A trek to the source of the holiest river of India, Ganges, is an experience of its kind. Gaumukh Tapovan Trek the trek includes mighty peaks, high altitude meadows, a sacred & mighty river, holy temples & exotic campsites. The route to Gangotri is generally a busy route full of pilgrims, sages and sadhus (holy men). From our experience, talking to them is for sure enlightening as well.
It is a difficult trek all the way from Gangotri to Tapovan through Chirbasa (Chir means pine), Bhojwasa (silver birch) Gaumukh (Cow’s mouth, glacier that is also the source of mighty ganges). Some other treks in Uttarakhand region would be Har Ki Dun, Kedarkantha Trek, Brahmatal Trek etc.
NEW DELHI
3 Hours Before Flight Time
Wemeet at a Dehradun at around 6:00 a.m. and from here we board the vehicle and drive up to Gangotri. This is a long beautiful drive as we enter the upper Bhagirathi valley. We check into a guesthouse/lodge at Gangotri and savor the spectacular surroundings. We visit the Gangotri temple in the evening and the neighboring market.
Soon after breakfast, set out on the trek towards Chirbasa. This trek is mostly on even terrain with moderate ascends. The view of Sudarshan peak early on the trek is a memorable sight. Our hike today is an easy one with interesting sights throughout. The forest campsite at Chirbasa next to the Ganga river is a great spot and one is going to completely enjoy the camping experience here.
After nutricious breakfast, we continue ahead to Bhojbasa. The area gets its name from the bhojpatra or bhoj leaves that were used for writing in ancient times.
The trek today is also a moderate one. We walk through and get a glimpse of Bhagirati peaks and the Gaumukh glacier. Reach campsite and relax for the day.
Overnight in camps.
After an early breakfast, we set out for Gaumukh. The ascend today is going to be difficult yet and interesting all the way till theGaumukh glacier. We reach Gaumukh in about 2 hours and spend some time at the glacier. Thereafter we set out for a steep hike to Tapovan. The hardwork pays once we reach the bugyal (meadows) situated at the base of shivling peak. It is a magical place surrounded by Bhagirathi peaks, Mt. Meru&Mt.Shivling.
We have this as an extra day that can be utilized. The decision of utilizing it would be on the guides/ trek leads depending upon the need.
We trek back to Bhojbasa campsite from Tapovan and retrace our steps all the way till Chirbasa. We have some steep descends for today and we’ll need to keep hydrating ourselves.
Overnight in tents.
We trek for 4 to 5 hours and get back to Gangotri. Todays trek will have gradual descends. We cross the beautiful Pine and the Himalayan Birch trees. After reaching at the Bhagirathi river, a short trek of approx. 2 kms gets us to Gangotri.
Later in the evening have the closing session and call it a day.
After breakfast, drive back to Dehradun. Our trip ends here with fine memories from the Gaumukh-Tapovan trek.
