Vasuki Tal Lake is situated at an altitude of 4,880 m (16,010 feet) in the Garhwal region of the Himalayas. The crystal clear lake with beautiful natural surroundings offers a charming view to the nature lover and arouses the poet latent in even the most unromantic person. It is fenced in by steep and undulating banks interspersed with lush green vegetation, forming thickets at places. From Gangotri, the trail moves along the beaten track through an orchard of coniferous pine trees at Chirbasa and birch at Bhojbasa. Gaumukh is the base of this famous route which traverses along the Gangotri glacier and Chatturangini glacier to reach Tapovan & Nandanvan. Tapovan, the meditating ground, is the base of Meru group and Mount Shivling. Groups of Bharal (Blue mountain goats) are a common sight here on the mountain ridges. On the other side, its Nandanvan, the base of the Bhagirathi group is also famous for its prominent views of Mount Shivling, Bhagirathi, Sudarshan, Kharchakund, Kedar dome, and many others Himalayan giants. Vasuki Tal is a picturesque water body in the state of Uttarakhand.
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.
The drive from Dehradun to Gangotri passes through the Uttarkashi, Mussoorie and the popular villages of Gorsali, Bhatwari, Harshil, and Dharali. Gangotri is the base camp for the Vasuki Tal trek. The shrine of Gangotri is surrounded by deodars and pines forest. Gangotri is one of the four pilgrimages in the Chota Char Dham circuit of Garhwal Himalayas and the source of river Ganga (the actual source being Gomukh) which is known as Bhagirathi here, 10-11 hours’ drive from Dehradun. Transport will be arranged at an additional cost from Dehradun Railway Station at 06:30 AM. Cost of Cab – Rs. 8,000/- per vehicle. After relaxing, we shall visit the Holy Gangotri Devi temple for prayers, roaming the local market, striking a conversation with a Sadhu, exploring the secret cave and learn a few words of the local language; it is appreciated and often results in getting more than the experience. Before having the delicious dinner we will have a team introduction session and briefing about tomorrow’s trek after dinner.
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.
The trek from Bhojbasa to Khada Patthar is quite difficult. It is a fairly gradual ascent. The first 200 meters trail from Bhojbasa is slightly steep, and it merges to trail from Gangotri to Gaumukh. At Gaumukh: snout, where river Bhagirathi emerges from Gangotri glacier, starts its journey. It flows down the slopes of the mountain and merges with tributaries, and become Holy Ganges. This is the place where Hindus believe the Ganges take birth. From here the trek will start more difficult. The glacier is covered by moraine so you do not need any technical equipment, although a steadying trekking pole is definitely handy. Take the final leg up the steep rocky path to enter the Tapovan meadow and view the spectacular sight all around you. Tapovan is surrounded by Bhagirathi peaks on one side, and imposing Shivling peak and Meru peaks on the other. From here, Khada Patthar is 1 Km away. Overnight stay in tents.
An unforgettable trip to the high Alpine wonderland of ice and snow is the true highlight of a visit to Switzerland. Globus Local Start your trek early in the morning to get close to Vasuki Tal. After 45 minutes of the moderate trek, you will be at that point where you have to be descent to Gangotri glacier. Earlier, you walked on the glacier to reach Tapovan, but it will be towards the edge of the glacier. It would be different, descending in the middle of the glacier, crossing it across and then climb up to Nandanvan. At some places, you could hear the sound of the stream flowing beneath the glacier. Also, from the middle of the glacier, you could see the whole valley, with Bhojbasa as tiny little spots far away. You would see the pieces of melting glacier falling in a huge crevasse, Trekkaro suggests all the trekkers to strictly follow the instruction of the trek Leaders as well as Guides during the trek. Climbing up to Nandanvan is hard and steep, probably steeper than Tapovan climbs, but somehow it doesn’t feel that bad. Nandanvan is at the junction between the Chaturangi Glacier and Gangotri and is known for being an ideal place for camping to explore the adjoining junction of Gangotri and Chaturangi glaciers on a green meadow. From here, you could see Kedar Dome and Kharcha Kund peaks in the south-west, and of course Shivling and Meru in the west. After a great day, overnight stay in camp.
At an amazing 11,332 feet, the JUNGFRAUJOCH is Europe’s highest railway station. Jungfrau’s 13,642-foot summit was first ascended in 1811 and in 1912 the rack railway was opened. There are lots of things to do here: enjoy the ALPINE SENSATION, THE PANORAMA 360° EXPERIENCE, and the ICE PALACE. Also receive your JUNGFRAU PASSPORT as a souvenir to take home with you. The round trip to the “Top of Europe” by MOUNTAIN TRAIN will take most of the day.
Today you make the final push towards the Vasuki Tal which is the base camp for Satopanth Peak, Vasuki Parvat, Chandra Parvat, Sita, Chaturangi, etc. The trek to a final destination of Vasuki Tal takes about 3-4 hours. Get up comfortably as the trek is not difficult enough, after the breakfast climb on the ridge north of Nandanvan. On the right side, you will see, the ridge of upper Nandanvan and on the left side is Chaturangi (Chatu: four, Rangi: colors) glacier which would look scarier with multiple color moraines. After 2 hours of moderate walk, you would see Vasuki glacier flowing South-North and merging to Chaturangi glacier flowing East-West. From here, descend to Vasuki Glacier which takes about half an hour to cross it. After crossing the Vasuki Glacier then, a small ascent to the ridge and then descend to the Vasuki Tal which is a small lake surrounded by towering peaks. Spend some time and descend back to Nandanvan on the same route for night stay.
Wake up early, retrace our steps to Chirbasa from Nandanvan which takes about 7-8 hours. You would be rewarded with amazing views of first rays of sun falling on Shivling, Kedar Dome and Kharcha Kund peaks. The theatre of nature here is vast and limitless. Imagine standing at a meadow just beneath the stony feet of Bhagirathi peaks, which also happen to be a plateau overlooking Gangotri glacier flowing to Gaumukh, and with meadows of Tapovan on the other side. And just above Tapovan is majestic Shivling peak with Meru peak on its right (toward North). And turn your neck a bit towards South-West, you will get a glimpse of Kirti glacier, and then see the smooth peak of Kedar Dome hiding Kedar peaks behind it. Next to the Dome is intricate-looking Kharcha Kund peak. Turn your neck a bit left and you are seeing again the Gangotri glacier coming from somewhere far away. Today you will retrace your steps to Chirbasa. A steep descent down to the glacier is followed by a rocky traverse of the glacier and a gradual descent to Chirbasa. Overnight stay in tents.
Today is the final day of the Gaumukh-Tapovan Trek. The trek involves a gradual descent and easy walk which can be done rapidly. Get up comfortably and have breakfast, trek to Gangotri to witness the famous Ganga Aarti at the Holy Gangotri Devi Temple. This should not be missed. The original temple was constructed by the Nepalese General Amar Singh Thapa. Every year thousands of people visit this shrine from all around the world. A number of Dharamshalas and Ashrams are located on the other side of the river. It is believed that Raja Bhagirath used to worship Shiva on a slab of rock “Bhagirath Shila”, situated near the temple for salvation or Moksha of the souls of his 60,000 sons. Submerged in the river, there is a natural Shivling where, according to mythology, Goddess Ganga descended when Lord Shiva released the mighty river from the locks of his hair. Spend the entire day exploring this fascinating town and relax in the peaceful surroundings of the gushing river. We would stay overnight.
Depart from Gangotri to Dehradun Railway Station early in the morning, preferably before 06:30 AM since the journey takes 9-11 hours. Expected to reach Dehradun by 07:00 PM. Transport will be arranged at an additional cost from Gangotri at 06:30 AM. Cost of the cab – Rs. 8,000 per vehicle.
