Gaumukh Tapovan Trek
Region
Uttarakhand ,India
Duration
7 Night - 8 Days
Max Altitude
13200 ft
Trekking km
46 KM
Grade
Moderate
Trek Price : ₹ 16,000/- (Dehradun to Dehradun)
Overview of Gaumukh Tapovan Trek
- Trek Name: Gaumukh Tapovan Trek
- Days: 8
- Adventure Type: Trekking
- Altitude: 13,200 Ft
- Season: Summer | Autumn
- Month: May | June | September | October
- Country: India
- Base Camp: Gangotri
- Grade: Moderate to Difficult
- Rail Head: Dehradun
- Food: Meals while on trek & Guest House (Veg & Eggs)
- Stay:Guest House(Separate male & Female) & Camping (Twin Sharing)
- Location: Uttarakhand
- Distance: 46 Km
- AirPort: Jolly Grant Airport, which is 28 km away from Dehradun
- Trail Type: Point to point trail | Camping at the same location upon returning
Highlights :
- 5% GST will be applicable on Trek Cost and Add-ons
- Reporting Time: 6:30 am
- Services: Gangotri to gangotri
- Meeting Point: Pickup/ Drop Point ): Prince Chowk, Dehradun
- Drop Point: 6:30 pm to 7:30 pm (Timings are subject to change based on weather and road conditions).
- Please reach Dehradun a day before to avoid any delays.
Short Itinerary
Day 1
- Pick up from Dehradun Railway Station and Drive to Gangotri.
Day 2
- Barkot to Yamunotri to Barkot {36kms drive & 6kms Trek (one side)} HT : 3291 MTS.
Day 3
- Trek from Chirbasa camp to Bhojbasa.
Day 4
- Trek from Bhojbasa camp to via Gomukh to Tapovan camp.
Day 5
- Exploration Day Nil tal and Shivling base camp (4619 Meter) back to camp (4/5 Hours)
Day 6
- Trek from Tapovan to Bhojbasa camp
Day 7
- Bhojbasa camp to Gangotri
Day 8
- Drive from Gangotri to Dehradun by taxi.
Detailed Itinerary
DAY 01 – Pick up from Dehradun Railway Station and Drive to Gangotri.
Himalaya Tribe organizes transport for trekkers from Dehradun Railway Station in the morning which will leave for Gangotri around 6:00 am to 7:00 am.
Get in the vehicle from Dehradun and enjoy the picturesque journey along Bhagirathi River’s bank and forest stretches to reach Gangotri base camp. It is the base camp of Kedartal trek.
Dehradun is the capital of Uttarakhand and one of the most beautiful places in India.
The main attraction of this place is Rajpur road go through it and get a glimpse of Dehradun’s beauty.
Reach Mussoorie after an hour which is also known as “Queen of Hills”. People visit it heavily during vacations with their family and friends.
After half an hour, stop at Suwa kholi Have breakfast there and witness people from different parts of the world.
The break will be of a maximum of 1 hour. Ahead the peaks are visible and further you will come close Further, you will cross the small Chinyali saur of Dharasu Reach Uttarkashi around 1:30 pm and take a break there for lunch.
After having to Go through the picturesque zig-zag road to Gangotri via harshil
Freshen up and enjoy evening snacks in the open Garden with great views. You will be provided some details after which you can go for an evening walk but be at the hotel, Mandakini at Gangotri for dinner.
DAY 02 – Barkot to Yamunotri to Barkot {36kms drive & 6kms Trek (one side)} HT : 3291 MTS.
Post breakfast, head to Chirbasa. The meaning of Chirbasa is abundant pine trees – Chir (Pine).
Today, the walk is easy on the leveled trail. Cross the market area and further enter into a forest and relish the sight of snow-covered peaks.
Cross a stream over a bridge and the valley welcomes you with majestic mountain views. Continue hiking and climb up the ridge to get into another valley with abundant tall pine trees.
Now, the boulder zone starts, be very careful while your ascent because the trail is full of loose rocks.
Again pass through picturesque dense forest and reach the Chirbasa ground near River Bhagirathi. Chirbasa; your campsite for today offers grand views of Bhagirathi peaks and sight of Gomukh glacier.
Relax here and settle for the day.
DAY 03 – Trek from Chirbasa camp to Bhojbasa.
Today, the trail is easy but you will come across many landslide-prone areas.
Start the trek, go higher and get jaw-dropping sight of Mt Shivling and Bhagirathi peaks.
Witness sages meditating in caves who live there permanently.
On the way are also small shops for hot drinks and food.
Now, you have to cross some ridges and after crossing them the trail turns barren and rocky.
Bhojbasa is the widest part of this valley and the campsite is on a plain terrain beside Bhagirathi River from where Mt Shivling and other snow-capped mountains are clearly visible.
At Bhojbasa is the presence of a temple, explore it and the surroundings.
In the evening, do not miss the enchanting sunset views because here the sun sets behind the lofty Bhagirathi group of peaks Relax here and retire for the night.
DAY 04 – Trek from Bhojbasa camp to via Gomukh to Tapovan camp.
Today, the trek to Tapovan will be via Gomukh, it is the source of River Ganga, the river is known as Bhagirathi when comes out.
The Gomukh name derived from its cow’s mouth appearance, The climb from Bhojbasa to Gomukh is an easy one but the trail is steep and strenuous from Gomukh to Tapovan.
The trail remains covered in snow and there are boulder areas with hard snow which makes today’s trek gradient tough.
Now, get ready to traverse glacial moraines and Gomukh glacier, the incline is steep and some areas are slippery.
Climb higher and reach there by afternoon. Here also some saints can be seen living permanently, the temperature is low and there is chilly cold.
Head to Tapovan and reach there in two hours after crossing steep ascent.
Tapovan is a wide meadow that offers the excellent sight of Mt. Meru, Mt. Shivling and Bhagirathi group of peaks. Set up your tents in the desired area and relax for the day.
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DAY 05 – Exploration Day Nil tal and Shivling base camp (4619 Meter) back to camp (4/5 Hours)
Today’s aim is acclimatization and relaxation.
Post breakfast, move upwards to the Himalayan Tapovan at an altitude of 4500 m.
Tapovan lies below Mt. Shivling peaks and has beautiful lakes, explore the area and head to Neel Taal to get clear views of Mt. Meru.
Reach there in two hours and return before lunch. Relax and retire for the night.
DAY 06 – Trek from Tapovan to Bhojbasa camp
Post breakfast, get down to Bhojbasa via Gomukh. Witness the picturesque lofty peaks and admirable surroundings in the morning and bid adieu to them.
Retrace your steps, halt at Gomukh and reach Bhojbasa.
DAY 07 – Bhojbasa camp to Gangotri
Wake up early From Bhojbasa get down to Gangotri. Relish the last glimpses of Mt Shivling and descend through the steep terrain.
When you reach the Gangotri hotel visit Gangotri temple and witness Ganga Aarti there. The arrangements will be made in a hotel at Gangotri.
DAY 08 – Drive from Gangotri to Dehradun by taxi.
Today – It is your last breakfast on this trek with the Himalaya Tribe team.
The certificates will be given and after some beautiful photos, we will bid you all a goodbye from Gangotri and Tapovan trek.
The scenic drive from Gangotri to Dehradun you reach Dehradun 6 to 07 pm evening.
EMBRACE THE EPIC ADVENTURE: GAUMUKH TAPOVAN TREK
The Gaumukh Tapovan Trek is not only a trek; it’s an adventure to the heart of the Indian Himalayas, where nature, mythology & adventure merge into an experience you will never forget.
Starting from the sacred town of Gangotri, the trek leads you to the very origin of the revered Ganga River – Gaumukh, a cow-mouth-shaped glacial snout of the Gangotri Glacier. From there, the track goes up to Tapovan, a high-altitude alpine meadow area famous for its out of the world beauty, spiritual ambiance & spectacular views of some of the most spectacular Himalayan peaks.
What makes this trek so captivating is its sheer diversity. From pine-covered valleys & glacial streams to vast meadows & dramatic snowfields, every step unfolds a new landscape. Along the way, you’ll witness the grandeur of mighty peaks like Shivling (6,543 m), Meru & Bhagirathi sisters, standing tall like ancient guardians watching over the land. These aren’t just mountains, they’re legends sculpted in snow & stone.
The trek to Gaumukh goes through the Gangotri National Park, a haven of biodiversity. If one is fortunate enough, one may catch sight of Himalayan blue sheep (bharal), musk deer, or even the rare snow leopard. The air is fresh & pine-scented & the forest’s quietness is usually interrupted only by the rhythmic sound of your own footsteps & the far-off calls of mountain birds.
One of the most unique aspects of this trek is its spiritual significance. Gaumukh is considered one of the holiest sites in Hinduism & Tapovan has long served as a retreat for sages & yogis seeking solitude & enlightenment. Camping in Tapovan under a sky crowded with stars, surrounded by some of the tallest peaks in India, is a humbling experience that touches something deep within.
Although moderately demanding, the Gaumukh Tapovan Trek is appropriate for a trekker with a minimum fitness level & some previous hiking experience. The trek encompasses glacier traverses, rocky climbs & high-altitude camping, but is largely rewarding compared to the efforts. Proper acclimatization & guided supervision make it a safe but exciting experience.
This hike is best done between May to June & September to October when the climate is stable & the vistas are clearest. Spring is filled with alpine blooms, while autumn treats one to golden meadows & crisp blue skies. No matter the season, Gaumukh Tapovan provides an experience that stays with one long after one has reached the destination.
In essence, the Gaumukh Tapovan Trek is a great combination of adventure & contemplation, a classic path for those who crave physical challenge & immersiveness with nature & self. If you’re pursuing majestic Himalayan vistas, spiritual refuge, or simply a respite from the mundane, this trek has something profound to impart.
An Adventurer’s Trail Through Glaciers & High-Altitude Meadows
At times, you have to venture where the roads won’t go to discover what matters most. The Gaumukh Tapovan Trek is one such sanctuary where you exchange screens for constellations, deadlines for rivers & traffic for the rhythm of your own breath. Away from the noise of daily existence, this trek takes you into the pristine domains of the Himalayas where every turn unfolds like a surprise.
Here, nature doesn’t shout, it whispers. The Bhagirathi River, which is fed by the glacial streams, sings a gentle lullaby as you stroll along its edge. The mountains don’t demand your attention; they demand quiet respect. The higher you go, the more inconsequential your troubles appear to grow. & by the time you reach Tapovan, with its open meadows & sky-high peaks towering above you, you’ll understand just how therapeutic real solitude can be.
This isn’t so much about escaping, it’s about coming back to something raw, something authentic. The joy of being in the cold wind, the bite of your boots on snow, the tranquility of being there, these are the things you’ll be greeted with on this trek. So, if you’re seeking a trek that tests, heals & changes you, Gaumukh Tapovan is where you’ll find it.
Special Offer
Special Offer: Trek As Many Times as You Want !
At Himalaya Tribe, we understand that plans can change unexpectedly. Whether you couldn’t complete your trek or you’ve finished it and wish to relive the adventure, we’ve got a special offer just for you!
Pay once and enjoy unlimited treks whenever you want
Terms & Conditions :
- This exclusive offer is non-transferable and valid only on Himalaya Tribe's limited fixed departure treks
- It’s valid for 5 years from your original trek departure date — plenty of time to plan your next adventure!
- The offer becomes void if you’ve received a cash refund, voucher, or have transferred your trek to someone else.
- You’ll never pay the trek fee again — just cover the transportation and trekking permit charges for each trip.
- To book your spot, use our online booking form or just give us a call. A deposit, including the initial payment, is needed to confirm your reservation.
- The offer is officially activated once you reach the base camp or meeting point of your trek.
Why Gaumukh Tapovan Trek?
Gaumukh Tapovan Trek is an off-the-beaten-path experience that provides more than meets the eye. It’s a spiritually & visually enriching trek to the source of the Ganga, a river that has fed civilizations. From glacier crossing to camping amidst high-altitude meadows surrounded by giants such as Mt. Shivling & the Bhagirathi peaks, every experience on this trek is etched in the memory.
Perfect for seasoned trekkers & spiritual seekers alike, this trek combines raw Himalayan beauty with cultural & mythological depth. It challenges your body while nurturing your soul, offering an experience that’s as introspective as it is thrilling. So, if you’re seeking a trek that’s both meaningful & magnificent, this is the one.
- Age; 10 years.
- First timer can apply; previous trekking experience is more appreciated.
- The climber must be fit and have sufficient stamina to cover 4 km of distance in 30 minutes without a stress.
- The climber should be able to carry a 10-15 kg backpack.
- Pulse rate at rest must be in between (60 to 90 beats per minute)
- Blood Pressure Reading must be in between (DIASTOLIC 75-85, SYSTOLIC 100-130 mm Hg)
- Respiratory rate at rest must be in between (12 to 20 breaths per minute)
- Should not have Liver and kidney issues
- Should not have Diabetes Mellitus, Bronchial Asthma, Epilepsy, Heart problems,
- Very High blood pressure etc • No pacemaker implant
- People with the Sinus issues please contact to trek coordinator before booking the trek
- If your BMI is not normal, Please contact our Trek coordinator before Trek booking.
These are documents required for legal purposes by Himalaya Tribe and the forest department. Without any of these, you will not be allowed to trek.
- Original and photocopy of government photo identity card. Anything such as a driver’s license, Aadhar Card, or passport will do. This is required by the forest department for your identification.
- Medical and Disclaimer certificate. There are two sections to this. One is to be filled by a practicing doctor and the second is filled by you. The disclaimer certificate is a legal requirement.
Download the PDF, read carefully, print it back to back, and sign it. This must be handed over to your Trek Leader during the registration at the base camp. This is a requirement by both the forest department and Himalaya Tribe
Carry these medicines with you, easily accessible at all times.
- Diamox (1 Strip): Be on a course of a half tablet of Diamox starting from Delhi every 12 hours (125 mg). Carry on the medication until you descend to Kotgaon. Being on a preventive course of Diamox greatly reduces the chances of Acute Mountain Sickness on the Har Ki Dun trek
- Dolo 650 (5 tablets): This is a paracetamol. It helps to tackle fever, mild pain
- Avomine (4 tablets): Carry this especially if you are prone to motion sickness. Pop one-half hour before the start of your road journey.
- Combiflam (5 tablets): Take a combiflam if you get a sudden twist of the leg
or a muscle strain. It is a pain reliever. It also contains paracetamol. - Digene (4 tablets): Take it if you feel the food that you’ve taken is undigested. Alert your trek leader immediately. It could be a sign of AMS.
- ORS (6 packs): Consume a pack of ORS water at least once a day, usually mid-
day when you are in the middle of your trek. It replenishes essential salts
lost while trekking. Tip: It also makes cold water easier to drink. - Knee Brace (optional): Carry this if you are prone to knee injury or have known issues of knee pain.
Hotel accommodation as per package same or similar hotels.
Breakfast + Dinner
Transfers and sightseeing as prepackage car
All toll tax, parking, fuel and driver allowances
All applicable hotel and transport taxes.
Meals during your journey to and from the trek starting point
Backpack offloading (available at extra cost; only specific bag types allowed)
Stay before or after the trek, unless mentioned
Any travel outside the planned itinerary
Personal expenses like snacks, laundry, or phone use
Emergency evacuation or early return costs
Personal trekking gear, insurance, tips, or extra support like mules/porters
FAQ's
A scenic Himalayan trek to Gaumukh Glacier and Tapovan, known for spirituality and stunning mountain views.
The pickup for the Gaumukh Tapovan Trek is scheduled at the Dehradun. The vehicle will wait for a maximum of half an hour or more in case of delays or genuine issues raised by the trekkers.
Best done in May–June and September–October for clear skies and stable weather.
Moderate; requires good fitness due to altitude and challenging terrain.
Yes, the Gaumukh Tapovan Trek is suitable for beginners and is categorized as an Easy to Moderate trek. Good physical fitness is essential.
Pack essentials like trekking shoes, warm clothing, rain gear, a backpack, water bottles, a first aid kit, sunscreen, and a hat. Make sure to pack light but include all necessary items
Normal shoes with good grip and water resistance are sufficient. Crampons and gaiters are provided for specific trail conditions.
Ponchos will keep you dry while trekking, and waterproof tents are provided. It's advised to buy a rain cover for your bag.
Yes, it's suitable for children aged 8 and above, provided they are fit and can hike around 5 km daily.
A balanced diet varies with altitude, including breakfast items like eggs and parathas, and meals with daal, rice, vegetables, and chapattis. Meal variety is changeable and subject to availability.
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