This was second consecutive Himalayan Trek which was organized to celebrate the International year of Mountains 2002. The destination was Tapovan, a land where people used to spend time to evaluate themselves as per Hindu mythology. There are other places like Nandanban, Sunderban then Gaumukh make this land spiritual. People call this land as “Deobhumi”. One can get the feeling if you really love the nature as soon you enter the Gangotri valley passing Chidbasa, Bhojbasa from Gangotri. The valley is one of the most visited place by tourist specially till Gaumukh & most of the foreigners for Adventure activity like Mountaineering & trekking.  Gangotri glacier is 2nd longest glacier of Indian Himalaya after Siachin.

 Our aim was to visit Tapovan & if possible to reach further to gain more height. In our group total members were six including myself as the Trek leader. Also out of the five three oldies who are Yoga Teacher wanted to experiment the effect of high altitude while practicing pranayam. Rest members wanted to be in the Nature to reach closer to the mother nature. One member out of all was most experienced by age and still wanted to know his limits at the age of 78 yrs. His name was Mr. Bhaskar Gangal running an yoga institution in Mumbai. Another Yoga Teacher Mr. Pimputkar, Mr. K. D. Patil were accompanying the experimention idea of Mr. Gangal. Two other members were Mr. Aniruddha Tendulkar & Mr. Prakash. 

 We left Mumbai by Golden Temple & reached next day at Delhi in the Evening. After descent dinner at New delhi we left for Rishikesh. Then next day early morning after freshnup left Rishikesh for Uttarkashi. We were supposed to reach Bhandari by 9:30am., but as usual we encountered a landslide on the way which was supposed to get clear within few hrs. Myself & Anniruddh left our vehicle to cross the landslide to catch local bus which was waiting at other end of the lanslide. Our aim was to reach Uttarkashi & atleast do some communication for further arrangements. Unfortunately we reached after our private vehicle since due to clearance of landslide the vehicle moved further and our bus got tire puncture on the way. Anyway we all got to see each other within 30 minutes. We stayed at descent hotel at Uttarkashi. After Lunch we did some acclaimatization walk till NIM, visited souvenir shop & Himalaya Exhibition of NIM. “NIM is really a pride of India” proclaimed by Anniruddh after seeing the NIM site.

 Next day after purchasing ration & all we left Uttarkashi for Gangotri. Stayed in a descent hotel for one night. Next day had to deal with porters for load making & proceed our actual trek from Gangotri to Chidbasa (9km). Chidbasa, the name suggest pine family tree “Chid” typically seen in mass on the fall in the valley from where the Bhagirathi river flows. We established tents for stay. People were little enthusiastic especially first timers since the experience of such stay is unique for them, same with sleeping arrangement using sleeping bag and offcourse the cold of the altitude 11500ft. Next day after we moved further to Bhojbasa where typical “bhoj patra” (specifically in the olden time people used to write on it like paper.) one can get it. Some people use this for spiritual purpose like “home/havan”. For tourist point of view there are Gadhwal Nigam’s(GMVN) rest house where people can stay with comfortable cost. From Bhojbasa one can see the Gaumukh which actually lies further 4 km. In the evening we did some evening walk for acclimatization towards Gaumukh. Next day we rescheduled our plan i.e. instead of height gain we moved our camp further to Gaumukh. As soon we were moving further and further most of the people were enthusiastic to see how Tapovan looks like. But to my mind it might not be good experience to stay at Tapovan due to recent snow fall. Also the due to age factor I was in dual whether all these people can make it or not. So decided to put the limitation due to risk factor. But to my surprise everybody insisted to see Tapovan with the time barrier that after 12 noon we ‘ll back from wherever to the base camp Gaumukh. Addon to this intead of staying at Tapovan we shall be returning to Gaumukh camp & spent the remaining attempt day. The same evening we went towards Gaumukh to see what it is and how it looks. We closed our day early this time since next day early morning we want to leave the place for Tapovan visit.

 Finally the day arrive we left Gaumukh at around 7:00am. All had drunk the early morning scenery of golden colours of sun brightening the Bhagorathi, Shivling peaks. On the way continuously I used to here the Camera clicks. The camera clicks & hush hush conversation slowly stopped & replaced with the clear breathing sound as the sun goes up. I was observing the change of nature colours as well the face of all members. The Tapovan climb is little difficult for first timers since after diagonally crossing the Gangotri glaciers above Gaumukh. The last climb of Tapovan is around gradient of 450. Within considerable time we all had reached on the Tapovan platue.  There is one Moni baba welcomed us & asked us to visit his small hut, where he spent five yrs. without any talk. But as per our plan we moved further towards Shimla baba’s hut. It must be great experience for him since most of his life he’d spent here. He welcomed us by saying “Come & see the white snow bed shit spread for all of us by the nature”! I had introduced oldest members of our group to him. He was happy & invited him once again. He expressed his love by serving cup of tea to all of us. It was unusual for the members since having seep of Tea after the tiresome trek is always enjoyable plus the joy of achieving the heights. The temperature was 8 degree there. One can see Chaturangi Bamak (Glacier) towards east, Raktawarn Bamak towards north east, Kirti glacier curve towards south & Kharchakund, Mandani peak towards Chokhamba side.  The same route goes towards south at “Khara patthar”, which is base camp of Kedardome peak. After spending some time we returned back to Gaumukh camp. Though all were tire with the achievement expression on their faces. All were blessing to Bhramanti.com . I was happy too. After sweet meal all had rested in the tent. In the evening we had a small ceremony to celebrate our so called victory. All had gifted a token of love to our cook & people who helped in achieving the task.

The next day we left Gaumukh camp to return to Gangotri, actually it was a longest trek for them(18 km). But since it was return journey all had accepted. One of the oldest member had traveled using horse since he was too tired. Around 5:00pm all had reached the hotel. In the evening while having dinner we had a chat with NIM principal Col. Ashok Abey. Also my Expedition members arrived on the same day from Uttarkashi.

Next day all members except me returned to Rishikesh via Ganganani (Hot water spring).