Advice needed Indian Himalaya trekking firms. Tapovan/Gaumukh?

Discussion in 'Less Travelled' started by Mister Tee on XC Skis, Jan 7, 2018.

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  1. Mister Tee on XC Skis

    Mister Tee on XC Skis One of Us
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    Hi
    I am going trekking in the Indian Himalaya this year in Late Sept./Early October 2018 .
    Can anyone recommend a local / Uttarakhand Foothills based trekking firm that will arrange all permits, porters, guide, cook ,camping fees , transfers etc. for the Gangotri glacier trek up to Tapovan?
    This mob have the best itinerary but they are pricey.
    www.trekgarhwalhimalayas.com/gaumukh-tapovan-trek.html

    However I doubt I could pull this package together myself. This firm look quite professional.
    I have been all over India 6 times so I am aware of what chaos , crookery , delays , bedlam and so on are awaiting the less wary trekker in N. India.
    T.
     
    #1 Mister Tee on XC Skis, Jan 7, 2018
  2. Gimp

    Gimp One of Us
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    Walking a couple of days up a well trodden path between guest houses should not require services of a babysitting/trekking company.
     
    #2 Gimp, Jan 8, 2018
  3. Mister Tee on XC Skis

    Mister Tee on XC Skis One of Us
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    The crossing of the Gangotri Glacier up to Tapovan and the base camp for Shivling Peak etc. is not something I am willing to take a chance on solo.I don't know that area at all. I am more gung ho in the Oz Alps than I am abroad. In fact I am more of a Lion at home and a kitten abroad.
     
    #3 Mister Tee on XC Skis, Jan 8, 2018
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  4. Mister Tee on XC Skis

    Mister Tee on XC Skis One of Us
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    We have booked and paid for an 11 day trek with AQUA TERRA. They are based in Delhi. The trek will take in Gangotri, Gaumukh, Tapovan, Nandavan, Vasuki Tal and two glacier crossings as well as a rest day at Shivling Peak Base camp.
     
    #4 Mister Tee on XC Skis, Jul 15, 2018
    Last edited: Jul 16, 2018
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  5. skifree

    skifree Part of the Furniture
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    We look forward to your report.:)
     
    #5 skifree, Jul 16, 2018
  6. LDJ

    LDJ Hard Yards
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    It’s all down to personal preference but I just rock up (I do plan/investigate visa/weather/routes etc) with all our gear (hiking tent etc) and do it ourselves or find a local guide but once you are there it’s easy. Did a 7 day circumference of stock kangri (6100m) in northern India unaided just camping and hiking with our own gear. I like meeting my guide if I am going to get one and I hate having an army with me. I like carrying more gear and going more remote. You’ll have an amazing time either way
     
    #6 LDJ, Jul 16, 2018
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  7. LDJ

    LDJ Hard Yards
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    With glaciers I would definitely get a local guide especially if you plan to walk in the dark ;)
     
    #7 LDJ, Jul 16, 2018
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  8. Mister Tee on XC Skis

    Mister Tee on XC Skis One of Us
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    At Altitude I am less inclined to strap a Yak to my pack. It is a holiday so we ( two friends and I ) are paying people to do every thing for us so we can just walk , gawk, talk and take photos.
     
    #8 Mister Tee on XC Skis, Jul 16, 2018
  9. LDJ

    LDJ Hard Yards
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    I concur there is logic to this. My wife and I did have a couple of crazy days carrying large packs for 14hrs+ because the maps and accuracy of distance were just plain wrong
     
    #9 LDJ, Jul 17, 2018
  10. Mister Tee on XC Skis

    Mister Tee on XC Skis One of Us
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    #10 Mister Tee on XC Skis, Jul 17, 2018
  11. Mister Tee on XC Skis

    Mister Tee on XC Skis One of Us
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    I got my Indian visa this week :)
     
    #11 Mister Tee on XC Skis, Jul 26, 2018
  12. teckel

    teckel Old n' Crusty
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    #12 teckel, Jul 26, 2018
  13. Mister Tee on XC Skis

    Mister Tee on XC Skis One of Us
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    You will be given a secular but spiritually attuned account of an inspiring place.
     
    #13 Mister Tee on XC Skis, Jul 27, 2018
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