Gaumukh Tapovan Trek

Trek from Gangotri (3,048 m) to Chirbasa (3,600 m).

• It is a 9 kms hike in 6 hours.

• Today, in the morning, after breakfast, we start our trek from Gangotri to Chirbasa (3,650 m).

• The whole trek will lead you through dense forests and you will camp on the bank of a beautiful river.

• From Gangotri, we hike on the beaten path to Chirbasa, which is located at a tree line.

• The whole of today's trek is along the roaring Bhagirathi River.

• You can witness the magnificent sunset over the Bhagirathi group of peaks.

• After dinner, enjoy a relaxing stay at the camp.

• Spend some time observing the awestruck place surrounded by wonderful towers of Himalayan peaks and tranquil greenery.

Trek from Chirbasa to Bhojbasa.

• It is a 5 km walk in 3-4 hours.

• After breakfast, start your trekking from the river of the Ganges.

• Beyond Chirbasa the terrain becomes barren and infertile.

• Many hikers even call it Arctic Tundra.

• From Chirbasa we continue hiking to Bhojwassa, the whole way leads through dense forest.

• In Bhojbasa there is a small temple and a possible campsite near the river.

• The afternoon is free for us to explore the area and enjoy the beautiful sunset over the peak group of Bhagirathi.

• Explore the breathtaking views of Mount Shivling in Bhojbasa.

• You have to spend the overnight in tents.

Trek from Bhojbasa to Gaumukh (3,900 m) to Tapovan (4,335 m).

• Enjoy the beautiful panoramic view of the Bhagirathi group of peaks early in the morning.

• Post breakfast, we will trek to Gaumukh (3,890 m), the source of the Ganga River.

• We explore the area and hike to Tapovan, one of the most beautiful high mountain meadows in the region.

• The hike from Gaumukh to Tapovan is steeply uphill, and the higher we get, the clearer the view of the surrounding peaks becomes.

• They seem to be only a stone's throw away.

• It is also a small question of why sadhus and saints chose this place for continued meditation during the long summer months.

Taking a rest at Tapovan (4,463 m)

• This day is for getting accustomed to the place, relaxing, and enjoying the stunning snow-capped peaks, flora, fauna, and mountain scenery.

• This land is visited by some of the greatest and most popular mountaineers frequently.

• The Shivling peak looms ahead. Behind the Shivling, on the right, is Mount Meru.

• A little further to the left of the Shivling is the Sumeru.

• The Bhagirathi peaks can be seen further to the left.

• Bhagirathi III, Meru (Central Peak), and Sumeru have some of the toughest climbing routes in the world.

• We can explore the Meru Glacier and then go back to our campsite.

Trek from Tapovan to Bhojbasa

• It is a 5-6 hours trek covering a distance of almost 7 km.

• Wake up to the stunning sunrise on the high peaks early in the morning.

• Post breakfast we will hike down to Bhojbasa.

• The day's destination is Bhojwassa, where you will have plenty of time to explore the breathtaking surroundings and forest trails and relax in an exotic setting.

• After dinner, we will set up camp in Bhojwassa.

Trek from Bhojbasa to Gangotri.

• It is a 5-6 hours trek covering a distance of around 14 km.

• We start descending in the morning to Gangotri after breakfast.

• Have Dinner and stay overnight in a guest house/ hotel at Gangotri.

Gangotri to Dehradun drive.

• It is a 9-hour drive covering a distance of almost 245 km.

• Post breakfast, in the early morning, we drive back to Dehradun and arrive in the evening.

• End the six days trek nicely and with many good memories.

These are documents needed for lawful purposes and the forest department. Without any of these, you will not be allowed to trek.

• Original and photocopy of identity card. Anything such as a Driver's License, Aadhar Card, or Passport will do. This is needed by the Forest divisions of an organization for your identification.

• Passport-size picture. This is needed to get the trekking permits.

• Disclaimer certificate. This is another legal document needed. Download the PDF, read carefully and sign it. This must be handed over to your trek leader during the registration at the base camp.

• Medical certificate. There are 2 parts to this. The first part must be filled by a practicing medical expert. The second part must be filled by you. Without the medical certificate, the Forest department will not allow your trekking journey.

By Rail:The nearest railway station to Gangotri is Rishikesh, which is 234 km before Gangotri on NH58 and is well connected by a railway network with chief places of India. Trains to Rishikesh are frequent. Taxis and Buses are ready to be used from Rishikesh, Tehri Garhwal, Uttarkashi, and many other places where one is going to Gangotri. From Rishikesh, you can take a local bus or taxi to reach Gaumukha Tapovan. The journey by road takes around 8-9 hours.

By Air:The nearest air-plane station to Gangotri is Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun which is situated around a distance of 250kms. This air-plane station is well connected to Delhi and there are many daily flights to Delhi which are connected to the chief parts of India.

By Road:Gangotri can be reached only via road in a bus, privately operated jeeps, SUVs/ other vehicles. The journey from Rishikesh takes about 10-12 hours. Taxis/Jeeps are also ready to be used from taxi stations in Rishikesh, Haridwar, and Dehradun. Tourist cabs are ready to be used from Dehradun/Rishikesh. The best way to reach Gaumukha Tapovan is by hiring a taxi or jeep from Rishikesh or Dehradun. The journey takes around 9-10 hours.

• In Summers -

Summer is a popular time for the Gaumukh Tapovan trek, especially for trekkers who enjoy hiking in the snow.

During the summer months, the weather is warm and the skies are clear, providing the ideal conditions for a pleasant and comfortable trek. However, the heat can make the trek more challenging, so be sure to carry plenty of water and sunscreen.

In early summer, snow can be found along the trail. This is also the time when you cross the Bhagirathi River over natural snow bridges. The snow remains until Gaumukh and sometimes even beyond until mid-May.

• In Autumn -

With the transition to autumn, the situation shifts. This is the best season for the Gaumukh-Tapovan trek because then you have an excellent view of the entire valley.

Autumn also brings colors to the trail. The vegetation on the way to Chirbasa turns shades of yellow, brown, and chestnut. The Bhagirathi also turns a deeper shade of blue. Its current is gentler compared to the summers.

• In Winters -

The winter months can see some snowfall at higher altitudes, making the trek more difficult. However, the views are even more stunning with the snow-capped mountains in the background. If you do decide to go during winter, be sure to pack warm clothes and sturdy boots.

The Gaumukh Tapovan Trek route starts from the village of Gaumukh and runs through the Tapovan area. The route is well-marked and there are plenty of places to rest and camp along the way. The trekking route takes approximately eight days to complete.

The Gaumukh Tapovan Trek is a great way to see some of the best scenery that Uttarakhand has to offer. The trekking route takes you through some of the most beautiful landscapes in the country. You will get to see plenty of wildlife along the way, including some rare and endangered species.

The trekking route is also a great way to meet people from all over the world.