SHORT ITINERARY:

• The first day of the trek, the Gaumukh Tapovan Trek begins at Gangotri 3100 m enhancing the natural beauty of the region hauling the connotation as the most holy point in the Himalayas and the shrine of river Ganga.

• Above all lies the Gangotri Temple that is devoted to Goddess Ganga and this temple invites pilgrims and tourists merging folklore with great scenic views.

• Fables say that it was King Bhagirath who strived hard to the point of bringing Ganga to Mother Earth and her holy waters redeemed his 60,000 sons’ souls.

• The journey has a lot in store with journeys filled with the mythical tales, beautiful hills with glorious landscapes and the great Father with his quiet beauty all adding to the significance of the ethereal journey.

DETAILED ITINERARY:

The Gaumukh Tapovan Trek starts at Gangotri which is located at an elevation of 3100 m in the Himalayas. Gangotri is famous for being the Spiritual Gateway of the Ganga. At Gangotri the river is referred to as Bhagirathi which was named after Maharaja Bhagirath, who is said to be instrumental in bringing Ganga to the Earth. Though the actual source of the river may be placed at Gaumukh but Gangotri Temple which is devoted to Goddess Ganga attracts its worshipers and trekkers pouring great fun and thrill at the same time.

Gangotri Temple is also associated with Indian history and ancient manuscripts. As per the texts, King Bhagirath interested in seeking the liberty of his sixty thousands sons who turned to ashes due to the curse of sage Kapila did very harsh penance. After long penance, Lord Shiva, satisfied with him, told Goddess Ganga to come on the earth and cleanse these ashes. The Ganga descends quickly to her natural place where the Lord Shiva took hold of her. The snake locks of the Lord Shiv became the bearer of the quick descent of the Ganga and sent her to the plains in a mild way. This action not only liberated the souls of Bhagirath’s sons but shifted the sacredness of Ganga from the sole of child; with this much power she cleansed all the contamination and became the force of liberty.

The trek formally commences on the following morning after the arrival in Gangotri when the trekkers tie their boots, ready for Gaumukh where the glacial source of Bhagirathi river can be found. The trekkers bring supplies, equipment, but, even more significantly, respect for a holy place. Clouds woven with the towering mountains, rocky paths, thick forests, and extraordinary sights, each step towards Gaumukh brings myths and nature one step closer.

Surrounding mythological greats together with wonderful scenery makes Gangotri perfect for the starting of the Gaumukh Tapovan Trek. It does not matter if you are on a trip to find a peace of the spirit or to increase the levels of strength the adventure starts in Gangotri and stays in the heart forever.



SHORT ITINERARY:

• The trek from Gangotri to Chirbasa (9 kilometers) this beautiful place marks the control center for the commencement of the Gaumukh Tapovan trek.

• Trekking in this region involves stepping on a stunning path across rough landscapes, deodar woods, and along the turbulent Bhagirathi River.

• From Chirbasa, the trekkers are treated to awesome views of towering mountains, valleys covered with green fields and smooth silvery skies dotted with towering pines.

• As Chirbasa is in this nature’s lap, it is recommended that the place should be used as a calm shelter to rest before venturing further.

DETAILED ITINERARY:

The journey from Gangotri (3,048 m) to Chirbasa (3,600 m) marks the official start of the Gaumukh Tapovan Trek, a 9-kilometer trail that takes approximately six hours to complete. Leaving behind the spiritual aura of Gangotri, trekkers follow a well-defined path that winds through rugged terrains and dense forests, with the majestic Bhagirathi River serving as a constant companion. The river’s roaring flow adds a rhythmic voice to the trek, creating an invigorating atmosphere for the adventure ahead.

The trail begins with a gradual ascent, offering breathtaking views of snow-clad peaks and lush greenery. Trekkers navigate through patches of deodar and pine forests, which provide refreshing shade and a sense of tranquility. As you approach Chirbasa, named “the abode of pine trees,” the landscape transforms, with towering pines dominating the horizon.

This section of the trek is not just a physical journey but also a sensory delight. The crisp mountain air, the distant echoes of the river, and the vibrant flora create a harmony that energizes and inspires. Reaching Chirbasa feels like arriving at a serene sanctuary, a perfect spot to rest and prepare for the challenges of the trail ahead.

SHORT ITINERARY:

• Chirbasa to Bhojbasa trek (5 kilometers) is an easy trek but provides excitement with the good scenes,  it takes about 3 hours to reach the end point.

• The route hugs through significant height increasing first through dense pine trees, then smoky white dwarf birch trees that further peeked through snowy rocky areas.

• Bhojbasa is named after bhojpatra (bhujpatra or chinner birch trees) and it is a land of interesting pictures of Shivling Peak with beautifully sculpted rugged cliffs and rocks.

• This trek presents a challenge considering the altitude, thus requiring trekkers to slow down, hydrate and bond more with nature.

DETAILED ITINERARY:

Chirbasa to Bhojbasa is the most exciting part of the Gaumukh Tapovan Trek. Thus, this little trek is easy and quite short, taking around three hours to complete. It is only 5 kilometers long and gives trekkers an experience that is both beautiful and raw, of the Himalayas. More importantly, this section should be able to provide its trekkers with some stunning views and get them excited for the Gaumukh glacier.

Starting off from Chirbasa, the first few sections of the trek lead us through charming tree lines of pine and birch that eventually begin to recede as height is gained. The goof flows of the Bhagirathi river are sweet music to the valleys and never fails to please. As the terrain goes to higher elevation, the place gets more barren with rocky surfaces and loose moraine trails, and the trekkers need to watch their balance and strength closely.

Bhojbasa, in junior schooling one learns that this area is called Bhojbasa due to its presence of bhojpatra, which is a birch tree, whose bark was often used as paper in ancient India. Now, Bhojbasa is a harsh yet beautiful open area with Baghirath peak and other mountains around it. What it lacks in vegetation, it makes up with sights of the rugged landscape here, accompanied by the majestic view of Shivling Peak from afar.

The trek from Chirbasa to Bhojbasa adds the factor of resilience towards the trekkers as it is characterized by a considerable vertical gain. The thinning of the air is an encouraging sign to further assist in the management of one’s pace, fluid intake, and indeed their level regarding the challenge that altitude presents. Nevertheless, the rawness of this part of the journey makes you relate to nature on a much deeper level considering you are much closer to the Gaumukh Glacier after every step taken. Sitting under the layers of different stars at Bhojbasa after the day has ended is an event that fills the trekkers with an unexplainable sense of satisfaction.

SHORT ITINERARY:

• It is a strenuous 9-hour uphill trek from Bhojbasa to Tapovan and covers a distance of 6 kilometers which tests one’s strength and endurance.

• The trek starts with sunrise over the Bhagirathi peaks. It is a wonderful way to start the trip.

• One of the highlights of Gaumukh’s (sacred glacier) is, first, a 2 hour glacier walk which needs to be done with some thought.

• Apart from Mount Shivling and a perfect peak of Meru, the last step of Tapovan is blessed with beautiful green and white meadows of Himalayas to rest the eyes and body.

DETAILED ITINERARY:

The trek progresses in an upward manner from Bhojbasa (12,415 ft) which is now quite high up to Tapovan (14,203 ft) where the altitude is more than that of the base. The trek here covers staggering high elevations but does remain a fairly grueling trek as it is completed over a distance of 6 kilometers in about 9 hours. This part of the trek challenges physical strength and endurance as it takes the trekkers over stunning views of the giants of the Himalayas.

The day starts and the adventure commences with a touch of magic, with the sunrise being the most cherished sight as it brightens the Bhagirathi group of peaks. When breakfast is complete, the trek continues and thanks to the Ganges, it flows towards Gaumukh (3,890 m), which is known as the sacred glacier. Upon understanding the enormous tasks, the goal of Gaumukh becomes more and more enriching as it emanates an atmosphere of nature untouched by science and displays grandeur beyond imagining.

From Gaumukh, the road gets a little steeper and requires a 2-hour glacier walk. Careful navigation through the trails requires caution and balance. After the glacier, there is moderate elevation gain before reaching the actual steep slope of Tapovan. The last 1.5 hours of this climb may be exhausting but are also unforgettable; views open up of Mount Shivling, Meru and other giant mountains. When the trekkers reach Tapovan, a dispersal of flowers is welcomed because the area is known to be one of the best Alpine Pastures of Himalayas. Adding to the beauty are stunning views all around as one looks deep into mountain ranges while Tapovan is a delight, gushing relaxation and peace; the journey feels worthy.

SHORT ITINERARY:

• From Tapovan to Bhojbasa, wearing boots feels mandatory again to start moving downhill. The distance is 6 kilometers and the time expected is 5 hours.

• Breathtaking sunrise views of Mount Shivling, Bhagirathi and Meru gradually the meadows of Tapovan to light during the day.

• The trek consists of loose rocks and areas of Gaumukh Glacier which are ice with the river Bhagirathi below them.

• A quiet day is finished at Bhojbasa with wonderful moments of the day that are definitely worth thinking about.

DETAILED ITINERARY:

This trek covers the distance of 14,203 ft from Tapovan to Bhojbasa at 12,415 ft and it is a 6 km descent to be completed in some 5 hours. Relatively moderate compared to the uphill walk, this trek needs attention in order to traverse quite difficult landscape. It’s a wonderful sight to behold in the morning as the sun appears and the first rays touch the high peaks of Mount Shivling, Bhagirathi, and Meru which then shower light across the stunning meadows of Tapovan.

The breakfast that will be provided is fantastic. Downhill begins the return along the rough moraine paths and the Gaumukh Glacier. It does take some concentration to cross the glacier as the trekkers have to negotiate their way around loose rocks and wet icy areas. The glacier – the towering Bhagirathi River flowing down below – this part of the trek is just as breathtaking as it is adventurous.

As you descend gradually the dry plateau is brought to an end by the cypress trees and the wide river valley of Bhojbasa, announcing the twilight of the day. The descent is much less strenuous but provides a chance to look at the mountains of the Himalayas again – in a much more clear way.

Bhojbasa almost feels like a calm and a quiet home where everything is perfect. Trekkers get to relax and ponder over the extraordinary events that transpired in Tapovan.

SHORT ITINERARY:

• Coming back to Gangotri from Bhojbasa means retracing the path but this time, the view of Mount Shivling is surely different.

• The stream and the boulders are part of the coming down so they have to be watchful of rock falls and the chances of landslides.

• The peak Bhagirathi becomes the central point however trekkers have to remind themselves to move and not to get too distracted by the views.

• This last section will bring the trekkers to Gangotri as they traverse by the Bhagirathi River and see the camp site, and the end of the trek is in sight.

DETAILED ITINERARY:

Starting from the campsite, trek downwards towards Gangotri. One can view yet another stunning perspective of Mt Shivling. Move on the same way that you had come up. You will also encounter the boulder section and a stream again. Further descend, there will be a traverse section. It is important to observe the falling rocks. Do take precaution and do not halt at this place.

Continue walking on the trail. There is a risk zone of a landslide up ahead. There you will see Bhagirathi’s peak even clearer. Do not stop to rest and gossip. Maintain that direction. After this, do not lose sight of the Chirbasa campsite.

Proceed and move along with the Bhagirathi river that is visible as you approach the campsite. Take an uphill course and head towards the right. Carry on and wait until the tortuous bit. As you retake your course, be on guard and protect all assets.

While walking see the Bhagirathi river cutting through the ground to your left. You are almost at Gangotri now.

SHORT ITINERARY:

• Gangotri to Dehradun is about 245 km and takes about 9 hours to complete, providing beautiful views of valleys and waterfalls.

• The road touches the hills that surround the Bhagirathi River and finally the Ganga, thus providing a beautiful experience of ceding the himalayas.

• Lost in the mountains now only gives more beauty to their downs.

• The trip comes to an end at Dehradun and trekkers are seen reminiscing about the beautiful journey they had in the Himalayan region.

DETAILED ITINERARY:

The distance between Gangotri and Dehradun is a drive of 245 kilometers in approximately 9 hours which is quite beautiful. This is when you are coming down from the majestic layers of the Himalayas where the perspective includes sprawling valleys, fanning streams of waterfalls and beautiful little mountain villages. The twisted road wraps around the Bhagirathi River and floods into Ganga which is a beautiful sight. The journey ends in Dehradun, the busy capital of the state of Uttarakhand, as trekkers remember their journey in the Himalayas.