My partner and I began planning this trek when I decided to spend some time in Rishikesh and work remotely from there. Despite having completed around 45 treks together, we were keenly aware that this journey would be our highest altitude and longest trek to date. I found myself feeling a bit nervous and made sure to prepare meticulously with the right gear, including shoes, layers, and a jacket.

Our trek commenced from Gangotri, where we trekked approximately 14 kilometers to reach Bhojbasa. The trail meanders through the Greater Himalayas within the bounds of Gangotri National Park. Nestled at an altitude of about 12,500 feet above sea level, Bhojbasa, translating to the ‘abode of birch,’ is renowned for its abundant birch trees and captivating undulating terrain. Serving as a small settlement nestled between Gangotri and Gaumukh, Bhojbasa greeted us with a small temple and provided us with basic yet nourishing food for the night. With temperatures rapidly dropping and altitude-induced headaches setting in, we retired early.

The following morning, brimming with excitement and adrenaline, we embarked on the ascent to Mt. Tapovan, determined to conquer the extreme weather and altitude challenges. Our journey commenced with forest officials ferrying us across the river in a tiny pulley, marking the onset of our climb. This phase proved to be the most demanding, characterized by hours of gradual to steep ascents amidst mesmerizing landscapes of open terrain, glaciers, alpine birds, and scarce human presence. Upon reaching the summit, disoriented by the altitude, we were greeted by a baba who had made the mountain his home. The warmth of the sweet dalia porridge and herbed apples served by the kind baba left an indelible impression on us.

After a brief respite, we began on the descent, treated to captivating views of Mt. Shivling and its smaller counterpart. Determined to extend our adventure, we took a detour to Gaumukh Glacier, the origin of the mighty Ganga, located at an altitude of 13,200 feet. This sacred site, steeped in Puranic scriptures and revered by saints and adventure enthusiasts alike, left us with lasting memories, including a bottle of pristine Ganga water and two small rocks as mementos.

Returning to Bhojbasa, we opted to further descend, compressing what is typically a 6-7 day trek into a 2-day journey, covering a staggering 30 kilometers in a single day. Our guide, understandably concerned, confessed to never encountering trekkers who attempted such a feat, reserved typically for locals. Witnessing locals and porters effortlessly traverse the terrain with heavy loads left us in awe, pondering their extraordinary resilience and genetic material.

Grateful for our guide's unwavering support and for facilitating the necessary permits, we reflected on the privilege of completing this unforgettable trek in its entirety.