Trekking in north India

mila_asier

Hi,

We are a Spanish couple, Mila and Asier. We are planning to travel to India next August. We have arrond 35 days in India. The way we like travelling is by trekking as much as possible, through stunning landscapes (if possible) and valleys which are inhabited by locals. We like to trek for several days (at least 5). We have been traveling like that in several countries: Nepal, Peru, Ethiopia, Papua, Sahara Desert, Mongolia, and also we have visitted Nomads in Iran.

For next August we have chosed three destinations for North India: Ladakth (probably trek in Zanskar valley), Kasmir (Srinagar) and trek to Source of Ganges (Gangotri), so that we can visit three religious cultures: Tibetan, Muslim and Hindu

We are now planning how many days spend in each place, and we need advise.

We would like to trek from Darcha to Layamuru. But we think we will need about 17days. It maybe too long if we want also to see Kasmir and Gangotri. We may have to trek half, from Darcha to Padum or from Layamuru to Padum. What is your opinion? Which is the best part?

Do you think it is better to organize the trek by internet in advance with a company of Manali or just there, in Manali or Leh

What can I see in Srinagar? How long spend there?

About Gangotri, is it worth trekking to source of Ganges, because of the monsoon? Does it rain a lot? Are there much Pilgrims in August? How many days I need? I there any flight to near trek starting point?

There are plenty of question? I know. I would appreciate if you can advise or give me information. Thanks.

mila_asier(at)yahoo(dot)es

spicetrekker

I think Gangotri is good but nothing great - what is interesting is the trek from Gangotri to Gaumukh and then on to Tapovan/ Nandanvan. This trek upto Tapovan can be easily done without tents and provisions. It takes 2 day one way (till Tapovan), though some folks do climb down from Tapovan to Gangotri in one day. No Airports near Gangotri - nearest ariport my guess is in Dehardun which is not too well connected.

roy_supratim05

Hi Mila & Asier,

Why do you want to trek in Gangotri region during mansoon?? I think Valley of Flowers or Har Ki Doon should be a perfect choice for August.

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mila_asier

Well, First of all because I want to trek with the pilgrims and see the source of Ganges and see the peaks around Tapovan. I think is a good combination. But I am afraind that the rain could be too heavy. Is it good season to trek together wiht the pilgrims?

Why is better to visit Valley of Flower or Har Ki Doon (where is this?)

thank you very much

mila_asier

Thanks,

Yes, my idea is to trek to Tapovan. Does it rain very much in August there? Can I find many pilgrims in Ausgust in the trek?

Thanks again

roy_supratim05

Ok, Yeah, Gangotri area is very live with lots of peaks - Sudarshan, Matri, Thelu, Manda, Vrigu, Bhagirathi Range, Shivling, Meru and lots of peaks. But if it rains heavily or the sky remains cloudy then I fear your days may be wasted. But August is the season for VoF, you will find lots of flower in the valley. You will be amazed with the flowers, that is sure. Also you can cover a pilgrimage trail to Hemkund Sahib (a precious high altitude lake sorrounded by 7 peaks) from VoF. But still I think, choice is yours .

Rajeev Bora

Mila/Asier - Whatever you do, please make sure that you do not litter and trash our beautiful himalayas! Been reading about the environment and trash, plastic waste and other garbage is a serious threat to environment. If we were to do this in any other country God knows what would happen! Why should this happen wothout any restraint in India!!

mila_asier

Sure, We will take care of the Himalaya, as much as I care my countryside. Thank you very much, Rajjev Bora.

AvidTrekker

Padum to Lamayuru (ten days). The trek has spectacular views and more(?) monasteries.

Both options are possible. If you have two extra days at Leh, you can very well organize it after you reach Leh. If you don't have that much time, then organize it in advance.

Source of the Ganges is Gaumukh. Not really very scenic. Beyond is Nandanvan and Tapovan. If you go to the Tapovan Meadow, its a spectacular site (AND sight) .

NOW, There is a new problem at Gangotri, as the local Goverment has decided to restrict the numbers of people who are allowed to walk up from Gangotri. The daily quota is 150, passes issued for some nominal fee (maybe hundred rupees?). This has just started from 1st May 2008, and even I am awaiting first hand reports from Gangotri. It simply means you may have to go the next day (or the next) if the 150 is filled up for that particular day. (if time is a problem, think about it)

Yes, it does rain somewhat on the Tapovan route during August, but not so heavily as to disturb your trek. It rains very heavily in June and July. The Rain free areas are Spiti, Lahoul and Ladakh as all these fall in the Rain shadow of the mighty Himalaya Range itself.

I personally prefer to keep away from the crowds. I prefer Kinnaur and Spiti because trekkers have not discovered the place yet. Hardly any agencies go there, because many unknown routes. Even today, many treks still remain which have NOT seen even one trekking team trying to cross over.

HAPPY TREKKING !!!
.
.

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Dilliwala

It will be raining at VOF as well, so if you WANT to go to Gaumukh/Tapovan, do that.

It will be no point flying to Dehradun, you still have to sort of back-track to Rishikesh to go onwards. And it's a day-flight, so you can basically write off half a day's travel time. But there's an excellent overnight train from Delhi to Haridwar, the 2017A A/C Special - you have to sleep anyway, so why not sleep on the train ? It arrives very early, 3.20 a.m., and gives you the whole day for road-travel. And as Avid confirms elsewhere, you comfortably get to Uttarkashi by noon. You can still reach Gangotri the same day too, if desired (but that's only if you have all your gear with you and don't need to hire anything).

praks

You could trek from Lamayuru to Padum and then from Padum to Kishtwar via the Umasi La which is not too difficult. Besides. Umasi La has some spectacular views. From Kishtwar you could proceed to Srinagar by road.

The trek to Gaumukh, the source of the Ganges, takes three days. Two days up and one down. The view around Gaumukh is very beautiful with views of Shivling, the Bhagirathi group, Manda, Matri and others. For better views you need to move up to Tapovan or Nandanvan. Late August is not too bad a time to visit but heavy rains in July can play havoc with the roads leading to Gangotri. The nearest airport is located at Dehradun but you won't save much time by flying there.

mila_asier

It is nice to have some much opinions and ideas! Thanks

Skipper

Hi Mila,

Welcome to India.

You can start from Jammu for Amarnath Yatra--famous Hindu pilgrimage to the abode of Lord Shiva;--a mythical place also.You will find tens of thousands of pilgimages on the way.A wonderful experience of religious harmony where Muslims share key role in reality as well as mythically.A composition of beautiful vally,mountain ,adventure and religious journey.But Beware of self-claimed Holy Men.They are 99% fake.
You can go to Leh from Srinagar & have ur next trek.
No point in going to Gangotri-Gomukh at that time,specially if u have already seen Amarnath yatra.Better go to Roopkund--"The
Mystic Lake" through villages and vallyes;another memorable tour.But cotact fast to Ind.embassy & J&K tourism deptt.

mila_asier

This option looks very interesting. I have explore in the book "trekkin gin the Indian Himalaya" of Lonely Planet. From Padum to Gularbargh it says 6 days of trekking. Is it true, or is too conservative and it can be done in 5 days? Anyway, how long it will take me to trasnlate from Gularbargh to Kishtwar and to Srinagar? I supose by local transport o lorry...

mila_asier

Thanks skipper,

I was told previously about that place, but I did not investigate much about it, as I thougth Source of Ganges should be the greates pilgrim zone in India. I visited the web page http://www.amarnathyatra.org/route.htm#top, trying to get more information.

I have noted that it is located between Srinagar and Kargil? am I right? So I can fly to Srinagar.

I have also noted that you can trek for three day from Pahalgam. Is it that true? do all prilgrim trek for three days to the holy place? So I can spend about 5 days going up and down?

How long it will take me from Srinagar to Pahagam? one day?

What about Srinagar? Is it dangerous? Which places do you recomend me in the city? How many days should I spend there? Do you recomend me something else in Kasmir (out Srinagar)?

Thanks