Overview
Gaumukh Tapovan is one of the most rewarding treks you will ever do. There are summit views and there are ‘big’ summit views. On the Gaumukh Tapovan trek, you don’t just see the best views of Mt Shivling. You see Mt Shivling right from the base to its summit.
The Gaumukh Tapovan Trek, an eight-day itinerary combining myth, spirituality, and thrilling adventure, takes you around the Gangotri glacier to the location historically thought to be the mouth of the holy river Ganga.
Beginning in Gaumukh and extending to the Chaukhamba massif around Badrinath, the Gangotri glacial expanse is nearly 24 km long and 6 to 8 km wide. We have a trek route that traverses the entire stretch of this storied country, thanks to renowned mountaineers Shipton and Tilman. Read Less
The trek from Gaumukh to Tapovan is moderately difficult. Although the Gangotri-Gaumukh trail is relatively easy and often used by pilgrims, the Gaumukh-Tapovan trail is difficult and requires prior experience. It is appropriate for those who have completed a few high-altitude treks such as Roopkund, but it is not suitable for beginners.
Gaumukh got its name from the sages, which means cow’s mouth since the opening of Gaumukh looks like a cow’s mouth. For Hindus, this location holds great religious significance. Every year, thousands of devotees flock to Gaumukh to pray and receive blessings from Maa Ganga. Gaumukh is regarded as one of Hindu mythology’s most powerful figures.
It revolves around the river Ganga, which has been reborn at the request of sage Bhagirath. He desired for his forefathers to be cleansed of their sins by pushing them to walk the road to heaven.
Why Choose Gaumukh Tapovan
What you will find and never say in Tapovan trek, these treks are treasures connected with spiritual and popular, In Gaumukh and Tapovan trek, you will find yourself in an environment where people yearn to come from Gangotri, When you go from Gangotri to Chirbasa, you have to trek along the Ganges River from the very beginning, This route will awaken even more desire in your mind for the days ahead, what will happen next. In this trek, you will initially see only pine trees and rhododendron trees and food, and other wild species.
When you move from Chirbasa Camp to Bhojbasa Camp, you will start to see very beautiful mountain range, this route becomes a little easy and I will see you and wild sheep which are also known as mountain goats. Bhojbasa is a beautiful camp where there are also ashrams of Rishi muni.
Gaumukh Tapovan Trek Highlights
Experience a maximum altitude of 14,222 ft.- and participate in the holy ritual of taking a dip in the Bhagirathi river
Catch the glimpse of magnificent Bhagirathi group of three soaring peaks during your journey
Witness the short trek to Bhojwassa which is studded with trees and is mostly barren and often compared to the Arctic Tundra region
The Gaumukh Gangotri trek takes you through many of the significant pilgrimage spots of Hindu devotees such as Gangotri Glaciers, Gaumukh, Bhagirathi Sisters, etc.
Best time for Gangotri Gomukh trek
May end to June, September to October
How To Reach Gaumukh tapovan Trek
By Air. The nearest Airport is Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun, which is about 200 km from Uttarkashi HQ. …
By Train. Rishikesh, Haridwar & Dehradun all have Railway Stations. …
By Road. Gomukh is 17 Km from Gangotri that is situated on National Highway no 108.
Weather Conditions Of Tapovan Trek?
During the day the temperature of Tapovan trek is around ( 5°C to 10 °C and during the night the temperature comes down to -1 °C to -3 °C which is not bad.
Views and treks in Tapovan trek provide a lot of peace to the mind during the day, while you wake up from one wake to another, Gaumukh and Tapovan trek can always be one of the most close treks in your heart.
You will never consider yourself boring in Tapovan Trek, this trek can give you nothing but joy, You will get to see the Garhwal culture in this trek which will always keep you connected towards the mountain. Himalayas
Tapovan trek in September or October
Tapovan trek is a little different in the months of September and October, this is because you will find snow only summit day. or Gaumukh Glacier and near shivling base Camp Nil tal
But the beauty of the trek will not be lacking, the trek and nature adorn themselves with time and in different colors. Month of September and October are very good days to trek, at this time total greenery and at the end of October sometimes you can get to see live snow fall.
During the day the temperature of Tapovan trek is around Day time 5°C to 12 °C and during the night the temperature comes down to 5 °C to – 1 °C which is very confirmable,
At this time the weather here will be very good for you , At this time it is even safe to trek here and there is no rain.
Key Points Of Gaumukh Tapovan Trek:
Gaumukh Tapovan trek gradient: Moderate
Gaumukh Trek route distance: 46 Km
Temperature: Day: 18°C to 12°C and Night: 5°C to -5°C
ATM: Uttarkashi
Start Point/End Point: Gangotri
Gomukh Tapovan Trek Is Safe Or Not?
Gaumukh Tapovan is a safe trek to do.
Every year thousands of pilgrims hike to Gaumukh to witness the river Ganga at its source. Mind you, most of these people are not trekkers but devotees. They think of the trail as a pilgrimage rather than a trek. And yet manage to complete it without an organizer or a team.
Yet, it’s not an easy trek and is not to be taken lightly. Gaumukh Tapovan trek is rated as moderate-difficult and you need to be physically fit to complete this trek.
While doing so, there are several factors you must keep in mind to stay safe. The trek requires you to be alert and trek carefully. It’s important because the trek climbs to over 14,000 ft, classifying it as a high altitude trek.
To help you mentally prepare well for the trek we have broken down the safety concerns into three parts – terrain, altitude and weather.
How Difficult is Gaumukh Tapovan Trek?
The Gaumukh Tapovan trek is considered to be a moderately difficult trek, suitable for experienced trekkers and individuals with a good level of fitness. It involves a combination of challenging terrain, high altitudes, and long trekking hours, which can be physically demanding. Here are some factors that contribute to the difficulty level:
Altitude: The trek starts at Gangotri (3,048 meters or 10,000 feet) and reaches an altitude of around 4,463 meters (14,640 feet) at Tapovan. Altitude sickness can be a concern, and acclimatization is crucial. It’s important to take proper rest, hydrate well, and ascend gradually.
Trekking Distance: The trek covers a distance of approximately 45-50 kilometers (28-31 miles) round trip, which is spread over several days. The daily trekking hours can be long, averaging around 6-7 hours, with some days requiring more strenuous efforts.
Terrain and Trail Conditions: The trail consists of rocky terrain, steep ascents and descents, moraines, boulder fields, and river crossings. It demands agility and stability while navigating through these varied landscapes. The trail can be slippery in certain sections, especially during monsoon season.
Weather Conditions: Weather conditions in the Himalayas can be unpredictable. The trek is usually undertaken during the summer months (May to October) when the weather is relatively more favorable. However, even during this period, temperatures can drop significantly, especially at higher altitudes, and rainfall or snowfall may occur.
Physical Fitness: A good level of physical fitness is essential to tackle the challenges of the trek. Regular exercise and stamina-building activities such as hiking, jogging, or cycling can help prepare the body for the demands of the trail.
