Gangotri Gaumukh Tapovan Trek

Gangotri Gaumukh Tapovan Trek

7 days / 6 nightsStarts Gangotri
From ₹35,923 · See pricing
7 days
6 nights
Gangotri
start point
May–June & Sep–Oct
best season
16+ yearscrafting India journeys · since 2010
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Overview

Tour overview

Gangotri Gaumukh Tapovan trek is one of the most thrilling treks in Garhwal region of Uttarakhand. The trek starts from Gangotri and ends at the same place. It covers a lot of places like Gangotri, Bhojwasa, Tapovan, Gaumukh, Chirvasa, etc. On this trek, you come across many beautiful glaciers, high altitude meadows, crystal clear tranquil water, alpine mountains, and a scenic view. On this trek, you get to experience the picturesque glaciers like Gangotri glacier, Kirti Bamak glacier, Meru glacier, etc. You also witness some high raising peaks like Gangotri group of peaks, Shivling peak, Bhagirathi group of peaks and Kedardome peak. The best time to go for this trek is during summer, from May to October.The difficulty level of Gangotri Gaumukh Tapovan trek is moderate to difficult. A lot of adventure enthusiasts come here from across the globe to experience the beauty of this place. So pack your rucksack and go ahead for this much adventurous trek.
Gangotri Gaumukh Tapovan trek is one of the most thrilling treks in Garhwal region of Uttarakhand. The trek starts from Gangotri and ends at the same place. It covers a lot of places like Gangotri, Bhojwasa, Tapovan, Gaumukh, Chirvasa, etc.

Tour highlights

Gangotri valley
The trek to Tapovan
Views of Shivling peak,

Destinations covered

Gangotri

Best Time

May–June & Sep–Oct

Ideal For

Pilgrims/Devotees, Families, Seniors (with assistance)

Day by day

Day-by-day itinerary

A carefully paced plan, day by day. Tap any day for the stay, meals and altitude detail.

The assembling point for Gangotri Gomukh Tapovan trek is Gangotri. (All the arrangements of arriving till Gangotri, have to be done by trekkers themselves)Gangotri is easily accessible by road from major cities in Uttarakhand. Distance from Rishikesh to Gangotri by road is 244 km. which takes about 4.5 hours of drive to reach. The distance between Dehradun and Gangotri is 279 km. and takes around 5.5 hours of drive to reach. You can also reach Gangotri from Haridwar, which is at a distance of 286 km. and takes approximately 6.5 hours to reach. The nearest airport to Gangotri is Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun located at the distance of 250 km.On arrival, get in touch with our representatives and they will guide you towards your overnight stay arranged at Gangotri. Gangotri is easily accessible by road from major cities in Uttarakhand. Distance from Rishikesh to Gangotri by road is 244 km. which takes about 4.5 hours of drive to reach. The distance between Dehradun and Gangotri is 279 km. and takes around 5.5 hours of drive to reach. You can also reach Gangotri from Haridwar, which is at a distance of 286 km. and takes approximately 6.5 hours to reach. The nearest airport to Gangotri is Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun located at the distance of 250 km. On arrival, get in touch with our representatives and they will guide you towards your overnight stay arranged at Gangotri.
After breakfast, we commence a 13 km. trek from Gangotri to Bhojwasa via Chirvasa(3600 m.). Gangotri is located at an altitude of 3042 m. and Bhojwasa at 3792 m. above the sea level. The trek route from Gangotri to Chirvasa goes by a well-formed track with patches of pine trees en route. With every step taken, there is a gentle incline along the beautiful Gangotri valley. The entire trek route is very peaceful and follows a parallel course along the Bhagirathi River. One you move ahead from Chirvasa to Bhojwasa, the walking trail passes through a dense forest. There is a small temple here which is considered very sacred. Bhojwasa is the last oasis and last inhabited place on this trekking route. You come across a lot of trees here, but beyond this point, the entire terrain is desolated, sandy and barren. In the evening, enjoy the magnificent view of the sunset on Bhagirathi group of peaks. Explore the surroundings and take pictures for the rest of the evening. Your overnight stay is arranged at Bhojwasa. Do you know?:There is a small patch en route calledsilent zone, which is very fragile. Even a loud noise or a thunder sound can cause a rockslide from above, so you have to be very cautious while you trek from this point.
Have your breakfast relishing the magnificent view of Bhagirathi group of peaks. This morning the trek begins from Bhojwasa to Tapovan via Gaumukh which is 9km. of total distance and roughly takes 4 hours to reach. Gaumukh is located at an altitude of 3969 m. and Tapovan at 4463 m. above the sea level. At Gaumukh, the water from the glaciers trickles down to form Ganga River. This place is considered very sacred and a lot of devotees come here to have a holy dip in the River. The trek to Tapovan witnesses a steep ascent over the corners of the glacier. There are high altitude alpine meadows encircling the entire place and replete with wildflowers. From here you get a panoramic view of all the surrounding peaks and Bhagirathi I, II and III. On the mountains, you often get to see herds of blue mountain goats. It is a perfect location for peace and adventure lovers. After the adventurous day, take rest and stay overnight in the tent at Tapovan.
After having wholesome breakfast, you have the entire day at leisure to relax and acclimatize at Tapovan. This place is located in the lap of myriad snow clad peaks. Enjoy the breath-taking views ofShivling peak, Kirti glacier, Meru glacier, Bhagirathi I, II, III and other Peakssurrounding the area. Tapovan has rich and diverse flora and fauna. Enjoy rolling on the soft carpeted grassland. The charm of this place is trekker’s paradise and a true delight for the shutterbugs. After a tiring day, enjoy the delicious local meal and overnight stay is arranged in the tents at Tapovan.
Start this beautiful day with hot and delicious breakfast,while enjoying the mesmerising view of thesunrise on the high peaks. Today we make our journey backward. We trek back from Tapovan to Bhojwasa. It is roughly 9km. of distance, which approximately takes 4 hours to reach. It is a downhill trail till Gaumukh and the next 4 km. from there is a seamless flat walk which can be covered in a matter of hours. The patch from Tapovan to Bhojwasa is breath-taking and full of high altitude flowers and beautiful meadows. Once you reach Bhojwasa, take rest and we have arranged for overnight tent stay.
Enjoy early morning breakfast witnessing the golden rays of rising sun on the Shivling peak. Today we retrace our track back to Gangotri from Bhojwasa. The total distance is 13 km., which can be covered in 4 to 5 hours. The walking train is continuous downhill and is very effortless. Enjoy clicking a lot of pictures on the way. After a long day, take rest. We have arranged for your overnight stay at Gangotri.
Get up early in the morning and have breakfast. We drive back from Gangotri to Haridwar / Dehradun following the same route of the Bhagirathi River. The driving time and distance between Gangotri and Haridwar is 6.5 hours to cover 286 km. and from Gangotri to Dehradun is 5.5 hours to cover 279 km. The adventurous trek ends here as we drop you to Haridwar or Dehradun. Board your respective trains or flights to reach back home.

Temples on the way

Sacred temples you can visit

On this journey you come close to 4 holy temples of India, from the Chota Char Dham, Jyotirlinga, Char Dham circuits. Below you can see each temple and how far it is from where you stay, so you can plan your darshan with a calm mind and enough time.

Where you stay

Gangotri Dham

Chota Char Dham · Ganga · Uttarakhand

While you stay at Gangotri, you can have darshan at Gangotri Dham.

A short drive from your stay

Kedarnath Jyotirlinga

Jyotirlinga · Chota Char Dham · Shiva · Uttarakhand

Kedarnath Jyotirlinga is a short drive from your stay at Gangotri (about 31 km). You can go for darshan and come back the same day.

An easy day trip from your stay

Yamunotri Dham

Chota Char Dham · Yamuna · Uttarakhand

Yamunotri Dham is an easy day trip from your stay at Gangotri (about 46 km).

Badrinath Dham

Char Dham · Chota Char Dham · Vishnu · Uttarakhand

Badrinath Dham is an easy day trip from your stay at Gangotri (about 60 km).

Travel tips

Travel Tips

Travel Tips For This Tour

Travel Tips For Gangotri Gaumukh Tapovan Trek


Gangotri Gomukh Tapovan Trek

 

Rare Facts

  • The Gangotri Gomukh Tapovan trek gives you a unique chance to witness the Himalayan blue goat, Bharal which is only found at an altitude of 3000 meters and above.
  • This trek is a challenging experience and involves hiking almost 10-12 kilometres daily.
  • The best time to opt for the Gomukh Tapovan trek is in the months of May to June or August to October.
  • The Gaumukh Tapovan trek is recommended only for physically fit children who are 14 years and above.
  • This is an ideal trek for trekkers having a good hiking experience and are physically active and healthy.
  • You can witness an extremely high altitude of 4,463 meters on the Gangotri Gomukh Tapovan trek.

 

Tips for the Trek

  • The Gangotri Gomukh Tapovan trek involves steep climbs and tricky glacier sections. Therefore, make sure you have built up your cardiovascular endurance prior to the trek with physical activities like jogging, cycling, swimming and stair climbing.
  • Water resistant trekking shoes are recommended for the trek. Ensure that the shoes are not extremely old or fairly new. The shoes should be well broken into.
  • Microspikes or gaiters are a must carry for trekking in the snow months. This trek goes onto high altitudes where snow can be found even until the month of May.
  • A trekking pole is a must carry as it not only provides balance and stability but also reduces fatigue.
  • The Gaumukh Tapovan trek is conducted through eco-friendly zones; thereby making sure you do not litter the local sights or campsites.
  • Stock up on some energy bars and snacks to carry on your trek.
  • Be attentive and pay heed to your trek leader at all times to ensure you have a safe and sound trek.

What travellers say

What travellers say

4.7
Way to India · rated 4.7★ on Google across 46 reviews
Y
Yashvind Kumar Poteeram★★★★★
“A big thanks to Way To India for organising such a truly memorable and spiritually fulfilling experience during our 12 Jyotirlinga Darshan pilgrimage from 1st May to 18th May. They organized the entire journey exceptionally well, ensuring that every aspect of the trip was smooth, comfortable, and hassle-free. From transportation and hotel arrangements to darshan planning and coordination, everything was managed professionally. Despite the extensive travel across multiple destinations, the itinerary was well-structured, allowing us to complete all the Jyotirlinga darshans comfortably. Thanks to staff of Way To India, especially, Ms Neha, who was supportive, responsive, and attentive throughout the journey, always ready to assist whenever needed. Her dedication and careful planning made this sacred pilgrimage stress-free and enjoyable. I sincerely appreciate their excellent service, commitment, and hospitality. Highly recommend Way To India to anyone planning a spiritual tour, especially for the 12 Jyotirlinga Yatra. Thank you for making this divine journey so special and memorable.”
4 weeks ago · Google
A
Aruna Persand★★★★★
“We have successfully completed the 12 Jyotirlinga Yatra, with Waytoindia and it was a truly blessed and unforgettable journey. Every aspect of the tour was well planned and professionally organized, from transportation and accommodations to temple visits and sightseeing. Visiting all twelve sacred Jyotirlingas was a deeply spiritual experience. The itinerary was designed efficiently, allowing us to have darshan at each shrine comfortably while enjoying the cultural and religious significance of every destination. We sincerely appreciate the excellent support and coordination throughout the trip. The team was always available to assist, ensuring a smooth and stress-free pilgrimage. Thank you Waytoindia for making our dream of completing the 12 Jyotirlinga Yatra a reality. We highly recommend this tour to anyone seeking a well-organized and spiritually enriching pilgrimage experience. Har Har Mahadev! 🙏🕉️”
a month ago · Google
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Yash Bhargava★★★★★
“We recently entrusted our honeymoon planning to 'Way to India', and it turned out to be one of the best decisions we made. From itinerary finalization to on-ground execution, everything was handled with remarkable professionalism, warmth, and attention to detail. Every aspect of our trip — flights, hotels, transfers, experiences, and even the small thoughtful touches — was perfectly curated. The itinerary was balanced, well-planned, and tailored exactly to what we wanted. We never had to worry about a single thing; all arrangements were seamless and absolutely hassle-free. What truly stood out was their responsiveness and genuine care. They were always available, always patient, and consistently went the extra mile to ensure our journey was special. Special thanks to Neha Ma'am for planning everything. We are incredibly grateful and wholeheartedly recommend their services to anyone looking for a stress-free, personalised, and delightful travel experience. Thank you for making our honeymoon truly magical!”
4 months ago · Google

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FAQ

Frequently asked questions

To undertake the Gangotri Gomukh Tapovan Trek, trekkers need to obtain a permit from the Uttarkashi district administration. This is typically a simple process that can be completed at the Gangotri National Park entry point. It's advisable to carry valid identification and any necessary documentation to facilitate the permit issuance.

The ideal months for the Gangotri Gomukh Tapovan Trek are from May to June and August to October. During these periods, the weather is generally stable, and the trails are accessible, providing a pleasant trekking experience. Avoid the monsoon season due to potential landslides and heavy rainfall.

The Gangotri Gomukh Tapovan Trek is recommended for individuals who are physically fit and have prior hiking experience. Trekkers should be comfortable with steep climbs and high altitudes, as the trek reaches up to 4,463 meters. Regular cardiovascular training is advisable to prepare for the trek.

When packing for the Gangotri Gomukh Tapovan Trek, include water-resistant trekking shoes, warm clothing, a good quality sleeping bag, and trekking poles. Additionally, carry a first aid kit, personal hygiene items, and sufficient snacks to maintain energy levels during the trek.

Acclimatization is crucial due to the high altitudes encountered during the trek. Spend an extra day at Tapovan to allow your body to adjust. Stay hydrated, avoid strenuous activities on acclimatization days, and monitor for any symptoms of altitude sickness.

Mobile connectivity can be limited in the higher altitudes of the Gangotri Gomukh Tapovan Trek. While you may find signal in Gangotri and Bhojwasa, it is generally unreliable in Tapovan and beyond. It's advisable to inform family or friends about your trekking schedule beforehand.

Safety is paramount on the Gangotri Gomukh Tapovan Trek. Always trek with a guide, stay on marked trails, and be cautious of slippery or unstable terrain, especially near glaciers. Carry a whistle, a flashlight, and a basic first aid kit for emergencies.

On the Gangotri Gomukh Tapovan Trek, trekkers typically cover 10-12 kilometers each day. The trek involves varying terrain, including steep ascents and glacier sections, so it's important to pace yourself and take regular breaks to avoid fatigue.

The Gangotri Gomukh Tapovan Trek is recommended for children aged 14 and above, provided they are physically fit and accustomed to hiking. Parents should ensure that their children are prepared for the challenges of high-altitude trekking.

If you experience symptoms of altitude sickness, such as headache, nausea, or dizziness, it's crucial to descend to a lower altitude immediately. Rest, hydrate, and seek medical attention if symptoms persist. Always prioritize your health and safety during the trek.

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