Gaumukh Tapovan Trek

GANGOTRI NATIONAL PARK | ALPINE MEADOWS | PRESTINE LANDSCAPE | BHAGIRATHI PEAKS | GAUMUKH

INR 16000

per person

7 Days & 6 Nights

Duration

4543 m / 14904 ft

Max. Altitude

4543 m / 14904 ft

Min. Altitude

35 Km

Walking distance

GANGOTRI NATIONAL PARK | ALPINE MEADOWS | PRESTINE LANDSCAPE | BHAGIRATHI PEAKS | GAUKUKH

GAUMUKH TAPOVAN TREK

High in the heart of Uttarakhand’s Garhwal Himalayas, at a breathtaking altitude of nearly 13,000 feet, lies Gaumukh, a site steeped in myth, mysticism, and raw natural grandeur. Revered in Hindu mythology as the very mouth of the sacred Ganga, Gaumukh derives its name from its unique shape, said to resemble a cow’s snout, a divine symbol of purity and nourishment. From this glacial cavern, the life-giving waters of the Ganges begin their epic descent, carving valleys and civilizations in their wake.

A short yet soul-stirring journey from Gaumukh leads to Tapovan, an ethereal alpine meadow draped in silence and spiritual power. Here, the veil between the earthly and the divine seems perilously thin. Every step on the Gaumukh–Tapovan trail echoes with ancient resonance, whispers of sages, gods, and seekers who once walked this path in search of enlightenment.

But perhaps nothing arrests the soul more than the towering presence of Mt. Shivling, its sharp, sacred peak piercing the sky like a celestial trident. Alongside it rise the majestic Bhagirathi sisters, their snow-laden summits gleaming under the Himalayan sun. As you traverse glacial streams and surreal landscapes, you are not merely trekking, you are witnessing the sacred theatre of creation, where myth and mountain meet in majestic harmony.

Summary

The journey begins from Gangotri at about 3,100 m, where the Bhagirathi River flows with incredible force. From here, the trail takes you through pine and birch forests, opening up to Chirbasa (3,600 m) and Bhojbasa (3,800 m), perfect spots to rest and soak in the mountain silence. As you move ahead, you’ll reach Gaumukh (4,000 m), the snout of the Gangotri Glacier and the very source of the River Ganga. Standing there, watching the glacier emerge from the mountains, is a humbling experience. The real challenge and reward, however, is the climb to Tapovan (4,463 m). This high-altitude meadow feels almost otherworldly, with its vast open space surrounded by some of the most majestic peaks in the Garhwal Himalayas. The sight of Mt. Shivling (6,543 m) rising dramatically before you, along with the Bhagirathi peaks, is simply unforgettable.

The trek covers around 46 km round trip and usually takes 6–8 days. It’s moderate to challenging, but every step is worth it for the landscapes, the adventure, and the spiritual energy of this sacred trail. The best time to go is May–Juneand September–October.

FEATURED

Sacred Source of the Ganga at Gaumukh: Witness the mystical glacier shaped like a cow’s mouth, where the holy river Ganges originates, a site of deep spiritual and natural significance.

Tapovan Meadow: Explore the ethereal high-altitude alpine meadows at around 4,400 metres, framed by towering peaks like the majestic Mt. Shivling, offering a sublime setting for reflection and awe.

Bhagirathi Peaks: Marvel at the imposing snow-clad Bhagirathi sisters, dominating the horizon with their rugged and breathtaking grandeur.

Gangotri National Park: Trek through pristine forests and diverse Himalayan flora and fauna, immersing yourself in one of India’s most beautiful natural reserves.

MEALS INCLUDED

Breakfast : 6

Lunch : 5

Dinner : 6

TRAVELING STAFF

Guide

Cook

Muleteer

TRANSPORT

Mini bus/Traveller

ACCOMODATION

5 nights of camping

DEGREE OF WALKING

Moderate to Difficult

GROUP SIZE

Up to 10 people

We're here to help. If you have any questions, please call us at + 91 8452022911 or contact us online.

Or complete a reservation request

Dehradun to Gangotri

Your journey begins with a scenic 10–11 hour drive from Dehradun to Gangotri, covering 258 km through the enchanting Harsil Valley in the Garhwal Himalayas. Along the way, cascading waterfalls, lush valleys, and charming mountain villages unveil Uttarakhand’s raw beauty. At 3,100 metres, Gangotri welcomes you with its sacred temple dedicated to Goddess Ganga, set against the majestic backdrop of the Bhagirathi peaks. Settle in and ready yourself for the adventure that lies ahead in this serene Himalayan haven.

Meals

DINNER

Difficulty level

EASY TO MODERATE

Bus Travel

258 KM

Traveling time

10 TO 11 HOURS

Maximum height

3100 M / 10170 FT

Bus

TRANSPORT

DAY

Gangotri to Chirbasa

Or complete a reservation request

Your trek into the soul of the Himalayas begins in earnest as you set out from the sacred town of Gangotri, following a 9 km trail that gently ascends alongside the roaring Bhagirathi River. The journey, taking 5–6 hours, is more than a physical passage, it is a gradual shedding of the familiar, a step deeper into a world shaped by silence, stone, and sky.

The path winds through thick coniferous forests where ancient pine trees, the “Chir” rise like sentinels, their fragrant needles carpeting the earth beneath your feet. The air is rich with the scent of resin and the quiet hum of wilderness. Here, you begin to feel the rhythm of the mountains: the call of distant birds, the rustle of leaves in the high-altitude breeze, and the subtle, reverent presence of nature unspoiled.

Arriving at Chirbasa, perched at an altitude of 3,580 metres, you find a meadow cradled in pine groves, its name poetically derived from Chir (pine) and Basa (dwelling). This is more than a campsite, it’s a sanctuary. Surrounded by towering peaks and the whisper of the river below, Chirbasa offers a moment of stillness, inviting reflection under vast Himalayan skies.

Meals

DINNER

Difficulty level

EASY TO MODERATE

Bus Travel

258 KM

Traveling time

10 TO 11 HOURS

Maximum height

3100 M / 10170 FT

Bus

TRANSPORT

DAY

Chirbasa to Bhojwasa

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The trail from Chirbasa to Bhojwasa, though shorter at just 5 km, unfolds with a quiet majesty that deepens your connection to the mountains. Over 3–4 hours, you ascend gently through the rugged beauty of Gangotri National Park, where the terrain begins to shift, the dense pines thin out, revealing stark alpine expanses and sweeping views of the Bhagirathi peaks, standing like silent sentinels over the valley.

At 3,800 metres, Bhojwasa welcomes you into a wide, open basin surrounded by glacier-carved cliffs and Himalayan grandeur. Its name pays homage to the Bhojpatra, the sacred birch trees once used by sages to pen scriptures, remnants of which still whisper in the wind. More than just a base camp, Bhojwasa feels like a place between worlds: a still, windswept cradle of silence where the earthly meets the eternal.

As the golden light of evening dances across the snowfields, you may find yourself hushed by a feeling difficult to name, something between reverence and awe. Here, in the vastness of Bhojwasa, the journey becomes not just a climb through altitude, but a pilgrimage through consciousness.

Meals

DINNER

Difficulty level

EASY TO MODERATE

Bus Travel

258 KM

Traveling time

10 TO 11 HOURS

Maximum height

3100 M / 10170 FT

Bus

TRANSPORT

DAY

Bhojwasa to Tapovan via Gaumukh

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Today marks a sacred ascent, both literal and symbolic, as you journey from Bhojwasa to Tapovan, passing through the hallowed glacial mouth of Gaumukh, the very source of the Ganges. Spanning approximately 9–10 km and taking 7–8 hours, this leg of the trek tests your resolve, your breath, and your spirit, as the terrain becomes steeper, rawer, and more elemental with each step.

Gaumukh, named for its cow-shaped ice face (Gau meaning cow, mukh meaning mouth), appears like a portal to another realm, a place where mythology and geology intertwine. Here, the sacred river Ganga emerges in icy torrents from beneath a wall of ancient ice, echoing with centuries of spiritual longing. Pause here, not just to witness, but to feel, the power of origin, the weight of devotion.

From Gaumukh, the climb intensifies as you ascend to Tapovan, a high-altitude meadow cradled at 4,400 metres beneath the towering gaze of Mt. Shivling. The landscape becomes lunar, surreal, a theatre of stone, glacier, and sky. Tapovan, meaning ‘forest of penance’, has long drawn sages and seekers to its stark beauty and spiritual solitude.

Here, amid the thin air and boundless silence, you stand face to face with the sublime. The mighty Shivling looms ahead like a divine monument, flanked by the Bhagirathi sisters, their icy ridges gleaming in the fading light. Tapovan is not merely a destination, it is a revelation. The world below slips away, and for a moment, you exist entirely in the realm of the sacred.

Meals

DINNER

Difficulty level

EASY TO MODERATE

Bus Travel

258 KM

Traveling time

10 TO 11 HOURS

Maximum height

3100 M / 10170 FT

Bus

TRANSPORT

DAY

Tapovan to Bhojwasa

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As dawn breaks over Tapovan, the towering peak of Mt. Shivling catches the first light, its icy face glowing like a celestial flame. This morning, you begin your descent from this sacred vantage point, retracing your steps towards Bhojwasa, covering approximately 9 km over 5–6 hours. Yet what lies ahead is not merely a return, but a transformation.

Leaving Tapovan is like waking from a profound dream. The raw silence, the crystalline air, the overwhelming presence of the peaks, all leave their imprint. With each step down the rugged trail, the vastness begins to soften, and the drama of the high-altitude world gradually gives way to gentler contours.

You’ll pause once more at Gaumukh, the sacred glacier that now feels different, not just awe-inspiring, but familiar. Its icy breath lingers in the air, as if offering a final benediction. As the descent continues, the starkness of the high meadows yields to the subtle green touches near Bhojwasa, a sign that you are returning from the realm of gods to that of men.

By the time you reach Bhojwasa, nestled once more beneath the sentinel peaks, there is a sense of quiet reflection. The path you walked now lives within you, not just as distance travelled, but as something deeper. A shift. A memory. A silence you carry forward.

Meals

DINNER

Difficulty level

EASY TO MODERATE

Bus Travel

258 KM

Traveling time

10 TO 11 HOURS

Maximum height

3100 M / 10170 FT

Bus

TRANSPORT

DAY

Bhojwasa to Gangotri

Or complete a reservation request

The final leg of your journey leads you down from the serene heights of Bhojwasa back to the sacred town of Gangotri, covering around 14 km in 6–7 hours. As you descend through the whispering pine forests and vibrant meadows, the mountains begin to soften, their grandeur folding gently into the valleys below.

With each step closer to Gangotri, the air warms and the distant hum of life returns. Yet, beneath this return to the familiar lies a subtle transformation, you carry with you the stillness of the high Himalayas, the sacred echoes of Gaumukh, and the towering presence of Mt. Shivling.

Arriving once more at Gangotri, beneath the shadow of snow-clad peaks, you find the ancient temple of Goddess Ganga waiting, a symbol of beginnings and endings, a reminder that every journey into the wild is also a journey within.

Meals

DINNER

Difficulty level

EASY TO MODERATE

Bus Travel

258 KM

Traveling time

10 TO 11 HOURS

Maximum height

3100 M / 10170 FT

Bus

TRANSPORT

DAY

Gangotri to Dehradun

Or complete a reservation request

Your epic Himalayan journey culminates with a scenic 240 km drive from Gangotri back to Dehradun, winding through rugged mountain roads over 10 to 11 hours. As you leave behind the towering peaks and tranquil villages nestled in the valleys, a profound sense of closure settles in, a farewell to the raw, untamed beauty that has been your constant companion.

The landscapes shift with each mile: from crisp alpine air to the gentler rhythms of the foothills, yet the memories of this trek, the challenges faced, the silent moments beneath vast skies, the sacred flow of the Ganga from its icy source, remain vivid and alive within you.

This journey has been more than a trek; it has been a passage into the heart of the Himalayas and, in turn, into your own spirit.

Meals

DINNER

Difficulty level

EASY TO MODERATE

Bus Travel

258 KM

Traveling time

10 TO 11 HOURS

Maximum height

3100 M / 10170 FT

Bus

TRANSPORT

DAY

In Hopping Trails, we specify the services included and not included in all the itineraries that appear on our website. We take care of all the logistics, but please pay attention to the details so that you don't miss anything. Some items may be different for specific programs, so remember to read carefully before booking with us.

WHAT IS INCLUDED?

High quality and safe service

1.Pre-Departure Briefing

On the evening before your trek, join us at 5:00 pm in our office for a detailed orientation session with your guide. This meeting will walk you through the route, safety protocols, equipment, and everything you need to know so you can step onto the trail with confidence.

2. Expert Guides

Our treks are led by highly trained, certified guides who bring both professional expertise and heartfelt passion. Fluent in English and Spanish, they are chosen for their knowledge, responsibility, and love for sharing stories of the land, its people, and its history. Beyond guiding, they ensure your safety, comfort, and peace of mind—so you can simply immerse yourself in the journey.

3. Camping & Outdoor Equipment

Your comfort in the wilderness is supported by carefully selected, expedition-grade gear:

Three-person tents with vestibule space for your backpack and gear.
Warm sleeping bags (temperature-appropriate for the season).
Sleeping bag liners for added hygiene and insulation.
Sleeping mats/foam pads to ensure restful nights.
A dining tent, where meals are served in a sheltered, comfortable setting.
Portable bathroom tent for hygiene in remote locations.
Complete kitchen setup with cookware, utensils, and equipment.

All equipment is carried by pack animals, so you trek light and free.

4. Safety & First Aid

Every trek is supported by a comprehensive first aid kit and oxygen supply, carried by your guide. They are trained to handle common altitude-related issues as well as minor injuries—ensuring help is always close at hand.

Accommodation & Food

Your journey begins with a night in a warm and welcoming village homestay or a comfortable hotel, allowing you to ease into the rhythm of mountain life before setting out on the trail. Once the trek begins, all accommodations are provided in high-quality expedition tents, carefully chosen to balance comfort and protection in rugged alpine conditions.

We use High quality tents such as Gipfel Fira and Gipfel High Mountain models, designed to endure the elements while ensuring restful nights. Each tent accommodates three trekkers comfortably, with ample space for sleeping and storing personal gear. Built for insulation and stability, these shelters offer safety, warmth, and reliable protection against the shifting moods of the high Himalayas—your secure haven after each day’s adventure.

Food & Dining

Our mountain chefs take pride in preparing wholesome, freshly cooked meals in the middle of the wilderness. Vegetarian, vegan, or other dietary needs are catered to at no additional cost.

Breakfast, lunch, and dinner served daily.
Hot drinks and snacks available throughout the day.
Wake-up tea delivered to your tent each morning—start the day with warmth and energy.
Evening tea time (“happy hour”) featuring popcorn, cookies, coffee, and tea—a cozy ritual after long hours on the trail.

Transportation

Private vehicles ensure smooth transfers to and from Basecamp village to the nearest city, making the journey as seamless as the trek itself.

Cargo Mules-During the hike, pack mules carry all shared camping gear and your personal luggage (up to 7 kg / 15 lbs). Muleteers carefully handle your belongings, leaving you free to enjoy the trail with just a daypack.

Permits & Entry Fees

We take care of all permits and entrance fees, including: Access to the trail.

Around the clock support

Hopping Trails team is always just a call away—before, during, and after your trip—for any assistance or questions you may have.

OUR TREKKING TEAM

At the heart of every journey lies the people who guide it. Our team is composed of seasoned professionals who know these trails intimately—not only from years of guiding treks, but from living in these mountains and valleys for generations. Their deep connection to the land ensures that you are always in safe, capable, and knowledgeable hands.

What drives us is not only a love for hiking, but the joy of sharing these landscapes, stories, and experiences with you. Every step of the way, our guides, support staff, and local experts will walk beside you—ensuring your safety, enriching your journey with cultural and natural insights, and celebrating every milestone.

We warmly welcome you into this community of explorers. With us, you are not just a trekker—you become part of a team united by curiosity, resilience, and reverence for the wilderness.

Your journey will be led by a highly trained and deeply experienced professional, someone whose life has been shaped by years of hiking, exploration, and connection with nature. But what truly sets them apart is their passion for guiding people through transformative adventures—helping you not only reach your destination but also discover new perspectives along the way. With them, you are not just following a guide, you are walking beside a mentor who brings the mountains to life.

OUR TOUR GUIDES

After a long and demanding day on the trail, nothing restores the body and spirit quite like a hot, hearty meal.

That’s why every trek with us is accompanied by skilled mountain chefs, each with years of experience creating nourishing dishes in remote, rugged environments. With every meal, they bring a touch of home to the wilderness—turning simple ingredients into food that rejuvenates, uplifts, and prepares you for the journey ahead.

OUR CHEFS

On every trek, we serve nutritious, balanced meals—rich in energy-giving carbs, proteins, and healthy fats—designed to fuel you for the trail ahead. Ingredients are carefully chosen to stay fresh in the rugged Himalayas, ensuring strength where it’s needed most.

Beyond sustenance, our food carries flavors from both the mountains and across India, offering warmth, comfort, and a taste of home amidst the wild.

MEALS: WHAT TO EXPECT

Our muleteers and their steadfast horses are the quiet guardians of every journey. They carry tents, supplies, and baggage, allowing you to walk unburdened and fully present in the wilderness. Moving ahead of the group, they ensure that each camp is ready—safe, warm, and welcoming—so that your focus remains on the adventure itself.

OUR MULTEERS & MULES

THE BEST PACKING LIST FOR YOUR GAUMUKH TAPOVAN TREK

Getting Ready for Your Himalayan Adventure

Thinking about setting out on the legendary trek? Preparation is key—and it begins with what you pack.

We’ve put together a comprehensive packing guide to help you get ready for this journey through one of South America’s most spectacular mountain regions. Inside, you’ll find clear details about every essential item you’ll need for safety, comfort, and success in high-altitude conditions.Along with practical information, we’ve added our own tried-and-tested recommendations for gear we personally rely on in the outdoors. These suggestions balance performance, durability, and value for money, ensuring that you’re equipped with gear that truly works on the trail.

With this list in hand, you’ll step onto the path with confidence and clarity, ready to experience Ausangate the way it’s meant to be.

Trekking Essentials

Shoes & Backpack

Trekking boots with ankle support – sturdy enough for rough mountain terrain.
Backpack with a rain cover – spacious and weather-protected for your essentials.

Clothing & Warm Layers

Insulating layers – adjust according to season:
- Spring/Summer/Monsoon: 3 layers (wool sweater, fleece, padded jacket).
- Autumn: 4 layers (wool sweater, two fleeces, padded jacket).
- Winter: 5 layers (thermals, wool sweater, two fleeces, padded jacket).
3 collared T-shirts – breathable and trek-friendly.
2 quick-dry trekking trousers – lightweight and durable.

Accessories

Polarized sunglasses – essential for snow glare.
Sun cap with protective flaps.
Waterproof gloves and socks – especially valuable in snowy conditions.
Balaclava for wind and cold protection.
Wool socks – two pairs of dry-fit plus one warm woollen pair.
Headlamp for night use.
Trekking pole for stability on steep or uneven trails.
Rain jacket with pants or a poncho.

Personal Toiletries

Sunscreen and moisturizer for UV and dry air.
Lightweight quick-dry towel.
Lip balm for chapped lips.
Toilet paper (strictly avoid wet wipes).
Toothbrush and toothpaste.
Reusable covers for separating used clothes.

Cutlery & Hydration

Steel lunch box, mug, and spoon – durable and eco-friendly.
Two water bottles or a hydration pack – minimum 2 liters capacity recommended.

Essential Personal Medicines to Carry on Trek

Always keep your medicines within easy reach. Remember: do not self-medicate—consult your trek leader before taking anything.

Diamox (1 strip): This is used to prevent altitude-related issues. Keep a close watch on how your body feels—symptoms like nausea, indigestion, unusual fatigue, or restlessness should never be ignored. If you experience any of these, speak to your trek leader immediately. Do not take Diamox on your own.
Dolo 650 (5 tablets): A basic paracetamol, useful for bringing down fever or managing mild aches and pains.
Avomine (4 tablets): If you are prone to motion sickness, carry this. Take one tablet about 30 minutes before your road journey starts.
Combiflam (5 tablets): Handy for sudden sprains, muscle strains, or sharp pains. It combines a pain reliever with paracetamol.
Digene (4 tablets): Helpful if you feel heaviness or indigestion. However, indigestion at altitude can sometimes be an early sign of AMS, so inform your trek leader if you experience this.
ORS (6 sachets): Dissolve one sachet in water and drink once a day while trekking—preferably around mid-day. It replaces essential salts and makes hydration easier in cold weather.
Knee Brace (optional): Carry this if you have weak knees or a past injury, especially for long descents.

Mandatory Documents for the Trek

For both legal and safety reasons, certain documents must be submitted before you are allowed to begin the trek. These are required by the forest department as well as our team, and missing paperwork may prevent you from joining the expedition.

Government Photo ID (Original + Photocopy): A valid identity proof such as Aadhaar Card, passport, or driver’s license is required for verification by the forest department.
Treadmill Test (for trekkers 58+ years): A stress test conducted within the last 12 months must be provided within one week of trek registration. This helps us assess your preparedness for high-altitude trekking.
Disclaimer Form: At the base camp, your Trek Leader will hand over the disclaimer form. Simply sign and return it. Note: If you are a minor traveling without parents, please carry a printed and signed copy of the disclaimer from your parent/guardian.
Medical Certificate: This must be completed and signed by a certified MBBS doctor. It is essential for forest department permissions and ensures your fitness for high-altitude conditions.

Day 1: Dehradun/Rishikesh → Gangotri (3,048 m)

Drive 230 km (8–9 hrs). Drive through scenic valleys and Himalayan foothills to reach Gangotri by evening. Overnight stay in a guesthouse or hotel.

Day 2: Gangotri → Chirbasa (3,400 m)

Trek 10 km (5–6 hrs). Start the trek from Gangotri along the Bhagirathi River. Pass through pine and rhododendron forests, reaching Chirbasa. Camp in the meadow.

Day 3: Chirbasa → Bhojwasa (3,800 m)

Trek 7 km (5–6 hrs). A steady ascent through alpine meadows and moraines brings you to Bhojwasa. Enjoy the view of the surrounding glaciers and camp there.

Day 4: Bhojwasa → Tapovan via Gaumukh (4,500 m)

Trek 12 km (7–8 hrs). Trek past Gaumukh, the sacred source of the Ganga, and ascend to Tapovan, a high-altitude meadow with panoramic views of Shivling and Meru. Camp at Tapovan.

Day 5: Tapovan → Bhojwasa (3,800 m)

Trek 12 km (6–7 hrs).
Descend from Tapovan back to Bhojwasa, enjoying the alpine scenery en route. Overnight camp at Bhojwasa.

Day 6: Bhojwasa → Gangotri (3,048 m)

Trek 17 km (7–8 hrs). Retrace the trail through Chirbasa back to Gangotri. Settle for the night in a guesthouse or hotel.

Day 7: Gangotri → Dehradun (230 km

Drive 8–9 hrs. Drive back to Dehradun/Rishikesh, concluding the trek.

The best hiking trails in India

Our curated collection of India’s most remarkable hiking trails invites you to connect intimately with the country’s natural wonders. From the snow-draped peaks of the Himalayas to mystical glacial lakes, cascading waterfalls, and shimmering glaciers, each journey offers a profound encounter with the sublime. Traverse landscapes teeming with diverse wildlife, where every step unfolds a story of nature’s grandeur, and immerse yourself in adventures that linger long in memory—a perfect harmony of challenge, discovery, and the timeless beauty of the outdoors.