Gomukh Tapovan Trek – High altitude and strenuous trek. A lifetime experience of walking on the glacier
Trek to Gomukh – Tapovan – Nandanvan starts from Gangotri dham, one of the four sacred Dhams of Uttarakhand. Gangotri is famous for temple, dedicated to Goddess Ganga. Pilgrims and trekkers alike visit this site to seek blessings before embarking on the trek.
With Bhagirathi River by your side during the trek, the diverse landscape, varied terrain coupled with the backdrop of some of the most stunning Himalayan peaks, makes this trek a photographer’s paradise. Animals like blue sheep and Himalayan tahr can sometimes be spotted.
Trekking permits are required and can be obtained from the Forest Department in Uttarkashi. It is a high altitude trek and is suggested to be acclimatised for a day at Gangotri.
The literal meaning of Gomukh is "Cow's Mouth," is the snout of the Gangotri Glacier and is the source of the river Bhagirathi which meets river Alaknanda to form the holy river The Ganges. The confluence of these two river is well known as Rudraprayag.
Gangotri glacier is flanked by the towering Bhagirathi Sisters peaks (1- 6586 M, 2- 6512 M, and 3- 6454 M) on the left, the mesmerizing Shivling (6543 M) peak on the right, and the majestic Kedar Dome (6831 M) at the centre, all combining to create a spiritual and visual delight for mountain lovers and seasoned trekkers. Gangotri-Gomukh-Tapovan is one of the most renowned and picturesque treks in the Garhwal Himalayas, which promises a life time experience that blends spirituality significance with the rugged beauty of the region. This trek takes you through the sacred village of Gangotri, pristine landscapes of Chirbasa & Bhojbasa, glacial snout of Gomukh & to traverse Gangotri glacier to reach high-altitude meadows of Tapovan & Nandanvan to camp. Tapovan and Nandanvan are situated across the Gangotri glacier.
Nandanvan are situated on opposite side of the Gangotri glacier. To reach it from Tapovan one has to traverse across the Gangotri glacier.
The real challenge begins with the ascent from Gomukh and the traverse of the Gangotri Glacier. There is no well-defined trail leading to Tapovan or Nandanvan, making navigation difficult. The path is often marked by heaps of stones placed by local porters, which can be sometimes washed away due to melting of glacier. The lack of a well-defined route is one of the reasons why solo trekking in this region is not recommended.
Tapovan is a high altitude meadow known for its jaws dropping views of Shivling, Meru (6660 M) & Bhagirathi 1, 2 & 3 peaks. and is considered as Base Camp for mountaineers attempting to climb Shivling Peak. It is a haven for trekkers, offering expansive meadows, crystal-clear streams, and panoramic Himalayan vistas. It’s also a popular spot for mountaineers and spiritual seekers. Night temp usually fall to -5 to -7 degree of Celsius is very common.
The Gangotri (3415 M) - Gomukh (4000 M) - Tapovan (4463 M) - Nandanvan (4450 M) trek is a challenging one due to its high altitude and rugged terrain and requires a high level of physical fitness, which is essential. May to June and September to October are the best time to plan this trek. It takes about 7 to 8 days for completing the trek.
Day - 1: Haridwar to Gangotri – Journey begins.
» Travel by road. Leave Haridwar by 6.00 AM to reach Gangotri by evening covering a distance of 297 Kms (approx.) in 10 plus hrs. Enjoy the drive all along the River Bhagirathi.
» Gangotri is situated at an altitude of 3415 m/ 11204 ft ASL (Above Sea Level).
Day - 2: Acclimatization at Gangotri (Compulsory)
» Being a High Altitude Trek acclimatization is compulsory. Enjoy the surroundings and visit Gangotri Dham in the evening.
Day - 3 : Gangotri to Chirbasa – Trek.
» Distance: 9 Kms (6 Plus hrs.)
» Chirbasa is situated at an altitude of 3580 m/ 11750 ft. ASL.
Day - 4: Chirbasa to Bhojwasa – Trek.
» Distance: 5 Kms (3 Plus hrs).
» Bhojbasa is situated at an altitude of 3775 m/ 12383 ft. ASL.
Note:
1. Reach Bhojwasa early, take rest, acclimatize yourself and prepare to traverse Mighty Gangotri Glacier to reach Tavovan.
2. Enjoy and behold the beauty of Bhagirathi Sisters (Bhagirathi Peaks 1, 2 n 3) and Shivling Peak.
3. Mind your head position while sleeping in tents. It should not be down the slope.
Day - 5: Bhojwasa to Tapovan via Gaumukh – Trek.
» Distance: 6 Kms (8 Plus hrs.). This the toughest and most challenging part of the trek. Take ample water to remain hydrated during the trek. Don’t ever trek alone, don’t be left alone, be in the group.
» Tapovan is situated at an altitude of 4460 m/ 14640 ft. ASL.
Note:
1. Night Temperature at Tavovan Camp Site falls to Minus 5 and below. Be prepared well.
Day - 6: Tapovan to Chirbasa via Gaumukh n Bhojwasa – Trek.
» Distance: 11 Kms (7 Plus hrs).
» Enjoy the descend carefully. Watch your knees (use knee caps) and toes (cut nails of your toes properly before start of the trek).
» Chirbasa is situated at an altitude of 3580 m/ 11750 ft. ASL.
Day - 7: Chirbasa to Gangotri – Trek.
» Distance: 9 Kms (5 Plus hrs.)
» Enjoy the descend carefully. Watch your knees (use knee caps) and toes (cut nails of your toes properly before start of the trek).
Note:
1. Don’t forget to offer prayer at the Holy Shrine after reaching Gangotri.
Day - 8: Depart for Gangotri – The Return
» Travel by road. Leave Gangotri by 6.00 AM to reach Haridwar by Late evening covering a distance of 260 Kms (approx.) in 10 plus hrs.
Note:
1. Keep the original and copy of ID proof handy.
2. Pick up will be from Haridwar Railway Station by 6.00 AM.
3. As we are reaching Haridwar by Late Evening 8.00 PM and so. Make your further travel plans which suits you the best.
4. Distance, Altitude, and Trekking hours are approximate.
