Gaumukh Tapovan Trek

Gaumukh, the source of the River Ganga, itself is reason enough to do this trek. Gaumukh is a sight on its own. Only when you get close to it do you realise how big and magnificent the glacier is! I am not surprised this is the most often repeated trek by trekkers. Every time you visit, there is something new to take back.”

It is a 10-11 hours drive from Dehradun to Gangotri. Pick up point will be Dehradun Railway station at 6 am.

The Base Camp: Gangotri

In a remote setting at an altitude of 3065m, Gangotri is one of the holiest places in India. Not only is it home to one of the four Char Dham temples, but it’s the gateway town for the trek to the source of the Ganges.
For a site of such significance, Gangotri Temple is surprisingly underwhelming. Unless you’re a devout Hindu, to get a real sense of awe you’ll probably have to trek from Gangotri to the true source of the river, at Gaumukh, 18km upstream.

Gangotri village itself is a touristy pedestrianised strip of guesthouses, restaurants and shops selling woollen clothes. The entire town and surrounding treks are closed from November to the end of April.

• Altitude: 10,055 ft (3,065 m) to 11,761 ft (3,585 m)
• Time & Distance: 9 km trek, 6-7 hours
• Nature of Slope: Moderate. Initial 300 m steep ascent followed by a very gradual ascent all the way.
• Water Availability: Carry sufficient water from Gangotri. You can refill your water bottles from streams on the way.

• Altitude: 11,761 ft (3,585 m) to 12,450 ft (3,795 m)
• Time & Distance: 3-4 hours, 5 km
• Nature of Slope: Moderate. Initial 100 m ascent to get back on the trail. Very gradual ascent all the way to Bhojbasa
• Water Availability: None. Carry 2 litres of water

• Altitude: 12,450 ft (3,795 m) to 13,160 ft (4,011 m) 
• Time taken: 7 hours, 9 km
• Trek gradient: Moderate. Gradual Ascent throughout the way to Gaumukh.
• Water sources: Carry 2 litres of water. Refill water bottles at Gaumukh.

• Altitude: 12,450 ft (3,795 m) to 14,202 ft (4,329 m)
• Time taken: 8 hours, 15 km
• Trek gradient: Difficult. Gradual ascent for 2.5 hours. 2 hours glacier walk followed by 1 hour of moderate ascent. Final 1.5 hours is a steep ascent.
• Water sources: Carry 2 litres of water. Refill water bottles at Gaumukh.

• Altitude: 12,450 ft (3,795 m) to 10,055 ft (3,065 m)
• Time taken: 5 hours, 7 km
• Trek gradient: Moderate-Difficult. A level trail to Chirbasa.
• Water sources: Carry 2 litres of water.  You can refill your water bottles at streams along the trail.