Vasuki Tal Trek
Vasuki Tal Trek Trip highlights
- The trek commences from Gangotri Holy shrine
- Trekking into Gangotri National Park
- En route through Gaumukh, Tapovan
Vasuki Tal Trek Trip Description
When one’s wanderlust calls for one to go on a trek that presents mesmerizing views of the mountains,
then Vasuki Tal via Gaumukh Tapovan is the one that you cannot miss. The trek is a memorable journey
in every sense of the word, and among the top features of the trek is a miles-long trek over glaciers.
Camping at the foot of Mount Shivalinga, one of the towering Himalayan peaks is also an experience of a
lifetime.
This trek is classified as moderate to challenging and is not a default choice for every aspiring trekker.
One has to seriously consider if one is fit enough to go for the trek and proceed accordingly. Going for
the trek as a matter of experimentation is best avoided.
Herein, the high-altitude lake is located at an astonishing height of 4880 meters. Nine days is the
duration of the trek and offers sufficient time for one to delight in the beauty of the Gaumukh glacier.
The trek covers Gaumukh, Tapovan and Nandanvan to Vasuki Tal. The Gaumukh glacier is also one of the
prime sources of water for the river Ganges.
At the trek, a trekker gets to experience the beauty of Bhagirathi Peaks, Mt. Meru, and Mt. Shivling in all
its glory. The scenic ambiance of Tapovan meadows transports one to a different world altogether. Other
scenic delights that one comes across while at the trek include the views of Thalay Sagar, Meru Pass, and
Nandanvan of Mt. Shivling.
The starting point of the Gangotri Vasuki Tal trek is the holy town of Gangotri, which is the home to the
most sacred temple in Hinduism. Upon reaching Gangotri, one comes across attractions such as the Holy
River, ancient caves, and mesmerizing landscapes. The campsites of the trek make another one of the
prime reasons why one should go for this trek. The trek lies in the region of Gangotri National Park, a
landscape rich in flora and fauna.
Vasuki Tal 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 is 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 LeaderActivitiesHotelThe second day 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 makeup 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 Tapovan to Nandanvan campsite is the itinerary for day 5, and probably the most important section of
the trek. Nandanvan also forms the basecamp for the Bhagirathi peak expedition. The view of greenery
lush with alpine flowers replenishes one's soul. From the upper section of the meadows, we descend
right down to the glacier. Nandanvan is at an elevation of 4340 meters. Towards your right will be the
Gangotri glacier, which runs between two mountain ranges. Steep ascents are involved and getting to
Nandanvan is a challenging climb. We are now all set for dinner and a night under tents.
Trek LeaderActivitiesTentBreakfast | Lunch | Dinner When one wakes up in Nandanvan, one is welcomed with attractive views of Thalay Sagar, Meru pass,
and Mt. Shivling. A wholesome breakfast follows.
We can now start with our trek in the morning, which takes you to Vasuki Tal along the Chaturangi
glacier. Vasuki Tal is an attractive base, for Mt.Vasuki and Mt.Satopant. A small lake flows over here.
Our trek calls for us to climb up a steep. So, make sure that your equipment is all in place. Views will be
pleasant when you get to Vasukital Lake and demand your admiration. We'll explore the area for a while,
and turn back for Nandanvan. In 5-6 hours, we’ll get there and rest in our tents.
Trek LeaderActivitiesTentBreakfast | Lunch | Dinner It is now time to retrace our trail, starting from Nandanvan right back to Cheerwasa. 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 Nandanvan
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.
Vasuki Tal 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.
Vasuki Tal 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
Vasuki Tal 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 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
- Plastic Bags for wet clothes
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
- Sanitary Napkin/Tampons (for female participants)
- Intimate Wash (for female participants)
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
- TripMoody 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 have mentioned Address)
- Sufficient Cash
Miscellaneous
- Camera (optional)
- Power Bank (optional)
- Tripod (optional)
- Protein Bars, Snacks and Dry Fruits
Vasuki Tal Trek Basic Instructions
- Covid-19 guidelines issued by the State-Government is to be followed. Social distancing to be maintained. Frequent hand sanitization and use of mask 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 take 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 basecamp, 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 on 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, auto, sharing rickshaws are easily accessible for exploring all parts of the city. Besides the railway station, there is 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)
Vasuki Tal 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