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Gaumukh Tapovan Trek: An Adventure to the Ganga River’s Origin
The Gaumukh Tapovan trek is a popular hiking route that takes you on a journey to the source of the holy river Ganga, one of the most sacred rivers in India. This trek in Uttarakhand is an adventurous experience with spectacular views of the world’s largest Himalayan range.
The trek starts from the small town of Gangotri and leads you to the Gaumukh Glacier, which is the origin of the river Ganga. A must-see place for nature lovers, the glacier is a natural wonder. The trek takes you through beautiful valleys, meadows, and glaciers and offers panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.
The final destination of the trek is Tapovan, a high-altitude alpine meadow situated at an elevation of around 4,463 meters. Tapovan is considered a sacred place for Hindus, and it is believed to be the meditation site of the sage Narada. The place is also popular among trekkers for its stunning views of some of the highest mountain peaks in the world, including Shivling, Bhagirathi, and Meru.
The trek provides a chance to get to know the customs and cultures of the locals in the Himalayan region. You move through a number of distinct villages on the trail, where you can communicate with the residents and understand the culture.
The Gaumukh Tapovan trek is a challenging trek that requires a good level of fitness and experience. The trail passes through steep inclines, rocky terrain, and high altitude, making it a thrilling adventure for experienced trekkers. The summer months of May to June and the fall months of September to November are ideal for this trek because they bring pleasant weather and clear views.
About Base Camp Gangotri
GANGOTRI is a town and a Nagar Panchayat (municipality) in Uttarkashi district in the state of Uttarakhand, India. It is 99 km from Uttarkashi, the main district headquarters. It is a Hindu pilgrim town on the banks of the river Bhagirathi – the origin of the river Ganges. The town is located on the Greater Himalayan Range, at a height of 3,100 meters ). According to popular Hindu legend, Goddess Ganga descended here when Lord Shiva released the mighty river from the locks of his hair.
GANGOTRI is one of the four sites in the Chota Char Dham pilgrimage circuit. It isalso the origin of the Ganges river and the seat of the goddess Ganga. The river is called Bhagirathi at the source and acquires the name Ganga (the Ganges) from Devprayagonwards where it meets the Alaknanda. The origin of the holy river is at Gaumukh, set in the Gangotri Glacier, and is a 19 km trek from Gangotri. The original Gangotri temple was built by the Nepalese general Amar Singh Thapa. The temple is closed from Diwali day every year and is reopened on Akshaya Tritiya. During this time, the idol of the goddess is kept at Mukhba village, near Harsil. Ritual duties of the temple are supervised by the Semwal family of pujaris. These pujaris hail from Mukhba village.
Why Choose Gaumukh Tapovan Trek
The Gaumukh Tapovan trek is a must-do trek for several reasons. For adventure seekers, this trek comes highly recommended for the following reasons:
- The source of the holy river Ganga: The Gaumukh Glacier, the source of the revered Ganges, is reached by the trek. This glacier is a natural wonder and one of India’s holiest places. The trek offers a chance to see the glacier up close and take in the spirituality of the location.
- Stunning views of the Himalayas: Shivling, Bhagirathi, and Meru are just a few of the world’s highest mountain peaks that can be seen from the trek. The trail offers a panoramic view of the surroundings as it leads you past lovely valleys, glaciers, and meadows.
- Cultural experience: You can learn about the customs and cultures of the people who live in the Himalayan region as you trek through the villages. You can interact with the locals and learn about their way of life, making the trek a culturally enriching experience.
- Wildlife spotting: The trek offers an opportunity to spot various Himalayan wildlife such as snow leopards, Himalayan black bears, blue sheep, and musk deer.
- Challenging terrain: The Gaumukh Tapovan trek is a challenging trek that requires a good level of fitness and experience. The trail passes through steep inclines, rocky terrain, and high altitude, making it a thrilling adventure for experienced trekkers.
- Sacred destination: Tapovan is considered a sacred place for Hindus, and it is believed to be the meditation site of the sage Narada.
- Adventure of a lifetime: Overall, the Gaumukh Tapovan trek is an adventure of a lifetime that offers a beautiful blend of adventure, culture, and natural beauty. This trek takes you to the source of India’s most sacred river and offers an uplifting experience both physically and mentally
Gaumukh Tapovan Trek Highlights
- Spectacular views: The trek offers stunning views of some of the highest mountain peaks in the world, including Shivling, Bhagirathi, and Meru. The trail has great views of the surroundings as it winds through lovely valleys, glaciers, and meadows.
- Gaumukh Glacier: The trek leads you to the source of the holy river Ganges, the Gaumukh Glacier. This glacier is a natural wonder, and the trek gives you an opportunity to witness the glacier up close.
- Tapovan: The final destination of the trek is Tapovan, a high-altitude alpine meadow situated at an elevation of around 4,463 meters. Tapovan is believed to be the meditation site of the sage Narada and is considered a sacred place for Hindus.
- Cultural experience: The trek passes through several remote villages where you can experience the local culture and traditions of the Himalayan people.
- Wildlife spotting: The trek offers an opportunity to spot various Himalayan wildlife such as snow leopards, Himalayan black bears, blue sheep, and musk deer.
- Challenging terrain: The Gaumukh Tapovan trek is a challenging trek and requires a good level of fitness and experience. The trail passes through steep inclines, rocky terrain, and high altitude, making it a thrilling adventure for experienced trekkers.
Essential Items to Pack For the Gaumukh Tapovan Trek
- The Gaumukh Tapovan Trek is a challenging and rewarding adventure that takes you through some of the most breathtaking landscapes in India. It’s crucial to pack thoughtfully before starting this trek to make sure you have everything you need for a secure and enjoyable journey. Here are some essential items to pack for the Gaumukh Tapovan Trek:
- Trekking shoes: The Gaumukh Tapovan Trek involves walking long distances on uneven terrain, so it is crucial to invest in a pair of sturdy trekking shoes that provide ample support and traction. Make sure you break them in before the trek to avoid blisters and discomfort.
- Warm clothing: It’s crucial to pack warm clothing like thermal underwear, fleece jackets, and down jackets because the temperature can drop significantly at night.
- Rain gear: The weather in the mountains is changeable, so rain gear such as waterproof jackets, pants, and ponchos is essential. This will keep you dry even in unexpected downpours.
- Sleeping bag: A good quality sleeping bag is essential since you will sleep in a basic campsite throughout the trek.
- First aid kit: It is crucial to carry a first aid bag containing bandages, antiseptic cream, painkillers, and any necessary drugs because accidents can happen when you are hiking.
- Water bottle and water purifiers: Carrying a reusable water bottle and a water conditioner or water purification tablet is essential for trekking to ensure clean drinking water.
- Sun protection: High SPF sunscreen application, broad hats, and sunglasses should all be worn because the sun can be very strong at high altitudes.
- Trekking poles: Trekking poles can provide extra support and balance, especially during steep ascents and descents, so it is essential to carry a pair.
- Headlamp/flashlight: Campsites can get dark at night, so it is essential to carry a headlamp or flashlight to navigate your way around.
Fitness Level Required For the Gaumukh Tapovan Trek
- The Gaumukh Tapovan Trek is a challenging and strenuous trek that requires a good level of fitness to complete. The trek involves walking long distances on uneven terrain and steep ascents and descents, which can be physically demanding. Here is an overview of the fitness level required for the Gaumukh Tapovan Trek:
- Endurance: The trek is a 6-7 day trek, and you will be walking for several hours each day. You must be able to travel large distances without getting exhausted for the game to work. You can build endurance by starting with shorter walks and gradually increasing the distance.
- Cardiovascular fitness: The trek involves walking at high altitudes, which can cause breathlessness and fatigue due to the thin air. The ability to breathe in thin air at high altitudes thus depends on maintaining a high level of cardiovascular fitness. Activities like running, cycling, and swimming can help improve your cardiovascular fitness.
- Strength: The trek involves steep ascents and descents, which require good leg and core strength. Strong your body with squats, lunges, and planks.
- Flexibility: The trek involves walking on uneven terrain, which requires good balance and flexibility. You can improve your flexibility by doing stretching exercises such as yoga and Pilates.
- Mental endurance: Trekking in the mountains can be mentally challenging, and you need to be mentally prepared for the trek. You need to have the mental toughness to cope with the challenges of the trek and stay motivated throughout.
TREK ESSENTIALS
- We would provide you with tents, sleeping bags, mattresses, and a few things like gaiters, and micro spikes wherever required.
- Personal clothing and equipment are your own and we don’t have any renting facility. Also, renting any of these items is impossible once you reach the trek base, so inform us when you book the trek.
- Four things are a must for any Himalayan Trek. These are personal items and you need to bring your own.
- A trekking shoe – mid/high ankle rubber sole, waterproof membrane.
- A Rucksack (40-50 L)
- A warm jacket – can be synthetic, fleece, or down jacket. Windproof & Waterproof jacket/clothing – outer layer.
Things To Carry For Your Trek
- Shirts / T-Shirts – 2
- Warm SHirt/Light Microfleece Pullover/Full Sleeve t-shirts\
- Trekking Pants (Water Resistant/ Repellent & Having inside Lining for extra warmth ) – 2
- Windproof/Water The Resistant Outer Shell (Jacket) with good quality with a proper hood
- Down Jacket with min 600-fill power rating.
- Thick Fleece/Full Sleeve woolen sweater.
- Thermal Inner Wear (Upper & Lower)
- Woollen Cap (Balaclava)
Included
- One night’s accommodation at Gangotri in Hotel / Lodge on sharing basis and dinner.
- Meals during the trek.
- Regular Indian-style nutritious vegetarian food during the trek, breakfast packed / hot lunch (depending upon the time you reach a campsite), snacks, dinner along with coffee/tea/soup.
- Excellent Mountain Guide who will be a local to this particular area and has profound knowledge of the trekking trails around.
- Specialized Cook, Support Staff, and Porters/Packed Animals for carrying the central logistics of the trek.
- All permit fees house/forest, camping charges, and forest levy are required for the trek.
- Stay in a rest house/forest hut/tent as required in the trek.
- Sleeping mattress and Sleeping bag (If you have a personal high altitude specific bag, bring your own for hygienic reasons).
- Micro Spikes / Crampons and Gaiters if needed.
- Basic First Aid and Medical Kit.
- Transport (pick up/drop)
Not Included
- We assume that you will carry your personal Rucksack / Backpack with all your personal belongings.
- If you want to offload your Rucksack and carried by our Pack Animal / Porter then you need to pay additional @ 350/- per day.
- The Rucksack should not weight more than 10 Kg.
Day 1: Reach Gangotri From Dehradun
10-12 hours drive from Dehradun On arrival check in to the hotel. Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.
DAY 2 : GANGOTRI TO BHOJBASA
Bhojbasa (12,450 ft); Bhagirathi on right bank. The trek is a gradual ascent for most of the part. From Bhojbasa you can have a majestic view of the Bhagirathi group of peaks. On arrival set up camp for overnight stay.
Day 3: Bhojbasa to Tapovan
Bhojbasa (12,450 ft) to Tapovan (14,202 ft); 6 hours, 9 kmMorning after breakfast start your trek to Tapovan via Gaumukh – the source of the river
Ganges. From Gaumukh climb over to Gangotri glacier and cross it from right to left bank before climbing over to lateral moraine to reach Tapovan. Tapovan is a large high-altitude meadow and base camp for climbing Mt Shivling. Mt Meru. On arrival set up camp for overnight stay.
Day 4: Tapovan to Bhojbasa
Tapovan (14,202 ft) to Bhojbasa (12,450 ft) ; 5 hours, 9 kmOvernight stay at Bhojbasa.
Day 5: Bhojbasa to Gangotri
Bhojbasa to Gangotri
Day 6: Gangotri to Dehradun
Drive from Gangotri to Dehradun.
Customized Itinerary From Dehradun to Dehradun
Day 1: Reach Gangotri From Dehradun
10-12 hours drive from Dehradun On arrival check in to the hotel. Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.
Day 2: Gangotri to Chirbasa
Trek from Gangotri (10,055 ft) to Chirbasa (11,761 ft); 6 hours, 9 km Overnight stay at Chirbasa (based on the walking ability of the team, if required.)
Day 3: Chirbasa to Bhojbasa
Chirbasa (11,761 ft) to Bhojbasa (12,450 ft); 3 hours, 5 km.After breakfast start your trek following the river Bhagirathi on right bank. The trek is a gradual ascent for most of the part. From Bhojbasa you can have a majestic view of the Bhagirathi group of peaks. On arrival set up camp for overnight stay.
Day 4: Bhojbasa to Tapovan
Bhojbasa (12,450 ft) to Tapovan (14,202 ft); 6 hours, 9 kmMorning after breakfast start your trek to Tapovan via Gaumukh – the source of the river
Ganges. From Gaumukh climb over to Gangotri glacier and cross it from right to left bank before climbing over to lateral moraine to reach Tapovan. Tapovan is a large high-altitude meadow and base camp for climbing Mt Shivling. Mt Meru. On arrival set up camp for overnight stay.
Day 5: Tapovan to Bhojbasa
Tapovan (14,202 ft) to Bhojbasa (12,450 ft) ; 5 hours, 9 kmOvernight stay at Bhojbasa.
Day 6: Bhojbasa to Gangotri
Bhojbasa to Gangotri.
DAY 7: GANGOTRI TO DEHRADUN
Drive from Gangotri to Dehradun.