How to Trek to the Source of the Ganges River, NW India

Ganga Pilgrimage

How to trek to the source of the Ganges River in NW India. I will provide details that include maps, costs, logistical requirements and facts as well as links to a full written narrative, photos and videos. This is a self-guided pilgrimage on a shoestring. Follow the links to dig deeper into the adventure.

This is a 3 day trek from the seasonal village of Gangotri, a holy site for Hindus, and is the site of one of the four holy temples of the Char Dham pilgrimages (Yamunotri, Kendarnath, and Badrinath being the other three).

Difficulty Level:

This is an Easy Activity

Uttarakhand Area Map

Uttarakhand area map

Sources of Ganga Map

sources of ganga map

Gaumukh Area Map

gaumukh area map

Gangotri GPS Waypoints – Datum WGS84

Wpt #
Description
Elevation (m)
Lat (N)
Lon (E)
1
Gangotri Village
3057
30 59.607
078 56.480
2
Trail Head
3080
30 59.681
078 56.528
3
Park Entrance
3152
30 59.733
078 57.260
4
Pavillion w toilets & camp area
3587
30 58.940
079 01.224
5
Pine forest above bldgs that may provide shelter.
3607
30 58.804
079 01.463
6
Bajbasa (gov’t rest tents, restaurant, &private ashram)
3800
30 57.071
079 03.053
7
Gamuk glacier
3951
30 55.608
079 04.755
8
above glacier – junction of two trails
3986
30 55.612
079 04.963
9
end of trail on north side (not Tapuvan side)
4022
30 55.599
079 05.009
10
flags on south side that mark part of the Tapuvan trail.
4092
30 55.546
079 04.869
11
On return, river crossing that may be the valley leading to Mt Safe, a 6k trekkable peak. Trail is beyond about 100m then cuts back up and into valley.
3738
30 58.064
079 02.300


cost range

Total Cost Range of this Activity is: $

Details:

Shared jeep transport (to/from Uttrarkashi)
2 nights Gangotri Village guesthouse (before & after trek)
Permit free, park entrance + 1 extra night + camera fees
Trek carried in food (3 days)
2 night ashram (meals supplied)
$20
$20
$15
$15
$20
Total $90

2009 Prices

Click to watch Video

Link to Full Narrative

 
Click the big yellow button to become a patron!

Home