Baba Shridhar Das, 42, joined Swami Rameshanand since 1 year in the oldest cave on the Ganges (Kanakgene Gufa, about 400y) on the way to Gaumukh, the source of the Ganges. He left home at the age of 15 and became a baba. Before performing his puja, prayer ceremony, he washes in the Ganges several times a day, but without soap. The water is very cold here (about 2-4°C) and purifies him.
Trek on the way to Gaumukh, the source of the Ganges. With 3 days of heavy rain and landslides, the access to the trail has been blocked by the Forest department. After waiting 3 days I was just allowed to walk 7-8km on the trail but I found a cave near the Ganges with 2 monks on the way. The oldest cave (Kanakgene Gufa, about 400y) according to the head monk Swami Rameshanand, 62, and living here since 14 years even during winter. He has been joined by Baba Shridhar Das, 42, since 1 year. Swami Rameshanand became left his family in 1996 after working 22 years for the Indian Army. He came to the cave in 2003. His wife is not allowed to come but his children visited him sometimes.