Basic Information
Gaumukh Tapovan Trek
Highest Altitude: 4460m (14632 ft)
Location: Gangotri National Park
State/Country: Uttarakhand/ India
Base Village: Gangotri
Trek Open: May to October
Total Distance: 46km (Return)
Number of Days: 5 Days
Difficulty Level: Moderate
Best Time To Trek
This trek is open only between May and October. The best time to do this trek would be in September or October. The weather is pleasant and views are clear. You can also do this trek in the month of May when it opens post winter. It would be cold but you would have best views of Mt.Shivling.
Plan Your Trek
Organisers
You can do this trek on your own without any guide. You will need to get permission online on this website.
You will need a medical certificate from a doctor who can affirm your fitness level for the trek, a copy of Aadhar card and a medical insurance.
If you are doing this trek on your own, then needless to say that you will have to carry tents, sleeping bags and food. There are ashrams in Bhojwasa and Tapovan. You can plan to stay with the Bhabas there who offer food and stay for a nominal price.
The next best option is to join an organised group. As always, I recommend - Trek the Himalayas, Himalayan trekkers and Bikat Adventures. You can look for cheaper but good options like Himalayan Hikers.
Buy or Rent the necessary Gears
There is only one shop that rents out trekking gears in Gangotri. But they do have all required equipments. The shop is on the main road and is hard to miss. So, you can plan to rent trekking polls, poncho or even shoes and jackets. I would however recommend you to carry your own items if you plan to trek frequently. Here is my list of things to carry on a trek - List of Things to Carry On A Trek.
How To Reach Gangotri?
Gangotri is located at a distance of 235km from Dehradun (Nearest Airport or Railway Station). There are buses and shared jeeps from Dehradun or Uttarkashi. The journey might take you not less than 12 hours from Dehradun, if not more. It can be a tiring journey and I would recommend hiring a jeep or car. Most buses and jeeps leave early in the morning.
Stay In Gangotri
There are plenty of stay options in Gangotri. You can check google maps or any booking sites for details. We stayed at Hotel Mandakini. It has basic amenities and is very close to the Main Street and temple. The trail leading upto the Forest department starts from this hotel. Hotel Krishna palace on the main road is not just a good restaurant but also has accommodation. All along the Main Street you will find people offering accommodation. So, there is no need to book in advance unless it is a peak season.
Things to do in Gangotri
Visit Gangotri Temple, Ghat, Surya Kund, Gowri Kund, Tapovan Hiranyagarbha Art Gallery, Pandava Caves. You an also take a walk along the Main Street. There are a lot of shopping options and good restaurants along the main Street.
The Trail
You can finish this trek in 4 days by skipping Chirbasa. Many people do that. But I would not recommend it. Chirbasa is one of the most beautiful campsites on this trek. And what is the hurry? Why would you want to rush through a trek in the Himalayas? So, this itinerary was perfect for us.
Day 01: Gangotri (3415m / 11200ft) To Chirbasa (3600m / 11800ft)
Distance/ Time: 11km (6H)
This is a very easy trail. It is mostly flat and has good track to walk on. You will mostly be walking along a path cut through the mountain, parallel to the river below. But Chirbasa campsite is the main attraction here. You take a small detour from the track and get down to the forest below. The campsite is located very close to the river; in a shaded area. It is truly peaceful out there. Enjoy the evening at the riverfront. You can also view Mt Manda and Mt. Nandi from here.
Day 02: Chirbasa (3600m / 11800ft) To Bhojwasa (3830m / 12565 ft)
Distance/ Time: 6km (2.5H)
Most people go directly from Gangotri to Bhojwasa on the first day. Chirbasa to Bhojwasa is a short trek. It is easy. But be mindful of the falling rocks. Small rocks keeping rolling down the slopes due to wind or Bharals (Blue sheep). It is advised to wear helmets while crossing such regions. Bhojwasa campsite looks like a settlement from the top. There are ashrams, forest offices and cabins. From here, you will get a beautiful view of the Bhagirathi sisters.
Day 03: Bhojwasa (3830m / 12565 ft) to Tapovan (4460m / 14632ft) via Gaumukh (4025m / 13205 ft)
Distance/ Time: 6km (5H)
This is the day you have been waiting for. The day begins with a tedious river crossing. Ropes and pulleys are used to drag a carriage from one side to another. Make sure to form a queue early if there is a crowd. People do get impatient and fights breakout often here. You will need help from porters to cross. If you are travelling alone, then you need to speak to guides and porters who are helping their teams cross. Make sure to lend a helping hand when you reach the other side as this is a lot of handwork.
Once you have crossed the river, the walk continues. You walk towards the Bhagirathi massif. This route is beautiful and is covered with white stones, red and yellow shrubs during the month of October.
At the end of this long trail is Gaumukh - The terminus of the 32km long Gangotri Glacier that originates below Mt.Chaukhamba. Relax here for as long as you want because what follows is a steep and challenging climb to Tapovan.
Though very tough, it is worth all the pain. You will reach the plateau and be welcomed with magnificent views of Mt Shivling and Mt. Meru. You can of course see the Bhagirathi Massif and also see Kedar Dome. The campsite is beautiful. There are two ashrams. One of Mauni bhaba. It would be a sin to miss the sunrise and sunset on Mt.Shivling. Do wake up early and pick a good spot right in front of Mt.Shivling to watch the first rays of the sun lit up the mountains. This is the closest you can watch a full mountain from top to bottom. You can stay at Mauni Bhaba’s house for a nominal fee.
Day 04: Tapovan (4460m / 14632ft) to Chirbasa (3600m / 11800ft)
Distance/ Time: 12km (7H)
After an outdoor breakfast, head back to Bhojwasa. Getting down from Tapovan is more challenging than the climb as all the load is now on your ankles and knees. The walk back till the river crossing is beautiful and relaxed. Enjoy the views as you head back. There is no hurry to get anywhere. Enjoy the serenity as long as you can while you are there. Instead of staying at Bhojwasa, we headed to Chirbasa.
Day 05: Chirbasa (3600m / 11800ft) to Gangotri (3415m / 11200ft)
Distance/ Time: 11km (3H)
On this last day, enjoy the morning at the riverside. You can start late as this last stretch is easy and will take you only 3 hours. You must reach Gangotri by noon so that you can enjoy a good shower and lunch at a cafe on the main Street. Explore or relax in Gangotri, visit the temple and watch the Aarathi before you head back to Dehradun.
My Experience
When I began this trek, honestly, I was not impressed. The trail was easy and had a clear pathway. But the first evening at Chirbasa, I was happy to spend time by the River Bhagirathi. The river crossing at Bhojwasa on a pulley and cable arrangement was interesting and unexpected. Spending a few hours in front of Gaumukh and watch the water slowly trickle down and flow was a memorable experience. The most challenging part of the trek was the climb up to Tapovan. But it was worth all that pain as you see the Mt.Shivling from top to bottom from the plateau.
We had a very interesting conversation with Mauni bhaba who lives in Tapovan. It was something I had not expected. Overall, the exeprience was transformational and I enjoyed this journey to the source of River Ganga - Not so much for religious reasons but as someone curious to understand the source of a river. How often do you get to take such incredible journey? You can read about my experiences here - Gaumukh Tapovan Trek.
My Film On Gaumukh Tapovan Trek
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