Trekking Hiking and
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Trekking in India

Sacred Himalaya: Garhwal High Places

This challenging high altitude journey in the Garhwal Himalaya links the two most sacred sites in the Indian Himalayas. It starts at the birthplace of the mighty Ganges and crosses a series of glacier valleys to reach the Kalindi Pass (5945m) gateway into the Arwa valley and the holy Hindu temple at Badrinath.

We initially share the pilgrims' trail to reach the glacier snout at Gaumukh, dominated by the Matterhorn-like Shivling (6543m) and nearby Bhagarathi peaks. Here we may see the ascetic holy men, Sadhus, practically naked and living in caves at almost 4000m and will perhaps reflect on our own cluttered western values.

Crossing Gangotri Glacier, we acclimatise by a high lake, then follow a series of moraines and glaciers over 5000m to reach our highest camp at 5560 m, just below Kalindi La. Climbing its final snow slope with axe and crampons will be demanding, but with majestic views of many of the giants of the western Indian Himalayas, reaching the pass it will be well worth the effort.