KAILASA TREKS & EXPEDITIONS
Mt. Shivling
Uttarakhand · 6543 m · 21 Days
THE ROUTE
About this journey
Opposite the majestic, triple-summited Bhagirathi massif, and rising above the emerald meadows of Tapovan, Mt. Shivling stands as one of the most iconic peaks of the Garhwal Himalayas. Its dramatic, needle-shaped silhouette and flawless symmetry give it a mystical presence, earning it the title of the “Indian Matterhorn.” At 6,543 meters, the mountain combines stunning natural beauty with deep spiritual significance. Believed to be the abode of Lord Shiva, its very form resembles the sacred Shiv Ling, while Tapovan at its base continues to draw sages and spiritual seekers into long periods of meditation despite the severe alpine conditions.
The expedition begins from the revered Himalayan town of Gangotri and unfolds across a breathtaking variety of landscapes—through the pine-scented trails of Chirbasa, across the vast and serene grasslands of Tapovan, and finally over rugged glacial terrain leading straight to its steep icy faces. Along the route, climbers are treated to panoramic views of revered peaks that add to the mountain’s grandeur. For some, Shivling serves as an introduction to technical Himalayan climbing; for others, it stands as a formidable challenge in its own right. Either way, the peak promises a truly aspirational mountaineering experience.
This climb is classified as technical and demanding, requiring expertise with mountaineering gear, advanced climbing skills, and the ability to thrive in extreme high-altitude conditions. Only seasoned mountaineers with formal training or substantial high-altitude expedition experience should undertake this ascent.
Continue reading to explore the Mt. Shivling expedition in detail—covering the itinerary, route options, FAQs, and eligibility requirements.
Route details are based on Kailasa’s published trip page. Terrain, weather and permits can change the plan.
DAY BY DAY
Itinerary
The schedule below follows the published route. The guide may adjust it for mountain conditions and team safety.
01Day 1: Arrival at Gangotri (3,415 m)
Drive from Dehradun to Gangotri (245 km / 8–9 hrs)
Early assembly at meeting point by 7 AM for the drive
Check-in at accommodation and rest
No major activity planned; ensure early arrival to rest for the next day
02Day 2: Rest & Acclimatization at Gangotri (3,415 m)
Explore Gangotri market and nearby areas
Group debriefing session: schedule overview, do’s & don’ts, environmental responsibility
Evening short acclimatization walk Overnight: Accommodation at Gangotri
03Day 3: Gangotri → Bhojwasa (3,775 m) via Chirbasa (3,600 m)
Distance: 14 km Trek
Trek alongside Bhagirathi River to Chirbasa (“home of pine”)
Packed lunch at Chirbasa
Continue trek to Bhojwasa (“home of birch trees”)
Evening sunset over Bhagirathi peaks Overnight: Camp at Bhojwasa
04Day 4: Bhojwasa → Tapovan (4,460 m) via Gomukh (4,025 m)
Distance: 13 km Trek
Cross Gomukh (mouth of the glacier), source of River Ganga
Trek along moraine-rich glaciers to Tapovan
Set up camp near streams and wildflower meadows
Spot Bharal (blue mountain goats) and views of Bhagirathi I, II, III Overnight: Camp at Tapovan
05Day 5: Acclimatization at Base Camp (4,460 m)
Distribution and setup of gear
Technical training and practice on icy slopes
Rest and acclimatization to altitude and terrain Overnight: Base Camp
06Day 6–Day 18: Expedition to Mt. Shivling Summit
High Camps: Advanced Base Camp (4,700 m), Camp 1 (5,300 m), Camp 2 (5,850 m), Summit Camp
Acclimatization Method: Rotation rounds between camps (“Climb High, Sleep Low”)
Load ferry: move gear to higher camps, return to lower camp to sleep
Occupy Summit Camp on Day 13, first summit attempt on Day 14
Summit views include Bhagirathi Peaks and surrounding Himalaya
07Descent to Base Camp on Day 15
Gradual trek back to Bhojwasa by Day 17
Departure from Gangotri on Day 18
08Day 19: Departure from Gangotri
Celebrate successful expedition
Departure arrangements from Gangotri
09Day 20–21: Reserve Days
Reserved for unforeseen delays, bad weather, or other challenges
Only utilized if expedition schedule is impacted
BEFORE YOU BOOK
Inclusions & exclusions
These lists reflect the published trip page. Confirm the current quotation and what is supplied for your departure.
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 (upto the amount charged for Indian nationals)
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 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 group of 10)
QUESTIONS TO CONSIDER
Trip questions
Where is Mt. Shivling located?
Mt. Shivling is located in the Garhwal Himalayas , inside the Gangotri National Park , Uttarakhand. The expedition starts from the holy town of Gangotri .
What is the height of Mt. Shivling?
Mt. Shivling stands at 6,543 meters (21,467 ft) above sea level.
Is Mt. Shivling a technical peak?
Yes. Mt. Shivling is a highly technical peak involving mixed climbing (rock, ice, and steep snow slopes). Prior technical mountaineering experience is mandatory.
Who is eligible to climb Mt. Shivling?
The expedition is recommended only for:
Climbers with previous experience above 5,500–6,000 m
Mountaineers trained in rope work, crampon/ice-axe techniques, and glacier travel
Individuals with strong physical fitness and high-altitude tolerance Formal mountaineering courses (BMC/AMC or equivalent) are highly preferred.
What is the best time to climb Mt. Shivling?
The ideal windows are:
Pre-monsoon: May–June
Post-monsoon: September–October
These months offer the most stable weather and safer climbing conditions. for more info Kailasa Treks.
TAKE THE NEXT STEP
Ask for the current trip plan.
Share your mountain experience and preferred dates. Kailasa can confirm the current itinerary, departure, price, equipment and eligibility.
Published base price on the source page: ₹ 2,19,999. Confirm the final quote and tax before booking.
Review the cancellation, privacy and booking terms before paying.