Gaumukh Tapovan Trek

Detailed Itinerary

Gaumukh – Tapovan Trek Itinerary

Day 1: Dehradun – Gangotri (Drive – 255kms | 9 hrs)
Uttarkashi is one of the major towns of Uttarakhand thus buses and shared cabs are easily available from Dehradun&Rishikesh. The massive Tehri Dam Lake also comes into view as you proceed towards Chilyanisaur. After a short break at Uttarkashi continue another 3 hours drive to reach Gangotri.

Gangotri Dham

Kankhu Forest Check Post, 2km from Gangotri

Day 2: Gangotri – Chirbasa (Trek – 9kms)
Visit the sacred shrine of Goddess Ganga and buy all the necessary items from the market. The trek starts with a decent trail and it remains the same till further 2kms where you need to show permits. As you walk deep into the valley the vegetation also decreases. Continue trekking to reach Chirbasa which is situated 9kms from Gangotri Town. Cross small streams en route to Chirbasa. Chirbasa is a good campsite and the last point where you’ll see good vegetation. You can camp here if there are any signs of AMS. Chirbasa is situated at an elevation of 3,580mts above sea level.

Distant view of Chirbasa

Chirbasa Campsite

Day 3: Chirbasa – Bhojwasa – Gaumukh Glacier View Point & Return (Trek – 12 kms)
Bhojwasa is located 5kms from Chirbasa. Bhagirathi Peaks stands high above the ground and is constantly visible during the trek. The trailnot only goes through rugged terrains along with the Bhagirathi River but also climbs up to rugged mountains. Bhojbasais a vast open expanse of land in the valley, situated at an elevation of 3,800mts above sea level.

There are two routes by which you can reach Tapovan. First one being the classic route via Gaumukh Glacier for which you need to follow the trail going to Gaumukh which can be seen on the left side from Bhojwasa. Gaumukh Glacier is 4kms from Bhojwasa. But due to recent collapse of the snout of the glacier it is in a delicate state. Visit Gaumukh Glacier and return to Bhojwasa in order to get acclimatized.

For later half of the day you can visit ashrams at Bhojwasa to perform aarti or stroll around the Bhagirathi River, gazing at Bhagirathi Peaks in total awe.

Gangotri National Park

Bhojwasa Campsite

Gaumukh Glacier

Day 4: Bhojbasa –Tapovan (Trek – 10 kms)
The second route requires crossing Bhagirathi River from Bhojwasa itself. You need to walk on moraines for many kilometers with constant view of Gaumukh Glacier from distant. Climb the ridge covered with snow to reach Tapovan. Tapovan campsite is located at the foot of Mount Shivling (6,543mts), just a glance of this mountain is a priceless gift of this trek. And if Shivling peak is not enough then Kharchkund&Meru Peak will definitely leave you speechless. Tapovan is situated at 4400mts above sea level.

Alternate Trail to Tapovan

Gaumukh Glacier Aerial view

The wide expanse of Gangotri Glacier

Day 05: Tapovan – Meru Glacier – Tapovan (Trek – 9 kms)
There are couple of options to roam around for the day at Tapovan, you can either explore the highlands of Tapovan where Akash Ganga ceaselessly passes through the wide meadow overlooking Shivling Peak on right and Bhagirathi Peaks on left. Our personal recommendation for this day is an upclose view of Meru Peak. It takes around 3 hours of walk over moraines to reach the snout of Meru Glacier.

Meru Glacier

Meru Peak

Day 06: Tapovan –Chirbasa (Trek – 15 kms)
The trek starts off with rugged terrains and moraines. Descent on moraines will require extra attention from your legs while trekking. Trek slowly and take a break after you reach the snout of Gaumukh Glacier to experience its massiveness. This is the point where the holy Ganges emerges from, it all begins here. Further trek down to reach Bhojbasaand thereon to Chirbasa.

Bhagirathi Group of Peaks

The route from Bhojwasa to Chirbasa

Day 07: Chirbasa – Gangotri (Trek – 9 kms)
Enjoy the last and kilometers of the trek from Bhojbasa to Gangotri. If you reach Gangotri at around noon and wish to continue traveling till Uttarkashi and thereon to Rishikesh or you can halt for the night somewhere in between .Harsil Valley is most recommended.

Unusual mud and rock formation on the way to Bhojwasa

Trek service ends after reaching Gangotri.