Gangotri Gaumukh Tapovan Trek - Trekking in Garhwal Himalaya

Gomukh, the terminus or snout of the Gangotri Glacier, from where Bhagirathi River originates. It is one of the primary sources of the Ganges River. The place is in Uttarkashi district in the state of Uttarakhand, India. It is one of the largest in the Himalayas with an estimated volume of over 27 cubic kilometers. The most well-known Tapovan in India is the area above the Gangotri Glacier. Tapovan area is base camp for several mountaineering expeditions. Tapovan area is full of meadows, streams and flowering plants and the meadows are one of the best high altitude meadows in India.

Highlights of Gaumukh Tapovan Trek:

Enjoy the camping and bonfire with your friends at the high summit and clear night sky.
The trek trail is through the rare flora and fauna of the region.
Witness the Magnificent peak of Bhagirathi from Chirbasa.
Trekking path through Chota Jhandidar and Bada Jhandidar.
Trek trail full of serene sights of snowcapped mountain and valleys.
Witness the Kriti and Meru glacier.
Trek through Bhojwassa which is in comparison to the Arctic Tundra Region.

Basic Details of Gaumukh Tapovan Trek:

The height of the trek: 14,250 feet
Difficulty level: Moderate to Difficult
Age group: 18-45 years
Duration: 8days/7nights
Trek distance: 23 Km (one way)

How to Reach Gaumukh Tapovan Trek:

Dehradun is the nearest location for our trek basecamp is connected with most of the state and city within India.

By Air:

Jolly Grant Airport is the airport serving Dehradun, located about 25 km from the city. There is a daily flight from Delhi to Dehradun.

By Train:

Take the overnight train to Dehradun from Delhi

•Nandadevi Express - Train no: 12205 (Departure 11:50pm; Arrival - 5:40am)

•Dehradun Express - Train no: 12687 (Departure - 9:10pm; Arrival - 5:00am)

By Road:

There is regular bus service from Delhi for Dehradun from Delhi ISBT Kashmere Gate. Usually, buses drop you at Dehradun ISBT. From there you have to come to Dehradun Railway Station.

Gaumukh Tapovan Trek Itinerary

Day 1 – Dehradun to Gangotri (10,055 feet)

Assemble at the Dehradun Railway station by 6.30 AM. Our journey begins as soon as we hit the road from Dehradun. The Chinyali Saur nearby Tehri Dam with a capacity to generate 2400 MW of electricity and the massive Tehri Lake is seen during the journey. Then we drive to Gangotri along the river bank of river Ganga (Bhagirathi) and in the mid-way visit Hot spring teak sulfur bath in Gangnani. On the way to our base camp, we will see the beautiful view of Grater Himalayas, Harshil and green forest.

On arrival check in the respective hotel in the evening as we visit the holy city Gangotri. By 7 pm we will see nice Siromani (Arti) of Goddess GANGA. Dinner and overnight at the hotel.

Day 2 – Gangotri to Chirbasa (11,761 feet)

Morning you fill yourself with food needed for the trek to Chirbasa that will take about 6 hours to cover. The scenery is just magnificent, and you cannot stop to admire beauties of the forests and the valleys down below, especially Chirbasa or the abode of pine trees. The entire trek today is along the roaring Bhagirathi River. Trek above the Bhagirathi River on a relatively groomed path to Chirbasa. Though there are trees, we are walking on the side of the mountain, and there is little shade most of the time. Finally, you arrive at Chirbasa tired but happy with the delightful views as we stay the night in a tent.

In the morning we meet our trekking crew and start your trek towards Chirbasa (3600mt). From Gangotri, we move along the beaten track towards Chirbasa, which is on the tree line. Camp in a small, forested area next to the river.

Day 3 – Chirbasa to Bhojbasa (12,450 feet)

Above Chirbasa, the valley widens and offers views of snow-clad peaks in the south. It is a gentle walk to Bhojbasa (3,800m). Running virtually due south-east along the river, the Bhagirathi peaks over a beacon to the source of the river. Bhojbasa is the widest point in the upper valley, and camping here at night offers magnificent moonlit views of the Bhagirathi peaks. The trek further to Bhojbasa is along the path that slowly flattens out and dips suddenly to reveal Bhojbasa with a small temple and a potential campsite near the river. The camp is set up near the river.

The afternoon we are free to explore the area and to enjoy excellent sunset on Bhagirathi group of peaks. Dinner and overnight stay in tents. Enjoy incredible scenery and sight of Shiv Ling Mountain, dinner and rest under the tent.

Day 4 – Bhojbasa to Tapovan via Gaumukh (14,250 feet)

The first four kilometers upstream from Bhojbasa are surprising though the narrow valley. The path runs smoothly above the river and is fringed by a grassy meadow. With about a kilometer to go, the terrain turns rocky, and one has to pick one's way through the rocks and boulders, down to a sandy beach sheltered by enormous piles of granite. Incidentally, the beach is an excellent place to camp. Scour the water's edge for shards of ice, or follow the broken path along the river's edge to the very foot of Gaumukh (3,969m), and look up at the Shivling Peak (6543m) almost vertically above. Once you have reached the southern (left) bank of the river valley, the path is marked with a steep climb of nearly a thousand feet to the meadows at the base of Shivling Peak. This is Tapovan, an exquisitely watered spot from which the fabled peak of Shivling appears to sweep up in a wave of screen, granite, and snow. It is an idyllic camping spot; alternatively, a couple of Babas have establishments.

Day 5 – Explore Tapovan

Tapovan is a high-altitude alpine meadow below Mt. Shivling, which dominates the landscape. Tapovan is over 2 km in length. Although it's considerable level ground, not all the land is suitable for camping. The area close to Mt. Shivling is wet during early summer due to melting snow and glacial water. These grounds have been used by many sages to meditate over the centuries. Many such holy men are living permanently at Tapovan. A 1.5 km trek from Tapovan to the adjoining peak that connects to Neelatal brings you to a vantage point from where you get great views of Meru. Meru takes about 2 hours to reach from the campsite. From here, you can either walk on the ridge ahead to reach Neelatal or step back on the same trail to Tapovan. Neelatal seldom has any water now. Manage your time such that you're back at the campsite by 1:30 PM.

Day 6 – Tapovan to Bhojbasa (12,450 feet)

It's time to trace the trail back. It's downhill all the way till Gaumukh and the next 4 km. If you're feeling fit, walk another 5 km till Chirbasa, to spend a night exploring the banks of the Ganga. If you manage to reach Chirbasa, the next day will be accessible from here, it is a short hop of under 2hrs to Gangotri, allowing plenty of time for a drive to Uttarkashi, and the dubious charms of civilization.

Day 7 – Bhojbasa to Gangotri (10,055 feet)

From Bhojbasa, start early to reach Gangotri by noon. Overnight stay in a hotel.

Day 8 - Gangotri to Dehradun

Morning Breakfast and then we start our Drive from Gangotri to Uttarkashi at lunch and then drive to Dehradun 170km. At evening trek tours service ends as we reach the station.

The FAQ on Gaumukh Tapovan Trek:

1. When is the best time recommended for the trek?

Best time to go for Gaumukh Tapovan Trek is during May to June and mid-Aug to Oct.

2. How difficult is the Gaumukh Tapovan Trek?

Gaumukh Tapovan Trek in comparison is moderate to difficult difficulty with another high altitude trek.

3. How much distance do we have to trek each day?

On an average, we cover roughly 6-20kms between our camping stations.

4. What will happen if a trek is extended?

Beyond our controllable reasons when the trek is extended, then additional charges tend to be applied.

5. Who will be our lead guide person?

Lead guide person is certified & experienced personnel. These guides are locally sourced and have other team members including local guides, cook, helpers, and porters.

6. Is this trek safe for girls?

Our treks are planned with a male: female ratio. As an organizer, we make sure that their tents are shared only with other female trekkers.

7. Many people in a tent?

Our tents are all three person tents.

8. What is the level of fitness expected from the trekkers?

Good physical and mental fitness is expected to complete the Trek.

9. Ideal Food menu during a trek?

We make sure that wholesome and nutritious breakfast, lunch and evening snacks are served. We believe and serve only vegetarian food as it is easy to digest and preferable in high altitudes.

10. What if we encounter a medical emergency?

We are trained to manage emergencies in high altitudes. Our lead guide is professional and experienced. Our team do carry emergency first aid kits and oxygen cylinder.