Overview:
The Gaumukh Tapovan Trek is an exciting trek with enormous views of the cow shaped Gaumukh Glacier. It is one of the main water sources of the sacred Ganges. As the origin of the Bhagirathi River, the Gaumukh River is considered to be the veracious source of the Ganges, and a 18 km stroll from Gangotri that will take you to Gaumukh, the surreal and peaceful area which offers amazing views of the Bhagirathi peaks. Meters is behind Gaumukh and consists of the beautiful grassland at the foot of Mount Shivling.
The trek offers breathtaking views of the Gangotri Shivling, Thalay Sagar and Meru peaks. The trek is usually gentle, but in places it becomes dangerously steep. The hike is a combined trekking, bouldering, climbing and glacier crossing experience. It is picturesque with the abundance of nature and adorned with fragrant flowers, snow capped peaks and related breathtaking views. Take a bath in the sacred Bhagirathi river, which is considered one of the sacred rituals.
During the Gaumukh glacier hike, you can also immerse yourself in the divine aura of the pilgrimage cities of Rishikesh, Uttarkashi, Gangotri and Bhojwasa. Admire the sight of the Bhagirathi sisters and take in the view from the summit. You can enjoy the mesmerizing view of the beautiful snow-capped peaks bathed in sunlight in Tapovan. Another attraction of this trekking route is the view of the Akash Ganga, the royal Ganga river that flows according to the popular belief of Lord Shivas Jata, bathing the Shiva Linga. The surrounding beauty and serenity of Tapovan will mesmerize, relax, and soothe your mind.
Meanwhile you can also think for Bunjee Jumping in Rishikesh if you have to look for some more adventure .
Some facts:
- Maximum altitude: 14222 ft.
- Duration Of Gomukh Trek: 8 Days and 7 nights
- Start Point/End Point: Gangotri
- Gomukh Tapovan trek gradient: Moderate
- Gomukh Trek route distance: 46 Km
- Temperature: Day- 18°C to 12°C and Night- 5°C to -5°C
- ATM: Uttarkashi
How to reach:
By Rail:
The nearest railway station to Gangotri is Rishikesh which is 234 km before Gangotri on the NH58. It is well connected to all important cities in India. Trains to Rishikesh run frequently. Buses and taxis are available to Gangotri from Rishikesh, Uttarkashi, Tehri Garhwal and many other destinations.
By Air:
The closest airport to Gangotri is Jolly Grant Airport, which is 250 km away. This airport is well connected to Delhi and there are several daily flights to Delhi connecting large parts of the country.
By Road:
Gangotri can only be reached by bus, private jeep, SUV / other vehicles. Travel from Rishikesh takes approximately 12 hours. Taxis / Jeeps are also available at taxi stations in Rishikesh, Haridwar and Dehradun. Tourist taxis are available in Dehradun / Rishikesh.
Things to carry:
- Back pack (50-60l)
- Warm clothes
- Water bottle
- Caps
- Day pack (20-30l)
- Extra pair of socks
- Fleece jackets and thermals
- Hiking shoes
- Mosquito & insect repellent
Best time to visit:
Best time to do Gaumukh Tapovan trek is May end to June, September to October.
Level of difficulty:
The Gaumukh Tapovan hike is rated as moderate and you must be in good physical condition to complete this hike.
Reasons to do:
It’s one of the most rewarding hikes you’ve ever done. There are summit views and there are “great” summit views. Not only do you see the best views of Mount Shivling on the Gaumukh Tapovan hike. You will see Mount Shivling on the right from the bottom up.
Places to visit:
Gangotri- Gangotri is a small metropolis targeted across the temple of Gangotri temple and is one of the holy locations of the various 4 Char Dhams. It is the very best and the maximum vital temple of river Ganga that’s worshiped as a Goddess in India. The starting place of the holy river is at Gaumukh, set withinside the Gangotri glacier that may be accessed through a quick 19 km trek from Gangotri. However in Hindu mythology, Gangotri is the location in which river Ganga descended from heaven whilst Lord Shiva launched the robust river from his luscious locks.
Bhojbasa-
Bhojbasa is a picturesque place in rugged terrain at an altitude of 3775 meters above sea level. Bhojbasa can be reached by a 14 km hike starting in Gangotri. The hike goes through rugged terrain along with the Bhagirathi River.