Gaumukh Tapovan Trek

UttarakhandRegion
UttarkashiDistrict
5 DaysDuration
ModerateDifficulty Level
4,358 M / 14,300 Ft.Highest Altitude
46 KilometersTrekking Distance

Gaumukh is one of the primary headstreams of the Holy Ganges River which is situated at a height of 12,795 ft. in Uttarkashi District in the state of Uttrakhand. Gaumukh is 18 km from Gangotri Temple in the foothills of Bhagirathi. It is the snout of the Gangotri Glacier. The Bhagirathi River here is pretty speedy. Around the snout, nature presents a wild topography. There are many boulders scattered here and there with some pieces of broken snow, along with the hard clayey snow of the glacier. Little before Gaumukh, the majestic view of Mt. Shivling welcomes the trekkers. The trek to Tapovan, Nandanvan, Vasuki Tal, etc. starts from here. Tapovan, an area full of meadows, streams and flowering plants and the meadows are considered as one of the best high altitude meadows in India. Tapovan is the base camp for several mountaineering expeditions including Shivling peak, Bhagirathi peak, etc.

Best time to visit: May-June and September-October. Expect hiking on the snow at the beginning of May. September and October is a pleasant time to trek here. After October, it is generally not advisable to trek alone due to the extreme cold. After November, expect heavy snow in the area.

Itinerary

Day 1Reach at Gangotri (10,055 ft.); 242 Km drive from Dehradun

The trek begins from Gangotri which is a mountain city on the banks of River Bhagirathi and is known to be the origin of the holy River Ganga. Located in the Greater Himalayan Range, legend says that this is where Goddess Ganga descended when Lord Shiva released the river from the locks of his hair. This holy city which lies at an altitude of 3,415M is a 242km drive away from Dehradun – the closest city with an airport.

If you have signed up with Apeksha Adventure for a drive from Dehradun to Gangotri, the day starts early. Everyone assembles at the meeting point by 06:30 AM in the morning so we can start our long drive up to Gangotri, a holy mountain city in the Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand. Although there’s nothing more on the agenda for today other than the 8-9 hour drive, it is better to leave as early as possible for two reasons:

One, so we can reach as early as possible and give our bodies enough rest for what’s coming the next day. And, two, roads on the mountains are unpredictable and it is always better to account for delays when we start. It is also better to reach before it gets dark.

Day 2Gangotri (10,055 ft.) to Bhojbasa (12,467 ft.)

The very first day of the Gaumukh-Tapovan trek starts from Gangotri to Bhojbasa, which takes about 6-7 hours to reach there. It is a beautiful trek with mountains surrounding you and Ganga flowing below. Around Chirbasa (Chir: Pine, basa: Residence), you get superb views of Manda peak, Bhrigu Parvat, Bhagirathi I, II and III. After 3 km of Chirbasa comes the dangerous Gila Pahar, the place well known for the landslides. Bhojbasa is the only night halting-place on the trek with buildings. Bhojbasa named after birch (Bhojpatra) forests in the area. It is presently totally denuded of the Bhoj Patra trees. Overnight stay in tents.

Day 3Bhojbasa to Tapovan (14,300 ft.) via Gaumukh 09km Tek

A 9km trek from Bhojbasa will take us to Tapovan. On the way, we will use a manual operated trolley car to cross the Ganga at Bhojbasa. Our trek will then continue from the other side mostly over flat ground to reach Gaumukh, the source of the Ganga 4km. From here on, the trail becomes steep with the last km being quite a steep climb. At the end of this, we reach Tapovan, the beautiful alpine meadow that is not just the base camp of Mt Shivling but is also home to many sages living here in deep meditation. We will camp here for today

Day 4Tapovan to Bhojbasa (4400m) 9km

We will trek back to Bhojwasa from Tapovan. The trek starts off with rugged terrains and moraines. The descent on moraines will require extra attention from your legs while trekking. Trek slowly and take a break after you reach the snout of Gaumukh Glacier to experience its massiveness.

Day 5Bhojbasa to Gangotri 14km

Enjoy the last day of trek from Bhojbasa to Gangotri. In the evening you can visit Gangotri temple for evening aarti. Night stay in Gangotri hotel.

Photos

Map

Package Inclusions & Exclusions

Package Inclusions

1). Accommodation in Gangotri 02 Night
2). All Meals during the Trek
3). Trek Fees, All Trekking equipments (Tents, Sleeping Bags. etc)
4). Porter, Cook & Mule charges (for trekking equipment)
5). Forest Camping Charges, Entry Fees & Permits
6). Mountaineering Certified Guide with Services of Experienced Trek Leader

Package Exclusions

1). Transportation
2). Any other personal expenses
3). Anything not mentioned above Inclusions
4). Taxes Extra
5). Portage of personal bags during the trek
6). Cost of any kind of Travel Insurance.
7). Any Expense of personal nature.
8). Any Expense not specified in the inclusions list.
9). Meals during road journeys

What is cancellation policy?

Cancellations within 15 days prior to departure date – No Refund

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