Gaumukh Tapovan Trek
The Complete Gaumukh Tapovan Trek Guide: Itinerary, Preparation, and What to Expect
The Gaumukh Tapovan Trek is a fascinating high-altitude trek in the Garhwal Himalayan region of Uttarakhand, an amalgamation of divine significance with natural grandeur. This trek starts from the sacred town of Gangotri, and leads our trekkers to the Gaumukh Glacier, the well-known Bhagirathi River, and further expands to the alpine meadows of Tapovan which is settled at the majestic Mt. Shivling base.
Basic Overview of Gaumukh Tapovan Trek
Gamukh Tapovan Trek requires 8 days of journey in total from start to end with the distance of approximately 41 km and 4,450 m altitude. The trek is considered moderate to difficult and can be done by anyone. Although, prior trekking experience or fitness is required for it.
The best season to do this trek is summer season between May to June. Throughout the trek you are accommodated in tents except the day 1 where guests will be provided guest house to stay; both arranged by Thin Air Expedition.
Key Highlights of the Gaumukh Tapovan Trek:
Gaumukh means “the mouth of cow”. This holy place holds spiritual significance due to the origin of the Ganges River.
The towering peaks of Mt. Shivling, Bhagirathi (all three peaks) and Mt. Meru give a scenic pleasure to your eyes from the peaceful meadows of Tapovan.
Trekkers experience diverse landscapes, such as, dense forests to rugged terrains to glacial moraines to high-altitude grasslands. It helps them learn about varied ecosystems.
Right from Gangotri village, a sacred pilgrimage place, trekkers learn about spiritual practices perform by locals and also get to know their traditions.
What is the Permit Requirement for Gaumukh Tapovan Trek?
To embark on this remarkable journey in the heart of the Himalayas, it is essential to secure a permit. This can be obtained from the forest department in Uttarkashi, or more conveniently, our trekking agency can assist you with the application process. Please ensure you bring a valid Government ID, as permits cannot be issued without it.
Also, take a note; only limited numbers of permits are given for this trek for the day so make sure you have sent your request of permit processing in advance. Take help of your trekking agency for the same.
Complete Gaumukh Tapovan Trek Itinerary
Day 1-Dehradun To Gangotri
Drive distance: 250 km, around 9 to 10 hours
Altitude: 3,100 m
Meals included: Dinner
Overnight stay: Guest House
How does your day 1 look?
Our traveller will pick you up sharp at 6 A.M. from Prince Chowk, Dehradun. Complete address will be sent a day before the journey starts.
After a drive, trekkers arrive in Gangotri, situated at an altitude of 3,100 meters. Known for its religious significance Gangotri, a small town, is the starting point of the river Ganges. Also, Gangotri happens to be the most popular starting point of several treks, including Gaumukh Tapovan Trek.
Spend your day exploring this sacred village by visiting the temple. You can also visit, Pandav gufa, Bhagirath Shila, Surya and Gaur Kund. Also, a day’s break is necessary to get trekkers acclimatized to the high altitude. Get to know like-minded fellow trekkers and share cultural differences with each other while experiencing the natural beauty and spiritual significance of the Himalayas.
Stay at the guest house.
Day 2-Gangotri To Chirbasa
Trek distance: 9 km, around 5 to 6 hours
Altitude covered: 3,550 m
Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, evening snack and dinner
Overnight stay: Camping at Chirbasa
How does your day 2 look?
Start your day with a trek following the Bhagirathi River upstream. The first day of trek is pleasant as the easy trail passes by a thick forest of Pine and Deodar.
The sound of river in the background and the mountains surrounded by tall trees make the view astounding.
After an easy yet satisfying trek stay at the Chirbasa campsite. Chirbasa is named after the abundance of trees in the area.
Get acclimatize to the higher altitude while relaxing and spending time clicking the beautiful pictures.
Day 3-Chirbasa To Bhojwasa
Trek distance: 5 km, around 3 to 4 hours
Altitude covered: 3,800 m
Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, evening, snack and dinner
Overnight stay: camping at Bhojwasa
How does your day 3 look?
A short but steep ascent is waiting for you on third day where the trail will lead you to Bhojwasa, situated at an altitude of 3,800 m.
Our trekkers still continue to follow the Bhagirathi River where they can enjoy the stunning view of towering mountains and the rippling sound of the river.
Your camps are arranged at the Bhojbasa located at the foot of Gangotri glacier which trekkers can see from a distance
The Bhagirathi peaks are the highlight of Day 3. They are best during sunrise and sunset when golden rays bath their peaks.
Day4-Bhojwasa To Tapovan
Trek distance: 6 km, around 7 to 8 hours
Altitude covered: 4,450 m
Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, evening snack and dinner
Overnight stay: Camping at Tapovan
How does your day 4 look?
The entire trail is rocky and steep which gives an adventurous experience. To reach Gaumukh you have to cross the Gangotri glacier which is challenging but also gives you a sense of satisfaction at the end. Walking on glacier is bit risky as the ground has ice and rocks and trekker needs to follow the guidance of trek leader.
After finishing the last stretch, take a dip into holy water (icy cold) and offer prayers.
After rest, head towards Tapovan-destination of the day which is a 2.5 hour short climb but has steep path.
Rest in your camps and enjoy the magnificent views of peaks like, Meru, Bhagirathi (all three).
Tapovan is also the base camp for Shivling. Viewed from Meru, Shivling peak looks just majestic and grand.
Day 5-Tapovan To Chirbasa
Trek distance: 11 km, around 6 to 7 hours
Altitude descend– 4,335 m – 3,600 m
Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, evening snack, and dinner
Overnight stay: Camping at Chirbasa
How does your day 5 look?
Enjoy this morning to the fullest by taking pictures of the towering Meru and Bhagirathi mountains. The rays of the morning sun cover the peaks of these mountains golden.
Today is going to be a lengthy walk of around 11 km from Tapovan to Chirbasa. You will come down in much less time than it took you to climb up.
Our team will provide packed lunch on the route while heading towards Chirbasa.
Expect to reach Chirbasa by late afternoon.
Rest in the camp or enjoy the stars while lying down on the ground only to enjoy the view before you head towards your camps.
Day 6-Chirbasa To Gangotri
Trek distance: 9 km, around 5 to 6 hours
Altitude descend: 3,600 m-3,048 m
Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, evening snack, and dinner
Overnight stay: Camping at Gangotri
How does your day 6 look?
Backtrack towards Gangotri while following the Bhagirathi River. After reaching the hotel rooms take a hot shower and call it a day.
Day 7-Depart For Dehradun
Drive Distance: 250 km, around 9 to 10 hrs
Altitude descend: 3048m-640 m ascend
Meals included: Breakfast
How does your last day look?
After a relishing breakfast, drive back to Dehradun and bid adieu to your fellow trekkers. By this time, we are sure, that in this entire journey, you must have made friends with like-minded people.
Risks and Precautions
Gaumukh Tapovan trek is a challenging journey. Any hike with rough, rocky, lengthy, and high-altitude rugged terrain needs good physical condition, and same goes with Gaumukh Tapovan trek.
Proper altitude acclimatization is important to prevent the sickness and for the same reason our team will make you comfortable with the heighted region.
You get scrumptious, delicious and healthy food at Thin Air Expedition, however, it is advised to carry healthy munches with you like, nuts, trail mix, bars and chocolates to avoid fatigue during the course of journey.
Carry a water bottle and keep yourself hydrated throughout the journey.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Where is the Gaumukh Tapovan Trek located?
It’s in Uttarkashi district, Uttarakhand. The starting point of this trek is, Gangotri, the sacred town that leads trekkers to Gaumukh (also known as the source of Ganga) and later to Tapovan, a high-altitude alpine grassland.
What is the difficulty level of this trek?
Gaumukh Tapovan Trek difficulty level is considered as Moderate to difficult as the journey involves crossing of glacier, steep ascents, and highland trekking above 4,267 m. hence, good fitness routine is suggested.
The total length of this trek is around 46 to 50 km which generally takes 6 to 7 days. In special circumstances the Gaumuh Tapovan Trek might stretch up to 1 extra day but not more than that. The entire journey includes,travel from and to Dehradun.
What is the best time to do the trek?
The best time to embark on Gaumukh Tapovan trek is before monsoon: May to mid-June. After monsoon, the trek is safer in the month of September and October. During these windows the trails are trails are accessible and weather is clear.
Do I need a permit for this trek?
Any trek that falls under forest department requires permit. Gauukh Tapovan Trek comes under Gangotri National Park, hence, trekkers must acquire entry permit from the forest officials. It is better to request your trekking agency or guide to make the process easier.
Is prior trekking experience required?
Not mandatory, but challenging terrain and high-altitude demands fitness and prior experience of trekking helps.
What kind of accommodation is provided?
On Day 1, guests are accommodated with guesthouses in Gangotri. Later throughout the journey from day 2 to day 6 tented camps are installed on the trail as there are no permanent structures beyond Gangotri.
Trekking with Thin Air Expedition is always safe. When you are on a trek like Gaumukh Tapovan which falls under wildlife sanctuary and involves activities like glacier crossings, also weather changes rapidly in such high-altitude areas and it is recommended to book your trek with certified guide and trekking agency.
What kind of fitness is needed for this trek?
For this trek you can start with jogging or brisk walking daily for at least 30–35 minutes. Work on your knee and leg strength. One should be comfortable carrying a backpack as mules don’t go due to steep terrain.
Are there network and charging facilities?
The last place where one will get the network is in Gangotri and that too BSNL. There are no mobile signals beyond Gangotri. Charging facility is not available during the journey so carry power banks.
Embarking on the Gaumukh Tapovan trek can be an adrenaline-charged adventure but it also guarantees a profound connection to spirituality as well as nature. This trek will create an unforgettable experience for both pilgrims and trek lovers.
The Gaumukh Tapovan trek is a challenging experience, and carrying out this journey successfully requires a skilled guide. Our dedicated certified trekking leaders are make sure that your trek is both successful and enjoyable, allowing you to fully adore the nature without any stress. Thin Air Expedition guarantees that every aspect, of the trek, right from acquiring a trekking permit for you to the overall success of the trek is seamless and enjoyable.
Why Choose Us
At Thin Air Expedition, we don’t just lead treks — we create experiences that stay with you for a lifetime. Here’s why adventurers from around the world choose us: