Gaumukh Tapovan Trek

Gaumukh Tapovan Trek

Gaumukh Tapovan trek is considered as one of the best and adventurous treks of India. Gaumukh glacier resembles the mouth of a cow, which is known as the source of the Ganges river. When you reach the glacier you will see the peaks of the Gangotri group that include Thalay Sagar, Bhagirathi III, Meru, and Shivling. Apart from a trekking destination, Gaumukh Tapovan is also considered as a significant pilgrimage for Hindus and people believe that to take a dip in its water as a sacred ritual. You will see the Gangotri Tapovan at the foothills of the Shivling Peak. The Gaumukh Tapovan is considered as a challenging trekking destination. Usually, monks climb this high altitude for meditation purposes or to get the utmost peace and purity.

The challenging trekking trails of the Gaumukh Tapovan will take you to the untouched places of this region. You will continue your trek by visiting the beautiful sights of this region. The sight of the beautiful Bhagirathi sisters will keep you amazed that you can’t keep your eyes off for a moment. In this trekking trail, you will see steady inclines and level walks. Also, you will see a stream on this trail. For the amazing surrounding beauties, the Gaumukh Tapovan will be considered as one of the best treks of your entire life.

The Gangotri glacier is stretched around 24 kilometers long and 6 to 8 kilometers in width. It starts from Gaumukh and ends up at Chaukhamba around Badrinath. The trek in most of the parts veers beyond the tree line and the trail passes through larger mountainscapes. During this trek, you have to camp at rugged heights. From those heights, you will get the mind numbing sights of the Bhagirathi peaks and the Shivling peak. The Gaumukh Tapovan trek is considered as a moderate to difficult trek for its high altitude.

What is the height of the Gaumukh?

Gaumukh is situated at an altitude of 13,455 feet. For this high altitude, trekkers may face Acute Mountain Sickness on this trek. Hence, for attempting this trek you need to get properly prepared both mentally and physically.

Can beginners attempt the Gaumukh Tapovan trek?

In the Himalayan region, there are several treks that can be considered as moderate. Even Gaumukh Tapovan trek is also considered as a moderate to difficult trek, but beginners can’t attempt this trek. The trekking trail to Bhojbasa is easy but the trail starts to get difficult when you head towards the Gangotri glacier’s Gaumukh Guha. It will take nearly 3 hours to 4 hours to cross the Gangotri glacier and the Tapovan. Moreover, the Gaumukh glacier trail lacks oxygen, hence makes this trek more difficult. So, who will attempt this trek, need proper preparation and training before attempting this trek. Also, you need both mental and physical preparation.

Why one should attempt the Gaumukh Tapovan trek?

Gaumukh Tapovan is considered as one of the most rewarding trekking destinations of India. This trekking destination has been very popular among trekkers and there are several reasons behind the popularity of this trek.

• First of all, you will be amazed by the sight of the Gangotri Glacier and the Gaumukh Guha. It is a rare thing to see glaciers on a trek. On this trek, you will find yourself just below the proboscis of one of India’s biggest glaciers. The proboscis of this glacier is really so massive that you can’t even imagine. The surrounding ice blocks are the size of a car that falls on the ground with thunder like sound. The proboscis of the Gangotri glacier is so wide that you can’t take it at once. The Bhagirathi river flows out of the proboscis with so much vigor. It is a rare sight that you will witness on the Gaumukh Tapovan trek.
• Secondly, during the Gaumukh Tapovan trek, you will witness some excellent views of massive summits. On this trek, you will not only get the views of Mount Shivling but also will see it’s base to its summit. Mount Shivling is one of the most beautiful mountains in India that you will see during this trek. Apart from the Mount Shivling, here you also will get a glimpse of the Bhagirathi sisters from base to top. The Bhagirathi sisters will look bigger than Mount Shivling as the three of the Bhagirathi mountains together form a massive structure that dominates the entire landscape. Moreover, you will get a glimpse of Mount Meru and Manda Parvat also.
• Last but not the least, here you will see changing colors on this trek, even the color gets changed every hour. There you will see coniferous trees, barren earth, and sandstone formations and weltering rock chutes. On every step, you will witness new formations. For these amazing sights, the Gaumukh Tapovan trek has gained so much popularity among trekkers and it is undoubtedly one of the best trekking destinations in India.

Day 1: Drive from Dehradun to Gangotri

• Pick up time 06.00 am at the parking of Dehradun railway station
• Stay in Guest House
• Drive 241 km (8 hrs)
• Local Market and Phone network is available
• Enroute places: Dehradun → Mussorie → Dhanulti → Chamba → Uttarkashi → Harshil → Gangotri

Day 2: Acclimatisation Day at Gangotri (10171 ft)

• Gangotri temple visit
• Acclimatisation walk arround Gangotri
• Saty overnight at Guest House

Day 3: Gangotri (10171 ft) to Chirbassa (11680 ft)

• 9 km, 5-6 hrs trek
• Water points are available today
• Evening acclimatisation walk near Chirbasa campsite

Day 4: Chirbassa (11680 ft) to Bhojwasa (12435 ft)

• 5 km, 2-3 hrs trek
• Reached campsite for hot lunch
• Acclimatisation walk up to Gaumukh

Day 5: Bhojwasa (12435 ft) to Khada Pathar via Gaumukh (13452 ft) & Tapovan (14600 ft)

• Accommodation in tent
• Hot lunch/pack lunch
• No water points, it’s advisable to carry at least 2-3 liters of water
• 6-7 hrs / 9 kms  trek
• Tapoan camp surrounded by giants – Mt. Shivling, Meru, Manda, The Bhagirathi group Kedardome, Kharchakund and many more

Day 6:- Tapovan (14600 ft ) to Chirbasa(11680 ft)

• Altitude 14600 ft 6-7 hrs / 14 kms trek
• Descend down through moraine and glacier till goumukh
• Accommodation in tent
• Pack lunch
• Pack lunch
• Carry energy bars, ors and water

Day 7: Chirbasa (11680 ft ) to Gangotri (10171 ft)

• Accommodation in Guest House
• Spring and manmade water point are available

Day 8: Depart for Dehradun

• 240 Km
• 8 Hrs Drive
• Reached Dehradun by 5.00 PM

Day 1: Drive from Dehradun to Gangotri

Day 2: Acclamatisation day at Gangotri (10171 ft)

Day 3: Gangotri (10171 ft) to Chirbassa (11680 ft)

Day 4: Chirbassa (11680 ft) to Bhojwasa (12435 ft)

Day 5: Bhojwasa (12435 ft) to Khada Pathar via Gaumukh (13452 ft) & Tapovan (14600 ft)

Day 6: Tapovan (14600 ft ) to Chirbasa (11680)

Day 7: Chirbasa (11680 ft ) to Gangotri (10171 ft)

Day 8: Depart for Dehradun