In Hindu mythology, the source of the river Ganges is one of the
world's most sacred spots. Here, at 13000 feet, the Goddess Ganga's
descent from heaven was broken by the matted locks of Lord Shiva. The
life-giving river Ganges is born. Even today, the pilgrimage to its
source is a journey of discovery and enlightenment undertaken by
thousands of Hindus, the journey of a lifetime.

This is perhaps Soul of India's most adventurous tour, involving two
days of trekking from Gangotri to the foot of the Gaumukh glacier and
back. On the higher reaches of the journey, beyond the land of hotels,
your accommodation is in luxury two-berth tents.

In all cultures, journeys to the sources of the great rivers are also
journeys into the depths of one's own soul. This will be no exception,
as you find yourself surrounded by India's pilgrims and sadhus, in the
shadow of the greatest mountains in the world.

Day 1

Evening departure from Heathrow on direct British Airways
flight.

Day 2

Midday arrival in Delhi. Stay at the Oberoi
Maidens Hotel (4*). Evening visit to the shrine of Sufi saint Nizamuddin
Chisti.

Day 3

Afternoon train to Haridwar, and short onward drive to
Rishikesh. Stay at the Ganga Kinare Hotel (3*).

Days 4 & 5

Two days to explore the town of Rishikesh, famous for its dozens of
ashrams. Here the Ganges emerges blue and fast flowing from the
mountains. Observe evening arti (worship) by the river.

Day 6

Drive to Uttarkashi (altitude 1158m). Visit the Vishwanath
temple. Overnight camp.

Day 7

Drive to the village of Gangotri (altitude 3048m). Visit
Gangotri temple and ashrams. Overnight camp.

Day 8

Trek 15km to the Gaumukh glacier (altitude 3892m), the true
source of the Ganges, and regarded as one of the most beautiful
glaciers in the Himalaya. Overnight camp.

Day 9

Return trek to Gangotri. Overnight camp.

Day 10

Day at leisure in Gangotri - perhaps explore the bazaar, or stroll in
the forests by the river. Overnight camp.

Day 11

Drive to Uttarkashi. Overnight camp.

Day 12

Drive to Rishikesh. Stay at Ganga Kinare Hotel (3*).

Day 13

All day visit to Rajaji National Park.

Day 14

Early train to Agra, arriving mid afternoon. Stay at Howard Park
Plaza Hotel (4*)

Day 15

Visit the Taj Mahal and Agra Fort. Evening train to Delhi.
Stay at Oberoi Maidens Hotel (4*).

Day 16

Day at leisure in Delhi. Late night British Airways flight from
Delhi.

Day 17

Early morning arrival at Heathrow.

Note: Accommodation and meals are provided on a full board basis when
camping. Camping facilities are luxury, with separate toilet and dining
facilities, and hot water.