Uttarakhand · India
Mt. Shivling Expedition
The Matterhorn of the Himalaya, above Tapovan
The trek
A highly technical granite-and-ice expedition to the iconic 6,543 m spire of Shivling, rising above the meadows of Tapovan at the source of the Ganga.
Shivling, at 6,543 m, is one of the most beautiful and technically demanding peaks in the Indian Himalaya — a razor-sharp granite-and-ice spire rising above the alpine meadows of Tapovan at the source of the Ganga. The expedition begins at the holy town of Gangotri and treks up past Gomukh, the snout of the Gangotri glacier, to a base camp at Tapovan beneath the peak. The climb itself is a serious technical undertaking for experienced mountaineers only.
Often called the Matterhorn of the Himalaya, Shivling demands rock and ice climbing on steep, exposed ground at altitude, with fixed ropes and multiple high camps. The Gangotri-to-Gangotri itinerary allows for acclimatisation and a long, weather-dependent climbing phase with reserve days. Prior technical climbing experience and a strong mountaineering background are essential.
Highlights
- The iconic 6,543 m granite spire above Tapovan
- A trek approach past Gomukh, the source of the Ganga
- Technical rock and ice climbing at high altitude
- The meadows of Tapovan beneath the Bhagirathi peaks
From
₹1,75,999
per person
- Free reschedule up to 21 days out
- Small groups, certified mountain leaders
- Oximeter, oxygen & evacuation plan on every route
Day by day
The itinerary
23 days from Gangotri. Tap any day to read the detail — distances and altitudes are planning figures and may shift with conditions.
The expedition begins at the sacred threshold of the Garhwal Himalayas. Perched along the tumbling torrents of the Bhagirathi River at an elevation of 3,415 meters, Gangotri is both a revered pilgrimage site and the historic gateway to the high glaciated basins beyond. According to Hindu mythology, this is the exact realm where Goddess Ganga descended to earth, channeled gently through the matted locks of Lord Shiva. Sharp 7:00 AM departure: For those opting for the coordinated drive from Dehradun, the day starts at dawn. The team convenes early to load luggage and hit the road promptly, ensuring we make the most of the daylight hours. Why an early rollout matters: Critical recovery time: Gaining over 3,000 meters in a single day by vehicle places an immediate metabolic demand on your system. Rolling into Gangotri well before evening grants your body essential hours to unwind, hydrate, and adjust to the noticeably thinner mountain air. Mountain road realities: Garhwal highways are prone to unpredictable delays—from traffic snarls near Uttarkashi to spontaneous road clearing or slow-moving pilgrim convoys. Leaving at first light builds a comfortable margin to handle unforeseen hold-ups. Daylight arrival: Negotiating high-altitude mountain bends is vastly safer before nightfall, and arriving in daylight lets you check in, get your bearings, and soak in your first view of the pine-fringed river valley without rushing. Once in Gangotri, settle into your guesthouse, layer up against the evening chill, and let the roar of the Bhagirathi set the tone for the trek ahead.
What's included
- Accommodation in Gangotri and all camps on the mountain
- All meals from Gangotri to Gangotri (veg, freshly cooked)
- Certified mountaineering guides, Sherpas and high-altitude support
- Peak/climbing permits, national-park fees and technical group gear
- First-aid, oximeter and emergency oxygen
Not included
- Transport to and from Gangotri (available at extra cost)
- Personal climbing gear, insurance and offloading charges
- Anything not listed under inclusions
In the field
The country you'll walk
Ready when you are
Walk Mt. Shivling Expedition with us
Small groups, honest briefings and a crew that has done this route many times over. From ₹1,75,999 per person.
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