Mount Bhagirathi II

The Mt. Bhagirathi II Expedition is a dramatic and spiritually resonant climb into the heart of the Gangotri Glacier region of the Garhwal Himalayas, Uttarakhand. Rising to an impressive 6,512 meters (21,365 feet), Bhagirathi II is part of the Bhagirathi massif, which includes three prominent peaks. This peak, nestled between Bhagirathi I and III, is known for its steep rock faces, icy ridges, and profound proximity to sacred Hindu mythology.

Named after King Bhagirath, who is believed to have brought the River Ganga to Earth through his penance, the Bhagirathi peaks stand as symbols of spiritual devotion, natural grandeur, and inner endurance.

Expedition Overview

• Altitude: 6,512 meters (21,365 feet)

• Duration: 20 Days / 19 Nights

• Best Time to Climb: May–June & September–October

• Cost: ₹2,00,000 INR (per person)

The expedition begins in Gangotri, one of the holiest towns in India, and follows the trail through Bhojbasa, Gomukh, and Nandanvan to Base Camp, situated at the foot of the majestic Bhagirathi peaks. The climb to Bhagirathi II involves crossing glacier fields, rock ridges, steep ice walls, and high-altitude snowfields.

This peak offers a technically moderate to challenging climb, making it ideal for mountaineers who have prior experience at elevations above 6,000 meters. The route demands strong physical fitness, ice/rock climbing skills, and glacier navigation proficiency.

Spiritual Significance

1. Bhagirathi – The Legend of King Bhagirath

The name Bhagirathi is deeply rooted in Hindu mythology. According to the legends, King Bhagirath performed intense penance to bring the sacred Ganges from the heavens to Earth to cleanse the souls of his ancestors. The river was said to have descended through Lord Shiva’s locks at Gomukh, the origin of the Bhagirathi River, just below the peak.

Thus, climbing Bhagirathi II is not only a mountaineering challenge but also a symbolic journey through a landscape of divine blessings and mythological energy.

2. Gomukh and Nandanvan – Sacred Basecamps

The route crosses Gomukh, the glacial source of the River Ganga, and continues to Nandanvan, a spiritually charged meadow beneath the shadow of Shivling, Meru, and the Bhagirathi peaks. These are lands where rishis and sages meditated, and modern pilgrims and climbers alike find profound inner stillness.

Prayer flags flutter in the wind, and the silence of the high Himalayas fosters moments of introspection, reverence, and clarity.

3. A Summit Close to the Divine

The view from the summit of Bhagirathi II is nothing short of celestial. The towering faces of Shivling, the Meru Shark’s Fin, and the entire Gangotri glacier basin spread out beneath your feet. For many climbers, standing on the summit is a humbling and transformative experience, marked by awe and gratitude.

This ascent is often described not just as a personal victory, but as an act of devotion—a way to honor the gods, the mountains, and one’s own inner strength.

4. Mountains as Temples of Silence

As in many Himalayan expeditions, Bhagirathi II offers more than just adventure. It is a space where climbers leave behind the noise of the world and enter a realm of elemental purity—where ice, rock, and wind shape both the journey and the soul.

With each camp, each crevasse crossed, and each meter gained, climbers walk deeper into the sacred wild. This is where spiritual discipline meets physical challenge.

Conclusion

The Mt. Bhagirathi II Expedition is a rare blend of technical Himalayan mountaineering and sacred exploration. Set among some of the most legendary peaks in Indian mythology, it offers both a physically demanding climb and a spiritually uplifting experience.

For those who seek not just to reach a summit, but to walk a path of meaning and reverence, Bhagirathi II stands as a powerful, transformative Himalayan calling.