Gaumukh Tapovan trek

A Journey to the Source of the Holy Ganga

Region

Uttarakhand

Duration

6 days

Maximum Altitude

14,640 ft

Trekking Distance

46 km

Grade

Difficult

Pickup

Dehradun

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A Journey to the Source of the Holy Ganga

The Gaumukh Tapovan Trek is one of the most spiritually significant and visually spectacular treks in the Indian Himalayas. Starting from the sacred town of Gangotri in Uttarakhand, this trek takes you deep into the Gangotri National Park, all the way to Gaumukh — the glacial snout that gives birth to the holy River Ganga — and further up to the breathtaking alpine meadows of Tapovan. Standing at 4,463 m, Tapovan offers some of the most dramatic close-up views of Mount Shivling, Meru Peak and the Bhagirathi Sisters, making it a paradise for trekkers, mountaineers and spiritual seekers alike.

  • Day 1 — Dehradun → Gangotri | Drive ~250 km | 9–10 hrs
  • Day 2 — Gangotri → Chirbasa | Trek ~9 km | 4–5 hrs
  • Day 3 — Chirbasa → Bhojbasa | Trek ~5 km | 3–4 hrs
  • Day 4 — Bhojbasa → Gaumukh → Tapovan | Trek ~7 km | 7–8 hrs
  • Day 5 — Tapovan → Bhojbasa → Chirbasa | Trek ~7 km | 6–7 hrs
  • Day 6 — Chirbasa → Gangotri → Dehradun | Trek ~9 km + Drive ~250 km

Detailed Itineary

Distance: ~250 km | Travel Time: 9–10 hrs | Altitude: 3,100 m / 10,170 ft

 

  • Early morning departure from Dehradun (~5:00 AM)
  • Drive along the banks of the Bhagirathi River via Uttarkashi
  • Stop at Gangnani — enjoy a holy dip in natural sulphur hot springs
  • Pass through the scenic Harsil Valley — one of Uttarakhand's most beautiful valleys
  • Arrive Gangotri by evening — visit the sacred Gangotri Temple
  • Attend the mesmerizing Ganga Aarti ceremony at dusk
  • Overnight Stay: Hotel/Guesthouse in Gangotri
  • Meals: Dinner Included

Trek Distance: ~9 km | Trek Duration: 4–5 hrs | Altitude: 3,100 m to 3,600 m / 10,170 ft to 11,800 ft

  • Begin trek from Gangotri through the Gangotri National Park
  • Trail passes through dense Deodar and Pine forests
  • Walk along the banks of the Bhagirathi River throughout the trail
  • Gradual ascent with stunning views of surrounding Himalayan peaks
  • First glimpses of the Bhagirathi Peaks on the trail
  • Arrive at Chirbasa — named after the Chir Pine trees found here
  • Overnight Stay: Camp stay at Chirbasa
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included

Trek Distance: ~5 km | Trek Duration: 3–4 hrs | Altitude: 3,600 m to 3,780 m / 11,800 ft to 12,400 ft

  • Short but highly scenic trek from Chirbasa to Bhojbasa
  • Landscape gradually transforms from forest to open rocky alpine terrain
  • Clear and close views of Shivling Peak, Bhagirathi I, II & III
  • Arrive at Bhojbasa — a vast open rocky plateau near the glacier
  • Named after the Bhoj (Silver Birch) trees found in the area
  • Rest and acclimatize for the big summit day ahead
  • Explore the surrounding landscape in the evening
  • Overnight Stay: Camp stay at Bhojbasa
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included

Trek Distance: ~7 km | Trek Duration: 7–8 hrs | Altitude: 3,780 m to 4,463 m / 12,400 ft to 14,640 ft

  • Early morning start after a light breakfast
  • Trek ~4 km to Gaumukh — the sacred snout of the Gangotri Glacier and the source of River Ganga
  • Witness the massive glacial snout shaped like a cow's mouth (Gau = Cow, Mukh = Mouth)
  • Cross the Bhagirathi River via a manually operated cable trolley
  • Begin steep rocky ascent of ~1,000 ft towards Tapovan meadows
  • Arrive at Tapovan — a breathtaking high altitude alpine meadow
  • Stunning views of Mount Shivling (6,543 m), Meru Peak and Bhagirathi Sisters
  • Spot Bharal (Blue Mountain Sheep) grazing freely in the meadows
  • Overnight Stay: Camp stay at Tapovan
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included

Trek Distance: ~7 km | Trek Duration: 6–7 hrs | Altitude: 4,463 m to 3,600 m

  • Wake up early for golden sunrise views over Shivling, Bhagirathi and Meru peaks
  • Begin gradual descent from Tapovan back towards Gaumukh
  • Spend time at Gaumukh Glacier — witness massive ice chunks and the glacial snout up close
  • Continue steady descent from Gaumukh to Bhojbasa
  • Short rest at Bhojbasa before continuing to Chirbasa
  • Arrive at Chirbasa by late afternoon
  • Overnight Stay: Camp stay at Chirbasa
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included

Drive: ~250 km | 9–10 hrs

  • Morning trek back through the pine and deodar forests to Gangotri
  • Walk along the Bhagirathi River one last time
  • Visit Gangotri Temple for final blessings before departing
  • Begin drive back to Dehradun via Uttarkashi
  • Optional stops at local dhabas and viewpoints along the way
  • Arrive in Dehradun by late evening
  • Meals: Breakfast Included
  • Experienced trek leaders and local guides

  • Basic first aid kit carried by the team

  • Regular weather and route monitoring

  • Proper acclimatization and rest stops

  • Assistance for medical emergencies if required

  • Emergency contact coordination with local authorities

  • Comfortable trekking shoes

  • Warm jackets and thermal layers

  • Raincoat or poncho

  • Backpack (30–40L)

  • Reusable water bottle

  • Sunglasses, cap, sunscreen

  • Personal medications and toiletries

  • Trekking pole (optional but helpful)

What's Included

  • Accommodation during the trip

  • Meals as mentioned in the itinerary

  • Transportation from Dehradun to Dehradun

  • Experienced trek guide and support staff

  • Basic first aid and assistance during the journey

What's Excluded

  • Personal expenses

  • Pony / palki charges

  • Entry fees at monuments or attractions

  • Travel insurance

  • Anything not mentioned in the itinerary

Frequently Asked Questions

No, this trek is rated Moderate to Difficult and is not recommended for first-time trekkers. The high altitude, steep rocky terrain especially from Gaumukh to Tapovan, and unpredictable weather make it physically and mentally demanding. Prior trekking experience at altitude and good cardiovascular fitness is strongly recommended before attempting this trek.

The trek is open in two main seasons:

  • Pre-Monsoon — May to June (clear skies, blooming meadows, good visibility)
  • Post-Monsoon — September to October (stable weather, crystal clear mountain views)

The trek remains closed during Monsoon (July–August) due to heavy rainfall, landslides and slippery trails, and in Winter (November to April) due to extreme snowfall and freezing temperatures.

Yes, an entry permit is mandatory as the trail passes through the Gangotri National Park. The permit is issued by the Forest Department at Gangotri. Indian nationals and foreign tourists both require permits, and the number of trekkers allowed per day is limited to protect the fragile ecosystem of the national park.

  • Indian Nationals — Aadhar Card (original + photocopy)
  • International Tourists — Passport and valid Visa copy
  • All Trekkers — Medical fitness certificate signed by a registered MBBS doctor + 2 passport-sized photographs + signed declaration form

Yes, the trek is considered safe for solo women travellers when done with a reputed trek operator. Accommodation is provided on a sharing basis with fellow women trekkers. Professional guides and support staff accompany the group throughout the trek ensuring safety at all times, especially on the difficult stretch between Gaumukh and Tapovan.

Trek Fee

₹12,500 per person

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Policies & Terms

Cancellation by Traveler

  • Within 24 hours of booking — No cancellation fees | 100% refund
  • Between 24 hours – 7 days of booking — 40% cancellation fee | 60% refund
  • More than 7 days after booking — 70% cancellation fee | 30% refund
  • Within 14 days of trek start date — 100% cancellation fee | No refund

Cancellation by The Northern Monk

  • In case of natural disasters, government restrictions, or other unavoidable circumstances — 100% refund or rescheduling option provided.

Dropout During Trip

  • If a traveler exits the trip due to health, fitness, or personal reasons — No refund will be issued.
  • All return travel or any additional costs incurred during early departure must be borne by the traveler.

Refund Terms

  • All refunds are processed within 7–10 business days.
  • Refunds are credited to the original payment method used at the time of booking.
  • Bookings made via vouchers are not eligible for cash refunds — the voucher will be reissued and remain valid for 1 year from the original booking date.

📌 Note: All refund timelines are subject to bank processing times.

  • Your booking is confirmed only after full payment is received.
  • A confirmation email will be sent to you within 24 hours of successful payment.
  • Your trek voucher will be shared 3–5 days before the trek start date.
  • A minimum of 6 participants is required for a trek to be operational.
  • If the minimum participant count is not met, The Northern Monk reserves the right to cancel the trek and a full refund will be provided.

📌 Note: Please carry a printed or digital copy of your trek voucher on the day of the trek.

  • A 50% advance payment is required to block your seat.
  • The remaining balance must be paid at least 15 days before the trek start date.
  • Failure to pay the balance on time may result in automatic cancellation of your booking.
  • We accept the following payment methods: UPI, Net Banking, Debit/Credit Card, and PhonePe.
  • All prices are inclusive of GST — no hidden charges.

📌 Important: Please keep your payment receipts saved for future reference.

  • 30+ days before the trek — Free rescheduling to any available batch.
  • 15–29 days before the trek — Rescheduling available at a fee of ₹2,000.
  • 7–14 days before the trek — Rescheduling available at a fee of ₹3,000.
  • Less than 7 days before the trek — Rescheduling is not permitted.
  • A maximum of 1 reschedule is allowed per booking.
  • All rescheduling is subject to availability in the requested batch.

📌 Note: All rescheduling requests must be submitted in writing via email or through the sales team over a call.

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