A holy site located in Uttarakhand’s Uttarkashi district the Gaumukh Tapovan is a popular trekking destination. In Hindi Gaumukh” translates to “cow’s mouth” because the glacier’s shape looks like a cow’s mouth. Gaumukh is the source of the sacred river Bhagirathi, which was later immersed in Alaknada and formed the holy river Ganga. The trek to Gaumukh Tapovan is a mesmerizing journey through the Garhwal Himalayas, taking trekkers to Gaumukh, the source of the Ganga river, and Tapovan, a large meadow ideal for those seeking peace.
The total distance you will cover on this trek is approximately 45 kilometers, gaining an elevation of 14,222 Feet. In this comprehensive guide, we have mentioned everything you need to know about the Gaumukh Tapovan Trek including the Itinerary, trek route, and all the required details.
Gaumukh Tapovan Trek Itinerary
Day 1: Drive to Gangotri from Dehradun
- Today you will drive from Dehradun to Gangotri at a height of 10,200 ft.
- The distance between both places is almost 250 km and the journey would take around 8 to 9 hours to complete.
Day 2: Stay at Gangotri (Acclimatization Day)
- Today you will stay at Gangotri for Acclimatization.
- Give your body time to adjust to the atmosphere and explore the places around you.
- You can go for shopping or visit the Gangotri Temple.
Day 3: Trek from Gangotri to Chirbasa
- Wake up early, have breakfast and embark on a trek to Chirbasa.
- Located at a height of 11,700 ft. Chirbasa is around 9 km away from Gangotri.
- It will take almost 5 to 6 hours to complete this journey by foot.
Day 4: Trek from Chirbasa to Bhojwasa
- Today you’ll start trekking from Chirbasa to Bhojwasa at 12,500 ft. in height.
- You will cover a distance of around 5 km and you’ll reach Bhojwasa after almost 3 to 4 hours.
Day 5: Trek from Bhojwasa to Tapovan
- Today you will trek to Tapovan located at a height of 14,600 ft.
- The distance between Bhojwasa and Tapovan is around 6 km and you will complete the journey in around 7 to 8 hours. (The exact timing depends on your pace)
Day 6: Trek back from Tapovan to Bhojwasa via Gaumukh
- While trekking back to Bhojwasa from Tapovan, you will visit Gaumukh.
- Gaumukh is a sacred site renowned for being the source of the sacred river Ganga.
- During this trek, you’ll cover a 6 km distance in around 5 to 6 hours.
Day 7: Trek to Gangotri from Bhojwasa
- Today you will trek back to the start point of Gaumukh Tapovan Trek, Gangotri.
- It would take almost 6 to 7 hours to cover a 14 km distance on foot from Bhojwasa to Gangotri.
Day 8: Back to Dehradun
- The distance between Dehradun and Gangotri is around 250 km.
- This drive from Gangotri to Dehradun is around 9 to 10 hours.
- You’ll reach Dehradun by 5 to 6 in the evening.
Best Time for Trek
The most suitable time for the Gaumukh Tapovan trek is between May and June (summer months) or between September and October (post-monsoon season). The weather during these months is stable and most suitable for trekking. While May to June can be challenging as the Bhojwasa Camp starts getting snow, the blend of snow and greenery adds to the natural beauty of the trek. During these months the daytime temperature ranges from 5 to 10 degrees and it drops to -1 to -3 degrees Celsius at night.
On the other hand, trekking from September to October can be easier as you will only find snow at the summit. But that does not compromise the scenery. While trekking during these months you’ll see lush green surroundings and by the end of October, trekkers might get a chance to see live snowfall. Daytime temperature in these months ranges from 5 to 12 degrees Celsius and the night temperature ranges from 5 to -1 degrees Celsius.
Difficulty Level of Gaumukh Tapovan Trek
The Gaumukh Tapovan Trek is rated as moderate on the bar of difficulty, making it suitable for those with good fitness levels. The trek includes walking on diverse terrain, long duration, high altitude, and steep climbs, challenging you physically. The factors contributing to the trek’s challenging level are altitude, trekking distance, trail conditions, unpredictable weather, and physical fitness.
Trekking to a high altitude can cause altitude sickness, so it is advised to give your body time to adapt to the atmosphere by staying one night in Gangotri. Do not rush and trek at your own pace. If possible you should start the trek early to reach the campsite before sunset without rushing. Work on your physical fitness by including activities like hiking, jogging, or cycling in your daily routine. Also, check the weather conditions before leaving and avoid trekking in case of heavy rains or storms.
How to Reach
The starting point of the Gaumukh Tapovan trek is Gangotri and there are several ways to reach here from different cities.
By Air: You can fly to Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun, the closest airport to Gangotri. The distance between Gangotri and Dehradun is almost 250 – 300 kilometers and you can hire a bus or taxi to reach.
By Train: The closest railway station to Gangotri is in Rishikesh, around 234 kilometres away and upon reaching the railway station you can get a taxi or bus to Gangotri.
By Road: The distance between Gangotri and Dehradun is around 250 to 300 km and you can easily reach here by road. You can hire a private vehicle or self-drive from Dehradun to Gangotri. This road journey from Dehradun to Gangotri would take almost 250 km.
Conclusion
The Gaumukh Tapovan Trek is not just an ordinary journey; it is an excellent journey through the Garhwal Himalayas, allowing you to visit the sacred adobe and witness the purest form of nature. Also known as ‘Dev Bhoomi’ Uttarakhand is known for its majestic mountains, calm atmosphere, and natural beauty. This trek is most loved by the pilgrims and adventure junkies looking for a journey that combines thrill and spirituality. So what are you waiting for? Embark on the Gaumukh Tapovan Trek now and create endless memories.
Author Bio
Rohit Sen is a travel content and copywriter from India working with BanBanjara, one of the fastest-growing travel agencies, headquartered in Jaipur. He has a mass communication and journalism bachelor’s from IIS University, Jaipur. With a passion for creating magic with his words, he embarked on his journey as a content writer with a small startup. Gradually, he started writing for lifestyle and travel-related niches and joined BanBanjara as a senior content writer to help travel aficionados find their next destination for a rejuvenating trip.
