The river wild

HIT THE ROAD

Northern Uttaranchal, or Garhwal, draws the faithful millions who wash away their sins in the Ganga where it enters the plains at Haridwar and do the 'Char Dham' circuit of Gangotri, Yamnotri, Kedarnath and Badrinath "� the sources of the four holy rivers, the Bhagirathi (Ganga), Yamuna, Mandakini and Alaknanda.

Following the winding Ganga up through Uttarkashi and Gangotri is guaranteed moto-fun and the scenery is grand. The trek to Gaumukh (if you're so inclined) where the Ganga actually emerges from the Gangotri glacier can be tiring, but in true Himalayan style, is well worth it.

Haridwar is 280 km from Delhi via Meerut and Muzaffarnagar. Rishikesh is a further 30 km and Gangotri another 103 km away. Try Sagar Ganga Resort in Haridwar (Ph: 0133-24222115, Rs 750 onwards) and the GMVN resthouse (Ph: 013772-222221, Rs 150 onwards) in Gangotri.

Don't know where to go? pablo@business-standard.com