Gaumukh Tapovan Trek
Gaumukh Tapovan Trek
Gaumukh Tapovan Trek is a 40 to 50-kilometer trek located in the Uttarkashi District of Uttarakhand. This trek starts from Gangotri and takes 7 to 8 days to cover the distance with an altitude of 4,460 meters above sea level. It is a moderate to difficult trek that goes through Gangotri Dham, Chirbasa Village, Bhojpasa Valley, Gaumukh, and Tapovan. Furthermore, it is mandatory to take permission from the Uttarakhand Tourism Department. This trek only allows 150 trekkers a day to conserve the Gangotri National Park. The best time to visit the trek is from April to June and September to November. In winter, this trek gets covered by snowfall recording the temperature as 0 Degrees Celsius.
Gangotri, Gaumukh to Tapovan Trek: A trail to Goddess Ganga
Gaumukh is a holy destination located at an altitude of 4,460 Meters in Uttarkashi District of Uttarakhand. It is the origin source of the holy river Ganga and the destination of Gangotri Dham. Tourists visiting the holy site also explore the Gangotri Tapovan Trek Solo with their dearest people. It is an approximately 50-kilometer trek that begins from Gangotri (Base Camp) and takes 7 to 8 days to seek out the trekking trail. Furthermore, it is a Moderate trek that begins to demand more physical and mental stamina. Thus, it is very important to work on physical activities and become mentally strong. Physical and mental well-being are very important to summit the peak successfully. This is to inform the travelers that they are required to register on the official website for the trekking permit. Only then, they can enter the restricted area and venture into the place.
Gangotri Tapovan Trek trail includes Gangotri Dham, Bhojpasa Valley, Gaumukh, Nandanvan and Chirbasa Village. These eye-catching destinations will immerse the tourists and give a new outlook to the definition of natural beauty. The best season to discover the dazzling place is in the spring season and post-monsoon season. Therefore, explorers can book a Gaumukh Tapovan Trek Package with a travel agency and start their expedition to the pinnacle. This trek will come with lots of adventurous experiences and a beautiful escape from an uninteresting life. In addition, it will also satisfy the soul of trekkers looking for challenging climbs.
Facts Regarding Gangotri Gaumukh Tapovan Trek
While scheduling a plan for the Gaumukh Tapovan Trek, tourists must have all the information linked to the trek. Here, the details required to get the trek information are sketched in the following points. This will help in creating specific and clear-cut trek plans.
- Location: Uttarkashi District, Uttarakhand
- Altitude: 4,460 Meters
- Best Time to Visit: Spring, Summer, and Post Monsoon Season (April to May and September to November)
- Trek Distance: 40 to 50 Kilometer
- Number of Trek Days: 7 to 8 Days
- Hardship Level of Trek: Moderate to Difficult
- Trek Base Camp: Gangotri
- Destinations visited on the way to the pinnacle: Gangotri Dham, Chirbasa Village, Bhojpasa Valley, Gaumukh and Tapovan
- Number of Visit Permission for Trek: 150 Per day
- Price of stamp Paper for Permit: Rs 100
- Uttarakhand Tourism Department Charges: Rs 20
- Documents required for Permit: RT PCR and Medical Fitness Certificate
- Entry Fees for Gangotri National Park: Rs 200 For Natives and Rs 800 For Foreigners
- Nearby Itinerary: Gangotri Dham, Tapovan, Gaumukh Glacier, Satopanth Lake Trek, and Gangotri to Yamunotri Trek
- Nearby Railway Station: Haridwar and Dehradun Railway Station
- Nearby Airport: Jolly Grant Airport
Best Time to visit Gaumukh Tapovan Trek
Gaumukh Tapovan Trek’s best time to start the expedition is in summer and post-monsoon i.e. Autumn season. These seasons are the most stable and predictable as compared to other seasons. Now, let us get into the season-wise details of the trek and plan our trip accordingly. Then, enquire about the Gaumukh Tapovan Trek cost and book the trek package.
- Spring and Summer Season: The temperature of the season varies between day and night. The daytime temperature fluctuates between 15 Degrees Celsius to 20 Degrees Celsius. In contrast, the night-time temperatures start decreasing to 5 to 6 degrees Celsius. It is recommended to carry insulated jackets to keep trekkers warm at night.
- Monsoon Season: This season is the most unpredictable and unstable and not fit for trekking. It becomes difficult to walk on the rugged terrain filled with water. Also, camping becomes difficult in this weather. Hence, hiking enthusiasts should avoid trekking between July to September.
- Post-Monsoon Season: Post-monsoon season begins from October to early December. It starts becoming cold day and night but the weather remains stable. While packing, keep the woolen clothes and insulated jackets in the backpack. Additionally, wear comfortable trekking shoes and woolen socks to make the climb easy.
Winter season: Winter season starts from December to March. The route will take a white blanket of snow and give a mesmerizing view to the trekkers. The temperature fluctuates between -0 Degree Celsius to 2 Degree Celsius. It also starts snowing, making it the heaven on earth. Travelers who love the snowfall set their expedition in winter also.
Procedure to receive Gaumukh Tapovan Trek Permit
Gaumukh Tapovan Trek Registration is one of the important essentials that should be done by the trekkers. As the trekkers know from the above information that Gaumukh Tapovan Trek is located at the Gangotri National Park. In order to conserve biodiversity, the Uttarakhand Government has allowed only 150 trekkers a day. These trekkers are required to generate a permit from the Single Window System of Uttarkashi. Here, a trekking affidavit form is provided by the state government that needs to be filled with Rs 100 stamp paper. All the details will be checked by the officials and the proceedings will be informed via Email. Furthermore, hiking enthusiasts will get the approval. On the trekking day, native trekkers have to pay Rs 200 for entry fees. Whereas, foreigners have to pay Rs 800 for the entry to the trek. These prices are assigned to Gaumukh, Nandanvan, Tapovan, Gartaang Gali and Vasuki Tal sites. Additional 20 rupees are also required to be deposited to the Uttarakhand Tourism Department.
During Gangotri Gaumukh Tapovan Trek Permission Letter procedure, all the information should be sent in Email ID. Devotees above 60 years of age are required to upload a Medical Fitness Certificate which will also be checked in the trek checking point. Also, it is mandatory to carry RT PCR with less than 72 hours registration in the Checking Point. Once all these things are concluded, trekkers are set to start the climbing expedition. In case of cancellation of trek due to weather conditions or non motorable road, the fees will not be refunded to the tourists. Therefore, it is crucial to check the weather forecast and other trek details before stepping out for a voyage.
Difficulty level of Gaumukh Tapovan Trek
To come straight to the point, the Gangotri-Tapovan Trek is a not-too-easy and not-too-hard trail. Many factors contribute to its hardship. Let us comprehensively discuss the challenging factors of the trek. Each factor has its significance in making the trail a bit challenging.
- The Gaumukh Tapovan Trek altitude is 4,460 meters which makes it fairly arduous to reach its pinnacle. It becomes difficult to climb at this height because the level of oxygen starts lowering.
- The steep vertical terrain makes the climb demanding and an example of such a climb is Akash Ganga. The rough terrain makes it more difficult. Hence, it is important to have basic knowledge of climbing and also have experience in it.
- The duration of the Gangotri-Gaumukh-Tapovan Trek is 7 to 8 days, which makes it hectic, and constant acclimatization makes it difficult.
- The extreme weather of the destination also makes the trek and camp vary. The unpredictable weather makes it tougher.
- The remote location of the trek can also be challenging for the trekkers. In a long-duration trek, the unavailability of proper food is one of the challenging factors.
When all these parameters come together, it makes the trek demanding and also thrilling. Experienced trekkers find these difficulties challenging and successfully make their way to the peak. This is to inform the beginners that they need to work harder to start their expedition for this trek. It is recommended to start trekking with the Kedarkantha Trek or Monal Top trek and then set off for the Gaumukh Tapovan Trek.
Gangotri-Gaumukh-Tapovan Trek Itinerary
In a trek, planning has a key role to make it efficient and pleasant in tandem. To continue with the trek scheduling, Gaumukh Tapovan Nandanvan trek takes 7 to 8 days to conclude. Hence the trek itinerary will be programmed based on the number of days. These days all the surrounding destinations will be covered and trekkers will get time to familiarize with local culture and traditions. Trekkers have to arrive at Rishikesh-Haridwar or Dehradun via bus, train or flight. Following that, trekkers will proceed to Gangaorti which is the basecamp of the trek. It will take 6 days to conclude the to and fro of the trek. The Gangotri Tapovan Trek map is also shown below the itinerary. Trekkers can also go through it and plan their trail terse and focused.
Day 1: Dehradun/Rishikesh to Gangotri | Travel Distance: 258 Kilometer | Drive Time: 11-12 hours
Day 2: Gangotri to Chirbasa Trek | Trek Distance: 9 Km | Trek Time: 5-6 hours | Altitude: 3580 Meters
Day 3: Chirbasa to Bhojbasa Camp | Trek Distance: 5 Km | Trek Time: 3-4 Hours | Altitude: 3775 meters
Day 4: Bhojbasa Camp to Gaumukh to Tapovan Trek | Trek Distance: 9 Kilometer | Trek Time: 6-7 Hours | Altitude: 4500 Meters
Day 5: Nil Tal to Shivling Base Camp | Trek Distance: 6 Km | Trek Time: 4-5 Hours | Altitude: 4619 Meters
Day 6: Back to Tapovan to Bhojbasa Camp
Day 7: Bhojbasa Camp to Gangotri Camp
Day 8: Gangotri Camp to Rishikesh/Dehradun
Once the trek is over, it is time to return to the destination by bus. This is to inform the travelers that they can easily get access to these modes. If travelers have enough time to hunt more thrilling places then they can continue their expedition. It will add up to their souvenirs that they must have from the Uttarakhand trip.
- Transportation From Dehradun
- Meals During the trek (starting day 1 from Dinner & day 7 day Lunch)
- High Quality camping equipment (Tents, sleeping bags, zero degree sleeping Matts, dinning tents, toilet Tent)
- Crampons and Gaiters as per Snow Conditions
- Basic first Aid Kit with Oxygen Cylinders
- Forest permission charges
- Highly experienced team of mountain trek leader and guides
- Experienced Trek Leader/Trip Captain
- Radio Walkie Talkie for communication
- Certificate of trek completion
- Anything not mentioned in inclusion
- Personal insurance
- Meals During transportation
- All personal Expenses, optional tour, extra Meals
- Mules or porter charges to carry private Baggage Offload Charges for Bag 450 per campsite – Bag weight should not be more than 10kg
- Accommodation in dehradun
- Any expense for medical treatment of injury or accident before during and after the trek
- Any early returns travel costs or accommodation except for the days as per the itinerary
- Any cost arising due to natural, calamities, landslide, Road blocking, political disturbance (strikes) etc ( to be borne by the client, which is directly payable on the spot).
Nearby Places to explore in Gaumukh Tapovan Nandanvan Trek
Travelers charmed by the beauty of the Garhwal ranges can delve into more unknown destinations. Each site comes with its magic that unfolds after its visit. In this way, trekkers learn more about the place, its natives, and the culture that will amaze the outsider. In addition, trekkers can get engrossed in the place by becoming part of it and that can only happen by learning about the people and their traditions. Now, let’s begin our journey to track down nearby sites for more expeditions.
Gangotri to Yamunotri Trek
Devotees visiting one of the sacred places of Char Dham Yatra: Gangaotri Dham can also trek to Yamunotri Dham. These two holy destinations can be covered in a 45-kilometer trek placed at an altitude of 10,803 feet. It can begin from any of the destinations and can go through Auden’s Col Trek and other mesmerizing treks. Pilgrims visiting any of the destinations also proceed to the trek for the blessings of Goddess Yamuna. This trek is a moderate trek that increases its difficulty as trekkers move further to the summit. The trekkers need to be physically and mentally fit before starting the trek. Once the trek begins there is no way of going back as it is a blend of the epitome of beauty that our nature has come up with. It is favorable to begin trekking in the summer season.
Satopanth Tal Trek
Satopanth Lake Trek is one of the treks in Devbhoomi Uttarakhand that should have a place in the itinerary. It is placed at an elevation of 4,600 meters in the Chamoli District of Uttarakhand. Travelers visiting all Char Dham Yatra destinations also set their voyage for the Satopanth Tal Trek. The Vedic mythology has given great importance to this site. It is said that Lord Brahma, Lord Vishnu, and Lord Shiva did the meditation in this serene site filled with eye-catching flora and fauna. Trekkers began the 22-kilometer trek from Mana Gaon (The last village of India) and completed it in 4-5 days. This trek includes the Badrinath Dham, Laxmi Van Gaon, Chakrathirtha, and Mana Gaon. This spiritual journey helps the travelers to connect with the natural and godliness of the surroundings. Therefore, it is mandatory to reach the pinnacles of the trek and feel a sense of fulfillment.
Gangotri Dham
Amidst the Char Dham Yatra, Gangotri Dham is visited by lakhs of pilgrims for the divine favor of Goddess Ganga. When King Bhagirath did penance for his ancestors to Lord Shiva. He told Ganga to fall at his hairlocks and then fall at Gaumukh Glacier. This is the reason in its origin point, the holy river Ganga is known as the Bhagirathi River and attains its name in Devprayag (Confluence place of Bhagirathi and Alakanada). Trekkers will commence the Gaumukh Tapovan Trek from Gangotri only. Hence they can also visit the pious destination to get the blessing of Lord Shiva and Goddess Ganga. Devotees can also register themselves online for the holy place visit. It takes around 8 to 10 hours to reach the destination from Rishikesh. It is one of the important pilgrimage sites located at an altitude of 3,100 meters from sea level.
Nandanvan Trek
Tapovan Nandanvan Trek is also a site explored by the trekkers setting their voyage to Gaumukh Tapovan Trek. It is an 8-10-day trek located at 15,780 meters in height. The base camp of the trek is located at the Bhagirathi massif in emerald meadows. Furthermore, this journey connects the Hindu devotees to the origin point of the river Ganga: Gaumukh. Essentially, Nandanvan is a lush green pasture land that presents a view of Mount Kedar Dome, Mount Meru, and Mount Shivling. Trekkers can see the snow-covered peaks from their camps making it like a fantasy. Himalayan biodiversity can easily be traced here and hermits (Sadhus) can also be found in the meditating postures.
Kalindi Khal Trek
Kalindi Khal Trek is a 16-kilometer trek placed at the altitude of 5,942 meters. It begins from Badrinath Dham. In essence, it is a pass that connects Gangotri to Ghastoli. Thus, the base camp of the trek is Gangotri and includes destinations such as Bhojbasa, Nandanvan, Vasukital, Khara Patthar and finally reaches to Badrinath. It is a 12 day trek that demands perfect physical training and mental well being. Furthermore, it is located at the maximum height of 5950 Meters making it more challenging for the trekkers. The best time to visit the Kalindi Khal Trek is between April to November and avoid the monsoon season. Based on Hindu Mythology stories, it is the place where King Bhagirat meditated to impress lord Shiva for his wish. Explorers interested in advancing their trekking level can climb on this site.
To put it briefly, Gangotri Tapovan Trek is one of the treks that awaits for the expedition. Firstly, this trek takes the explorers to many destinations that are worth venturing. These destinations include Nandanvan, Gaumukh, Gangotri Dham and countless other destinations. Secondly, it takes the trekkers on a spiritual journey that is needed in human life. It connects the divine power in the trekkers and gives a new perspective towards daily life. Thirdly, it informs us about different cultures, people and traditions that are linked to vedic stories. As a result, it makes us proud of the diversity that makes us unique in our own ways and also teaches us acceptance. Fourthly, trekkers get to know about their physical and mental well being. Last of all, a trek is always needed to get time from the monotonous life and give it a thrill in stunning natural destinations. For these reasons, trekkers must book a Gangotri Tapovan Trek Package and start their climb to the summit at the peak. This trek will give a whole different experience that you currently need in your life. Let’s began the voyage and share our experience in the comment box
Frequently Asked Questions Asked Regarding Gangotri Tapovan Trek
The distance from Tapovan to Gaumukh is 5 Kilometer and estimated to take 3-4 hours to finish the rugged terrain trek. Furthermore, it is situated at the height of 4,460 meters from sea level. This trek is among the most difficult to climb and also includes Akash Ganga Stream with steep vertical climb.
Gangotri Tapovan trek begins from moderate level and rises to difficulty as trekkers come across difficult terrain and steep climbs that demand skills to reach the pinnacle. This trek is not recommended to the beginners and can only be climbed by the skilled trekkers.
Gaumukh Tapovan Trek is one of the best treks that can be explored by the skilled trekkers. It might be a difficult trek but once you reach the summit gives a scenic view of Mount shivling.
Gaumukh Tapovan Trek requires 8 to 9 days to summit the trek and reach the base camp. It is very important to adjust with the new weather. Also the physical and mental well being are required throughout the trek.
The best time to start the Gangotri Gaumukh Tapovan Trek is between April To May. The weather is stable and the beauty of the mountains is at the zenith filled with high tropical dense forest, meadows and blooming flowers.