The Gangotri Tour Package is a spiritual pilgrimage through the grand Himalayas, bringing travelers from the holy city of Haridwar to the spiritual center of Gangotri. The 5-day tour is specifically made to highlight the full spiritual experience, combined with the natural scenery and peaceful moments in nature's lap. You start in Haridwar, where the sacred River Ganga flows into the plains, and climb through wooded valleys and serene towns to arrive at Gangotri, the source of the Ganga. Along the journey, experience aartis in the evenings, temple stops, local food, and serene riverside reflections. At every halt, you are encouraged to slow down, feel connected with nature, and imbibe the essence of holy India.
Your spiritual journey starts with your arrival in the holy city of Haridwar. A driver or guide will pick you up from the station or airport and drop you at your pre-booked hotel. After check-in and a light vegetarian lunch, the rest of the afternoon is at leisure for relaxation or local sightseeing. Watch the sunset at Har Ki Pauri for the famous Ganga Aarti.
Banks of the Ganga come alive with lamps, mantras, and beats of drums. Thousands of devotees and tourists can be seen witnessing priests performing the ritual with coordinated movements. Floating diyas of small size cover the river, and it is an enchanting experience. Spend the evening after this poignant experience, returning to your hotel for dinner and a night's rest.
Following an early morning breakfast, start your road trip to Uttarkashi. As the car takes a leave from Haridwar, scenery rapidly changes from city life to mountain bends, dense woods, and pristine rivers. Your first halt will be Devprayag, where two holy rivers Bhagirathi and Alaknanda converge to merge as the Ganga.
You will step outside and enjoy some quiet time here, observing the blue-green rivers converge. After a while of quiet and some photos, drive on. The highway keeps twisting through pine forests, village intersections, and the odd tea stalls. Small waterfalls and monkeys on the road add to the interest in the journey.By day, you reach Uttarkashi, a tiny temple town nestled among hills covered with forests. After lunch and checking in at your hotel, go and see the Kashi Vishwanath Temple. One of the most revered temples consecrated to Lord Shiva in the area, it is a beautiful place to be during the day as well as at night. End your evening by strolling around the temple complex, gazing at the serene river flowing by, and witnessing the local Ganga Aarti. Get back to your hotel for a satisfying vegetarian dinner and overnight stay.
Early morning wake-up call followed by a light breakfast and a departure for Gangotri. It is a 100 km drive to Gangotri but takes a long time because the roads are narrow and hilly. You'll get to see stunning mountain passes, apple orchards, and grazing sheep along the way. The Bhagirathi River will accompany you throughout, flowing rapidly alongside the road.
When you arrive at Gangotri, the air will become crisp and the landscape more heavenly. The snow-cresting mountains rise around the Gangotri Temple like a jewel against the river. Once you arrive, head straight for the darshan at the Gangotri Temple. You may present your offerings and see rituals conducted by the temple priests. Next, after visiting the temple, head to the shores of the Bhagirathi River. Large numbers of pilgrims bathe in its freezing waters, said to wash away sins.
The water is incredibly cold, even during summer, but spiritually rejuvenating. Then, enjoy a simple lunch at one of the local ashrams or guesthouses. Spend your afternoon at the riverbank, listening to the gushing water and fresh mountain wind. You can take a short hike around the village or explore the nearby natural springs. The night is peaceful, and temple bells carry in the breeze. Have your dinner and overnight stay in Gangotri.
Start the day on foot around Gangotri before the tourists flock in. The quietness and early sun make it an ideal time for self-reflection. If you prefer, go to the temple again before setting off back to Uttarkashi.The way back is more familiar, yet there are fresh views. During the journey, halt for a while at the Sangam point, where there are two minor streams that meet. The place is serene and perfect for sitting in silence and taking in the natural beauty around. Resume the drive and reach Uttarkashi by the afternoon.Check into your hotel and unwind with lunch. The day is left free for leisurely wandering. You might go back to the riverside, observe local life going by, or just take a nap in your room. As it gets dark, visit the Ganga Aarti once more if you would like. Dinner and overnight stay in Uttarkashi.
After breakfast, pack up and leave the hotel. This is your last day of the tour. You return to Haridwar, but en route stop over at the famous confluence at Rudraprayag, where the rivers Mandakini and Alaknanda join. This, too, is a commanding confluence and deserves to be seen in contemplative silence.As you descend from the highlands, the road comes winding into the open valleys and eventually the plains. The air grows warmer and traffic more crowded as you approach Haridwar. Once there, you are deposited at your hotel, the railway station, or at the point of your further journey arrangements.
