Situated amidst the incredible beauty of mountain peaks, Harsil is counted amongst some of the most beautiful places in the Garhwal region.
Chitkul is the last village in the Baspa valley, at the upper limits of tree line, it is chilly, wind- swept even in early autumn. It is 24km from Sangla and the starting point for most of the treks including Kailash Parikrama, Har Ki Doon and Bhagirathi in Uttrakhand. From Chitkul it is a pretty trek winding through green pastures towards Rani Kanda which is an extensive pasture on the Baspa's left bank. From Rani Kanda the next destination is at Dumti. Moving upwards the Baspa Dumti pastures is thirty km's from Chitkul. As this trek is used very often therefore it is difficult to define all the treks with a name. From Dumti we go much further to Gundar (4400 mts/14432 ft) which is the suitable camping site before continuing the journey to the base camp on the other side of Lamkhaga pass (5280 mts/17320 ft) which is a long day journey and seems to be never ending at the last part of the trek. Moving downwards the Lamkhaga stream the trail curves gradually as the tail of the valley is approached. The only indication for the turn is the frozen lake; campsite at Kyarkoti is among the busy willow clumps. Kyarkoti is brown bear country. The next destination after Kyarkoti is Gangnani which is again a pasture country, which is approached by crossing the Jelandhari tributary of Bhagirathi River on the left bank. The last days trek is a steep descend along the right bank of Jelandhari taking us to Harsil on the banks of Bhagirathi River. The Bhagirathi is one of the two Himalayan arms of the mighty Ganga, and the Gangotri glacier at its head is revered as the source of the Ganga River. Harsil is surrounded by deodar forests.
Day 01: Arrive Delhi
Upon arrival at Delhi transfer to hotel for overnight stay.
Day 02: Delhi - Haridwar
In the morning after breakfast drive to Haridwar. Upon arrival at Haridwar meet our representative and check in to hotel. Evening free to explore the area. Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.
Haridwar: Haridwar is the gateway to the four pilgrimages of Uttaranchal. It's also starting point on the journey to the sacred sources of the Ganga and the Yamuna Rivers. According to legend, Prince Bhagirath performed penance here to salvage the souls of his ancestors who had perished due to Sage Kapila's curse. The penance was answered and the river Ganga trickled forth from Lord Shiva's locks and its bountiful water revived the sons of King Sagara. In the tradition of Bhagirath, devout Hindus stand in the sacred waters here, praying for the salvation of their ancestors.
Day 03: Haridwar - Uttarkashi
Morning after breakfast proceed for Uttarkashi (1150 mts), which takes 5-6 hrs. Upon arrival check-in at Shikhar Nature Resort. After lunch visit NIM (Nehru Institute of Mountaineering) Institute & Museum.
Uttarkashi is the principle town in the region. Nehru Institute of Mountaineering is situated here. It is also the gateway to many mountaineering and trekking expedition in Gangotri area.
Day 04: Uttarkashi - Gangotri - Harsil
In the morning after breakfast drive to Gangotri via Harsil. On arrival visit the holiest temple and later drive back to Harsil for overnight stay.
Harsil: Harsil is a beautiful spot to see the colors of the nature. The walks, picnics and trek lead one to undiscovered stretches of green, grassy land. Harsil is a perfect place to relax and enjoy the surroundings. Sighting here includes the Wilson Cottage, built in 1864 and Sat Tal (seven Lakes). The adventurous tourists have the choice to set off on various treks that introduces them to beautiful meadows, waterfalls and valleys. Situated amidst the incredible beauty of mountain peaks, Harsil is counted amongst some of the most beautiful places in the Garhwal region.
Gangotri: The shrine of Gangotri is situated at an elevation of 3200 m surrounded by deodars and pines. The original temple was constructed by the Gorkha General Amar Singh Thapa. Every year people from all around the world visit this shrine. A number of ashrams and dharamshalas are located on the other side of the river. It is believed that Raja Bhagirath used to worship Shiva on a slab of rock "Bhagirath Shila" situated near the temple. Submerged in the river there is a natural Shivling where, according to mythology, Lord Shiva sat when he received the Goddess Ganga in his matted locks. A days trek takes one to Gomukh, the source of the mighty Ganges.
Day 05: Harsil - Gangnani
In the morning drive to Gangnani. One can take a holy dip in hot water spring in Gangnani. Dinner and overnight stay in tents.
Gangnani: Further up on way to Gangotri about 26 kms from Maneri is the hot water spring at Gangnani, where one can have refreshing bath in the Kund called Rishi Kund. There is a temple near the Kund dedicated to the Sage Parashar, believed to be the father of Ved Vyas.
Day 06: Gangnani - Kyarkoti
In the morning we will start our trek up to Kyarkoti via dense forest, water falls and much more. On arrival at Kyarkoti, we will set out our tent in the meadow. Dinner and overnight stay in tents.
Day 07: Kyarkoti - Lamkhaga Pass Base Camp
Today we will trek up to Lamkhaga Pass Base Camp. The trek is ascending and we will enter in to narrow valley. On arrival we will pitch our tents at the base of the pass. Dinner and overnight stay at camp.
Day 08: Lamkhaga Pass Base Camp Over Lamkhaga Pass (5280 mts/17320 ft) - Gundar (4400 mts/14432 ft)
The day is tough and technical. We will trek through the rough boulders to cross the Lamkhaga Pass (5280 mts/17320 ft) and after few hours we will reach Gundar. On arrival pitch the tents for overnight stay.
Day 09: Gundar - Dumti
In the morning we will trek up to Dumti. The trek is upwards and downwards. On arrival at Dumti set out camp for overnight stay.
Day 10: Dumti - Rani Kanda
The day is full of scenic beauty and you will trek through the meadow, water falls and much more. Dinner and overnight stay at the camp.
Day 11: Rani Kanda - Chitkul
Today is the last day for our trek. This is an easy day for the trek up to Chitkul. Dinner and overnight stay at camp.
Chitkul (3450 mts/11316 ft) is the last and highest village in the Baspa valley. It is situated on the right bank of Baspa River. There is a road along the left bank from Karcham. There are 3 temples of local goddess Mathi, the main ones are said to have been constructed about 500 years ago.
Day 12: Chitkul - Sangla (26 kms/1 hrs)
Today we will drive to Sangla. Dinner and overnight stay in camp.
Sangla Valley: Sangla is situated on the right bank of Baspa River. The natural scenery all around and the eternal snow view are picturesque and charming. It is also known as Baspa Valley since Baspa River flows through this area. This is the most charming valley in the entire District of Kinnaur. A temple dedicated to Nages god is worth a visit.
Day 13: Sangla
The day is for relaxed or one can explore the Sangla Valley. Sangla is a small village, surrounded by high mountains & well known for trout fishing. The Kinnar Kailash mountain peak tower over Sangla valley. Dinner and overnight stay in camp.
Day 14: Sangla - Shimla (260 kms/ 8-9 hrs)
In the morning after breakfast drive to Shimla. The road passes through some breathtaking scenery & very high mountains & a furious Satluj river. It is all awe inspiring - Mother Nature at its glorious best! Arrival at Shimla by late evening. Upon arrival check into hotel for overnight stay.
Day 15: Shimla
Full day sightseeing to include visit to The Vice Regal Lodge (1888), built for Lord Duffrin & designed by Henry Irwin + Capt. HH Cole in an Elizabethan or English Renaissance Style; The Christ Church (1844), the oldest in India, designed by Col. JT Boileau & consecrated in 1857 & later extended with the addition of a clock + porch. Lockwood Kipling, father of Rudyard, designed the original chancel window. Walking on the Mall, you come to the library, designed by James Ransome. All the walks are lined with magnificent pines & cedars, giving a beautifully fresh scent to the air. Overnight stay in hotel.
Day 16: Shimla - Delhi
In the morning drive to Delhi via Chandigarh. On arrival check in to hotel. Overnight stay.
Day 17: Delhi Departure
The day is for relaxed. By evening transfer to International airport to catch the flight for onwards destination.
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