Gomukh & Tapovan Trek

The Gaumukh glacier is the source of Bhagirathi and is held in high esteem by the devout who do not miss the opportunity to have a holy dip in the bone chilling icy water. Gaumukh is where the water of Ganga trickles down from the glaciers. The sages called it ‘Gaumukh’, because in the distant past, it probably appeared like a cow’s mouth. Tapovan is an ideal location for travelers looking for peace and adventure. Tapovan is located at an altitude of 4,463 m / 14,640 ft above sea level. Tapovan is known for its beautiful meadows that encircle the base camp of the Shivling peak. It is full of bubbling streams, wildflowers and campsites. Herds of Bharal (blue mountain goats) is a common sight from here on mountain ridges. On the far side of the glacier the Bhagirathi I, II, III (6,454 m) provide an equally impressive backdrop. This area is a climber′s paradise.

Short Itinerary

Day 1: Dehradun to Gangnani/Gangotri drive – 7/8 h drive

Day 2: Gangotri (3,048 m) to Chirbasa (3,600 m) – 6 h trek

Day 3: Chirbasa to Bhojbasa (3,800 m) – 3 h trek

Day 4: Bhojbasa to Gaumukh (3,900 m) to Tapovan (4,335 m)- 7 h

Day 5: Rest day Tapovan (4,463 m)

Day 6: Tapovan to Bhojbasa- 5-6 h

Day 7: Bhojbasa to Gangotri- 5-6 h

Day 8: Gangotri to Dehradun drive- 9 h

Day 1:- Dehradun to Gangnani/Gangotri drive
7/8 hours’ drive 190/242 km
From Dehradun we drive to Gangnani via Uttarkashi. Gangnani is known for the natural hot water spring baths it has. We can also drive till Gangotri on this day itself. We stay at a guesthouse overnight.

Day 2:- Gangotri (3,048 m) to Chirbasa (3,600 m)
6 hours trek 9 km
On this day, we start our trek from Gangotri to Chirbasa (3,650 m). From Gangotri we move along the beaten trail towards Chirbasa, which is on tree line. The entire trek today is along the roaring Bhagirathi River.

Day 3:- Bhagirathi peaks as seen from Chirbasa
Chirbasa to Bhojbasa (3,800 m)
3 hours 5 km
Beyond Chirbasa the terrain becomes really desolate and barren. In fact, it has been referred to as Arctic Tundra by many trekkers. From Chirbasa we trek further to Bhojwassa, the entire trail passes through dense forest. In Bhojbasa there is a small temple and a potential campsite near the river. In afternoon we are free to explore the area and to enjoy excellent sunset on Bhagirathi group of peaks.

Day 4:- Bhojbasa to Gaumukh (3,900 m) to Tapovan (4,335 m)
7 hours 9 km
Early in the morning enjoy the panoramic view of Bhagirathi group of peaks. After breakfast we trek to Gaumukh (3,890 m), the source of the Ganges. We explore the area and trek to Tapovan, one of the finest high altitude alpine meadows in the area.

The trek from Gaumukh to Tapovan has steep ascent, and as we climb, the view of the surrounding peaks becomes clearer. They appear to be just a stone’s throw away. It is also a little wonder why Sadhus and saints choose this spot for extended meditation during the long summer months.

Day 5:- Tapovan (4,463 m) rest day
This day is free for us to acclimatize, relax and enjoy the magnificent snow-capped peaks, flora, fauna, and mountain landscape. This land is frequented by some of the greatest contemporary mountaineers. The Shivling peak stands tall in front of us. Behind Shivling, towards the right is Meru. A little towards the left of Shivling, is Sumeru. The Bhagirathi peaks are visible further to the left. Bhagirathi III, Meru (Central Peak) and Sumeru have some of the hardest climbing routes in the world. We can visit the Meru Glacier and return to our campsite.

Day 6:- Tapovan to Bhojbasa
5-6 hours trek 7 km
Early in the morning we enjoy the sunrise on high peaks. After breakfast we trek down to Bhojbasa.

Day 7:- Way back to Gangotri
Bhojbasa to Gangotri
5-6 hours trek 14 km
We trek to Gangotri in the morning. Dinner and overnight stay at a guesthouse.

Day 8:- The reservoir at Tehri
Gangotri to Dehradun drive
9 h drive 245 km
Early morning after breakfast, we drive back to Dehradun and arrive by evening.

Inclusions :-
1. Transport: Dehradun to Sankri and Return.
2. Meals while on trek (Veg. + Egg).
3. All necessary entry fees and permits.
4. Accommodation:- Guest house, Home stay, camping during Trek.
5. Mountaineering qualified & professional trek Leader, guide, cook and Support staff.
6. First aid medical kits, stretcher and oxygen cylinder.
7. Trek equipments: Sleeping bag, mattress, tent (twin sharing), kitchen & dinning tent, toilet tent, utensils and crampon (if required).
8. AH Staff Insurance.
9. Porters/mules to carry central equipment.

Exclusions :-
1. Any kind of personal expenses.
2. Food during the transit.
3. Mules or porter to carry personal luggage.
4. Insurance.
5. Any kind of emergency evacuation charges 6. Anything not specifically mentioned under the head.

Note : Normally AH expect to carry your personal luggage on your own, if you wish to offload your backpack, you can give it to Mule.
Charges of offloading backpack:-
INR 1500/- if you make an online payment, 10 days in advance
INR 1800/- if you inform us after reaching Sankri
The backpack cannot weigh more than 11 kgs. Backpack should have waterproof cover. Suitcases/strolleys/ bags will not be allowed.

CANCELLATION, POLICY

It is wise to make your booking at least two months in advance. In the event of cancellation of trek/adventure activity services due to any avoidable / unavoidable reasons we must be notified of the same in writing. Cancellation charges will be effective from the date we receive advice in writing, andcancellation charges would be as follows

Up to 30 Days: – 90% of Trek/adventure program cost will be refund.

Between 21 – 30 Days: – 50% of Trek/Adventure/Tour/Travel/Hotel program cost will be refund.

Location

Related Tours

Per Person (Includes all costs of the from Dehradun to Dehradun) (5% GST)

Duration – 8 Days (Dehradun to Dehradun)
Best Season – May end to June September to October
Moderate – This is a moderate level trek requiring a descent amount of fitness. Minimum possible age can be 15 years.

AVERAGE TEMPERATURE:

temperatures – Gaumukh Tapovan the campsite at Tapovan remains quite cold even in summer. Camp base 20°C Max/ -5°C Min

You’ll Need to bring or rent

Backpack
Trekking Shoes
Suitable Clothing

SHORT ITINERARY

Day 1:- Dehradun to Gangnani/Gangotri drive
7/8 hours’ drive 190/242 km
Day 2:- Gangotri (3,048 m) to Chirbasa (3,600 m)
6 hours trek 9 km
Day 3:- Bhagirathi peaks as seen from Chirbasa
Chirbasa to Bhojbasa (3,800 m)
3 hours 5 km
Day 4:- Bhojbasa to Gaumukh (3,900 m) to Tapovan (4,335 m)
7 hours 9 km
Day 5:- Tapovan (4,463 m) rest day
This day is free for us to acclimatize, relax and enjoy the magnificent snow-capped peaks, flora, fauna, and mountain landscape. This land is frequented by some of the greatest contemporary mountaineers. The Shivling peak stands tall in front of us. Behind Shivling, towards the right is Meru. A little towards the left of Shivling, is Sumeru. The Bhagirathi peaks are visible further to the left. Bhagirathi III, Meru (Central Peak) and Sumeru have some of the hardest climbing routes in the world. We can visit the Meru Glacier and return to our campsite.
Day 6:- Tapovan to Bhojbasa
5-6 hours trek 7 km
Day 7:- Way back to Gangotri
Bhojbasa to Gangotri
5-6 hours trek 14 km
Day 8:- The reservoir at Tehri
Gangotri to Dehradun drive
9 h drive 245 km