Gangotri Gaumukh Tapovan Trek | Trekking in Uttarakhand

Overview

Altitude: 14200 feet
Trek Length: 43 km
Duration: 6 Days
Diffculty Level: Difficult
Best Season: May to June and August to October
Pick & Drop: Rishikesh to Rishikesh
State: Uttarakhand

About

Gaumukh Tapovan Trek is a beautiful trek that showcases the raw beauty of Garhwal Himalayas including few remarkable peaks such as Bhagirathi, Shivling, Bhrigupanth, etc. The Gaumukh Tapovan trek takes one to the Gangotri Glacier, a.k.a Gaumukh, the source of Ganges River and also one of the largest glaciers in India.

The Gaumukh Tapovan trek begins from Gangotri, which is a famous pilgrimage site and one of the Chota Char Dham temples in Uttarakhand. The duration of the Gaumukh Tapovan trek is 6 days and it passes through Chirbasa, Bhojbasa, Gaumukh, and Tapovan. The gradient of Gaumukh trek varies from Moderate to difficult and is suited for trekkers who have done at least 2 high altitude treks before. However, beginners having good physical fitness can also do Gaumukh trek as the altitude is not much high.

On the Gaumukh Tapovan trek, one encounters the raw beauty of Gangotri National Park, rare flora and fauna, dense forest, river valleys, snow-laden massifs, and huge glaciers.

Short Itinerary

1st Day: Drive from Dehradun to Gangotri

2nd Day: Trek from Gangotri to Chirbasa

3rd Day: Trek from Chirbasa to Bhojwasa

4th Day: Trek from Bhojwasa to Tapovan to Bhojwasa via Gaumukh

5th Day: Trek from Bhojwasa to Gangotri

6th Day: Depart from Gangotri and reach Dehradun around 5 PM.

Itinerary (Rishikesh to Rishikesh)

1

1st Day : Drive from Dehradun to Gangotri

For Gaumukh Tapovan Trek gather at Dehradun ISBT or Railway Station by 6 am. Our trek leader will meet you there and then you will start your drive to one of the Chota Char Dhams in Uttarakhand, Gangotri. The temple is around 304 km far from Dehradun and it will take at least 10-11 hours to reach.
Gangotri Temple is one of the most famous temples in Uttarakhand and is dedicated to river Ganges. The temple is situated along the Ganges River. Apart from being a renowned pilgrimage destination, the place is also known between trekkers as it is the starting point of several treks including Gaumukh Tapovan, Kedartal, Auden's Col, Kalindi Khal, Rudragaira, Vasu ki Tal, etc.
The journey to Gangotri passes through Landour, Suwakholi, Chinyalisour, Uttarkashi, Gangnani, Harshil and Dharali. As we start from Dehradun for Gaumukh Tapovan Trek we take the Mussoorie road and take the right turn just before 5 km from Mussoorie and head towards Suwakholi on the Dhanaulti route. The road gets narrower after turning right. The further route is scenic as it passes through pine forest.
The drive from Chinyalisour is along the Bhagirathi River. We continue our drive on the Gangotri highway and take a halt at Uttarkashi for the lunch. The city of Uttarkashi is the headquarters of Uttarkashi district. We can visit the famous Kashi Vishwanath temple if time allows. The road after passing Uttarakashi gets more scenic and one can see the snowcapped peaks of Banderpuch during clear weather.
We pass through other important sites such as Gangnani, which is famous for hot water springs, Bhairo Ghati, which is famous for a deep gorge and is quite scenic and a few more places. We reach Gangotri in the evening. Freshen up and get ready for the evening Arti. The Gangotri temple is situated at an altitude of around 3300 meters, so a good tight sleep is necessary to acclimatize your body.
Overnight stay will be in the guest house.
2

2nd Day : Trek from Gangotri to Chirbasa

On our 2nd Day of Gumukh Tapovan Trek, after having breakfast, we will start our trek towards Chirbasa. Today’s trek will be around 7-8 km long and it will take around 5 hours to reach the campsite. The trek will be through the pine forest along the gushing Bhagirathi River. The trail is scenic as it offers majestic views of Sudarshan Parbat (21,345 feet). We will also cross a few waterfalls and streams from which we can refill our water bottles. The complete Gaumukh trek will be in the Gangotri National Park.
Reach the campsite by afternoon and enjoy the scenic views. The campsite will be near the Bhagirathi river and in between the pine forest. The site also offers the magnificent views of Bhagirathi sister peaks including Bhagirathi I, II and III (6856 m, 6512 m, and 6454 m respectively) along with Bhrigu Parbat and Manda Peak.
After having lunch, we will go for an acclimatization walk and explore the site. Overnight stay will be in camps.
3

3rd Day : Trek from Chirbasa to Bhojwasa

Wake up and enjoy the heavenly sunrise. We have our breakfast and get ready for the trek to Bhojbasa. Today’s trek will be easier and shorter as compared to other days. The trail will take us closer to Bhagirathi peaks. After the trek, the camps will be pitched on a plain surface and the place is Bhojwasa. The name of this campsite is derived from Bhojpatra trees or the Birch trees. Here on this campsite, we can find forest check post, rest houses, ashrams, etc.
After reaching the campsite, have your lunch and relax. We can explore around or play games at the campsite. Overnight stay in the camps.
4

4th Day : Trek from Bhojwasa to Tapovan to Bhojwasa via Gaumukh

This day will be the D-day of our Gaumukh Tapovan Trek because it will be the longest and toughest day. We will be trekking towards our final destination which is Tapovan and also covering the Gaumukh glacier.
Get prepared in the morning after breakfast and move towards Tapovan. Make sure you fill your water bottles before leaving the campsite as there are no water sources on the way. The trail up to Gaumukh is relatively easier than the trail from Gaumukh to Tapovan. From Gaumukh, the trail gets steeper and is full of boulders and moraine.
Explore Gaumukh, which is the end of Gangotri Glacier, and the source of Holy River Ganges. The glacier is mighty and offers many scenic views of the surroundings. The final ascent is made up of rocky terrain and after this, we will get to see a vast meadow, which is Tapovan. You will be mesmerized after seeing the Mt. Shivling as it is quite closer from Tapovan. The place is quite famous for meditation as several sadhus come here to meditate. After exploring the place, we will start descending back to Bhojwasa.
Reach back to the campsite and relax.
5

5th Day : Trek from Bhojwasa to Gangotri

Get ready for the return trek from Bhojwasa to Gangotri temple. The downhill trek will be easy so we will skip the Chirbasa campsite and trek down all the way to Gangotri temple. We will take the same route that we take while coming up.
Reach the temple by evening and relax. We can explore the market in the evening and can buy souvenirs. Overnight stay in the guest house.
6

6th Day : Depart from Gangotri and reach Dehradun around 5 PM.

Now it’s time to say goodbye and head back to Dehradun. We will drive through the same route and reach Dehradun by the evening.
End of Gaumukh Tapovan Trek.

Trip Images

Inclusions

Accommodation: Stay is included from day 1 to Day 6 – you will be staying at guest house and camps on all days of trekking.

Meals: All Meals from day 1 dinner to day 6 breakfast are included. We provide simple nutritious vegetarian food on all days of the trek.

Camping Charges: All trekking permits and forest camping charges are included.

Support Staff: Trek Leader and Local Guide.

Trekking Equipment: you will be staying in high quality tents and sleeping bags in all the camps. We provide high altitude sleeping bags which can stand temperatures as low as - 10 deg c. We also provide ropes, micro spikes, gaiters etc. As required.

Safety Equipment: First aid, medical kit, oxygen cylinders, Stretchers etc. will be available at all campsites to deal with emergencies.

Exclusions

Any meals apart from inclusions

Meals during bus journey

Personal expenses

Offloading charges- INR 250 per bag per day and should be informed 3 days before the trek.

Anything that is not mentioned in inclusions

Cancellation Policy

No cancellations will be taken over call or whatsapp msg. Please reply to the email of payment receipt that you have received at the time of booking.

Free Cancellation upto 60 days before the departure date

59 Days to 45 days of Departure date. 10% of total Trip cost. (Booking amount is non-refundable)

44 Days to 30 Days of Departure date. 25% of the total trip cost

29 Days to 15 Days of Departure date. 50% of the total trip cost.

15 Days to 8 Days of Departure date. 75% of the total trip cost.

7 Days to Trip Departure date. 100% of the total trip cost.

No Show . No refund.

Incase of government orders, harsh weather conditions , protests , landslides or any other unforseen circumstances , we work out the best possible alternate plans or trips/treks. At times even even certain activities are cancelled , the organization provides the best alternate but no refunds are provided.

If a trek is called off at the last moment due to a natural calamity/unforeseen circumstances (like rain, snowfall, earthquake, landslides, strike, bandh etc.), JustWravel will issue a trek voucher for the full amount and if possible will provide an alternate trek. The voucher can be redeemed upto same amount for the same trek or another trek in the next 365 days from the trek departure date.

If a trek or trip cannot be completed due to natural calamity/unforeseen circumstances (like rain, snowfall, earthquake, landslides, strike, bandh etc.). No refund would be provided.

Any extra expense coming due to any natural calamity/unforeseen circumstances (like rain, snowfall, earthquake, landslides, strike, bandh etc.), Will be beared by customer. Company will not be liable.

Cancellations policy will differ during the peak season and popular places.