The popular pilgrimage destination of Gangotri can be reached from Rishikesh by bus via Tehri and Uttarkashi, 12 hour journey. The temple is dedicated to the Goddess Ganges who is believed to have descended from heaven as the "stream of life" in response to King Bhagirath's penance. The trek to the source of the holy Ganges starts from the bustling pilgrim village of Gangotri and follows a bridle trail along the rue right of Bhagirathi River. 14 km from Gangotri is Gaumakh, where the source of the holy Ganges- the Gangotri glacier is situated.

There are a number of established pilgrim rest stops with adequate shelter and food before reaching Gaumukh (3890 m) the 'Cows Mouth' and the true source of the Ganges. Beyond Gaumukh the going gets harder with a demanding stage across moraine to the meadow at Tabovan. From the camp there are inspiring views of Shivling (6543 m) while the Bhagirathi peaks including Bhagirathi I (6856 m) rise dramatically on the side of the Gangotri Glacier.

A dip in the Gangotri is auspicious and this can be done by praying, "Oh Mother I have come please accept me and hug me", immediately the warmth of the hug warms the ice cold water.

Yamunotri
Yamunotri is the source of the Yamuna River, the second-most sacred river in India after the Ganges. This was once the source of the Sarasvati River, one of the cradles of early Indian civilization which, in ancient times, flowed through Rajasthan and Gujarat before geological upheavals diverted its course. The temple of Yamunotri temple has a black marble idol of Goddess Yamuna. It emerges from a frozen lake of ice and glaciers on the Kalinda Parvat Mountain at an altitude of 4421 m. The temple of the goddess Yamunotri is on the left bank of the river and, just below it, there are several hot springs where the priests warm themselves on a marble platform and cook potatoes and rice tied in pieces of cloth in the scalding water. The meals thus prepared is offered to the deity and then distributed among the pilgrims.

Buses go as far as Hanuman Chatti from Mussoorie or Rishikesh, although you may have to change buses at Barkot. From Hanuman Chatti, the trek to Yamunotri takes five to six hours, but there's a Tourist Rest House with doubles for Rs 250 just past the halfway point, at Jankichatti, and several basic dharmasalas. You can also stay at dharmasalas in Yamunotri.

Mussorie
The tour ended of the yatra at Mussorie.