Shivling Expedition | WalkingTheHimalayas
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Lord Shiva's Home

Mount Shivling Expedition

September 2023

₹ 220000 + 5% GST

“Not all those who wander are lost.”

Mount Shivling Expedition

₹ 220000 + 5% GST & $ 4997

Gangotri to Gangotri

+ Rs. 2500 Dehradun - Dehradun
+ Rs. 2095 Insurance (Mendatory)

Difficulty Level - 8

Gangotri- 22 Days - 56 km

Up to 15% off in May-Jun batches for a limited period! ✨
Batches: June & September 2023

Brief Description of Shivling Expedition

Mount Shivling is a mountain peak located in the northern Indian state of Uttarakhand in the Gangotri Group of the Garhwal Himalayas. It is situated at an elevation of 6,543 meters (21,467 feet) and is considered one of the most challenging peaks to climb in the Indian Himalayas due to its steep and technical routes. Mount Shivling is also revered as a sacred mountain in Hinduism and is considered to be the representation of Lord Shiva's phallus, hence its name "Shivling". The first successful ascent of Mount Shivling was made in 1974 by an Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) team led by Hukam Singh.

The climb to the peak involves a mixture of rock, ice, and snow climbing. The route is not well-defined and requires the use of technical equipment like ropes, crampons, and ice axes.

The best time to climb Shivling is during the summer months from May to June and from September to October. However, due to unpredictable weather conditions in the Himalayas, climbers need to be prepared for sudden changes in weather.

Expeditions to Shivling usually start from the town of Gangotri, which is connected by road to major cities in India like Delhi, Haridwar, and Dehradun. From Gangotri, climbers trek to the base camp at Tapovan, which takes around 3-4 days.

Itinerary of Shivling Expedition

The Shivling Expedition starts in the town of Gangotri. Gangotri is located in the Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand in India. It is a popular pilgrimage site and trekking destination.

The nearest airport to Gangotri is Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun, which is about 226 km away. From the airport, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach Gangotri.

The nearest railway station is in Rishikesh, which is about 250 km away from Gangotri. From Rishikesh, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach Gangotri.

If you are traveling by road, you can take NH 34 and NH 7 from Delhi to reach Gangotri. The distance between Delhi and Gangotri is about 500 km, and it takes around 12 hours to reach Gangotri by road. It is advisable to take a taxi or a bus as the roads are hilly and winding.

Here is a detailed itinerary for the Mount Shivling Expedition:

Day 1: Arrival in Delhi and drive to Haridwar or Rishikesh

 

On the first day of the Shivling Expedition itinerary, you will arrive in Delhi and meet your guide who will assist you in transferring to your hotel. After a brief rest, you will begin your drive to Haridwar or Rishikesh, depending on the route you have chosen. The drive takes around 6-7 hours and you will pass through beautiful landscapes and small towns on the way. Once you reach Haridwar or Rishikesh, you will check into your hotel and spend the evening exploring the local markets and temples. Overnight stay at the hotel in Haridwar or Rishikesh.


Day 2: Drive from Haridwar or Rishikesh to Uttarkashi (1,150m)

 

On Day 2, after breakfast, you will start your drive from Haridwar or Rishikesh to Uttarkashi. It is approximately a 6-7 hour drive, covering a distance of around 155 km. You will be driving through the scenic roads of Uttarakhand, passing through small towns and villages. Upon arrival in Uttarkashi, you will check into your hotel and rest for the day. Uttarkashi is a beautiful town situated on the banks of the Bhagirathi River and is often referred to as the Kashi of the North. You can spend the rest of the day exploring the town, visiting the famous Kashi Vishwanath Temple, and relaxing in the peaceful surroundings. Overnight stay will be in a hotel in Uttarkashi.


Day 3: Acclimatization and preparation day in Uttarkashi
 

On this day, you will have an acclimatization and preparation day in Uttarkashi. You can spend the day exploring the town and visiting the ancient temples and shrines that Uttarkashi is known for. You can also take the opportunity to rest and acclimatize to the altitude before beginning your trek. It is important to stay hydrated and avoid alcohol and smoking during this time to ensure that your body is fully prepared for the upcoming trek. Your expedition team will also conduct a briefing session to provide you with all the necessary information regarding the trek and safety measures. On this day, you will have an acclimatization and preparation day in Uttarkashi. You can spend the day exploring the town and visiting the ancient temples and shrines that Uttarkashi is known for. You can also take the opportunity to rest and acclimatize to the altitude before beginning your trek. It is important to stay hydrated and avoid alcohol and smoking during this time to ensure that your body is fully prepared for the upcoming trek. Your expedition team will also conduct a briefing session to provide you with all the necessary information regarding the trek and safety measures.

Day 4: Drive to Gangotri (3,048m)

On Day 4, after breakfast, you will leave Uttarkashi and drive to Gangotri which is situated at an altitude of 3,048 meters. The drive takes about 4-5 hours and the road passes through picturesque villages and valleys. On reaching Gangotri, you will check into a guesthouse/hotel and spend the rest of the day exploring the town and acclimatizing to the altitude. Gangotri is a holy town and a popular pilgrimage site as it is the origin of the Ganges river. You can visit the Gangotri temple and take a dip in the holy river to seek blessings before beginning the trek. Overnight stay in Gangotri.


Day 5: Trek from Gangotri to Bhojbasa (3,780m)

 

On day 5, the trekking team will leave Gangotri and head towards Bhojbasa. The distance between Gangotri and Bhojbasa is around 14 km and takes about 5-6 hours to cover. The team will follow the Bhagirathi River and cross a few bridges before reaching Chirbasa, a beautiful spot with pine and deodar trees. The trail will continue towards Bhojbasa through dense forests and stunning waterfalls. Once the team reaches Bhojbasa, they will set up camp for the night and rest.


Day 6: Trek from Bhojbasa to Nandanvan (4,400m)

 

On day 6 of the Shivling Expedition, the trek from Bhojbasa continues towards Nandanvan. It is a steep ascent through rocky terrain, moraines, and glaciers. The trail follows the Gangotri Glacier and offers stunning views of Bhagirathi peaks. After reaching Nandanvan, the campsite is set up and the rest of the day can be spent exploring the surroundings and acclimatizing to the altitude. 

The total trek distance for the day is approximately 5-6 km and it takes around 5-6 hours to reach Nandanvan from Bhojbasa.


Day 7: Acclimatization and rest day at Nandanvan

 

On Day 7, you will spend acclimatization and rest day at Nandanvan to help your body adjust to the high altitude. You can take short walks around the campsite and explore the beautiful surroundings. You can also spend some time relaxing and enjoying the stunning views of the surrounding peaks, including Bhagirathi I, II, III, and II, and Mt. Shivling. It is essential to stay hydrated and take care of your health during this acclimatization day.


Day 8: Trek from Nandanvan to Base Camp (4,800m)

 

On Day 8, the Shivling Expedition itinerary involves trekking from Nandanvan to Base Camp at an altitude of 4,800m. The trail takes you through rocky terrain, moraines, and steep ascents. You will pass through Gaumukh, the snout of the Gangotri glacier, and Tapovan, which offers stunning views of the Shivling peak. The trekking distance is around 8 km and takes about 5-6 hours. At the Base Camp, you will set up your tents and prepare for the climb ahead.


Day 9-18: Climbing period

During the climbing period, you will attempt to summit Mount Shivling. The exact itinerary will depend on various factors such as weather conditions, your physical fitness, and the pace of the climb. However, a typical itinerary for the climbing period may look like this:

Day 9-10: Rest and acclimatization at Base Camp
Day 11-12: Establishing Camp 1 (5,400m) and returning to Base Camp
Day 13-14: Establishing Camp 2 (6,100m) and returning to Base Camp
Day 15-16: Establishing Camp 3 (6,600m) and returning to Base Camp
Day 17: Rest day at Base Camp
Day 18: Summit day (6,543m) and return to Camp 3 or Base Camp (depending on the pace and physical condition of the climbers)

Note: The above itinerary is just an example and may be subject to changes based on various factors. It is important to follow the guidance of your expedition leader and climbing team for a safe and successful climb.


Day 19: Descend from Base Camp to Gangotri

Assuming this is the end of the climbing period, here's the itinerary for the descend from Base Camp to Gangotri:

Descend from Base Camp to Nandanvan (4,400m)

Trek from Nandanvan to Bhojbasa (3,780m)

Trek from Bhojbasa to Gangotri (3,048m)


Day 20: Drive from Gangotri to Uttarkashi

After breakfast in Gangotri, you will drive back to Uttarkashi. The drive is approximately 6-7 hours long, and you will pass through some beautiful scenery of the Uttarakhand Himalayas. You will have the rest of the day free to relax and explore Uttarkashi.

Once you reach Uttarkashi, you can check in to your hotel and rest for a while. You can also explore the local market or visit the famous Kashi Vishwanath Temple, which is one of the most famous attractions in Uttarkashi.

Overnight stay in a hotel in Uttarkashi.


Day 21: Drive from Uttarkashi to Haridwar or Rishikesh

You will drive back from Uttarkashi to either Haridwar or Rishikesh, which will take around 5-6 hours. Once you reach your destination, you can relax and explore the city. You may also choose to participate in the evening Ganga Aarti ceremony, a Hindu ritual that takes place on the banks of the river Ganges, in Haridwar.


Day 22: Departure from Haridwar or Rishikesh

Great! Enjoy your journey!

What's Included

  • Food as per menu on the trek

  • Forest Permits/Camping Charges (upto the amount charged for Indian nationals)

  • 4 season Dome Tents, Thermal rated Sleeping bags, Sleeping mats

  • Safety Equipment includes static rescue rope, seat harness, carabiners, pulleys

  • Expedition guide, cook, helpers, HAP and LAP for carrying common supplies

  • Course certified & experienced Expedition Leader with Wilderness Emergency Responder & Rescue. course from NIM Uttarkashi

  • Technical Equipment - PP Ropes, Helmet, Ice Axe, Crampons, Mountaineering Boots, Snow Stake, Dead Man/Boy

  • Peak Booking Fee Charges (up to the amount charged for Indian nationals)

What's Not-Included

  • Portage of personal bags during the expedition

  • Meals during road journeys from Dehradun to Gangotri

  • Meals during hotel stay in Gangotri

  • Cost of any kind of Travel Insurance.

  • IMF Peak Booking Fee for foreign nationals is US$ 700 for a team of two members and US$ 325 for every additional participants

  • Forest Permit / Camping Fee for foreign nationals (USD 880-1000 upto group of 10)

  • Mandatory Liaison Officer Fee for foreign expeditions ( ~USD 500 for a group of 10)

Essentials to carry

Here are some essential things to carry for Shivling Expedition:

  • Clothing: You will need warm clothing, including a good quality down jacket, thermal underwear, a fleece jacket, gloves, and a woolen cap. It is also important to carry a rain jacket and rain pants.

  • Footwear: You will need high-quality trekking boots with good grip, as well as a pair of gaiters to keep your feet dry.

  • Climbing gear: You will need a climbing harness, carabiners, ropes, crampons, and an ice axe.

  • Camping gear: You will need a good quality sleeping bag and a sleeping pad, as well as a tent, cooking stove, and fuel.

  • Personal items: Carry a first-aid kit, sunglasses, sunscreen, and a headlamp with extra batteries. You may also want to carry a camera to capture your memories.

  • Food and water: Carry enough food and water for the duration of the expedition. You can carry energy bars, nuts, and dried fruits for quick energy.

  • Others: Carry trekking poles, a backpack, a map, and a compass.

It is important to remember that the weight of your backpack should not exceed 15-20 kg, as it can be difficult to carry during the climb. Also, make sure to check the weather conditions and pack accordingly.

Q&A

Has anyone climbed Mount Shivling?

 

Yes, many climbers have successfully climbed Mount Shivling. It is a popular peak among mountaineers and has been climbed by several expeditions over the years. However, it is a challenging climb and requires technical skills and experience in high-altitude mountaineering.

Where is Shivling Mountain located?

 

Shivling Mountain is located in the northern Indian state of Uttarakhand, near the Gangotri group of peaks in the Garhwal Himalayas. The mountain lies in the Bhagirathi group of peaks and has an elevation of 6,543 meters (21,467 feet).

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