Nandanvan Trek

Nandanvan Trek: A very beautiful meadow in the Garhwal Himalayas, located in Gangotri.
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Gangotri-Nandanvan trek is more than just a hiking trail; it’s a pilgrimage to the raw, unparalleled grandeur of the Indian Himalayas. Situated in the Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand, this trek offers a unique blend of spiritual depth and adventure. As you journey from the sacred bells of the Gangotri temple towards the serene, majestic presence of Mount Shivling, you realize this journey is not just about physical endurance – it’s about witnessing the birthplace of a civilization.

Spanning the Greater Himalayan Range, this trek takes you deep inside the Gangotri National Park. It leads you to the source of the holy Ganges River and eventually to the high-altitude meadows of Nandanvan, nestled at the base of the Bhagirathi mountain range.

View Mount Shivling

Standing at an altitude of 6,543 meters, Mount Shivling is often referred to as the “Matterhorn of India” due to its magnificent conical shape. From the meadows of Nandanvan, you get the best vantage point to witness this natural wonder. The view is so close that you can see the morning sun’s rays striking the snow-capped peaks, making the summit appear like a pyramid of molten gold. It’s a sight that has captivated mountaineers and sages for centuries.

Nandanvan serves as a base camp for several serious mountaineering expeditions. From your campsite, you are surrounded by the majestic Bhagirathi I, II, and III peaks. These three sister peaks stand like sentinels over the valley, offering a panoramic view that few other treks in Uttarakhand can match. The sheer granite walls of these peaks are a playground for the world’s top rock climbers, and seeing them up close is a highlight of this trek.

Bhojbasa through Pine and Deodar Forests

Starting from Gangotri, the trail enters Gangotri National Park. The initial section is a well-maintained path that winds through pine, deodar, and birch forests. As the name suggests, Bhojbasa was once famous for its vast birch forests, the bark of which was historically used to write ancient Indian scriptures. Along this route, keep an eye out for bharal (blue sheep), which are often seen grazing on the cliffs above the trail.

Crossing the Gangotri Glacier to Nandanvan (4,338m)

This is the most challenging and exciting part of the trek. After leaving the base camp at Bhojbasa, you trek towards Gaumukh and then begin the steep climb onto the lateral moraine of the glacier. This section involves large boulders, loose scree, and ice. Once you cross the glacier and ascend the final steep climb, the valley opens up to the emerald-green meadows of Nandanvan. The contrast between the gray, rocky glacier and the lush meadows is stunning and beautiful.

Technical Details and Difficulty Level

The Nandanvan trek requires a good level of physical and mental fitness for a safe and successful journey. This trek is not for complete beginners unless they are in excellent physical condition and accompanied by an experienced guide.