Road to Gangotri

scott s

As our group goes up and over that glacier to Tapovan, will we need any technical supplies? Like walking sticks, crampons, etc?

Thanks for your wisdom!

Scott S

VSK Sharma

Hi,
Walking poles are good anywhere. You don't need carmpons for this trek. Take a guide along from Gangotri.

SANJAY_DEL

Delhi to Gangotri road map with distances between important places:
http://www.mapsofindia.com/maps/pock...i-gangotri.htm

arjunm

Dear Scott

Walking sticks help. Crampons absolutely aren't required.

Don't get walking sticks from US. You'll get them at Gangotri for Rs 10. They are bamboo sticks with metal points. Practical and very useful (and very disposable!).

Arjun

scott s

Thanks for the tips on walking poles, Arjun and VSK! And I appreciate knowing the availability of them at Gangotri. That's one less item we'll be needing to pack and bring!

Thanks for the maps tip, SANJAY.

And not needing crampons is a good thing. Though one day I might be in a snow and ice situation where I would need them - it is a relief for this journey that we do not require any. Being a co-leader with all of these students and having to "teach" them how to utilize those - would have been quite the job!

Do any of you on this thread have digital images of the Tapovan/Gangotri area? I have seen some nic photos on a few places on this forum. I'm just wondering if you might have some awesome and inspiring trekking pics from this area?

Thank you!

Scott S

VSK Sharma

The pics of the complete trek are on the himalayancamping.com site. However, the same is down right now.

scott s

Those of you who have driven this route from Harsil to Gangotri, could you share a bit about that amazing suspension bridge that I have heard reference to?

Thanks!

Scott S

guidedeba

Hello Scott & others.
I was away from the computers for some time. has been trekking in Nepal with a Swedish group of 14 PAX. However I think you might not notice the bridge if you are not looking outside the window all the time and not sleeping (because most of the people fall asleep for natural acclimatising system of the body). i wold ask you to tell the driver / helper before hand hat yu need to see the bridge of 'Lanka - Bhaironghati' And you will only enjoy it when yo walk cross it.
About the crampon etc. the crampon not needed a the other said. the bamboo sticks available in Gongotri is good. But I ha ve doubt that how far it would be fit with the foreigners who are not so used with that kind of coarse / without straps short sticks. So my suggestion if possible get the walking sticks (folding ones) with you. especially if anyone habituated with the power walking.

scott s

Thanks, Guidedeba!

Is it true that it is unlawful to take a photograph on that bridge? I don't want to offend or make anyone in authority angry, but it sounds like a walk along that bridge would not be complete without some photos.

Is this one of those places that one commits to memory only?

Thanks!
Scott S

VSK Sharma

Hi,
The bridge was constructed 21 years or so back and these days not many look for it since gangotri is only 08 kms from this point and all are in hurry to reach Gangotri. I did not have the pleasure of going down to the wooden bridge and climbing up all the way up. However still some remains of the same can be seen.
Though,I have not done it myself but you may have a look at the old trail going dwon to the river and may go down for getting the feel the of the place. Next time I am there I will also give it a try.

arjunm

Dear Scott

I have been lucky. I have actually walked down to this spot in Lanka and trekked upto Bhaironghati. This was when there wasn't road from Lanka to Bhaironghati. Now there's this famous brigde.

Ok, I admit the bridge spans a gorge. I admit watching the river gushing below (and quite a bit below) is a sight. But it is not something that is a must see. The bridge spans not more than 50 meters. So if you are on a bus it is now-you-miss-it-now-you-dont. You'll move over it before even you realise. If you can get the bus driver to stop, great. If you get a glimpse from the window, you can exhult your customary ooohhhs and aahs. If you miss it nothing to worry -- catch it on your return trip. If you still don't -- nothing to worry, you haven't missed the 8th wonder.

And yes, clicking photos on the bridge should not be an issue.

Arjun

guidedeba

Hi All, Happy NewYear - 2007.
sorry for being late to reply some questions.
I had the chance of walking along the old bridge 3 times. it was an experience of going down 800 ft. and coming up 900 ft again. of course with a lot extra breathing.
But as Arjun says you might not notice it unless you are waiting for that. You can esily leave the bus and and walk cross. But "NO PHOTOGRPHY".
All the bridges after Uttarkashi is in the no photography zone. This bridge in fact all the bridges and the roads are under the Army care & Maintenance. and quite sensitive issue for the safety of the border & Indian Army Transport. So it is better that you don't try to take any photos of the bridge. if you can manage the security guard to understand that you are to take the photo of the view from the bridge and not of the bridge only then you can manage.
In Bandhavgarh national park with the tigers.
Deba.

VSK Sharma

Hi,
I beleive taking a look down into the gorge is more thrilling then trying to take a photo. Also, there is a similar location after Palachan village near Manali (HP) as you move towards Kothi. The bridge here is across a deep gorge.

himadventures

Yes- road is fine. Do not worry about it. But this depends on when you are visiting this area. Even if road is blocked- it is for few hrs and you are always among helpful people.

Donot fear and jump in crowd of INDIA. I am sure you will be making friends and feeling alive !

scott s

Thanks, Arjunm, VSK Sharma, Guidedeba, Himadventures!

I appreciate your information. I have a question about this: are there two bridges here? It sounds like I'm hearing that you drive across one and the other you walk down 800 feet to see? I'm confused. Sorry to be so confused, but I'm wondering if we are talking about more than one bridge here?

Thanks for your response!

Scott S