Gaumukh Tapovan Trek Overview

One of the most popular treks in the Indian Himalayas, the Gaumukha Tapovan trek is a must-do for any adventure seeker. The trek takes you through some of the most breathtaking views of the Gangotri peaks - Shivling, Thalay Sagar, and Meru, with towering mountains, verdant forests, and gushing rivers.

The Gaumukh Tapovan trek takes you to the cow-shaped Gaumukh glacier. The Gaumukh glacier is also one of the primary water sources of the holy river Ganga. The trek is relatively challenging, but the rewards are more than worth it.

During the Gaumukh Tapovan trek, you can also submerge yourself in the celestial atmosphere of the pilgrimage towns of Rishikesh, Uttarkashi, Gangotri, and Bhojwassa. Wonder at the sight of the Bhagirathi sisters and encounter the breathtaking view of the peak.

It is one of the most beautiful treks in Uttarakhand. It is a moderate to difficult trek and takes around 8 days to complete. The best time to do this trek is from May to October. You will see snow-capped peaks, glaciers, waterfalls, lush forests, meadows full of fragrant flowers, and crystal-clear rivers. The Gaumukh Tapovan Trek is one of the best ways to experience the beauty of the Himalayas.

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Gomukh Tapovan Trek from Gangotri
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Gomukh Tapovan Trek From Gangotri
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Gomukh Tapovan Trek from Dehradun/Rishikesh
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Gomukh Tapovan Trek From Dehradun Rishikesh
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Quick Facts of Gaumukh Tapovan Trek

gaumukh tapovan trek

Maximum Altitude – The maximum altitude is around 14222 meters

Grade – Moderate to Difficult

Duration – The duration lasts for almost 8 days

Trekking distance – The trekking distance is approximately 46 kilometers the entire trek

Trail type – Round Trail, i.e., the trekking starts from Gangotri and also ends in Gangotri

Railhead – The nearest Railhead is Dehradun, Haridwar

Airport – The nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun, Uttarakhand

Snow Season – Mid-December to Mid-June

Service from – Dehradun to Dehradun

Base camp – Gangotri

Best season – May, June, Mid August to October

Region – Uttarakhand, India

Who can participate – Above 15 years, Have at least one experience of trekking in high altitudes above 12,000 ft.

Short Itinerary for Gaumukh Tapovan Trek

Day 1 – Dehradun to Gangotri Drive.

Day 2 – Trek from Gangotri (3,048 m) to Chirbasa (3,600 m) (takes almost 6 hours).

Day 3 – Trek from Chirbasa to Bhojbasa (3,800 m) (takes almost 3 hours). Beyond Chirbasa the terrain becomes truly barren. Many hikers even call it Arctic Tundra.

Day 4 – Trek from Bhojbasa to Gaumukh (3,900 m) to Tapovan (4,335 m) (takes almost 7 hours).

Day 5 – Taking a rest at Tapovan (4,463 m).

Day 6 – Trek from Tapovan to Bhojbasa (takes almost 5-6 hours).

Day 7 – Trek from Bhojbasa to Gangotri (takes almost 5-6 hours).

Day 8 – Trek from Gangotri to Dehradun drive.

Gaumukh Tapovan Trek Detailed Itinerary

Day 1
Day 2
Day 3
Day 4
Day 5
Day 6
Day 7
Day 8
trekking towards gaumukh tapovan

Dehradun to Gangotri Drive.

  • It is a 7/8 hours drive covering a distance of almost 242 km.

  • From Dehradun we drive to Gangnani via Uttarkashi.

  • Gangnani is famous for its natural hot water baths.

  • Drive to Gangotri on this day itself.

  • Stay overnight in a guest house.

What to Pack for Gaumukh Tapovan Trek?

Trekking Essentials
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gaumukh tapovan trek
  • Good trekking shoes, that have good grip, and ankle support, and can handle snow.

  • You need a 50-60 litre personal bag. Make certain your bag has good hip support, shoulder support, and quick way in pockets.

  • Wearing levels is the special power in the mountains. Levels give you the greatest protection from all parts.

  • You will need 1 pair of inner thermals, 2 light wool levels, 1 light sweater, and 1 soft padded jacket.

  • An outer padded jacket will keep the wind and cold out. Make certain that your padded jacket has a hood as well.

  • 1- 2 pairs of trek pants should be enough for this long, hard journey.

General Trivia About Gaumukh Tapovan Trek

gaumukh tapovan trek
  • The trek is named after the Gaumukh, which is the source of the River Ganges.

  • The Gaumukh is a glacier that sits at the base of Shivling Mountain.

  • The entire trek is about 40 kilometers long.

  • The Gaumukh meadow gets its name from its shape, which resembles that of a cow's head (gau means cow in Hindi).

  • The Tapovan meadow is known for its natural hot springs, which are said to have medicinal properties.

  • The Gaumukh Tapovan Trek is located in the Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve, which is home to a large variety of flora and fauna.

  • The trek provides stunning views of some of the tallest mountains in the world, including the Nanda Devi (7,816 m), Kamet (7,756 m), and Dunagiri (7,066 m).

  • The trek takes you to the base camp of the Gaumukh glacier, which is one of the largest glaciers in the world.

  • The trek is considered to be one of the most difficult treks in the world and is not for the faint of heart.

  • The trek takes you through some of the most remote and beautiful places in the world. It is an amazing experience and one that you will never forget.

Know Before You Go to Gaumukh Tapovan Trek

Tips for Gaumukh Tapovan Trek
How to Reach
Best time to Go
Trekking Routes
gaumukh tapovan trek

Gaumukh Tapovan Trek is one of the most popular treks in India. It is a stunningly beautiful trek that takes you through some of the most stunning landscapes in the country. The Gaumukh Tapovan trek is challenging and should only be attempted by experienced trekkers. Here are some important tips for trekkers attempting the Gaumukh Tapovan Trek:

  1. Make sure you are physically fit and prepared for the trek. The Gaumukh Tapovan Trek is challenging and is not suitable for beginners. It is a difficult trek and requires a lot of endurance. If you are not used to hiking, it is advisable to start training a few months in advance.

  2. Start your trek from Gangotri. Gangotri is the base camp for the Gaumukh Tapovan Trek and is the best starting point for the trek.

  3. Make sure you have all the necessary equipment for the trek. This includes proper hiking boots, a sleeping bag, a first-aid kit, and plenty of food and water.

  4. Hire a qualified guide. A guide can be extremely helpful on the Gaumukh Tapovan Trek, as they will be familiar with the route and can help you navigate the difficult sections.

  5. Be prepared for the altitude. The Gaumukh Tapovan Trek takes place at high altitudes, so be prepared for the decreased oxygen levels. Make sure to acclimatize before attempting the trek.

  6. Make sure to start the trek early in the morning. This is because the weather can get very hot in the afternoon and you do not want to be hiking in the heat.

Why to Go for Gaumukh Tapovan Trek?

For nature lovers and adventure seekers, the Gaumukh Tapovan Trek in Uttarakhand is everything you could ask for and more.This challenging yet rewarding trek takes you through some of the most beautiful scenery in the Himalayas, with plenty of opportunities to spot rare wildlife and experience traditional village life. It takes you through some of the most pristine and scenic landscapes in the country and offers spectacular views of snow-capped mountains, glaciers, and alpine meadows.The Gaumukh Tapovan Trek is not for the faint-hearted – but it is an immensely rewarding experience. If you are looking for a once-in-a-lifetime adventure, this is it.

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FAQs of Gaumukh Tapovan Trek

How Difficult is the Gaumukh Tapovan Trek?

    On moderately difficult hikes like the Gaumukh Tapovan, you will cover about 8-12 km each day. Hiking to steep climbs and descents is common every day. Here, you have to expect to reach elevations of more than 15,000 feet. There will also be practical portions (e.g. rockfall zones, near vertical sections, glacier walks) that the trek leader will help you overcome.

    You should aim to comfortably walk a distance of 5 km in 32 minutes.Your BMI must range from 18.5 to 25 for this trek to remain fit during the entire hike.

    Moderate hikes cover about 6-8 km daily. The ascents and descents can be steep. The maximum elevation is between 13,000 feet and 14,000 feet. You will frequently encounter tricky spots (e.g., snow or boulders) that must be walked with some caution. You may also encounter small stream/river crossings.

    For strength training, do at least 10 repetitions and 3 sets of squats, planks, push-ups, and lunges.

    If you are climbing stairs, take at least 15 floors (20 steps per floor), and do 3 sets again.

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