- Distance: 250-280 km
- Duration: 12-13 hours drive
- Activities: Drive from Dehradun to Gangotri, passing beautiful sites like Maneri waterfalls
- Accommodation: Hotel/Guest House in Gangotri
- Evening: Introduction with team and fellow travellers, followed by dinner.
Gaumukh Tapovan Trek
7
Days
Overview
The Gaumukh Tapovan Trek is a moderately challenging expedition in the Uttarakhand region of India. It covers approximately 40 kilometres through varied terrain. Beginning at the sacred town of Gangotri, the trek follows a point-to-point trail that leads to Gaumukh, the snout of the Gangotri Glacier, where the Bhagirathi River (which later becomes the Ganges) emerges from an impressive ice cave. From there, trekkers continue to the high-altitude meadows of Tapovan, situated at an elevation of 4,450-4,463 meters (14,600-14,640 feet).
This 7-8 day expedition is considered to be of moderate difficulty, making it accessible to both experienced trekkers and beginners with adequate preparation and fitness level. The trek offers a harmonious blend of spirituality, mythology, and adventure as you traverse through the Gangotri National Park, witnessing the dramatic landscape changes from dense forests to rugged glacial terrain.
The closest airport to the trek is Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun, making it a convenient starting point for travellers from across the country and abroad.
Terrain and Challenges
- Varied Terrain: The trek includes rocky paths, boulder fields, glacier sections, river crossings, and high-altitude meadows.
- River Crossing: A manually operated trolley system is used to cross the Bhagirathi River, which takes approximately one hour for the entire group.
- Altitude Considerations: The significant altitude gain means trekkers may experience mild altitude sickness, making proper acclimatisation essential.
Trip Highlights
- Sacred Source of the Ganges: Visit Gaumukh, the mythical source of India's holiest river, where the Bhagirathi emerges from an impressive ice cave-a sight that combines natural wonder with profound spiritual significance.
- Spiritual Ambiance of Gangotri: Experience the peaceful charm of Gangotri town, a significant pilgrimage site where devotees come to worship the goddess Ganga.
- apovan Meadows: Explore the vast high-altitude meadows of Tapovan, historically a sanctuary where sages and spiritualists have sought enlightenment for centuries. The area is perfect for meditation and reflection amidst breathtaking mountain views.
- Magnificent Mountain Views: Witness panoramic vistas of iconic Himalayan peaks including Mt. Shivling (often considered one of the most beautiful mountains in the world), the Bhagirathi sisters (I, II, III), Mt. Meru, Kedar Dome, Kharchakund, and many others that surround you in this grand landscape.
- Diverse Landscapes: The trek passes through varied terrain including Blue Pine and Bhojpatra (Birch) forests, boulder fields, glacier sections, and alpine meadows, providing constantly changing scenery and a diverse hiking experience.
- River Bhagirathi: Throughout the journey, enjoy the graceful flow of the Bhagirathi River, adding to the scenic charm of the trail.
- Rich Biodiversity: Opportunities to spot blue sheep (Bharal), mountain goats (Ibex), various rare Himalayan birds, and vibrant alpine flowers along the way, especially around the Tapovan campsite.
- Pristine Wilderness: The trek routes through untouched natural environments, offering tranquility away from crowded tourist destinations.
Tour Itinerary
Day 1 :
Dehradun to Dharali/Gangotri
Day 2 :
Dharali/Gangotri to Chirbasa
- Trek Distance: 9 km
- Activities: Early breakfast, visit to Gangotri temple (time permitting), trek starts with a steep ascent initially, followed by a gradual ascent
- Campsite: Chirbasa, offering picturesque views of the Bhagirathi peaks through dense pine trees
- Evening: Acclimatisation walk
- Accommodation: Camping at Chirbasa.
Day 3 :
Chirbasa to Bhojbasa
- Activities: Breakfast at Chirbasa, trek to Bhojbasa
- Arrival: Reach Bhojbasa by lunch
- Evening: Acclimatisation time at Bhojbasa
- Accommodation: Camping at Bhojbasa
Day 4 :
Bhojbasa to Gaumukh to Tapovan
- Activities: Trek to Gaumukh (source of the Ganges) and further to Tapovan
- Note: Strenuous day with views of peaks like Shivling and Bhagirathi at close range
- Accommodation: Camping at Tapovan
- Trek Distance: 6 km
- Altitude: Tapovan – 4,450 m/14,600 ft
- Duration: 7-8 hours (Bhojbasa to Tapovan)
- Activities: After staying at Tapovan, trek down to Bhojbasa
- Key Features: River crossing using manually operated trolley system (taking about an hour for the entire group), rocky and moderately challenging terrain, panoramic views of surrounding peaks
- Accommodation: Camping at Bhojbasa
Day 6 :
Bhojbasa to Gangotri
- Trek Distance: 14 km
- Activities: Trek down from Bhojbasa to Gangotri
- Meals: Packed lunch for the day
- Accommodation: Hotel in Gangotri
Day 7 :
Gangotri to Dehradun
- Activities: After breakfast, check out of the hotel
- Travel: Drive back to Dehradun
- Arrival: Reach Dehradun around 8:00 PM
Costs
The Cost Includes
- Accommodation:
- 5 nights of tented accommodation at campsites on twin sharing basis
- 2 nights at Gangotri on sharing basis
- Meals:
- Freshly cooked vegetarian meals during the trek (from dinner on Day 1 to tea/coffee on the final day)
- Simple, nutritious, and vegetarian food
- Transportation (Optional):
- Dehradun to Gangotri and return (may require additional payment of ₹2500)
- Equipment and Amenities:
- Sleeping bags, sleeping tents, kitchen tent, dining tent, toilet tent
- All utensils, sleeping mattresses (Black foam mats)
- Crampons and gaiters for snow
- Support Services:
- Trek leader, guides, high-altitude chef, and helpers
- Mules/porters to carry central luggage and trekking equipment
- Cloakroom service at base camp
- Safety Measures:
- First aid kit, oxygen cylinders, stretchers, Oximeters, BP machines
- Trek insurance for Indian nationals permission fees
- Permits and Certificates:
- All necessary permits and entry fees (up to the amount charged for Indians)
- Forest permits and camping permission fees
The Cost Excludes
- Insurance:
- Trek insurance for foreign nationals
- Meals During Transit:
- Food during road journeys (Dehradun to Gangotri and return)
- Personal Expenses:
- Any personal expenses during the trek
- Additional Services:
- Mule or porter for personal luggage
- Emergency Services:
- Emergency evacuation, hospitalization charges
- Unexpected Costs:
- Extra costs due to natural calamities, roadblocks, vehicle breakdown, or factors beyond control
- Transportation:
- Dehradun railway station to Gangotri and return (if not booked through the trek operator)
- Permits for Foreign Nationals:
- Trek permits/fees specifically for foreign nationals
Map
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What fitness level is required for the Gaumukh Tapovan Trek?
The trek is considered moderately difficult, requiring good physical fitness and stamina. Regular cardio exercises and strength training for at least a month before the trek are recommended to prepare adequately.
How do we cross the Bhagirathi River during the trek?
A manually operated trolley system (Tyrolean traverse) is used to cross the Bhagirathi River. This traditional method involves a metal platform suspended on a cable across the river, pulled by trekkers or local helpers using a rope or pulley system. The crossing process typically takes about an hour for the entire group.
What kind of accommodation is provided during the trek?
The trek package includes tented accommodation at campsites on a twin-sharing basis during the trekking days and hotel/guest house accommodation in Gangotri on a sharing basis before and after the trek.
What is the maximum altitude reached during the trek?
The trek’s highest point is Tapovan, situated at an altitude of approximately 4,450-4,463 meters (14,600-14,640 feet) above sea level.
Is altitude sickness a concern on this trek?
Yes, due to the high altitude (over 4,400 meters), trekkers may experience mild altitude sickness. Proper acclimatisation is essential, so the itinerary includes acclimatisation walks and gradual ascent.
What type of food is provided during the trek?
The trek operators provide freshly cooked, simple, nutritious vegetarian meals throughout the trek. The food is prepared by high-altitude chefs who accompany the trekking group.
Are porters or mules available for carrying personal luggage?
While mules and porters are provided for carrying central luggage (trekking equipment, ration, and vegetables), carrying personal luggage requires additional payment and is not included in the standard trek package.
What equipment is provided by the trek operator?
Trek operators typically provide sleeping bags, sleeping tents, a kitchen tent, a dining tent, a toilet tent, utensils, sleeping mattresses, crampons, and gaiters for snow.
Enquiry
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