Road to Gangotri

arjunm · Nov 28th, 2006, 11:01

Dear Scott

No thanks required. Just have a wonderful trek. And get the college blokes on a 3 km run every morning. That should do it.

Out of curiosity, why did you choose Gangotri/Tapovan?

Arjun

travel joy · Nov 28th, 2006, 14:47

Nice photo by Arjun.Shows the route clearly.Its the last steep gradient that is a bit tough in the route.
Actually to really enjoy the beauty of Tapovan, one has to spend one entire day there...there are a few spots that are worth visiting from Tapovan.So if ur team remain physically fit after spending the first night at Tapovan. u can think of spending another there.But do take adequate protection against the cold.

jyotirmoy · Nov 28th, 2006, 15:17

I wish you had chosen September/early October for this trip. May June are peak pilgrim season, facilities & infrastructure are streched to their limits. You may also have occasional rains. Watch out for sudden weather changes near Tapovan.

scott s · Nov 28th, 2006, 17:00

Arjun,

We chose Gangotri/Tapovan largely because it is a new area of trekking in the Himalayan Mountains for us. Having been to Kedarnath, Tungnath, Rudrinath, and Deoria Tal, we decided to explore a new pilgrimage site!

We are also planning on the Valley of Flowers during this three week trip.

And yes, we'll get those college students on aerobic training programs, as well as making sure we do the same ourselves!

All my best,

Scott S

scott s · Nov 28th, 2006, 17:02

Travel Joy,

Yes the cold is something which we may contend with. We'll be letting the students know about the importance of a good, warm sleeping bag. From reading up a bit on Tapovan, and looking at this forum, it seems that we could have snow present there in late May/early June, eh?

Scott S

scott s · Nov 28th, 2006, 17:05

jyotirmoy,

Wish we could have stayed away from the peak season of pilgrimage, but as teachers in America, our "Summer Vacations" are one of the times that we can actually get away.

And that almost always means "June, July, and August." We're just hoping to beat most of the monsoon season by actually arriving in India in late May for these treks.

In 1994, just after we had visited Rudrinath, Tungnath, and Kedarnath, while sitting in a resthouse in Guptkashi, the rain hit us with full glory. Our trip down the mountain to Rishikesh was complete with small rocks bouncing on the road behind us as we descended. Our driver, though heroically seasoned, had to wipe off his windshield with his hands and a rag as his wipers were malfunctioning. It made for an interesting ride!

Scott S

travel joy · Nov 30th, 2006, 13:56

I dont think there is chance of snow there in late may /early june..at least not unless u have a sudden spell of bad weather.

rajuindia · Nov 30th, 2006, 14:21

It is really beautiful part to see. Be careful about to go in Monsoon time there can be mountain sliding on the way.

guidedeba · Dec 1st, 2006, 01:49

Hi Scot & Arjun,
Nice to follow the steps here. But I can't stop myself to pour in some more. I think You are missing just one point. The Snow and ice condition by the end of May. As I have been to that route & beyond more than few times so I think you should paln accordingly. The Gongotri Opens on the Auspicious day of "Akshay Tritiya" genrally by the end of 3rd to - 4th week of April. The accumulated snow of Winter doesn't allow normal pilgrims to go beyond Bhujbasa before the end of May. Even some Trekkers find it difficult to walk through that last part of boulders in the middle of May. Because the unmelted snow is quite deceptive. it is difficult for inexperienced to know the hidden holes through that jungle of boulders. and especially once you are up the Gongotri glacier above the snout; the crevasses (which Arjun-m had might found wide open) are all hidden and can pose some fatal danger. And near the mouth of the glacier quite a lot of them are the most dangerous type of transverse crevasse. I am not trying to discourage. but I just want to mention to get one (at least one) good guide to take you through that part of the route to Tapovan. And especially the last vertial part could be really tricky with the melting ice and soft snow with various sizes of boulders trying to coming down. I remember some 3 years back during my expedition to Shivling - South even some Mountaineers of my team had some tough time negotiating that part in middle of May. I remember I had to carry the extra load of the Local Guide becasue he himself slipped from the last wall.
And just to add. I suggest the programme for the young students for really enjoying the route and learn the Geography / Flora-Fauna - a little slowly. (I just like to give the plan as I take my student groups starting from the arrival at Gongotri.)

D-01 Arrival Gongotri from Uttarkashi.
D-02 Rest Day at Gongotri. After Breasfast a walk towards Kedartal for acclimatisation.
D-03 Trek 14 kms (with pack Lunch) to Bhujbasa.(5 - 7 hrs.)
D-04 Trek to Tapovan.(7 kms. 3 - 6 hrs.)
D-05 Trek around Tapovan towards Baby shivling for the extra enthusiasts.
D-06 Trek back to Gongotri. (yes Just to give the taste of toughness & endurance test). [Other wise to Bhujbasa.]
D-07 (Trek to Gongotri.) Jeep to Uttarkashi.
That would give the balance for acclimatisation. learning time and of course the time for enjoying the beauty of being in the Himlayas.

By the Way Scot, I think you can of course plan for Valley of Flowers. The view is awfully beautiful with snow claded peaks. But you will be having only snow no plants & Flowers. The Plants there start coming up from beneath the snow only after June. the first flowers only after end of June. and the best of it could be seen only by the middle of August ( for which it is know n as Valley of Flowers). Alas!! that is the Highest of Monsoon time.

scott s · Dec 3rd, 2006, 19:17

Thank you for your wonderful insights, guidedeba! I appreciate your wisdom and experience shared here!

scott s

arjunm · Dec 3rd, 2006, 20:13

Scott

Deba is right. Take a guide along. You'll get them in Gangotri. Cost Rs 400 per day.

Arjun

issac_new · Dec 3rd, 2006, 21:09

Can i just remind everyone going on to Gomukh to remember to take their passports with them... I left mine in my room in uttarkashi. The rest of my trek party went on to Gomukh; but i was forced to stop in gangotri as the army required passport checks for everyone going further.

it was a bit of a wasted journey for me but was my own stupid mistake. dont repeat it. I intent to go back in february though.

guidedeba · Dec 3rd, 2006, 22:53

Quote:

Originally Posted by issac_new

it was a bit of a wasted journey for me but was my own stupid mistake. dont repeat it. I intent to go back in february though.

Dear isaac>>
I know how you feel for that missing Goumukh trip. But r u really trying to go in February to Goumukh? I think YOu won' tbe given permission even going beyond Lanka. Or, even before you will be stopped. Unless you are with a permission of Indian Mountaineering Foundation for the group group going for Winter Expedition and of course attached with a Indian Liasion Officer deputed by them. Please check with Uttarkashi People if yoy have any doubt.
Best wishes,
Thanks You Scott. I though it is my duty as a Mountaineer and INDIAN to let you know the correct info.

jyotipg · Dec 4th, 2006, 11:44

Nicely writen Iterinary by guidedeba.

Keep in mind the Mandatory Rest Day on Day-02.

Most of the people avoid it and have a tough time in Bhojwasa or Tapovan.

issac_new · Dec 4th, 2006, 19:39

thanks scott... maybe ill leave it till later in the year... Feb wouldve been good as I have to be in Uttarkashi anyway for a wedding. Perhaps it would be too difficult in winter. although our trekking party contained a 7 year old boy... he made it to gomukh and back within 36 hours so im sure I can too! but better leave it for summer.

Dec 1st, 2006, 01:49	#24
guidedeba Account Closed Join Date: Oct 2001 Location: Kolkata (Calcutta) Posts: 173	Great Going.. Hi Scot & Arjun, Nice to follow the steps here. But I can't stop myself to pour in some more. I think You are missing just one point. The Snow and ice condition by the end of May. As I have been to that route & beyond more than few times so I think you should paln accordingly. The Gongotri Opens on the Auspicious day of "Akshay Tritiya" genrally by the end of 3rd to - 4th week of April. The accumulated snow of Winter doesn't allow normal pilgrims to go beyond Bhujbasa before the end of May. Even some Trekkers find it difficult to walk through that last part of boulders in the middle of May. Because the unmelted snow is quite deceptive. it is difficult for inexperienced to know the hidden holes through that jungle of boulders. and especially once you are up the Gongotri glacier above the snout; the crevasses (which Arjun-m had might found wide open) are all hidden and can pose some fatal danger. And near the mouth of the glacier quite a lot of them are the most dangerous type of transverse crevasse. I am not trying to discourage. but I just want to mention to get one (at least one) good guide to take you through that part of the route to Tapovan. And especially the last vertial part could be really tricky with the melting ice and soft snow with various sizes of boulders trying to coming down. I remember some 3 years back during my expedition to Shivling - South even some Mountaineers of my team had some tough time negotiating that part in middle of May. I remember I had to carry the extra load of the Local Guide becasue he himself slipped from the last wall. And just to add. I suggest the programme for the young students for really enjoying the route and learn the Geography / Flora-Fauna - a little slowly. (I just like to give the plan as I take my student groups starting from the arrival at Gongotri.) D-01 Arrival Gongotri from Uttarkashi. D-02 Rest Day at Gongotri. After Breasfast a walk towards Kedartal for acclimatisation. D-03 Trek 14 kms (with pack Lunch) to Bhujbasa.(5 - 7 hrs.) D-04 Trek to Tapovan.(7 kms. 3 - 6 hrs.) D-05 Trek around Tapovan towards Baby shivling for the extra enthusiasts. D-06 Trek back to Gongotri. (yes Just to give the taste of toughness & endurance test). [Other wise to Bhujbasa.] D-07 (Trek to Gongotri.) Jeep to Uttarkashi. That would give the balance for acclimatisation. learning time and of course the time for enjoying the beauty of being in the Himlayas. By the Way Scot, I think you can of course plan for Valley of Flowers. The view is awfully beautiful with snow claded peaks. But you will be having only snow no plants & Flowers. The Plants there start coming up from beneath the snow only after June. the first flowers only after end of June. and the best of it could be seen only by the middle of August ( for which it is know n as Valley of Flowers). Alas!! that is the Highest of Monsoon time.

Dec 4th, 2006, 11:44	#29
jyotipg Lives virtually on IM Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Bangalore Posts: 445	Well written iterinary Nicely writen Iterinary by guidedeba. Keep in mind the Mandatory Rest Day on Day-02. Most of the people avoid it and have a tough time in Bhojwasa or Tapovan. __________________ http://groups.yahoo.com/group/himalaya_trekkers/

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Nov 28th, 2006, 11:01	#16
arjunm Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Bangalore Posts: 196	Dear Scott No thanks required. Just have a wonderful trek. And get the college blokes on a 3 km run every morning. That should do it. Out of curiosity, why did you choose Gangotri/Tapovan? Arjun

Nov 28th, 2006, 14:47	#17
travel joy Member Join Date: May 2006 Location: India Posts: 71	Nice photo by Arjun.Shows the route clearly.Its the last steep gradient that is a bit tough in the route. Actually to really enjoy the beauty of Tapovan, one has to spend one entire day there...there are a few spots that are worth visiting from Tapovan.So if ur team remain physically fit after spending the first night at Tapovan. u can think of spending another there.But do take adequate protection against the cold.

Nov 28th, 2006, 15:17	#18
jyotirmoy Maha Guru Member Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: India Posts: 3,951	I wish you had chosen September/early October for this trip. May June are peak pilgrim season, facilities & infrastructure are streched to their limits. You may also have occasional rains. Watch out for sudden weather changes near Tapovan.

Nov 28th, 2006, 17:00	#19
scott s Scott S Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: minnesota, usa Posts: 18	Arjun, We chose Gangotri/Tapovan largely because it is a new area of trekking in the Himalayan Mountains for us. Having been to Kedarnath, Tungnath, Rudrinath, and Deoria Tal, we decided to explore a new pilgrimage site! We are also planning on the Valley of Flowers during this three week trip. And yes, we'll get those college students on aerobic training programs, as well as making sure we do the same ourselves! All my best, Scott S

Nov 28th, 2006, 17:02	#20
scott s Scott S Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: minnesota, usa Posts: 18	Travel Joy, Yes the cold is something which we may contend with. We'll be letting the students know about the importance of a good, warm sleeping bag. From reading up a bit on Tapovan, and looking at this forum, it seems that we could have snow present there in late May/early June, eh? Scott S

Nov 28th, 2006, 17:05	#21
scott s Scott S Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: minnesota, usa Posts: 18	jyotirmoy, Wish we could have stayed away from the peak season of pilgrimage, but as teachers in America, our "Summer Vacations" are one of the times that we can actually get away. And that almost always means "June, July, and August." We're just hoping to beat most of the monsoon season by actually arriving in India in late May for these treks. In 1994, just after we had visited Rudrinath, Tungnath, and Kedarnath, while sitting in a resthouse in Guptkashi, the rain hit us with full glory. Our trip down the mountain to Rishikesh was complete with small rocks bouncing on the road behind us as we descended. Our driver, though heroically seasoned, had to wipe off his windshield with his hands and a rag as his wipers were malfunctioning. It made for an interesting ride! Scott S

Nov 30th, 2006, 13:56	#22
travel joy Member Join Date: May 2006 Location: India Posts: 71	I dont think there is chance of snow there in late may /early june..at least not unless u have a sudden spell of bad weather.

Nov 30th, 2006, 14:21	#23
rajuindia Account Closed - Travel Agent. Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: India North- Rajasthan Posts: 63	It is really beautiful part to see. Be careful about to go in Monsoon time there can be mountain sliding on the way.

Dec 3rd, 2006, 19:17	#25
scott s Scott S Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: minnesota, usa Posts: 18	Thank you for your wonderful insights, guidedeba! I appreciate your wisdom and experience shared here! scott s

Dec 3rd, 2006, 20:13	#26
arjunm Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Bangalore Posts: 196	Scott Deba is right. Take a guide along. You'll get them in Gangotri. Cost Rs 400 per day. Arjun

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Dec 3rd, 2006, 21:09	#27
issac_new Member Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Dorset UK Posts: 28	Can i just remind everyone going on to Gomukh to remember to take their passports with them... I left mine in my room in uttarkashi. The rest of my trek party went on to Gomukh; but i was forced to stop in gangotri as the army required passport checks for everyone going further. it was a bit of a wasted journey for me but was my own stupid mistake. dont repeat it. I intent to go back in february though.

Dec 4th, 2006, 19:39	#30
issac_new Member Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Dorset UK Posts: 28	thanks scott... maybe ill leave it till later in the year... Feb wouldve been good as I have to be in Uttarkashi anyway for a wedding. Perhaps it would be too difficult in winter. although our trekking party contained a 7 year old boy... he made it to gomukh and back within 36 hours so im sure I can too! but better leave it for summer.