
Difficulty
Moderate-Difficult | Level 1

Duration
8 Days

Highest Altitude
14,203 ft

Age
12 to 62 years
Duration
8 Days
Age
12 to 62 years
Difficulty
Moderate-Difficult | Level 1
Highest Altitude
14,203 ft
Gaumukh Tapovan Trek
A Journey to the Source of River Ganga
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. And if you don’t know about Mt Shivling, it’s one of the most beautiful looking mountains in our country. No wonder the mountain has been featured in our gold calendar every year since it was published.
But wait. Not only Mt Shivling, you see the Bhagirathi sisters from top to bottom. Sometimes we feel the Bhagirathi sisters are even grander than Mt Shivling because the three of them form a massif, which dominates the landscape.
Then why do more people not do the trek you ask?
Unfortunately, the popularity of other treks brought the Gaumukh Tapovan trek down from its grace. It’s almost like a new generation movie star replaced an older star. It sounds silly, but that’s what happened to the Gaumukh Tapovan trek. Treks like Roopkund, Rupin Pass and the Hampta Pass gained popularity. And Gaumukh Tapovan fell in popularity.
As is the mentality of most trekkers, if they find one trek attractive, they just rush towards the new offering. It is a mistake.
Before we begin, here are some quick facts about the Gaumukh Tapovan trek:
Gaumukh Trek is a 46 km trek hiked over 6 days (8 days including the drive to and from the trek,) in the Greater Himalayas. It lies in the state of Uttarakhand and begins and ends at the pilgrim town of Gangotri.
The trail snakes through the Greater Himalayas within the confines of Gangotri National Park. It is a moderate-difficult trek (more on this ahead on this page) that can be attempted by beginners if you prepare well.
Gaumukh Tapovan Videos
Watch these videos to prepare for your Gaumukh Tapovan trek.
Quick Itinerary
Study this map to get a visual cue of the Gaumukh Tapovan trek.
Day 1
Reach Gangotri from Dehradun
Drive distance: 242 km | Drive Duration: 8 hours
Transport will be arranged from Hotel Grand Legacy Dehradun at 6.00 am. Cab cost per vehicle will be Rs.8,000(5-6 seater). This is to be shared among trekkers and paid directly to the driver.
Day 2
Trek from Gangotri (10,050 ft) to Chirbasa (11,630 ft)
Trek Distance: 10 km | Trek Duration: 6 hours
Moderate. Initial 300 m steep ascent followed by a very gradual ascent all the way.
Day 3
Chirbasa (11,630 ft) to Bhojbasa (12,415 ft)
Trek Distance: 5 km | Trek Duration: 3 hours
Moderate. Initial 100 m ascent to get back on the trail. Very gradual ascent all the way to Bhojbasa
Day 4
Bhojbasa (12,415 ft) to Tapovan (14,203 ft)
Trek Distance: 6 km | Trek Duration: 9 hours
Difficult. Gradual ascent for 2.5 hours. 2 hours glacier walk followed by 1 hour of moderate ascent. Final 1.5 hours is a steep ascent.
Day 5
Tapovan (14,203 ft) to Bhojbasa (12,415 ft)
Trek Distance: 6 km | Trek Duration: 5 hours
Moderate Difficult. Level trail to Chirbasa.
Day 6
Bhojbasa (12,415 ft) to Gangotri (10,050 ft)
Trek Distance: 14 km | Trek Duration: 8 hours
Tricky descent over bouldery section
Day 7
Drive from Gangotri to Dehradun
Drive distance: 242 km | Drive Duration: 8 hours
Cab cost per vehicle will be Rs 8000 (5-6 seater). You will reach Dehradun between 6.00 pm and 7.00 pm.
Please note: The distance between campsites may vary by 100 meters depending the weather conditions and the route you take. The altitude may also vary by 100 feet for similar reasons.
Day 8
Buffer Day
If the buffer day is used, you have to pay us Rs. 2,500 per day (INR) +5% GST. The money will be collected by the Trek Leader only if we use the buffer day.
This depends completely on the weather conditions on the trek and the call will be taken by the trek leader.
IMPORTANT POINTS
- You will be staying in tents on all days of the trek.
- It is mandatory for trekkers to carry a copy of their photo ID for entry at forest check posts on the trek.
- If the buffer day is used, you must pay Rs 2,500 per day + 5% GST. The Trek Leader will only collect the money if we use the buffer day. This depends completely on the weather conditions on the trek, and the trek leader will take the call.
- Please note: Twin sharing tents may not be available in May, June. This is because raw materials for making tents are sourced from different countries. But their export has been affected due to international unrest. This has led to a global shortage of tents. Having said that, you'll still have comfortable space as these tents have been designed to accommodate three trekkers.
Study this map to get a visual cue of the Gaumukh Tapovan trek.
PRO-TIPS
A Himalayan trek like Gaumukh Tapovan requires a good fitness level. The trek has long climbs and steep descents daily. As a measure of your fitness, we need you to:
Run at least 5 km in 32 minutes before your trek. Consistency of your workout also matters, so aim to jog 25 km a week or 100 km in a month. It's our minimum mandatory requirement.
https://indiahikes.com/blog/how-to-get-fit-for-your-trek
Once you get confirmed for your trek, we will diligently follow up on your fitness routine. Our team will also assist in putting you through a fitness plan. It will ultimately help you have a safe trek experience.
Gaumukh Tapovan is Best Discovered Through Pictures
Campsites at a Glance
At Indiahikes, we are very particular about choosing terrific campsites. For the Gaumukh Tapovan trek too, after a lot of back and forth, we have settled on these terrific campsites, which trekkers have come to love.
What I Like and Don't like About the Gaumukh Tapovan Trek
What I Like About the Gaumukh Tapovan Trek
Know Your Trek
We have always wanted trekkers to be well-informed before they go on a Himalayan trek. Knowledge is the difference between a safe trek and a dangerous one. It’s also the difference between a wholesome experience and a superficial experience.
Use this section to learn about the Gaumukh Tapovan trek. It has in-depth information about each day of the trek, what to expect, and how you need to prepare for it. Many years of expertise have gone into this content. Trekkers find that extremely useful.
PRO TIPS
Why fitness matters on the Gaumukh Tapovan Trek
On Moderate-Difficult treks like Gaumukh Tapovan, you’ll walk for about 8-12 km each day. Gradual to steep ascents and descents are common on all days. Expect to reach high altitudes of 15,000+ ft. There will also be technical sections (such as rockfall zones, near-vertical sections, glacier walks), which our technical teams will help you navigate.
Your goal is to comfortably run 5 km within 32 minutes.
Note: If you are above the age of 58 years, you'll need to submit a Treadmill Test report within 7 days of registration.
Trek Trivia
Things Nobody Tells You About This Trek
Gaumukh-Tapovan is one of India's oldest trekking trails
Trekkers walking towards Tapovan. Picture by Dhaval Jajal
Given that the Gaumukh-Tapovan trail has a large religious significance, it is one of the few trails that have been frequented by trekkers from across the country for centuries together.
It used to be one of the country's most visited treks until other treks started getting discovered.
Despite that, even today, you will see at least 150 trekkers on the trail every day, not limited to trekkers alone, but several religious devotees as well, who trek to offer their gratitude to River Ganga.
Trekkers walking towards Tapovan. Picture by Dhaval Jajal
Available Dates
Other Treks Like Gaumukh Tapovan Trek
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