Chaturangi Glacier’s lateral ridge toward Nandanvan. As the day winds down, the return journey is illuminated by warm evening light, with the skyline dominated by the striking forms of Mt. Shivling, Meru, and Bhagirathi Parvat. The changing colors across ice, rock, and snow make for a memorable sunset walk back to camp. Overnight stay at Nandanvan.

Descend carefully back across the glacier to Bhojbasa. Though downhill, the moraine terrain requires focus and balance. The descent offers renewed perspectives of the glacier and surrounding peaks. Rest and recover at Bhojbasa.

Retrace your steps along the Bhagirathi River back to Gangotri. The return walk feels easier as altitude decreases. Reach Gangotri by afternoon, marking the end of a powerful high-altitude Himalayan journey.