This trek to Gaumukh and Tapovan takes you to the Gangotri glacier, the source of the holy river Ganges. Trekking along snow-covered mountain slopes and camping at photogenic campsites, you’ll make your way across the rough mountainous terrain. After 5 days of uphill climbing on routes that will take you to an elevation of 14,000 feet, you’ll reach the vast expanse of the glacier that feeds the holy Ganges. You’ll also be accompanied by mesmerizing views of snow-capped peaks of Mt. Shivling, Mt. Gangotri, Mt. Bhagirathi and several other lofty mountains.
This trek takes you over a moderately challenging route. Travellers must be able to undertake strenuous patches of uphill climbing for 5 to 6 hours everyday.
Destination
Gaumukh is located at the snout of the Gangotri glacier, traditionally believed to be the source of the holy Ganges. At Gaumukh, the melting glacier feeds the Bhagirathi River that merges with the Alaknanda River to form the sacred Ganges. Gaumukh is a popular destination among trekking enthusiasts for the challenge of hiking along a boulder-ridden path to catch spectacular views of Mt. Shivling. Gaumukh is also visited by pious men and women from all around the country that visit the holy land seeking spiritual inspiration.
Destination highlights
Visit the origin of the holy Ganges on a trek to Gaumukh and Tapovan. | Trek along a moderately challenging route at an elevation of 14,000 feet. | Catch awe-inspiring glances of Mt. Shivling. | Stay in tents pitched at campsites with breathtaking views.
Day 1 of the Gaumukh Tapovan trek: Dehradun to Gangotri
Arrive at the parking lot of the Dehradun railway station by 06:00 hrs. From here, you'll travel to the town of Gangotri in shared, private vehicles. This 8-hr road trip will take you via the towns of Mussoorie and Uttarkashi. Driving along a scenic route, you'll arrive at Gangotri by late evening. Overnight at Gangotri in guesthouse.
Overnight at Gangotri in guesthouse.
Your trip begins from the Dehradun railway station by 06:00 hrs. Travel to Gangotri will be arranged in shared, private vehicles. Today's meal plan includes dinner only. En route to Gangotri, you'll stop at local restaurants to have meals at an additional cost. You'll be accommodated in a guesthouse.
Day 1 Milestone
Dehradun
Gangotri
06:00 AM
Food
Dinner
Veg
Day 2 of the Gaumukh Tapovan trek: Day at Gangotri
You'll spend the day resting at Gangotri. This day is set aside for you to acclimatize to the high altitude of 11,200 feet before beginning the trek. Make sure to eat frequently, drink lots of water and take short walks around town. You can visit the marketplace for any last minute shopping, eat local cuisine at restaurants or visit the famous Gangotri temple. Overnight at Gangotri in guesthouse.
Overnight at Gangotri in guesthouse.
Spend the day acclimatizing at Gangotri. Today's meal plan includes breakfast, lunch and dinner. You'll be accommodated in the same guesthouse at Gangotri.
Day 2 Milestone
Gangotri
Gangotri
06:00 AM
Food
Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner
Veg
Day 3 of the Gaumukh Tapovan trek: Gangotri to Chirbassa
Begin the trek with a 5-hr trek to Chirbassa. A gradual trek along the Bhagirathi River, the trail takes you through the mountains of the Gangotri National Park. You'll trek under towering peaks of pine trees and end the trek at the campsite in Chirbassa. Here, you'll be greeted with breathtaking views of the Bhagirathi mountain peaks, the Manda peak and the Bhrigu mountain. Overnight at Chirbassa in tents.
Overnight at Chirbassa in tents.
Today, you'll trek to the meadows of Chirbassa. Today's meal package includes breakfast, lunch and dinner. You'll be accommodated in alpine tents on a twin-sharing basis. Sleeping bags and mattresses will be provided for a restful night's sleep. The campsite comes with common kitchen/dining and toilet tents.
Day 3 Milestone
Gangotri
Chirbassa
06:00 AM
Food
Breakfast
Veg
Day 4 of the Gaumukh Tapovan trek: Chirbassa to Bhojwasa
Today's trek will take you to Bhojwasa. On a slight ascent, the trail will pass through rough mountainous terrain with muddy tracks. You'll reach Bhojwasa after a 3-hr trek. Bhojwasa, surrounded by bhopatra and birch trees, offers beautiful views of Mt. Shivling. Overnight at Bhojwasa in tents.
Overnight at Bhojwasa in tents.
Today, you'll trek to the campsite of Bhojwasa. Today's meal package includes breakfast, lunch and dinner. You'll be accommodated in alpine tents on a twin-sharing basis. Sleeping bags and mattresses will be provided for a restful night's sleep. The campsite comes with common kitchen/dining and toilet tents.
Day 4 Milestone
Chirbassa
Bhojwasa
06:00 AM
Food
Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner
Veg
Day 5 of the Gaumukh Tapovan trek: Day trek to Gaumukh
Today, you'll embark on a day trek from Bhojwasa to Gaumukh, known to be the source of the holy Ganga River. En route, you'll climb over a challenging and tricky section of the trail with plenty of steep inclines and boulders. Soon, you'll find yourself at the Gangotri glacier of Gaumukh, with splendid views of the Mt. Shivling, Mt. Meru and the Bhagirathi Peaks. After a gruelling 8-hr trek, you'll return back to Bhojwasa. Overnight at Bhojwasa in tents.
Overnight at Bhojwasa in tents.
Today, you'll trek to Gaumukh and return to Bhojwasa. Today's meal package includes breakfast, lunch and dinner. You'll be accommodated in alpine tents on a twin-sharing basis. Sleeping bags and mattresses will be provided for a restful night's sleep. The campsite comes with common kitchen/dining and toilet tents.
Day 5 Milestone
Bhojwasa
Bhojwasa
06:00 AM
Food
Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner
Veg
Day 6 of the Gaumukh Tapovan trek: Bhojwasa to Gangotri
Begin your return journey by retracing your steps back to Gangotri. On the return trek, you'll pass through the rocky terrain and the moraines of the Gangotri glacier once again. After a steep descend through Gaumukh, where you'll need to be a little more careful than usual, you'll trek alongside the Bhagirathi river and make your way to Gangotri. En route, you'll also walk through the pine forests and waterfalls of the Gangotri National Park. Overnight at Gangotri in tents.
Overnight at Gangotri.
Today, you'll trek from Bhojwasa to Gangotri. Today's meal package includes breakfast, lunch and dinner. You'll be accommodated in alpine tents on a twin-sharing basis. Sleeping bags and mattresses will be provided for a restful night's sleep. The campsite comes with common kitchen/dining and toilet tents.
Day 6 Milestone
Bhojwasa
Gangotri
06:00 AM
Food
Dinner
Veg
Day 7 of the Gaumukh Tapovan trek: Gangotri to Dehradun
Board shared, private vehicles and travel back to Dehradun. You'll drive back on same scenic route, along the Bhagirathi River, and arrive at Dehradun by 17:00 hrs. Your trip ends here.
Your trip ends by evening.
No meals are provided today. En route to Gangotri, you'll stop at local restaurants to have meals at an additional cost. Your trip ends at Dehradun railway station by 17:00 hrs.
For cancellations made more than 24 days before departure of the Gaumukh Tapovan trek: 95% refund.
For cancellations made 14-24 days before departure of the Gaumukh Tapovan trek: 70% refund.
For cancellations made 10-13 days before departure of the Gaumukh Tapovan trek: 50% refund.
For cancellations made less than 10 days before departure of the Gaumukh Tapovan trek: no refund.
All refunds will be processed after deducting a transaction fee of INR 200 per person. This fee is charged by The Great Next.
Rules on trip
Travellers are required to adhere to the instructions of the trek leader during the Gaumukh Tapovan trek.
Consumption of alcohol, drugs, tobacco products like cigarettes is strictly prohibited during the trek.
Travellers are requested to treat the local culture with respect and avoid littering, defacing property and monuments and causing general disturbance.
Additional instructions, booking policies, terms and conditions
The tour operator reserves the right to cancel or alter the itinerary of the Gaumukh Tapovan trek to maximize the safety of travellers as well as staff.
Travellers will be required to bear any additional costs arising due to unforeseen circumstances such as bad weather, road blocks etc.
Snow-capped mountains en route to Bhojwasa.
Imposing views on the way to the Gaumukh glacier.
Set up tents at the photogenic Chirbassa campsite.
Morning views at the Bhojwasa campsite.
Set up tents at the photogenic Chirbassa campsite.
Snow-capped mountains en route to Bhojwasa.
Imposing views on the way to the Gaumukh glacier.
Mt. Shivling, standing tall at an altitude of 21,466 feet.
Set up tents at the photogenic Chirbassa campsite.
Travel arrangements from Dehradun-Dehradun in SUV, Tempo Traveller or similar shared, private vehicle
All meals from dinner on day 1 to dinner on day 6
Accommodation in tents for 3 nights on a twin-sharing basis and in a home-stay for 3 nights on a multi-sharing basis
All equipment required for camping: tents, sleeping bag and mattress
Common kitchen/dining tent and washroom tent
Any technical equipment required for the trek
Services of experienced trek leader and camping crew
All government permits and charges
First aid kit (including oxygen cylinder)
All applicable taxes
Excludes
Travel between your home city and Dehradun
Services of porters/mules to carry personal luggage (arranged at additional cost of INR 1,900 per person, per backpack of maximum 9 kgs)
Any costs arising out of unforeseen circumstances such as bad weather, road blocks etc.
Personal expenses such as gratuity tips to staff, extra meals and beverages etc.
Adventure travel insurance
Anything not mentioned in inclusions
What to Wear
What to Wear
Comfortable, quick-dry apparel
Synthetic pants, full-sleeve t-shirts
Woollen cap and balaclava
Neck gaiter
Trekking footwear
Woollen socks and gloves
Windcheater and jacket
Sweater and thermal wear
Raincoat or poncho
Not to wear - Expensive jewellery or gadgets
Sandals or slippers (while trekking)
Hard luggage like suitcases or trolley bags
What not to Wear
Loose clothing that will tangle around you while swimming
Restrictive clothing
Flip-flops
Equipment / Gear
We Provide
SUV, Tempo Traveller or similar shared, private vehicles for transport from Dehradun-Dehradun
All equipment required for camping
Alpine tents, sleeping bags and mattresses
Common kitchen/dining and toilet tents
Any technical equipment required for the trek
First aid kit (including oxygen cylinders)
You need to get
Rucksack (with rain cover)
Day pack (with rain cover)
ID proof
Water bottle
Toilet paper
Trekking poles and knee cap (optional)
Sunglasses (polarised, anti-glare)
Torch (extra batteries)
Sunscreen lotion and lip balm
Personal toiletries
Medical Kit
Specific personal or prescribed medication, personal first-aid kit.
Directions towards the Pick up Point
Dehradun is well-connected to most major cities of the country via flights to Jolly Grant Airport and trains to Dehradun railway station. From the airport, your pick-up point (the railway station) is located 1-hr drive away. Google Maps pin: https://goo.gl/maps/qbbxfYtrgDt
Directions towards the Start Point
The tour operator will arrange your transport to the start point of this trek.