Chardham, Gaumukh & Vasuki Tal

Ashishrjoshi

Hi All,

We are going to Chardham (Jamnotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath & Badrinath) from 12th Oct to 21st. We are 4 ppl going on our own by renting a car from Haridwar to Haridwar. We have two elderly ladies with us so sites include general temple places.

But I want to explore the mountains little more. We don't go to Himalayas often. We have one complete day in Gangotri, so have some free time there.
1. Can I visit Gaumukh too?
2. Will it be very cold? What should I carry with me?
3. Will there be Guides/other trekkers available?
4. Is acclimatization necessary for Gaumukh? I am prof. trekker but in Western Ghats, not in Himalaya.

Ahead we will be going to Kedarnath. One day Gaurikund to Kedarnath & Darshan. Next day back to Gaurikund. So have some free time there too.
5. Can I visit Vasukital, come back & then trek down to Gaurikund the same day?
6. What precautions should I take for Vasukital trek? Or should I just be happy with a visit to Gandhi Sarovar (Chorabari Tal)?
7. Can I get company/guide in Kedarnath for this trek?

Just waiting to hit the mountains & do little more that pilgrimage.. But need your expert advice so that I do not go overboard with my enthusiasm.. Pls suggest.

Sadanand Kamath

With only 9 days, you don't have much flexibility in trekking to Gaumukh and Vasukital. Nontheless, I thought I should answer to your querries.

1. You require at least 2 days to trek to Gaumukh (18 kms) and come back to Gangotri. Day-1: Gangotri to Bhojbasa (14 kms)
Day-2 : Bhojbasa to Gaumukh (4 kms); Gaumukh to Gangotri (18 kms).

2. Yes, it will be very cold and windy especially in Gangotri-Bhojbasa-Gaumukh. Carry winter clothing.

3. Guide is not necessary to Gaumukh trek since trekking path is well-marked. You may get some trekkers and also sadhus on the way to Gaumukh.

4. Yes, it is advisable to stay overnight at Gangotri for aclimatisation before trekking to Gaumukh.

5-6-7. You can do Kedarnath-Vasukital-Kedarnath (8+8 kms) in a day, but you can't trek back to Gaurikund on the same day. A guide is a must for this trek and you can get the guide in Kedarnath. Again, acclimatisation at Kedarnath is necessary before trekking to Vasukital. Most part of the trek to Vasukital is on uneven rocky path and boulders. Again it will be very cold in Kedarnath-Vasukital.

You can have on-the-spot details from Maharastra Mandal, Kedarnath (contact Shri Satish Karanataki. I don't have his telephone number.) You can also stay in their guest house.

All the best and happy pilgrimage .

Sadanand

__________________
Sirf ek kadam utha tha galat rahe shauk mein
Manzil tamam umr hame dhunti rahi.

[Just one wrong step on the way of the quest
My destination looked for me all life long]