Gaumukh Tapovan Trek

A hike to source of Ganges river

Gaumakh trek is one the most satisfying treks you ever do in your life.

The terminus or muzzle of the Gangotri river resembles a cow’s mouth and hence its called ‘Gaumukh’ or ‘Gomukh’. On the Gaumukh Tapovan trek, you don’t just see the best views of Mt Shivling. You see Mt Shivling right from the base to its summit. And if you don’t know about Mt Shivling, it’s one of the most beautiful looking mountains in our country. The Gomukh Tapovan trek is scenic with nature’s bounty and is decorated with fragrant flowers, snow-capped peaks, and similar jaw-dropping views. Take a dip in the holy Bhagirathi River, which is considered one of the sacred rituals. During the Gomukh glacier trek, one can also immerse in the divine aura of the pilgrim cities- Rishikesh, Uttarkashi, Gangotri, and Bhojwassa. Marvel at the sight of the Bhagirathi sisters to experience the summit views.

Best time to visit – May – June & September – October

Intensity – Difficult

TRAVEL PLAN

Day 1: Reach Gangotri from Dehradun (Drive distance: 242 km | Drive Duration: 8 hours)

– You will be driving from Dehradun to Gangnani via Uttarkashi.

Day 2: Trek from Gangotri (10,050 ft) to Chirbasa (11,630 ft) (Trek Distance: 10 km | Trek Duration: 6 hours)

– Moderate. Initial 300 m steep ascent followed by a very gradual ascent all the way. 

Day 3: Chirbasa (11,630 ft) to Bhojbasa (12,415 ft) (Trek Distance: 5 km | Trek Duration: 3 hours)

– Moderate. Initial 100 m ascent to get back on the trail. Very gradual ascent all the way to Bhojbasa

Day 4: Acclimatization walk to Gaumukh (13,090 ft) and back to Bhojbasa (12,415 ft) (Trek Distance: 6 km | Trek Duration: 3 hours)

– Moderately ascending trail with boulder and moraine sections

Day 5: Bhojbasa (12,415 ft) to Tapovan (14,203 ft) (Trek Distance: 6 km | Trek Duration: 9 hours)

– Difficult. Gradual ascent for 2.5 hours. 2 hours glacier walk followed by 1 hour of moderate ascent. Final 1.5 hours is a steep ascent.

Day 6: Tapovan (14,203 ft) to Bhojbasa (12,415 ft) (Trek Distance: 6 km | Trek Duration: 5 hours)

– Moderate Difficult. Level trail to Chirbasa.

Day 7: Bhojbasa (12,415 ft) to Gangotri (10,050 ft) (Trek Distance: 14 km | Trek Duration: 8 hours)

– Tricky descent over bouldery section

Day 8: Drive from Gangotri to Dehradun (Drive distance: 242 km | Drive Duration: 8 hours)

– Drive from Gangotri to Dehradun

Other Details

Maximum Altitude – 14203 Ft – Tapovan

Trek Dates in May 2024 – 18

Trek Dates in June 2024 – 24

Trek Dates in September 2024 – 28

Trek Dates in October 2024 – 01