Pilgrimage to the source of the Ganges
A pilgrimage to Gaumukh and Tapovan, where the sacred Ganges is born beneath the peaks of Shivaloka
This journey has already taken place. Similar journeys are planned; write to us if you would like to hear about the next one. Write to us
We invite you on a pilgrimage to the Indian Himalayas, to the places where the Ganges, the sacred river regarded for millennia as a source of life, purification and grace, has its source. We will journey into a landscape that Indian tradition calls Shivaloka: a realm of silence, glacial peaks, spring waters and places where yogis and rishis have meditated for centuries. This journey is not merely a physical trek through the mountains but also a space for stillness, sadhana, yoga practice and an inner experience that cannot be conveyed in words.
Mahamandaleshwar Swami Shri Avatarpuriji Maharaj, the successor of Vishwaguru Maheshwarananda, founder of the Yoga in Daily Life system and creator of Om Ashram, has also confirmed his participation in this pilgrimage.
Gallery
Journey highlights
Rishikesh
The first encounter with the Ganges and a sacred bath, and the evening Ganga Aarti at Shatrughan Ghat.
Uttarkashi
A mountain town on the Bhagirathi, home to the famous Kashi Vishwanath Shiva Temple and one of the 51 Shakti Peeths, a site dedicated to the Divine Mother.
Gangotri (3,050 m)
The Gangotri Temple, the morning and evening atmosphere of the pilgrimage site, cedar forests and the Surya Kund area, where the Bhagirathi thunders through a narrow gorge.
Chirbasa, Bhojbasa and Gaumukh
The trek into the high mountains, a gradual stilling and entry into the mountain space. Gaumukh, the source of the Ganges at the snout of the Gangotri Glacier, one of the longest glaciers in the Indian Himalaya.
Tapovan (4,320 m)
An alpine meadow beneath Mount Shivling with views of the Bhagirathi peaks and Meru: a space for sadhana, meditation and yoga practice.
Descent to the Bhagirathi
Return to the river and descent by the same route, with time to integrate the experience.
Haridwar
The final Ganga Arati at Har Ki Pauri, perhaps a morning bath in the Ganges and a visit to the bazaar: the return from the mountains to civilisation.
Sadhana in the mountains
This journey is not merely a physical trek through the mountains but a space for stillness, sadhana and yoga practice. The walk from Gangotri to Gaumukh is a gradual stilling and entry into the mountain space, and the meadow of Tapovan beneath Shivling becomes the place for meditation and shared practice. For seven days in the mountains there is no phone signal or electricity to draw the attention outward.
Is this pilgrimage for you?
This pilgrimage is intended for students of Yoga in Daily Life and for anyone who feels a connection to the authentic yoga tradition and wishes to meet it in the landscape where yogis and rishis have meditated for centuries.
Late May and early June are the pre-monsoon window in which the Gangotri valley is open. Days lower down are warm and sunny, while nights at Bhojbasa and Tapovan can fall below freezing, so warm layers and a good sleeping bag are essential.
- You are comfortable with several days of trekking at 3,000 to 4,300 metres, with local porters carrying the camp.
- You can sleep in a two-person tent on a foam mat and manage with tent toilets at the camp.
- You accept seven days without phone signal or electricity in the mountains.
- You are happy with simple, mildly spiced lacto-vegetarian food throughout.
How we travel
The pilgrimage begins on 31 May 2026 with individual arrivals in Dehradun, ideally around noon, and ends on 12 June 2026 with a transfer to Dehradun Airport; we are glad to advise on international and domestic flights.
Transport
From Dehradun to Gangotri and back we travel in air-conditioned minibuses or taxis. From Gangotri the route continues on foot, with porters carrying the camp.
Accommodation
Standard mid-range hotels and guesthouses, mostly in double rooms with private bathroom and air conditioning. In the mountains we sleep in good two-person tents with a foam sleeping mat; the camp has tent toilets.
Meals
Full board throughout: breakfast, lunch and dinner at trusted restaurants or hotel dining rooms. In the mountains experienced local cooks prepare hearty meals in the heart of nature. Traditional Indian lacto-vegetarian cuisine, mildly spiced and adapted to the group.
After the pilgrimage
You can continue on your own: fly home (we can arrange accommodation in Delhi with airport transfers for about 50 EUR), travel on to Om Ashram in Jadan in Rajasthan, or take an Ayurvedic wellness or therapeutic stay at one of our partner centres.
Accompanied by
Mahamandaleshwar Swami Shri Avatarpuriji Maharaj, the successor of Vishwaguru Maheshwarananda, founder of the Yoga in Daily Life system and creator of Om Ashram, confirmed his participation in this pilgrimage to the source of the Ganges.
The journey is organised and led by Deveshwar Travels together with local guides, cooks and porters in the mountains.
Price to be announced
Flights are not included.
The price includes
- Full board throughout the pilgrimage
- Accommodation in hotels and guesthouses, and in two-person tents in the mountains
- Transport from Dehradun to Gangotri and back, and the transfer to Dehradun Airport
- Local guides, cooks and porters in the mountains
- The tour leader throughout the journey
- Organisation and coordination in India
The price does not include
- International and domestic flights
- Indian visa
- Travel insurance
- Personal expenses
- Accommodation in Delhi after the tour
Upcoming journeys
Pilgrimage to Sri Alakhpuriji's cave
Uttarakhand, Garhwal Himalaya
A pilgrimage to the Indian Himalayas above sacred Badrinath, to the cave of Sri Alakhpuriji, one of the places of tapasya of the great Himalayan masters. After Rishikesh, Devprayag, Joshimath and Badrinath, five days at the cave give time for meditation, satsang and quiet walks in the blessed presence of Swami Shri Avatarpuriji.
View the journey →from €1,450 per person
Pilgrimage to Sri Devpuriji's cave
Uttarakhand, Garhwal Himalaya
A pilgrimage to the Indian Himalayas above Badrinath that continues from Sri Alakhpuriji's cave into high mountain terrain to the cave of Sri Devpuriji at about 4,450 metres. The trek passes Laxmivan, Chakratirth and Satopanth beneath Neelkanth and Chaukhamba, places bound to the last journey of the Pandavas, before both groups return together to Haridwar.
View the journey →from €1,450 per person