Gaumukh Tapovan Trek
Gaumukh Tapovan Trek Trip highlights
- Base Camp of Mount Shivling.
- View of Gaumukh glacier snout.
- See Moutain goat/Ibex around your tents.
- You see Mt. Shivling right from the base to its summit.
- Best views of Bhagirathi sisters massif from bottom to top.
Gaumukh Tapovan Trek Trip Description
The Gaumukh Tapovan Trek is best described as a seven-day trek that is the perfect mix of thrills,
adventure, and the right dose of mythology. It is a must-visit trek for an undisputable adrenaline rush.
Across the Gangotri Glacier, the mouth of the holy Ganges, the trek traverses.
While the Gangotri glacier is 24 km long, it is 6-8km wide as well. The trek initiates right from Gaumukh
and extends as far as Chaukhamba massif, which is around Badrinath. We now have a trek route that
extends to the entire stretch of this storied landscape, thanks to the prolific mountain climbers, Tilman
and Shipton.
Merely a look at the fleeting glacial hues is an absolute treat for the senses. The views are mesmerizing;
in the majestic backdrop of Mount Shivling, which will be visible to us entirely, right from its base to the
serrated peak high above in the clouds. Our trek will call of us to descend through the meadows of
Tapovan and get back to Gangotri, which will be our destination.
Gaumukh Tapovan Trek is going to be an absolute visual thrillfest. Shivling is going to be in the view at all
times. We’d also discern the Bhagirathi twin peaks as they rise.
The literal meaning of Gaumukh is cow’s mouth. When the river trickles down the Gangotri glacier via
Gaumukh, it is known as Bhagirathi. But as the river ascends, it comes to be known as Ganga or the
Ganges. A surprising piece of trivia about the Ganges is that it flows for around 2,252 odd km before it
submerges into the oceans. The Ganges is very frequently known as the life vein of the northern planes
in India.
Gaumukh Tapovan Trek Trip Itinerary
Trek Leader
Activities
HotelThe Gangotri Vasuki Tal trek gets underway from Gangotri, and on day 1, one drives down from
Dehradun to Gangotri. If you book transportation with us, we’d collect you from ISBT Dehradun/Railway
Station at 6 AM. Else, you could book your own transportation and reach down to Gangotri. We’d have your overnight stay booked in a guest house.
The drive from Dehradun to Gangotri is an absolute marvel. It passes via Uttarkashi and Harsil. Tourist
spots on either side of the road are a feast for the eyes. You may even choose to halt for a few moments
to see the beautiful town of Harsil.
Trek LeaderActivitiesHotelDay 2 is reserved for acclimatization to the Gangotri’s climate and get some much called for rest. This
helps one trek better and stays comfortable. The day will typically involve some gentle trails down the
forest with your guide and contingent. Sessions for briefing and introduction will also be involved. A
tourist may then choose to visit the holy temples and secret caves at Gangotri.
Trek LeaderActivities
Tent
Lunch | Dinner After consuming breakfast on day 3, we are all set to embark on our Vasuki Tal trek and the first halt
along the way is Bhojwasa. While the trek distance is 14 km, it’s a reasonably long trail. Reaching the
campsite is going to take around 6-7 hours. Through the pine forests along with the energetic Bhagirathi
River, the trek proceeds. The first stoppage along the way is the beautiful Chirbasa campsite, where we
reach after trekking for 4-5 hours and halt for our lunch and a break. Then, we trek for the remaining
third of the trek distance and reach Bhojwasa, our campsite for the day. Ashrams and temples are key
attractions here, alongside your campsite close to the river. Your night will be cozy under tents.
Trek LeaderActivitiesTentBreakfast | Lunch | Dinner Waking up early the next day enables a panoramic view of Bhagirathi peaks. After breakfast, we embark
on a trek to Gaumukh, 5 km from Bhojwasa. The trek takes 2-3 hours to accomplish. Gaumukh appears
like a cow’s snout, and the mighty Ganges originates from here. We halt at Gaumukh for some delightful
moments, and initiate on the trek to Tapovan, among the best high altitude alpine meadows in the
region. The ascent here is steep and the terrain rocky, but the out-of-the-world sights of the mountains
more than make up for the difficulty level of the trek. Tapovan holds ancient significance in India's
history and is the best place to find solitude and relaxation.
Trek LeaderActivitiesTentBreakfast | Lunch | Dinner It is now time to retrace our trail, starting from Tapovan right back to Bhojwasa. Again, we’ll cross
the Gaumukh glacier. This is a great adventure and fun. Within 5-6 hours, we'll be back at our campsite
where we will rest once again. This is your last chance to admire the panoramic views that Goumukh
offers and click some selfies as well. We’ll sleep in tents for the night.
Trek LeaderActivitiesHotelBreakfast | Lunch These are going to be your final few moments in the beautiful mountains, so enjoy well. The ice-capped
mountains will glow in the sunlight. After consuming our breakfast, we'll have the lunch packed and
proceed towards the final stages of our trek. We have observed the terrain once earlier, and we can look
at it again. Just a few more descends and ascends, and we'll be back in Gangotri. After we check into our
hotel, a hot bath is recommended before we can go and visit the holy temples.
Trek LeaderActivitiesWe’ll return to Dehradun today and have accomplished our trek successfully. After breakfast, you may
choose to checkout and we’ll drive you down to Dehradun, a journey full of mesmerizing sights. Within
8-9 hours, you’d reach Dehradun station. You are likely to have prior bookings made earlier, which is the
recommendable way to go about it. Or, you may make the bookings over your smartphone while in
transit. Else, 2-3 hours of waiting times are the norm.
Gaumukh Tapovan Trek Includes
- Guesthouse accommodation on the first two days and last day on a twin sharing basis.
- All vegetarian meals on trek
- Professional guide, cook and support staff
- Clean sleeping bags and mats
- Good quality A-shaped or dome tents
- Kitchen tents, common tents, toilet tents with portable toilet seats
- Microspikes and Gaiters if required
- Forest entry charges for Indian National
- For non-Indian passport holders; there will be an additional charge
- Porter and mule support to carry camping equipment and NOT personal luggage
- Tented accommodation throughout the trek on a twin sharing basis.
Gaumukh Tapovan Trek Excludes
- Personal expenses like tips, personal medicines, phone calls etc.
- Any transport support during the trek apart from what is included above
- Any cost or services not mentioned in the Inclusions
- Cost arising due to unforeseen incidents like bad weather, medical evacuation, road blocks etc
- Porter/mule charges to carry personal luggage
Gaumukh Tapovan Trek Things to Carry
The following is a list of things that we suggest that you carry with you. It is not expected to be a comprehensive list; rather, it is intended to remind you of those items that we feel are essential for your comfort during the trek. However, we recognize that you may have your personal preferences for clothing, which may be equally appropriate.
TREKKING GEARS
Backpack with Rain Cover - (Should be more than 50-70 Liters)
Daypack 20 Liters -Collapsible (This will require on summit day)
Head Torch with Spare Batteries
Sunglasses with UV Protection
Sun Cap / Hat
Trekking Poles (If required)
Poncho / Rain Coat (Protect from rainfall and Snowfall
CLOTHES
Padded / Down Jacket
Fleeces Jacket
2 Quick Dry Trek Pants
3 Quick-Dry T-Shirt (full sleeve)
Thermals Inners (upper and lower)
Woolen Cap
Neck Gaiters/Balaclava
Waterproof Gloves
Undergarments
FOOTWEAR
Trekking Shoes (Waterproof & High Ankle)
Woollen socks - (2 pairs)
Cotton Socks - (3 pairs)
Floaters
TOILETRIES
Toothbrush & Toothpaste
Sunscreen (40+ SPF)
Toilet Paper
Lip Balm
Hand Sanitizer
Moisturizer
Quick Dry Tawal
Soap
MEDICINES
Personal Medicines prescribed by the doctor, if any (Consult your doctor before coming)
Combifilm - Half Strip
Digene - 1 Strip
Cetirizine - 1 Strip
Painkiller Tablet - Half Strip
Muscle Relief Spray
Knee Cap (if you are prone to knee pain/injury)
ORS/ Electrals - 5 Pouch
Band-aid - 5
Antibacterial Powder
UTENSILS
Leak-Proof Lunch Box with a spoon
2 Water Bottles/Hydration Pack
Plate and Tea Mug
DOCUMENTS
Medical form signed by the doctor
Disclaimer form, signed by the participant
Rent Gear Voucher (If you have rented gear from TripMoody)
Valid ID Proof Photocopy (that has mentioned Address)
Sufficient Cash
MISCELLANEOUS
Camera (optional)
Power Bank (optional)
Tripod (optional)
Protein Bars, Snacks and Dry Fruits
Gaumukh Tapovan Trek Basic Instructions
- COVID-19 guidelines issued by the govt. are to be followed. Social distancing is to be maintained. Frequent hand sanitization and the use of masks are recommended.
- Do carry a valid ID and undertaking form print at the time of reporting.
- It is recommended to carry enough warm clothes as per trek and the right kind of waterproof high-ankle shoes for the trek.
- Do not carry expensive valuables with you during the trek. Camp does not have locker facilities and takes no responsibility for the same.
- Keep your luggage minimum; the less you carry, the more you hassle-free.
- Smoking, drinking and any kind of intoxication are strictly prohibited during the trek.
- Network connectivity is pretty bad after base camp, please inform your guardians or friends beforehand.
- Treat the Kitchen and helping staff with respect and speak to them comfortably!
- On the trek decisions taken by the trek leader are final.
- Don’t use earphones during the trek; this might hinder your audibility.
- Avoid using plastic bags and maintain the ecological balance of the destinations.
- Keep your snack rappers with yourself during the trek and dump it in the campsite’s garbage bag.
- The trek takes place through an eco-friendly zone; do not encourage littering the local sites or campsites.
How to Reach
How to reach Dehradun by Bus
Dehradun is very well-connected to the important Cities in Uttarakhand (Haridwar, Rishikesh, Mussoorie, Uttarkashi), Chandigarh (150 km), Delhi (Kashmere Gate ISBT-250 km), and Ambala (140 km) by means of state-run and private buses at a reasonable cost. It is advisable to choose Volvo buses over ordinary buses, to ensure a more comfortable journey in the mountainous terrain.
Note: - The bus journey from Delhi to Dehradun takes 7 to 8 hrs for 250 km and it is advisable to book your tickets around 9-10 pm in the night to reach early in the morning for your treks and to avoid delays.
How to reach Dehradun by Train
Dehradun Railway Station is one of the biggest and busiest railheads of Uttarakhand after Haridwar. Dehradun Railway Station is connected to all major cities of the country like New Delhi, Lucknow, Jaipur, Ajmer, Mumbai, Lucknow, Varanasi, Patna, Kolkata, Bangalore and Chennai, circuitously. The railway station is located at the heart of the city which is 2 km away from ISBT and the City Centre. Cabs, autos, and sharing rickshaws are easily accessible for exploring all parts of the city. Besides the railway station, there is the Dehradun Hill Bus stand which offers regular services to Mussoorie and Dhanolti.
How to reach Dehradun by Air
The nearest airport is at Jolly Grant, located approximately 22 km away from Dehradun City Centre. Domestic flights connect Dehradun with Delhi, Chandigarh, Banglore, Mumbai, Hyderabad and Kolkata. Once you reach the airport, you can take prepaid taxis outside the airport which can be availed to get transferred to the main city of Dehradun and it has easy access to the holy towns of Rishikesh (25km) and Haridwar (32 km).
The major airlines operating in this airport are IndiGo, Jet Airways, Spice Jet and Air India.
Nearest Airport: - Jolly Grant (DED), Dehradun
Nearest International Airport: - Delhi International Airport (DEL)
Gaumukh Tapovan Trek Cancellation Policy
Amount Refund
Cancellations up to 30 days prior to departure date
5% Deduction
Cancellations up to 15 days prior to departure date
25% Deduction
Cancellations up to 7 days prior to departure date
50% Deduction
Cancellations less than 7 days prior to departure date
No Refund