Gangotri

• Limited electricity supply means either you need to book a hotel with ample generator support or settle for a thick blanket.
• Maggi and coke are the most hygienic breakfast you will get in this part of country. The Gangotri village is small. Trek around to see natural land formations around.
• Gomukh is an overnight trip from here. The mouth of holy Ganges' origin has crumbled down. 

Trip: Rishikesh > Yamunotri > Gangotri > Kedarnath > Badrinath > Rishikesh

We started from Hanumanchatti (Yamunotri base) for Gangotri at 10 and only stopped at Uttarkashi for lunch. En route to Gangotri we found a dam, the flowing water from which was creating a permanent rainbow. There was also a hot water spring some 40 km before our destination where we had bath.

Ganges@Gangotri

Yamunotri

• One of the most arduous treks, Yamunotri takes one day to climb and come back but it is worth the experience of some of the most preserved glaciers in this area.
• Yamuna originates from here which has made authorities block the entire mouth of the glacier. You can take a bath in hot water spring nearby.
• Walk around the top. The view around with so many glaciers is mesmerizing. You can even walk on one of them or see water dropping inside which create a river eventually.

Trip: Rishikesh > Yamunotri > Gangotri > Kedarnath > Badrinath > Rishikesh

We hired a Sumo from Rishikesh for 1500 a day. It was going to be a long trip. The first morning was beautiful with a good weather and a mild drizzle. Passing Tehri was an event. The driver indicated demarcation up to which the reservoir will be filled. Our road was below that mark.

First stage of trek, Yamunotri

Vaishno Devi

• Plan for two days. Trains go up to Katra from where it is a 6 hour trek most of which is moderate gradient. Eat light before you start your trek.
• There are plenty of accommodation options at the top. Stay, refresh yourself and then go for the holy place. Expect a couple hour queue during peak season, thats May-June.
• Eat Rajma Rice. Take a nap. Start early morning for Bhaironath which is an hour uphill, then the trek goes down all the way back to Katra. 

I have been to Vaishno Devi couple of times. It has lately become more of a picnic-trek rather a religious trip, thanks to the cash rich Vaishno Devi Trust which has created kiosks all the way to the top. The trek takes around 6 hours from Katra. In peak season, more than 30,000 visit everyday so crowd is a given. One thing is sure when you plan this - the more the merrier.

Me @ Vaishno Devi