Itinerary
- Day 1
Flight to Delhi
Your flight departs Frankfurt heading to Delhi. Once you're airborne, you'll have time to settle in and prepare yourself for the spiritual journey that's ahead.
- Day 2
Delhi to Rishikesh
You'll touch down in Delhi this morning, then drive toward Rishikesh on the Ganges banks. By evening, you'll witness the Ganga-Aarti ceremony where devotees offer light and flowers to the river. After that, you'll have your welcome dinner and get some rest at your accommodation.
- Meals
- Dinner (Welcome dinner)
Included Activities
- Ganga-Aarti ceremony at the Ganges
- Welcome dinner
Landmarks Ganges River - Day 3
Rishikesh
This day focuses on seeing Rishikesh itself with a full tour through ashrams and major Hindu temples. You'll visit the ghats where pilgrims wade into the Ganges seeking spiritual cleansing. Later in the evening, another Aarti ceremony happens at Triveni Ghat, giving you another chance to see this ritual.
Included Activities
- Ashram tour
- Hindu temple visits
- Ghat exploration
- Aarti ceremony at Triveni Ghat
Landmarks Triveni Ghat Ganges River - Day 4
Rishikesh to Uttarkashi
You'll drive through the Himalayan foothills as the road winds over small passes toward Uttarkashi. This pilgrimage town sits on the Bhagirathi River and locals call it Shiva Town. Check out some temples and the local market before heading to your hotel for the night.
Included Activities
- Temple visits
- Market exploration
Landmarks Bhagirathi River - Day 5
Ayana Devi Temple Trek
Today involves driving to Naald high up on the mountainside, then hiking to reach the Ayana Devi temple in a mountain meadow. From there, you'll hike down along the Ganesh Ganga through thick forests and into the village of Ganeshpur. You'll meet locals and learn about their lives before returning to Uttarkashi.
Included Activities
- Hike to Ayana Devi temple
- Ganesh Ganga descent trek
- Ganeshpur village tour
Landmarks Ayana Devi Temple Ganesh Ganga - Day 6
Uttarkashi to Gangotri
You'll travel through the valley to Gangotri on a narrow mountain road with views of increasingly rugged terrain. Stop at Gangnani hot springs where you can bathe if you'd like. Later, explore this pilgrimage site and see the 18th-century Gangotri temple, an important stop for those on the Ganges source pilgrimage.
Included Activities
- Gangnani hot springs (bathing facilities)
- Gangotri temple visit
Landmarks Gangotri Temple Gangnani Hot Springs Bhagirathi River 
- Day 7
Acclimatization Hike
Today is a hiking day toward Bhoj Kharak to help your body adjust to higher altitude. You'll hike along the Kedar Ganga starting with a steep climb through thick fir forests, then cross through Kedar Gorge. Your group will go as far as fitness and acclimatization allow before heading back the same route.
Included Activities
- Day hike towards Bhoj Kharak
- Kedar Ganga river walk
- Kedar Gorge crossing
Landmarks Kedar Ganga Kedar Gorge 
- Day 8
Trek Start
Your trek starts on the well-kept pilgrimage trail that follows the Bhagirathi River toward its source. As you go higher, the valley opens up and trees disappear, leading you into a high valley scattered with glacial remains. The paths are straightforward and offer plenty of time to take in the landscape. You'll camp by the Bhagirathi River near Chirbasa.
Included Activities
- Bhagirathi River trek
Landmarks Bhagirathi River - Day 9
Chirbasa to Bhojbas
A roughly three-hour walk brings you to Bhojbas, which has a small ashram. This hike is mostly flat with incredible views, including a viewpoint about 300 meters above Bhojbas. From here, you'll catch your first clear look at the Gaumukh Glacier and the striking Shivling mountain with its cream-colored rocks turning to snow.
Included Activities
- Hike to Bhojbas
- Gaumukh Glacier viewpoint
Landmarks Gaumukh Glacier Shivling Bhagirathi Massif - Day 10
Bhojbas to Tapovan
The route climbs steadily and crosses the Bhagirathi River, the main source of the holy Ganges. On clear days, you can see where the river flows out from the glacier at Gaumukh spring. A rope system helps you cross safely, then you'll make a steep final push to reach the beautiful alpine meadow of Tapovan at 4400 meters/14,435 feet.
Included Activities
- Bhagirathi River crossing
- Gaumukh spring viewpoint
- Hike to Tapovan alpine meadow
Landmarks Gaumukh Tapovan - Day 11
Tapovan
Tapovan sits like an oasis amid the glacier landscape beneath the towering Shivling at 6543 meters/21,453 feet. You can see other dramatic peaks including Meru Peak and Kedar Dome from here. An exploration walk takes you to the Meru Glacier between Shivling and Meru Peak. On clear days, the views of all these mountains are really something special before you return to camp.
Included Activities
- Meru Glacier exploration tour
Landmarks Meru Glacier Shivling Meru Peak Kedar Dome - Day 12
Tapovan to Chirbasa
You'll descend to Gaumukh, the glacier that's revered as the source of the holy Ganges where you can feel the power of the water. After heading back to the pilgrimage trail, you'll continue hiking and reach Chirbasa on the Ganges banks. The quiet here and the gentle river sound invite you to relax and think back on the day in your final tent camp.
Included Activities
- Gaumukh glacier visit
- Descent hike to Chirbasa
Landmarks Gaumukh Bhagirathi River - Day 13
Chirbasa to Uttarkashi
You'll hike gradually out of the valley back to the busy pilgrimage town of Gangotri. After a long lunch break, you'll say goodbye to the porters and grab any last-minute souvenirs. Then you'll board the bus for the scenic drive back to Uttarkashi in the afternoon.
- Meals
- Lunch (Extensive lunch break in Gangotri)
Included Activities
- Hike from Chirbasa to Gangotri
- Lunch in Gangotri
Landmarks Gangotri - Day 14
Uttarkashi to Haridwar
The journey back goes from Uttarkashi through Rishikesh to Haridwar, bringing you back to the central pulse of India. Haridwar is especially sacred for Hindus. You'll bathe in the Ganges at Har Ki Pauri ghats, known to be particularly good for your health. That evening, watch the impressive Aarti ceremony with thousands of people celebrating their faith.
Included Activities
- Ganges bath at Har Ki Pauri ghats
- Aarti ceremony
Landmarks Har Ki Pauri Ganges River 
- Day 15
Haridwar to Delhi
You'll leave the mountains and rivers behind with an early morning train to Delhi. After arriving at your hotel, explore the capital on your own or spend time reflecting on what you've experienced. The evening brings a farewell dinner where you'll celebrate everything from your trek.
- Meals
- Dinner (Farewell dinner)
Included Activities
- Farewell dinner
Optional Activities
- Self-guided exploration of Delhi
Landmarks Delhi - Day 16
Return Flight from Delhi
Your flight departs Delhi back to Frankfurt, and you'll head home carrying memories from your spiritual journey along the sacred Ganges River.
