An eight day itinerary interspersing myth, spirituality, and sensational adventure, the Gaumukh Tapovan Trek takes you around the Gangotri glacier to the site traditionally believed to be mouth of the holy river Ganga.
9 days
Daily Tour
16 people
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Drive in a cab to Kuflon village also known as Camp Kuflon which is near the road head for Dodital. It is 11 km from Uttarkashi in the valley of Assi Ganga (which is a 5-hour drive). Stay the night at Kuflon. Alternatively, you can also cover more ground and reach Gangotri at 10,200 ft which will take you around 10-12 hours to reach. The drive will be mostly along the sacred banks of the river Bhagirathi. You can also explore the local markets and temples in the evening.
The next day, a 4-hour drive to reach Gangotri. After visiting some temples you can start your trek towards Gaumukh which is the source of the holy river Ganga. The trek is almost gradual thanks to the frequent trekkers and pilgrims. Just before reaching Chirbasa you will see the beautiful Bhagirathi peaks. Trek along the tree line and the river Bhagirathi and it will take you around 6 hours to reach Chirbasa which is at a height of 11,761 ft. After reaching, come down from the main trail and we will set up camp close to the river.
You will have a comparatively relaxed day as you just have to trek 5 km which will take you around 3 hours of time. Bhojbasa is situated at a height of 12,450 ft. The trek from Chirbasa to Bhojbasa is a narrow one, where there are points where you won’t even find a clear way to tread upon and just a single wrong foot will take you some 164 ft down the hill. It is recommended that you take an evening walk to one of the high points nearby for better acclimatization of your body, also don’t forget to take your camera as you just might sight a group of ibexes and a beautiful sunset.
The next day walk for about 2 hours to reach Gaumukh at 13,123 ft which is the source of Ganga. Stay there for a while and admire the beauty of nature as river Ganga gushes out of the snout of the Gangotri glacier. After you are done, cross the glacier and start a steep ascent to reach Tapovan which is at 14,650 ft. The journey from Bhujbasa to Tapovan is a challenging one. The trek will take 3 hours from Gaumukh. Tapovan is the base camp of Mt. Meru and Mt. Shivling which is considered to be one of the most beautiful peaks in the world by climbers. Enjoy seeing Bharals (blue mountain goats) which is a common animal up there and get astonished by the sight of the Bhagirathi I, II and III with the majestic Mt. Shivling standing tall in front and Mt. Meru behind it.
Start your day early, following a full day trek to Kirti glacier. From here you can see the Kedardome peak, Kedarnath, Bhartekuntha, Thalay Sagar, Bhrigupanth, Meru and the majestic Shivling from the east. The trek will not be easy, as you will make it through the uncertain crevasses. You will be walking over a glacier, so you won’t know where there is a deep split marginally covered with snow. So take caution in walking over the ridges. After exploring the glacier return to the base camp, and feel the real sense of achievement. Enjoy hot dinner and camp overnight at Tapovan.
Enjoy the day relaxing and exploring nearby places. Seeing a breathtaking view every time you step out of your tent is amazing. Enjoy the lush green meadow filled with wildflowers right at the foot of the giant Shivling. Spend your day walking around the campsite or interacting with sadhus. Get amused every time you look at those big, mountains covered in snow, read a book sitting at the lap of Mt. Meru and Mt. Shivling and do other stuff to refresh yourselves.
Leave early and bid adieu to these beautiful mountains and a wonderful campsite at Tapovan while heading back to Chirbasa. Enjoy the early morning sunrise while you trek down. The road from Tapovan leads you through the upper section of the meadow till down and finally onto the glacier. Explore the huge crevasses gaped here and there. You will take around 5 hours to reach Chirbasa at a height of 11,761 ft. The descent will be much faster than the ascent ever was. Reach Chirbasa and camp near the river, have a hot dinner and stay overnight.
Have a hot breakfast at Chirbasa and continue walking down on your trail towards Gangotri which will take you around 4 hours to reach. After reaching Gangotri board one of the share cabs or get your personal one and drive back to Camp Kuflon and once again enjoy the comforts of hot water, barbeque and not to mention, campfire. At Gaumukh, if you want, you can also take a holy dip in the river Ganges. The water will be very chilly but it will be a lifetime experience that you would not want to miss.
After a small hot breakfast at Camp Kuflon, drive to Haridwar which will be a long journey or alternatively you may also go to Dehradun and take a train or a flight from there. It will be much more convenient for many and much faster too. This will complete your Gaumukh Meru Glacier trek for this time.
In the day time, the temperature will be around pleasant 20-24 degrees if sunny or around 15 degrees if clouded. At night the temperature will range from 5-7 degrees and can drop to -2 to 3 degrees at Tapovan.
Well, that totally depends upon the amount of snowfall occurred in the preceding winter. But, you might find snow in May, especially at Tapovan. However, snow is very unlikely in September.
The price is for a group of 16 people. The charges will be different for a tailormade private trek. The charges in dollars are more as the permit fees are different for non-Indians.
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