Gaumukh Tapovan Trek
Gaumukh Tapovan Trek is a high-altitude trek in Uttarakhand that begins from Gangotri and leads to Gaumukh and Tapovan. The trek is known for…
Gaumukh Tapovan Trek
Base: ₹12,999
Gaumukh Tapovan Trek is a high-altitude trek in Uttarakhand that begins from Gangotri and leads to Gaumukh and Tapovan. The trek is known for its combination of Himalayan scenery, spiritual significance, and views of prominent peaks such as Shivling, Meru, and Bhagirathi.
The trail passes through Chirbasa, known for blue pine trees, and Bhojwasa, associated with Bhojpatra trees. Along the route, trekkers may see the Bhagirathi River, the Gangotri Glacier, Gaumukh snout, high-altitude meadows at Tapovan, and mountain views including Bhagirathi I, II, III, and Mount Meru.
Gaumukh is described as the source of the Bhagirathi River and the sacred origin of the Ganges. The glacier snout is said to resemble a cow’s mouth, which gives Gaumukh its name. The trek also carries religious significance through its connection with Gangotri and the traditions associated with the descent of the Ganga.
The trek is rated moderate to difficult and requires a high level of physical fitness. It involves long walking days and steep ascent toward Tapovan over moraines.
Typical accommodation on the trek consists of tents. Toilets are basic; Gangotri has guesthouse washrooms, while Chirbasa and Bhojwasa may have dry pit toilets or toilet tents. Camping is not allowed directly at the Gaumukh snout.
There is a possibility of Acute Mountain Sickness due to the altitude. Reported symptoms include headache, nausea or vomiting, dizziness, tiredness, and loss of appetite.
The best time mentioned for the trek is from May to June and September to October. July to August is associated with monsoon conditions and landslides, while late October onward brings snowfall and winter closure.
Quick itinerary
- Dehradun to Gangotri
- Acclimatization day at Gangotri
- Gangotri to Chirbasa
- Chirbasa to Bhojbasa
- Bhojbasa to Tapovan
- Tapovan to Bhojwasa via Gaumukh
- Bhojwasa to Gangotri
- Depart for Dehradun
The trek is best done between November and April when the snow cover is at its finest. Summer months (Mayu2013June) are also pleasant but offer less snow.
A moderate fitness level is sufficient. We recommend at least 4u20136 weeks of cardio training (running, cycling, or brisk walking 5 km/day) before the trek.
The maximum altitude on this trek is manageable for most healthy adults. Our guides carry a pulse oximeter and a basic first-aid kit. We acclimatise gradually and descend immediately if symptoms arise.
The fee covers accommodation (tents / guesthouses), all meals from Day 1 dinner to last day breakfast, experienced trek leader, permits, and first-aid support.
Cancellations made 30+ days before the trek date receive a full refund. 15u201329 days: 50% refund. Less than 15 days: no refund. You may reschedule once at no charge.
Itinerary
Drive from Dehradun to Gangotri by road to begin the trek. Gangotri is the trailhead and a sacred town on the Bhagirathi River.
- Gangotri
- Bhagirathi River
- Gangotri Temple
Acclimatization day at Gangotri before starting higher-altitude trekking. The day also allows time to attend the aarti at Gangotri.
- Gangotri
- Gangotri Temple
- Aarti
Trek from Gangotri to Chirbasa along the Bhagirathi valley. The route passes through blue pine forest, with Chirbasa named after the pine trees found here.
- Chirbasa
- Bhagirathi River
- Blue pine trees
Trek from Chirbasa to Bhojbasa with a gradual ascent along the Bhagirathi River. Bhojbasa is associated with bhojpatra trees, and blue sheep may be seen on this section.
- Bhojbasa
- Bhagirathi River
- Bhojpatra trees
- Blue sheep
Trek from Bhojbasa to Gaumukh and continue to Tapovan. The route reaches the Gaumukh snout and then crosses moraine and rocky terrain on a steep ascent to the Tapovan meadow.
- Gaumukh
- Gangotri Glacier
- Tapovan
- Shivling Peak
- Meru
- Bhagirathi peaks
Descend from Tapovan back via Gaumukh to Bhojbasa. The route retraces the moraine and glacier approach before returning to camp at Bhojbasa.
- Tapovan
- Gaumukh
- Bhojbasa
Trek back from Bhojbasa to Gangotri, descending along the Bhagirathi valley and passing back through Chirbasa.
- Bhojbasa
- Chirbasa
- Gangotri
- Bhagirathi River
Return from Gangotri to Dehradun by road after completing the trek.
- Gangotri
- Dehradun
What's included
Included 4
- Required Trek Permits
- Accommodation
- Acclimatization support
- Permit logistics
Not included 1
- Camping at Gaumukh snout
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