Source of Ganges trek solo?

SilkRoadPeter

Would it be safe to trek to do the pilgrim trek to the source of the Ganges (up to Gaumakh) solo? I've done a fair amount of trekking in the past (with others), and so I'm aware of potentially dangerous situations (isolation, passing through difficult trail conditions, getting help if injured). However, in this case I've found myself without a trekking partner. Would the large amount of people (pilgrims/trekkers) using the trail, the lack of technical difficulties enroute, and the availability of lodging/food make it safe to travel this route alone? (I'm a twenty-something male in fit physical condition, if that helps.)

Also, how does one go about reserving a room in the government hotel at Bhojbasa? I can't find its contact information anywhere!

Thanks for all your help!

Peter

lakshit

Hi Peter,
The fact that the Gaumukh trek is frequented by many pilgrims, babas and trekkers, and also the fact that the route is clearly marked at almost all the places, qualifies it to be done solo. Plus u can halt at Bhojbasa that has 1 ashram, so u need not carry ur tent as well

Cheers
Lakshit

mahaseerken

Another incredible and beautiful trek is from gangotri to yamnotri (source of the ganga). I did it alone a long long long time ago. Lots of wildlife but no people. So it is pretty safe if you get my drift. The only thing you need it a good map.

lakshit

Well Mahaseerken,
FYI
Yamunotri is not the source of the Ganges, it is Gaumukh. Strictly speaking,the river that comes out at Gaumukh, is Bhagirathi. Bhagirathi meets Alaknanda at Deoprayag and the combination of these two rivers forms Ganga.

Lakshit

mahaseerken

Sorry mates,

Seems I made a mistake here. the yamnotri is not the source of the ganga it is the source of the yamuna (can figure that out from the name).

Thanks Lakshit for correcting me. It was a simple typo.

Still a great trek. takes a good 15 days if you go easy.

cheers

arjunm

Dear Peter

Put your fears aside and head for Gaumukh (the source of the Ganga, and for the technically inclined -- the Bhagirathi). The route is perfectly safe. No chance of feeling lonely or fatigued.

Here is a plan for you:

Day 1: Gangotri to Bhojbasa
Day 2: Bhojbasa to Gaumukh (early morning; catch the morning sun streaking in from behind the glacier). Climb up to Tapovan (you said you were a keen trekker, didn't you? Tapovan is at 14,300 ft). Get back to Bhojbasa by the end of the day.
Day 3: Head back to Gangotri.

If you don't have any parters to trek with you, put that worry aside too. You'll find plenty on the route and perhaps even one from your country.

Arjun

P.S. Just to keep your interest going, here is a picture of Gaumukh that I took last October. Tapovan is on the right, way up.

Attached Thumbnails

 

arjunm

About staying at Bhojbasa -- you have two options. You can stay at GVMN's outlet or the various rest houses of the local Baba's. GVMN can be booked from anywhere in Uttaranchal and even Delhi. Check out their website too http://www.gmvnl.com/newgmvn/tour/booktrh.asp

You can book online, but phone to check your confirmation.

Personally, I liked what the Baba's have to offer. No advance booking required. Just troop down to their place. In an emergency, there are plenty of tea shops who would be glad to offer you a bed for some money.

himadventures

lakshit is right !
You can go without any problem. Just, have a small day sack with bottled water and some fruit or snacks. I do not prefer to eat out there !