Gaumukh-Tapovan Trek

Q: Where is the Gaumukh Tapovan Trek located?

The Gaumukh Tapovan Trek is located in the Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand, India, within the Gangotri National Park.

Q: What is the difficulty level of the Gaumukh Tapovan Trek?

The trek is considered moderate to difficult due to high altitude, glacier terrain, steep ascents, and long trekking distances.

Q: What is the maximum altitude of the trek?

The highest point of the trek is Tapovan, located at approximately 4,463 meters (14,640 feet).

Q: How many days are required for the trek?

The trek is usually completed in 6 to 7 days, depending on the itinerary and acclimatization schedule.

Q: What is the best time to do the Gaumukh Tapovan Trek?

The best time for the trek is: May to June – Pleasant weather and snow patches September to October – Clear skies and stunning mountain views The monsoon season is generally avoided due to landslides and slippery trails.

Q: What makes the Gaumukh Tapovan Trek famous?

The trek is famous for: Spiritual and cultural significance Gaumukh Glacier, the source of the River Ganga Stunning Tapovan meadows Views of Mt. Shivling Glacier trekking adventure

Q: Is the trek suitable for beginners?

The trek is not ideal for complete beginners. Trekkers should have good fitness and preferably previous high-altitude trekking experience.

Q: What is the starting point of the trek?

The trek starts from Gangotri, which is accessible by road from Dehradun, Rishikesh, and Haridwar.

Q: Is a permit required for the trek?

Yes, permits are mandatory because the trek passes through Gangotri National Park.

A seven-day itinerary interspersing myth, spirituality, and sensational adventure, the Gaumukh Tapovan Trek takes you around the Gangotri glacier to the site traditionally believed to be the mouth of the holy river Ganga.

The Gangotri glacial expanse is nearly 24 km long and 6 to 8 km wide, beginning from Gaumukh and extending as far as the Chaukhamba massif around Badrinath. Courtesy of celebrated mountaineers Shipton and Tilman, we have a trek route traversing the entire stretch of this storied land. After feasting our senses on the fleeting glacial hues and the immense backdrop of Mount Shivling, present in its entirety from the base to the serrated peak, we descend through the meadows of Tapovan back to Gangotri. The trek is verily a raging visual thrillfest with rising mountain behemoths such as the Bhagirathi twin peaks and Mount Meru, besides the ever-present Shivling.

Transportation
Bus, Airlines
Accomodation
Hotel, Dome Style Tent
Maximum Altitude
4,463 meters
Departure from
Dehradun
Best season
May–June & September–October
Tour type
Eco-Tour, Hiking
Meals
All meals during the trek
Fitness level
Moderate to Difficult
Group Size
2-15
Permits
Forest Department & Trekking permit
Maximum Age
60

Overview

Itinerary

Cost

FAQs

Map

Overview

Itinerary

Cost

FAQs

Map

Overview

The Gaumukh Tapovan Trek is one of the most iconic and spiritually significant treks in the Indian Himalayas. Located in the breathtaking region of Uttarakhand, this trek takes adventurers to the source of the holy River Ganga at Gaumukh Glacier and the stunning high-altitude meadow of Tapovan.

Surrounded by towering Himalayan peaks, massive glaciers, alpine landscapes, and spiritual energy, the trek offers a perfect combination of adventure, natural beauty, and cultural significance. The trail follows the roaring Bhagirathi River through dense forests, rocky valleys, and glacier terrain before reaching the majestic Tapovan campsite beneath the mighty Mt. Shivling.

The Gaumukh Tapovan Trek is ideal for trekkers, photographers, mountaineers, and spiritual seekers looking to experience the raw beauty of the Himalayas.

Highlights

Visit Gaumukh, the source of the River Ganga
Stunning views of Mt. Shivling and Bhagirathi peaks
Scenic alpine meadows of Tapovan
Adventure through the glacier and rocky terrain
Spiritual and cultural significance
Beautiful Bhojbasa valley camping experience
Spectacular Himalayan sunrise and sunset views

Day 1 :

Drive from Dehradun to Gangotri

Drive Distance: Approx. 240 km
Drive Duration: 9–10 Hours
Altitude: 3,100 m

Your journey begins with a scenic drive from Dehradun to Gangotri, one of the holiest pilgrimage towns in Uttarakhand. The route passes through beautiful mountain roads, river valleys, pine forests, and charming Himalayan villages.

As you reach Gangotri, experience the spiritual atmosphere around the sacred Ganga Temple and enjoy the breathtaking Himalayan scenery.

Highlights

Scenic drive through the Uttarakhand Himalayas
Views of the Bhagirathi River
Spiritual atmosphere of Gangotri
Beautiful mountain landscapes

Stay

Guesthouse in Gangotri

Day 2 :

Gangotri to Chirbasa

Trek Distance: Approx. 9 km
Trek Duration: 5–6 Hours
Altitude: 3,600 m

The trek begins with a gradual trail along the Bhagirathi River through pine forests and rocky mountain paths. The route offers spectacular views of the surrounding Himalayan peaks and valleys.

Reach Chirbasa, a peaceful campsite surrounded by pine trees and snow-covered mountains.

Highlights

Riverside trekking trail
Pine forest landscapes
Mountain photography opportunities
Peaceful Himalayan campsite

Stay

Camping at Chirbasa

Day 3 :

Bekaltal to Brahmatal Campsite

Trek Distance: Approx. 5 km
Trek Duration: 3–4 Hours
Altitude: 3,800 m

Today’s trek continues through rugged Himalayan terrain with dramatic valley views. The landscape gradually opens into wide alpine surroundings as you approach Bhojbasa.

Bhojbasa offers magnificent views of the Bhagirathi peaks and glacier valley.

Highlights

Wide glacier valley views
Views of Bhagirathi Peaks
Scenic alpine landscapes
Beautiful sunset over the mountains

Stay

Camping at Bhojbasa

Day 4 :

Bhojbasa to Gaumukh and Tapovan

Trek Distance: Approx. 8 km
Trek Duration: 6–7 Hours
Highest Altitude: Approx. 4,463 m

One of the most exciting days of the trek begins with a visit to Gaumukh, the sacred source of the River Ganga. Witness the massive Gangotri Glacier and the origin point of the holy river.

After Gaumukh, continue towards Tapovan through steep climbs and glacier terrain. Reach the breathtaking meadow of Tapovan located beneath the majestic Mt. Shivling.

Highlights

Visit Gaumukh Glacier
Source of the River Ganga
Glacier crossing adventure
Spectacular views of Mt. Shivling

Stay

Camping at Tapovan

Day 05 :

Explore Tapovan

Trek Duration: Flexible Exploration Day
Altitude: 4,463 m

Spend the day exploring the stunning landscapes around Tapovan. The area is famous for its alpine meadows, glacier surroundings, and panoramic Himalayan mountain views.

Trekkers can enjoy short hikes around the campsite and photography sessions with some of the most beautiful peaks in the Indian Himalayas.

Highlights

Panoramic Himalayan views
Mt. Shivling sunrise views
Peaceful alpine meadows
Glacier exploration and photography

Stay

Camping at Tapovan

Day 06 :

Tapovan to Gangotri via Bhojbasa

Trek Distance: Approx. 14 km
Trek Duration: 7–8 Hours

Descend back through Gaumukh and Bhojbasa while enjoying the final views of the glacier valley and surrounding mountains.

Reach Gangotri by evening and relax after completing the trekking expedition.

Highlights

Scenic glacier descent
Final Himalayan views
Riverside trekking experience

Stay

Guesthouse in Gangotri

Day 07 :

Gangotri to Dehradun

Drive Distance: Approx. 240 km
Drive Duration: 9–10 Hours

After breakfast, begin the return drive to Dehradun with unforgettable memories of glaciers, alpine meadows, sacred landscapes, and towering Himalayan peaks.

Highlights

Scenic mountain drive
Beautiful river valleys
Farewell to the Himalayas

Includes/Excludes

Cost Includes

+₹2500 Extra for Transport Gaumukh Tapovan Trek
Offloads Gaumukh Tapovan Trek
SCL Benefit with Touch Himalayas
Twin Sharing Tent Accommodation
Single Tent Occupancy
+22/Day Travel Insurance
Discount Policy

Cost Excludes

Travel to/from Pickup Point: Arrival at the pickup point & from the dropping point at Prince Chowk is exclusively your call, you can book a bus, train or flight one day prior & after your trek starts or ends.
Meals & Accommodation: Any meals or accommodations that are not mentioned in the inclusion that completely manage at your own cost.
Transport Cost: We provide you with the transport facility from Dehradun to Gangotri and Gangotri to Dehradun at the cost of ₹ 2,500 per person.
Personal Services: Other personal services like laundry, phone calls, charging batteries, beverages, bottled / mineral water, or some other services are completely at your own cost.
Medical Expenses: Any personal medication for your cause is at your own risk. Trekkers are encouraged to bring all your prescribed medicine and any personal first-aid supplies to avoid any uncertainty at the trek.
Backpack Offloading: It is a totally optional service. If you have luggage & you want to carry for the whole trek. So you can book before your trek starts.
Offload Charges: ₹3,990 per bag for the entire trek if paid online in advance & if you book on the spot, an additional 30% extra cost will be applied.
Tips for Crew: Tipping is a personal gesture of appreciation to the team’s hard work. If you really like the crew team for their behaviour, kind & welcoming attitude towards the trekkers. So it's up to you how you appreciate them with some cash or gift. It's exclusively your wish.
Personal Trekking Gears: If you need any extra essentials, you can rent these items like Rain Poncho, Trekking pole, Head Torch, Crampons, Shoes gaiters, etc. For renting these gears, you can contact us at +91-9286429119. Note: Book your trekking gear 10 days before your trek starts.