About Shivling Base Camp Trek
One of the sacred peaks in the Garhwal Himalayan region, the Shivling
Peak looms at an elevation of 6543 meters, which is close to the snout
of the Gangotri Glacier. According to the Hindu myth, the peak divinely
symbolizes Lord Shiva's Shiva Linga. The massif overlooks the sprawling
meadow of Tapovan at 4,463 meters, which is considered as one of the
alpine meadows in India and is crisscrossed by several small streams and
dotted with flowering plants. The first ascent to the Shivling peak was
done by the Indo - Tibetan Border Police in the year 1974 and
thereafter several routes were discovered by other expeditors. Trekking
to the base of Shivling has always been a grapevine to the trekkers
Shivling Trek who covered it. The trail being one of the challenging
treks in the Indian Himalayan belt in the Garhwal region of Uttarakhand,
one needs serious acclimatization at different altitudes. It encounters
several steep gradients along with rocky, snaky and crazy paths.
Throughout the trek that goes beyond the source of River Bhagirathi
(mouth of Gangotri Glacier), Gaumukh at 4,100 meters approximately, to
Tapovan, which is one of the Hindu pilgrimage sites in India, one needs
to tackle some offbeat and boulder ridden ramps, cutting through narrow
ridges and deadly cliffs. Nonetheless, the peaks like Hanuman Tibba at
5,370 meters, Bhrigu Parbat at 6,000 meters, Bhagirathi I, II and III at
6,856 meters, 6,512 meters, and 6,454 meters respectively and Mt. Meru
at 6,400 meters are the major attractions after reaching different
altitudes.
The trek to the Shivling Base Camp commences from Gangotri at 3,048
meters, a popular Hindu pilgrimage site and one of the sites of the
renowned Char Dham Yatra. From Gangotri the journey by foot head towards
Bhojwassa at 3,350 meters that passes through a thick pine grove along
the gushing river Bhagirathi. From Bhojwassa the trek continues uphill
to Gaumukh, which is one of the popular alpines for the Rishis / Sadhus
to meditate. Thereafter, the trail turns to Tapovan, a picture perfect
location, having an untouched surrounding. From Tapovan the journey goes
ahead to the base of Mt. Kedardome at 6,850 meters and Kirti Bamak at
6,500 meters, to the glaciated bed of Kirti Bamak. The alpine tour also
leads to the foot of Mt. Meru, which is another thrilling journey over
the shifting moraine. From Tapovan the trail continues to Nandanvan at
4,570 meters, from Nandanvan one can easily trail up to Vasuki Tal at
4,800 meters, which is one of the high altitude lakes in the Indian
Himalayan region. The downhill trek from Nandanvan heads to Bhojwassa
and leads off at Gangotri and thereafter wheels to Haridwar via
Uttarkashi.
Area : Garhwal Himalayas
Duration : 13 Days
Best Season : May - Mid October
Grade :Tough
Altitude : 4880 mts
Total Trekking : 115 K.M
Shivling Base Camp Trek Highlights
- Mt. Shivling and its breathtaking upclose views ( 6543 m); Bhagirathi I (6856 m); Bhagirathi II (6512 m); Bhagirathi III (6454 m); Mt. Meru (6660 m); Mt. Satopanth (7075 m) and Kedardome (7904 m)
- The beautiful and serene lake located in Gaumukh, Vasuki Tal and Gaumukh; considered as the Bhagirathi river's source. It is also considered as the origin place of River Ganga.
- Enjoying breathtaking views of the Gangotri Glacier and traversing through its treacherous passes; passing through the Chaturangi glacier, also close to the Gangotri Glacier and considered as one of the major shrines in the country for the Hindus.
- Night stay at a comfortable Guest House/Hotel/Tents
Best Time to Visit
If you're planning to take a trip to Shivling Base Camp Trek during
Summers then consider going between May and June, however, if your plan
is to visit the place some other time then you should think about doing
so between September and October, when Monsoon has passed.
In Summer:
Gomukh Tapovan has a weather that's largely suitable and pleasant in
Summer time. Although, it's advised that you take along woolen clothes,
just in case. The magnificent glory of the Himalayas teamed the
feel-good coolness of the wind are set to take your breath away.
In Monsoon:
Gomukh Tapovan has a lot to offer in terms of its impressively-generous
greenery adorned by raindrops along with its snow-clad mountains at the
time of Monsson. You might find hurdles of road-blockage owing to the
rains-caused landslides though, also, it's recommended that you pack
along raincoats. Nonetheless, the picturesque appeal of the place is an
experience you must take/have.
After Monsoon:
Gomukh Tapovan becomes even more gorgeous once Monsoon has passed. The
few rain-related hassles are gone and the place is transformed even more
beautifully, with its serene, lush greenery and colossal mountains
looking all bathed and well groomed. Travelling with thick woolens is
strongly recommended as the place gets chilly and perishing after rains.
Precise location of the Trek-path of Shivling Base Camp
Shivling is actually a twin-mountain pinnacle, perched high at the
altitude of 6543m, near the Gangotri Glacier, in the beautiful state of
Uttarakhand-the North of India. Tucked away in the Garhwal part of the
region, it's one of the most-popular, bucket-list destinations for
trekking-enthusiasts. At our company, we provide exciting and thrilling
trekking trips to this marvelous spot for adventure zealots and ardent
dare-devils. Our Shivling trekking itinerary involves a fun-filled tour
through Tapovan, a sacred pilgrimage centre, between Gaumukh and
Shivling. Making your way through spectacular glaciers like- Kirti Bamak
and Meru, among other stunning glaciers, you'll have the good fortune
of beholding the enchanting beauty of the gigantic Himalayan Mountains
and spotting 'Ibex', the Himalayan goat. And if good luck keeps with
you, you can also catch a rare sight of the 'Snow-Leopard'. Vasuki Tal
is another beautiful point that you will be visiting during your trek,
from here can be approached another extremely sough-after spiritual
destination- Badrinath, for which many glaciers have to be crossed- a
tour that only an expert mountaineer can take.
How to Reach?
Air-borne Route: The airport closest to Gangotri is,
Jolly Grant Airport that's around 290Kms away from it. The airport has a
good connectivity with Delhi, facilitating flights every-day. Also, the
way from the airport to Gangotri is pretty conducive to travelling by
automobiles. In case it's affordable for you, you have the facility of
chopper at your disposal here.
Railway-Travel/Route:
At a distance of around 280Kms in Rishikesh away from Gangotri, is where
the railway station is located on NH58 that happens to be the closest
from Gangotri. The advantage is that many buses and cab services can be
availed of from Rishikesh, Uttarkashi, Tehri Garhwal, among other
places, towards Gangotri.
Shivling Base Camp Trek (Detailed Itinerary)
Day 01: From Delhi to Rishikesh via Haridwar
The tour starts with catching a morning train from Delhi to Haridwar at 6.50 a.m. Upon reaching Haridwar, our trekking guide accompanies you to Rishikesh, where you are taken to your hotel accommodation to stay for the night. You can enjoy a relaxing time here before proceeding.Day 02: From Rishikesh to Uttarkashi
From your accommodation in Rishikesh, you move ahead to Uttarkashi through Chamba. While on your way, you can gaze at the wonderful mountains of the Himalayas in Garhwal. Upon reaching Uttarkashi, you can go for sight-seeing, to enjoy the scenic beauty of this lovely place, before you retire to bed at your comfortable accommodation in the night.Day 03: From Uttarkashi to Gangotri
Once you've had your breakfast in Uttarkashi, you are driven to Gangotri through the gorgeous Harsil Valley. While you're on your way to this destination, you come across the amazing Sulphur springs at the beautiful spot called Gangnani. You can take a halt for gazing or clicking pictures of this awesome place or, take a refreshing dip in the water here. Once reached Gangotri, you have all the evening to yourself for exploring the place or unwinding at your hotel room, whatever you prefer.Day 04: At Gangotri
This heavenly beautiful place has so much to offer that you just can't simply stay a night here and leave. The forth-day is utilized for seeing the place around and enjoying the serenity of this spiritual centre.Day 05: From Gangotri to Bhojwassa
This is the place where your trek begins, you are guided while trekking through the wondrous forest of pine trees, leading you to Bhojwasa and Bhagirathi. It's a 14km pathway that takes around 4 to 5 hours of a leisure-paced trekking. This also happens to be the spot for your first camping of the trip, promising lots of fun and excitement.Day 06: From Bhojbasa to Tapovan via Gomukh
This day begins with your travel to Gomukh, the source of the sacred Ganges. You can enjoy the spectacular sight of the Ganges here flanked by wonderful greenery. Thereafter, you are guided in trekking downwards to Tapovan that happens to be the base camp of the phenomenal Shivling pinnacle. You also get to the pleasure of camping at this amazing place.Day 07: Exploring Tapovan
Since this one's a strikingly beautiful place, exploring some of its glorious spots is a must. You are led to the stunning glacier of Kirti Bamak to be able to appreciate its glory whole-heartedly. You camp for one more night here.Day 08: Exploring Meru Glacier
On this day, you get set to start for the Meru Mountain that promises to take your breath away with its bewitching beauty and serenity. You get to watch in peace the astounding beauty of Tapovan while you're on this short trip and stay one more night, camping here.Day 09: From Tapovan to Nandanvan
You are led through Gomukh Glacier in order to reach Nandanvan where you trek upward to the meadow, enjoying the fun of trekking in one of the most-gorgeous places, taking in all the bliss of its natural beauty, before you climb back downwards. You sleep in the peacefulness of this place in your camps for this night.Day 10: Seeing Vasuki Tal in Nandanvan
You begin your trek through Chaturangi Glacier in the early hours of the day to arrive at Vasuki Tal, enjoying the rocky and steep thrilling path all along. After having accomplished your trek in the stupendous beauty of this spot, you go back to relax for the night in your camps.Day 11: From Nandanvan to Bhojbasa
You begin early on this day to fully enjoy your fun trek downwards, to reach Bhojbasa, gazing at the generous beauty of the giant mountains here. Once you've arrived the spot, you erect your camps to unwind in the tranquility here.Day 12: From Bhojbasa to Uttarkashi via Gangotri
On this day of your tour, you trek downwards, following your trek-guide, to Gangotri, from where you are then transported to Uttarkashi by car. At Uttarkashi you stay for the night at your hotel-room.Day 13: From Uttarkashi, back to Delhi via Haridwar
After having completed your trekking tour successfully, safely and enjoyably, you are driven down to Haridwar from where you board a train back to Delhi around 6 in the evening. The AC train you're onboard, drops you at the Delhi station around 10.45 in the evening. And with this, your trekking trip with us gets accomplished.Tour & Services End.
Things to Carry for Shivling Base Camp Trek
- Duffel bag Down/synthetic camp booties
- Sunglasses, Light gloves
- Sleeping bag
- Flashlight/Headlamp with extra batteries
- Daypack
- One liter water bottles wide mouthed
- Trekking Boots
- Water purification/filter
- Camp shoes/sneakers
- Walking stick/Trekking pole
- Cotton socks
- Note book with pens and pencils
- Gore-Tex jacket
- Lip balm
- Light wind jacket Sunscreen / Moisturiser
- Down jacket/vest
- Camp towel/towel/sarong
- Fleece jacket/vest
- Personal toiletries
- T-shirts
- Personal medicines
- Underwear
- Money pouch/belt
- Trekking pants
- Energy bars
- Thermal tops
- Vitamin tablets
- Thermal bottom
- Extra passport photos
- Warm hat and Bandana/scarf
- Sun hat/baseball cap
- Wind- and rain-gear with hood
- Swiss Army Knives (Classic pocket tool)
- One pair cotton trousers or shorts
- Two cotton shirts/T-Shirts One warmer (jacket with hood)
Fixed Departure Dates 2018
| 11 May, 2018 | 25 May, 2018 | 08 June, 2018 |
| 21 September, 2018 | 05 October, 2018 |
