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GAUMUKH TAPOVAN TREK
Enchanting Gaumukh Tapovan Trek: India's Oldest Trekking Trail
- Region - Uttarakhand
- Base Camp - Gangotri
- Days - 6
- Altitude - 14,600 ft
- Grade - Moderate
- Distance - 46 kms
- Age - 16+
Brief Description
For those with a thirst for adventure and for spiritual experiences, the Gaumukh Tapovan trek is the one for you. The journey commences in Gangotri, a town that not only serves as a base camp but is also steeped in spirituality, boasting the revered Ganga Maiya Temple. As you set forth on your trek from Gangotri, you’ll witness a remarkable transformation in the landscape with each step.
Gaumukh Tapovan Videos
14,999 INR / Per Person
From Gangotri to Gangotri
5N/6D
TALK TO AN EXPERT +91-8089693825
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Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Reach Gangotri from Dehradun
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Your journey begins in Dehradun, a city well-connected by air, rail, and road. From there, you’ll embark on a scenic drive to Gangotri, the base camp for your adventure. Along the way, you’ll be treated to glimpses of the Shivalik mountain ranges and the mesmerizing views of Uttarkashi.
Your journey commences in Gangotri, a town steeped in spirituality and the base camp for this extraordinary adventure. Gangotri is not merely a starting point; it’s a spiritual haven, boasting the revered Ganga Maiya Temple. The town is adorned with dhabas, shops, and hotels that cater to the needs of trekkers. The spiritual aura here is enchanting.
Your journey begins in Dehradun, a city well-connected by air, rail, and road. From there, you’ll embark on a scenic drive to Gangotri, the base camp for your adventure. Along the way, you’ll be treated to glimpses of the Shivalik mountain ranges and the mesmerizing views of Uttarkashi.
Your journey commences in Gangotri, a town steeped in spirituality and the base camp for this extraordinary adventure. Gangotri is not merely a starting point; it’s a spiritual haven, boasting the revered Ganga Maiya Temple. The town is adorned with dhabas, shops, and hotels that cater to the needs of trekkers. The spiritual aura here is enchanting.
Day 2: Trek from Gangotri (10,050 ft) to Bhojbasa (12,415 ft) via Chirbasa
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As you set forth on your trek from Gangotri, a checkpoint marks the beginning of your transformation. The landscapes change with each step, leading you into the heart of nature’s wonders.
From Chirbasa to Bhojwasa: Here the terrain undergoes a remarkable transformation, and you’ll find yourself surrounded by a dense deodar tree jungle. Here, you’ll encounter the narrow Pagdandi, a thrilling yet precarious passage with the Bhagirathi River on one side and towering mountains on the other. It’s a true test of courage and determination.
Further along the trail, you’ll arrive at Bhojwasa, named after the Bhoj Patra trees that flourish in the vicinity. In ancient times, these leaves were used to write epics such as the Ramayana and Mahabharata. Bhojwasa is more than a camping site; it’s a gateway to breathtaking views of the Bhagirathi peaks. Amidst the tents and ashrams, you’ll be spellbound by the beauty of nature.
As you set forth on your trek from Gangotri, a checkpoint marks the beginning of your transformation. The landscapes change with each step, leading you into the heart of nature’s wonders.
From Chirbasa to Bhojwasa: Here the terrain undergoes a remarkable transformation, and you’ll find yourself surrounded by a dense deodar tree jungle. Here, you’ll encounter the narrow Pagdandi, a thrilling yet precarious passage with the Bhagirathi River on one side and towering mountains on the other. It’s a true test of courage and determination.
Further along the trail, you’ll arrive at Bhojwasa, named after the Bhoj Patra trees that flourish in the vicinity. In ancient times, these leaves were used to write epics such as the Ramayana and Mahabharata. Bhojwasa is more than a camping site; it’s a gateway to breathtaking views of the Bhagirathi peaks. Amidst the tents and ashrams, you’ll be spellbound by the beauty of nature.
Day 3: Bhojwasa (12,415 ft) to Tapovan (14,600 ft) via Gaumukh (13,452 ft)
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The journey to Gaumukh Glacier takes you across the entire valley. Beyond Bhojwasa, the landscape transforms into barren, rocky terrain with the Bhagirathi River flowing alongside. The path becomes steeper, presenting challenges with loose rocks and a slanting ascent.
This section is challenging. Stones may tumble as you navigate the narrow trail, adding an exhilarating dimension to the adventure. It’s a thrilling experience that requires the utmost care.
Upon reaching Tapovan, you’ll be greeted by a vast meadow beneath the imposing Mount Shivling and Mount Meru. Here, the Akash Ganga originates from Mount Shivling, creating a mesmerizing spectacle. The water is so pure that you can drink it straight from the source without purification.
If you haven’t heard about Mount Shivling, it’s a stunning mountain in India. People love it so much that it’s featured in our gold calendar every year. But there’s more! During your trek, you’ll also see the Bhagirathi sisters. Some folks say they are even more impressive than Mount Shivling because these three peaks together create a massive and breathtaking view.
The journey to Gaumukh Glacier takes you across the entire valley. Beyond Bhojwasa, the landscape transforms into barren, rocky terrain with the Bhagirathi River flowing alongside. The path becomes steeper, presenting challenges with loose rocks and a slanting ascent.
This section is challenging. Stones may tumble as you navigate the narrow trail, adding an exhilarating dimension to the adventure. It’s a thrilling experience that requires the utmost care.
Upon reaching Tapovan, you’ll be greeted by a vast meadow beneath the imposing Mount Shivling and Mount Meru. Here, the Akash Ganga originates from Mount Shivling, creating a mesmerizing spectacle. The water is so pure that you can drink it straight from the source without purification.
If you haven’t heard about Mount Shivling, it’s a stunning mountain in India. People love it so much that it’s featured in our gold calendar every year. But there’s more! During your trek, you’ll also see the Bhagirathi sisters. Some folks say they are even more impressive than Mount Shivling because these three peaks together create a massive and breathtaking view.
Day 4: Tapovan (14,203 ft) to Bhojwasa (12,415 ft)
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Descend from the enchanting Tapovan to Bhojwasa, retracing your steps and soaking in the stunning vistas once more. The trek back to Gangotri is the same trail taken to reach Chirbasa. It’s a very gradual descent, which takes far less time to cover than the ascent.
Descend from the enchanting Tapovan to Bhojwasa, retracing your steps and soaking in the stunning vistas once more. The trek back to Gangotri is the same trail taken to reach Chirbasa. It’s a very gradual descent, which takes far less time to cover than the ascent.
Day 5: Bhojwasa (12,415 ft) to Gangotri (10,050 ft)
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Continue your descent from Bhojwasa, concluding the trek as you return to Gangotri.
Continue your descent from Bhojwasa, concluding the trek as you return to Gangotri.
Day 6: Depart for Dehradun
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Your final day will involve traveling back to Dehradun, marking the end of this remarkable adventure.
Your final day will involve traveling back to Dehradun, marking the end of this remarkable adventure.
Booking Form
Map Of The Trail
Trek Details
Cost Terms & Trek Essentials
- Accommodation: Enjoy comfortable accommodation during your trek in hotels, guesthouses or dormitories on a twin, triple or dormitory sharing basis. When camping, rest in spacious tents with double or triple sharing.
- Meals: We provide nourishing and delicious vegetarian meals designed to keep you energized throughout the trek.
- Camping Fees/Permits: All trekking permits and camping fees are included, ensuring a hassle-free experience
- Trek Equipment: We provide essential trekking equipment including dining tents, kitchen tents, sleeping tents with mattresses and sleeping bags. Utensils, ropes, micro-spikes and gaiters are also included if required.
- Mules and Porters: Mules and porters carry central equipment, easing your load so you can focus on the trek.
- Qualified Team: Our experienced, qualified team of guides, cooks, helpers and porters is dedicated to making your trek safe and enjoyable.
- Basic First Aid: A basic first aid kit with oxygen and a helmet is available to address health concerns during the trek.
- Expert Assistance: Reach out to our experts for any queries or assistance during your trek at +91-8089693825.
- Transportation: Transportation from Dehradun to the basecamp and back to Dehradun is not included. If opted, additional charges of INR 2,500 apply.
- Backpack Offloading: Backpack offloading is available for an additional INR 1,050 per bag.
- Mules or Porters for Personal Bags: Mules or porters for personal bags are available at an extra cost.
- Emergency Costs: Emergency expenses during the trek are not included.
- Tips: Tips for the trekking team are optional and not included in the package.
- Items Not Mentioned: Any expenses or items not mentioned in the inclusion section are not covered.
- Stay at Dehradun: Accommodation and meals in Dehradun on the last day of the trek are not included.
- Meals During Transportation: Meals during transportation are not included.
- GST: A 5% Goods and Services Tax (GST) applies, not included in the package.
- Early Departure Alert: If a trekker leaves before the scheduled dates, they must cover their own expenses for food, accommodation, and transportation.
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How To Reach
The nearest airport to Dehradun is the Jolly Grant Airport, located approximately 25 kilometers from the city center. Several domestic airlines operate regular flights to and from Dehradun. Upon landing at the airport, you can hire a taxi or take a pre-booked shuttle to Dehradun.
Dehradun is well-connected to major Indian cities by train. The Dehradun Railway Station is the primary railway station serving the city or you can also come to Haridwar Railway Station. You can book tickets on various trains connecting Dehradun to places like Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, and more.
You can opt for a road trip to Dehradun also. National highways connect Dehradun to major cities like Delhi and Chandigarh. The road journey offers beautiful views of the Himalayan foothills.
Gangotri, the starting point for the Gaumukh Tapovan trek, is approximately 240 kilometers from Dehradun. You can opt for our pick-up service or hire a private taxi. Bus is also an option from Dehradun to Uttarkashi and from the Uttarkashi taxi stand you can book a local taxi to Gangotri. The road journey offers glimpses of rural Uttarakhand and picturesque landscapes.
Best Time To Trek
The ideal time for this trek is when the doors to the Ganga Maiya Temple and the Gangotri National Park open, typically from April to October. During November and around Diwali, both the temple and the park close due to heavy snowfall. But May to July and September to October are the best months for the Gaumukh Tapovan trek.
More Info about Har Ki Dun
As you begin your Gaumukh Tapovan trek, you'll encounter captivating ancient stories that have been part of these sacred lands for centuries. These tales bring a special sense of spirituality and wonder to your journey.
- Gangotri Temple & Mukwa village
Gangotri, where your trek kicks off, is a place with a rich cultural heritage. One of the most significant legends here is the story of Ganga Maiya's descent from heaven. According to this tale, Bhagirathi ji, through intense meditation, earned the blessings of Lord Shiva. In response, Lord Shiva sent Ganga Maiya from the heavenly realms to Earth. This remarkable event is believed to mark the beginning of human existence on our planet, making it a story of great importance.
The Ganga Maiya Temple in Gangotri witnesses a grand procession that starts from Mukhwa village, home to the pandits and pujaris. Mukhwa is a charming village situated above Harshil, famous for its scenic apple orchards. The temple itself has a deep-rooted historical connection, as it was renovated by Amar Singh Thapa, an army general during the Gorkha rule. The temple's history goes back to ancient times, adding to the cultural richness of the region.
- Bhagirath Rock (Shila)
Nestled at the footstep of the Gangotri temple lies the Bhagirath Rock (Shila). This sacred rock holds a pivotal place in Hindu mythology. It is here that King Bhagirath, with unwavering devotion, embarked on deep meditation to appease Goddess Ganga. His purpose was to beseech her to descend to Earth and grant salvation to the ashes of ancestors cursed by the revered Sage Kapil. The Bhagirath Rock stands as a testament to his devotion and the divine connection between humans and the holy Ganga River.
- Mukta Gufa: A Place of Redemption
A mere kilometer from Surya Kund, along the left bank of the Bhagirathi river, lies the Mukta Gufa. This natural expanse, adorned with rocks, is known as Patangana or Pandav Gufa. It is here that the Pandavas, guided by the wisdom of Vyas Ji, arrived during their epic journey. In this sacred spot, they performed a Dev Yagya, a divine ritual, seeking redemption for the sin of cow-killing. Their journey continued from here, leading them to the sacred destination of Kedarnath, tracing the banks of the Rudraganga.
- Gangotri National Park
Gangotri National Park, spanning over 2,390.02 square kilometers in the Uttarkashi forest division, is a sanctuary of biodiversity. Its diverse flora includes moist and dry temperate forests, alpine scrub, and major tree species such as deodar, blue pine, birch, rhododendron, and juniper.
The fauna is equally captivating, with species like the elusive snow leopard, leopard cat, Himalayan brown bear, Himalayan black bear, yellow-throated marten, and red fox. The skies are adorned with a multitude of bird species, including the Himalayan monal, Himalayan snowcock, snow partridge, golden eagle, Himalayan griffon, black eagle, kalij pheasant, and snow pigeon.
The journey is not just about the destination but also the flora and fauna along the way. Himalayan birch trees, deodar, blue pine, birch, rhododendron, and juniper are abundant, and the rare sighting of white leopards, also known as snow leopards, can be experienced in the Harshil Valley. The national park is home to Bharals (Himalayan blue sheep), Himalayan monal, Himalayan snowcock, snow partridge, golden eagle, Himalayan black bear, Himalayan griffon, black eagle, kalij pheasant, and snow pigeon.
While on this adventure, you can explore nearby gems such as Harshil Valley, Nelang Valley, Uttarkashi, Gangotri Base Camp, Kedartal Trek, Gangotri Temple, Suryakund, and the legendary Pandav Caves.
This trek is of moderate difficulty. Covering approximately 46 kilometers round trip over six days, you'll encounter challenging sections, oxygen deprivation, and the risk of altitude sickness. It is recommended for individuals who are physically fit or have prior high-altitude trekking experience, as the trek exceeds 14,600 feet in altitude. The sparse treeline contributes to the oxygen challenge.
FAQ's
The Gaumukh Trek covers a distance of 46 kilometers. The altitude ranges from 10,050 feet in Gangotri to 14,203 feet in Tapovan.
The best time to undertake the Gaumukh Tapovan trek is when the doors to the Ganga Maiya Temple and the Gangotri National Park open, which is typically from April to October. But May to July and September to October are the best months for the Gaumukh Tapovan trek.
The trek spans altitudes ranging from 10,050 feet in Gangotri to 14,600 feet in Tapovan.
While it's possible to do the trek solo, it's recommended to trek with a guide.
Dehradun is well-connected by air, rail, and road. You can reach Dehradun by taking a flight to Jolly Grant Airport, a train to Dehradun Railway Station, or by road through various bus services or private transportation.
Every campsite is equipped with dry pit toilets. It is essential to carry your own toilet paper for your convenience.
Uttarkashi has ATMs where you can withdraw cash. However, cash availability can be limited, so it's wise to make last-minute cash withdrawals in Dehradun before starting the trek.
While rooms at the base camp have plug points for charging electronic devices, there are no charging facilities once you leave the base camp. It's recommended to carry spare batteries for cameras and a power bank with a capacity of more than 20,000 mAh to ensure you have enough power for the entire trek. Cold temperatures can drain batteries faster, so keeping them warm in a pouch inside your sleeping bag is a helpful tip.
The nearest airport to Gangotri is Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun, approximately 250 kilometers away. From Dehradun, you can reach Gangotri by road.
High altitude sickness can occur during the Gaumukh Tapovan trek, especially if proper acclimatization is not followed. It's essential to ascend gradually, stay hydrated, and recognize the symptoms of altitude sickness, such as headache, nausea, and dizziness.
The temperature during the trek varies with the altitude and time of year. In summer (April to June), daytime temperatures can range from 15°C to 20°C, while nighttime temperatures may drop to -1°C to 5°C. In autumn (September to October), daytime temperatures range from 10°C to 15°C, with colder nights.
Absolutely, since the trek is within Gangotri National Park, a permit is required for entry. Don't worry, we handle all the permit arrangements to ensure your experience is hassle-free
People Who Have Done Gaumukh Tapovan Trek with Us
Incredible experience with Himalayan dream trekkers.we did gomukh trek recently along with these people.Its an amazing experience altogether.our stay at eshavasyam ashram,camping in the snow,hot and tasty food is on another level.They have taken a Good care of us.provided one young girl as a guide *sangita* .She is awesome.would love to do many more treks in future with you guys. Keep it up👍
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