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The Gaumukh Tapovan Trek in Uttarakhand’s Gangotri National Park is a perfect blend of spiritual significance, natural beauty, and Himalayan adventure. At an altitude of 14,600 ft (4,450 m), this trek takes you to the very source of the holy river Ganga, the Gaumukh Glacier, and onward to the alpine meadows of Tapovan—a revered meditation ground for sages for centuries.
The journey begins from Gangotri (3,048 m), one of the Char Dhams, and moves along the Bhagirathi River through fragrant pine forests, rugged mountain trails, and high-altitude landscapes. The first major stop is Bhojwasa (3,775 m), a scenic campsite flanked by birch trees and offering the first close-up views of the Bhagirathi peaks.
From Bhojwasa, the trail continues to Gaumukh (4,000 m), where the glacier snout resembles a cow’s mouth—hence the name Gaumukh (“cow’s mouth”). Watching the mighty Ganga emerge from beneath the ice is a profoundly spiritual and surreal moment.
The trek then leads to Tapovan (4,450 m), a breathtaking meadow at the foot of Mount Shivling (6,543 m), often called the “Matterhorn of India.” Tapovan is surrounded by majestic peaks including Bhagirathi I, II, III, Meru Parvat, and Sudarshan Parbat. Its vast alpine meadows, filled with wildflowers in summer, make it one of the most picturesque high-altitude campsites in the Himalayas.
Apart from the natural grandeur, Tapovan is also a place of deep spiritual significance. Many saints and yogis still meditate here in the shadow of Mount Shivling, and spending a night under the stars here feels like a journey into another world.
Drive Distance: 240 km | Drive Duration: 8-10 hours | Pick-up point: Near ISBT Dehradun | Pick-up Time: 7:00 am | Altitude: Gangotri – 3048m.
Your adventure begins with an early morning pickup from ISBT Dehradun at 7:00 am. From here, the scenic drive to Gangotri takes you through some of the most picturesque landscapes of Uttarakhand.
The route follows the Bhagirathi River for almost the entire journey, offering breathtaking views of deep valleys, cascading waterfalls, pine-covered mountains, and charming villages. On the way, you’ll cross important hill towns such as Uttarkashi, Bhatwari, and Harsil, each adding to the cultural and natural richness of the drive.
The highlight of the journey is passing through Harsil Valley, often called the “Mini Switzerland of India,” known for its apple orchards, deodar forests, and stunning river views. The drive, though long, is incredibly rewarding, as every turn opens to mesmerizing Himalayan scenery.
By evening, you’ll arrive at the holy town of Gangotri (3048 m), one of the Char Dham pilgrimage sites and the sacred source of the river Ganga. After checking into your guesthouse, you can take a short stroll to the Gangotri Temple, where pilgrims from across India come to seek blessings.
Overnight stay will be at Gangotri, preparing you for the trek that begins the next day.
Trek Distance: 10 km | Trek Duration: 5-6 hours | Altitude: Chirbasa- 3600m. | GPS DATA
After an early breakfast at Gangotri, the trek begins with a gradual ascent along the right bank of the Bhagirathi River. The well-laid trail passes through dense pine, cedar, and birch forests, accompanied by the soothing sound of the river flowing beside you.
As you leave Gangotri behind, the majestic peaks of the Sudharshan Parbat and Bhagirathi massif come into view, offering the first glimpse of the grandeur awaiting further up the valley. The path is relatively moderate, making it a perfect start to acclimatize to the altitude.
About halfway through, you’ll cross small streams, walk along rugged mountain paths, and encounter stretches where the terrain opens up to spectacular vistas. Marmots, blue sheep, and various Himalayan birds are often spotted in this region, adding to the charm of the trek.
By afternoon, you’ll reach Chirbasa (literally meaning ‘home of pine trees’), a beautiful campsite surrounded by pine and deodar forests. The fresh mountain air, starry night skies, and the sound of the river create a serene setting for your overnight stay.
Dinner and night halt at Chirbasa Campsite.
Trek Distance: 5 km | Trek Duration: 3-4 hours | Altitude: Bhojbasa- 3800m. | GPS DATA
After breakfast at Chirbasa, today’s trek is relatively shorter but takes you deeper into the Bhagirathi Valley, bringing you closer to the snout of the Gangotri Glacier. The trail gradually ascends, with rocky terrain replacing the dense pine forests of Chirbasa. The landscape starts to turn more barren and stark, offering raw Himalayan beauty.
Along the way, you’ll encounter small streams and open meadows that provide breathtaking views of the Bhagirathi group of peaks (I, II & III) dominating the skyline. The alpine scenery here is starkly beautiful, with fewer trees and more vast, open expanses.
Upon arrival at Bhojbasa (named after the Bhojpatra trees that once flourished here), you’ll find yourself in a wide open valley with stunning panoramic views. Bhojbasa is also the last settlement on this trail and serves as a base for the Gaumukh glacier trek.
The campsite at Bhojbasa offers one of the most scenic halts of the journey, with the Bhagirathi peaks glowing golden at sunset. You can also take a short acclimatization walk in the evening, exploring the serene surroundings.
Dinner and overnight stay at Bhojbasa Campsite.
Trek Distance: 9 km | Trek Duration: 7-8 hours |Altitude: Gaumukh Cave – 4023m | Tapovan – 4463m. | GPS DATA
Today marks the most challenging yet rewarding day of the trek. Starting from Bhojbasa, the trail follows the Bhagirathi River upstream, gradually approaching the Gaumukh Glacier, the holy source of the River Ganga.
The first stretch takes you to Gaumukh Cave (4,023 m), a massive ice cave at the snout of the Gangotri Glacier. Hindus regard Gaumukh as a sacred pilgrimage site, and standing before this vast opening of blue-white ice is a surreal experience. Here, you’ll witness icefalls, moraine ridges, and glacial formations—a dramatic transition into the high Himalayan landscape.
From Gaumukh, the trail becomes steeper and more technical as you cross the glacial moraine and ascend toward Tapovan. This section demands caution as the terrain is rocky, with loose boulders and shifting ice patches. Once you make the climb, the reward is spectacular—Tapovan, a high-altitude alpine meadow, unfolds in all its glory.
At Tapovan (4,463 m), you enter a wide, grassy plateau surrounded by some of the most iconic Himalayan peaks. The majestic Shivling Peak (6,543 m) dominates the view, standing tall like a sentinel, along with Meru, Bhagirathi I, II & III, and several other snow-clad summits. Tapovan is not just a trekker’s paradise but also a base camp for expeditions attempting Shivling and Meru.
In the evening, you can explore the meadow, experience the peaceful ambiance, and watch the setting sun paint the Himalayan giants in golden hues. Overnight stay at Tapovan campsite under a star-studded sky.
Trek Distance: 8.5 km | Trek Duration: 6 hours | Altitude: Bhojbasa- 3800m. | GPS DATA
After spending an unforgettable time at Tapovan, today you begin the descent back toward Bhojbasa. The trail retraces the same route but feels entirely different as you descend from the vast alpine meadow into the glacial landscapes below.
The first section involves a steep descent from Tapovan across the glacial moraine, which requires careful footing over loose rocks and ice patches. The view of Shivling Peak gradually receding behind you makes this part of the journey especially emotional and awe-inspiring.
As you pass through Gaumukh, take one last glimpse of the magnificent glacier—the sacred birthplace of the Ganga. From here, the trail becomes gentler as it runs alongside the Bhagirathi River. The landscape slowly shifts from rugged glacial terrain to open valley stretches dotted with alpine shrubs.
By afternoon, you’ll reach Bhojbasa (3,800 m), the serene campsite located in a wide valley with panoramic Himalayan views. The evening can be spent unwinding by the river, journaling, or simply soaking in the quiet charm of the high-altitude wilderness.
Overnight stay at Bhojbasa campsite under the clear Himalayan sky.
Trek Distance: 15 km | Trek Duration: 7-8 hours | Altitude: Gangotri – 3048m. | GPS DATA
Today marks the final leg of your journey as you trek back from Bhojbasa to Gangotri. The trail initially follows the Bhagirathi River, with breathtaking views of the towering peaks that have been your companions throughout the trek. The descent is long yet gradual, allowing plenty of time to soak in the changing landscapes.
As you move past Chirbasa (3,600 m), the dense groves of pine and birch trees begin to appear once again, offering shade and a refreshing contrast to the stark glacial terrain you’ve left behind. The sound of the river, along with glimpses of the snow-clad peaks, continues to keep the journey lively.
The final stretch to Gangotri (3,048 m) brings you back to civilization. The sight of the ancient Gangotri Temple and the bustling little town is a warm welcome after days spent in the wilderness.
Evening is free to explore the sacred town, take blessings at the temple, and reflect on the extraordinary adventure you’ve just completed. Overnight stay at a guesthouse/hotel in Gangotri.
Drive Distance: 240 km | Drive Duration: 8-10 hours | Drop point: Near ISBT Dehradun | Altitude: Dehradun – 3048m.
After an early breakfast at Gangotri (3,048 m), you begin your long but scenic drive back to Dehradun. The journey winds down through the rugged valleys of Uttarkashi, alongside the Bhagirathi River, with panoramic views of lush forests, deep gorges, and charming mountain villages.
You’ll retrace the route via Uttarkashi and Chinyalisaur, gradually descending to the plains. Along the way, there are opportunities to stop for refreshments and to capture the last glimpses of the mighty Himalayas before they fade into the horizon.
By evening, you will arrive at Dehradun (600 m), where the trek concludes. You’ll be dropped near ISBT Dehradun, marking the end of your incredible Gaumukh–Tapovan Trek, filled with adventure, devotion, and breathtaking Himalayan beauty.
In case of bad weather, natural delays, or other unforeseen difficulties, Day 8 is reserved as a Buffer Day. This will only be used if conditions at the last minute prevent the itinerary from continuing as planned.
⚠️ Important Note:
Trekkers are advised to plan their travel keeping the buffer day in mind.
If the buffer day is utilized, an additional fee of ₹2,500 + 5% GST per person will be charged.
The amount will be collected directly by the Trek Leader on the spot.
This ensures flexibility and safety without forcing trekkers to rush in case of unexpected situations.
• Vegetarian Meals throughout the trek, starting from the Pack lunch on Day 2 (Trek Day) until the Pack lunch on Day 6.
• Forest Permits, Camping Charges, and Trek Permit Fees.
• All camping Equipment: Tents on twin sharing basis, sleeping bags, mats.
• A Mountaineering Course and First Aid Certified Trek Leader and guide.
• An Exhaustive First Aid Kit, including a portable oxygen cylinder, to handle any medical emergencies that may arise during the trek.
• Achievement certificate (Digital).
• Stay at Gangotri.
With these provisions, we aim to ensure your safety, comfort, and enjoyment throughout your Himalayan adventure.
• Meals are not provided during road journey and Hotel Stay in Gangotri.
• Any expense incurred for Personal Purposes.
• Any expense not specified in the inclusion list is not included in the package.
• We would like to inform you that should you choose to withdraw from the trek, we will be unable to provide reimbursement for any costs related to accommodation or meals.
• Any kind of Insurance.
• All transport from Dehradun to Dehradun according to the itinerary.
A) We have implemented a special cancellation policy:
Payment & Booking Policy
A booking fee of ₹5,000 is required to confirm your spot. The remaining trek fee must be paid at least 15 days before the trek start date. If the full payment is not received on time, your booking may be cancelled. The ₹5,000 booking fee is non-refundable under any circumstances.
Our cancellation policy applies to the entire trek fee, not just the booking amount. For any questions or assistance with payment, feel free to contact us.
B) Rescheduling Policy
Please ensure you bring all essential items with you:
Trekking Gear:
Footwear:
Clothing:
Toiletries:
Utensils:
Miscellaneous:
Yes, prior high-altitude trekking experience is recommended. Gaumukh Tapovan Trek is a moderate to difficult trek, with steep ascents, long walking days, and high altitude. You should have good physical fitness and mental endurance.
Train: Overnight trains from Delhi.
Bus: Volvo or state buses from Delhi ISBT, Kashmiri Gate.
Flight: Direct flights to Jolly Grant Airport, just 25 km from the city.
Once you register, we’ll help you plan your travel to the trek starting point – Gangotri.
You’ll have mobile connectivity in Dehradun and the Gangotri. Beyond that, the network is patchy or unavailable—ideal for a peaceful digital detox.
Children (10+ years) can join with proper fitness and enthusiasm.
Senior citizens can participate if they are in good health and medically cleared for high-altitude trekking.
We recommend consulting a doctor before booking.
Feel free to reach out to our team via info@nomadicworld.co.in OR Contact us We’re here to help you prepare for a safe, enjoyable, and memorable Himalayan experience.
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