11

THE ASCENT ON THE SOURCES OF GANGA

Among the rivers, I am the holy Ganga.
(Srimad—Bhagvadgita)
The Himalayas owe much of their sanctity to its antiquity as
the source of mighty Ganges and magnificent Yamuna, Naturally,
the sources of these holy rivers inspire many a brave people to
hazard an expedition upto the source of Ganga. I had many
occasions of undertaking such journeys some of which were of
hazardous nature, nevertheless worth undertaking the risk. For
the benefit of my readers some of the trekking experiences all
along these rivers are narrated herein.
Tributary of Bhagirathi
The first river to meet, mix and mingle with river Bhagirathi while
going near Gangotri is Kedar Ganga which comes from Kedar
Bamak. While going for Bhagirathi expedition we halted at
Gangotri and decided to go upstream Kedar Ganga, The trek was
not treacherous and still a sense of awe envelops my mind when
I recollect the memories of the hazardous journey we undertook.
There was almost no track, no markings, nothing to hold om
except sheer rock faces and down below the Kedar Ganga—one