Gaumukh Tapovan Trek - MoustachEscapes

Gaumukh Tapovan trek is a chance to trek to the source of India’s lifeline – The Ganga. It is one of the oldest treks and the most beautiful trek of India. The landscape of mighty mountains, alpine meadows, and vast open valley charms your way.

The trek happens in the Gangotri National Park that gives you access to vibrant flora and fauna. In the initial region, you walk in the dense forests of oak and pine which later finish above the Chirbasa campsite. As Gaumukh trek’s major destination point is the Gangotri Gomukh glacier, you will cross over several streams of water on the way.

The most astonishing thing that you will find in this particular trek is the rarest summit views of Mt. Shivling and Bhagirathi sisters. The bottom to the top view of these mountains makes you look so small against the massive landscape.

As the high altitude is completely free of the tree lines, you get the widest eye view of the entire valley. Silent streams running along the route is one thing that makes the journey absolutely mesmerizing.

But above everything comes the Gangotri glacier. After an exhausting trek when you reach the top and stand beside the massive hole in the ground, you are amazed to observe such a miracle. At times, the black hollow whole scares you to the spines. But when you follow the path of a narrow stream of Bhagirathi coming out of the whole, you understand the importance of it.

Holiest of all, the river Ganga is the backbone of India. While witnessing the source of life of this holy river, you bend under the power of nature. As the shape of the glacier is in the form of a large hollow opening, it is known as Gaumukh that translates into Cow’s mouth.

After you pass through Gaumukh, you trek to Tapovan. Tapovan is a large high altitude grassland. Depending upon the season, this grassland surprises you. Late winter is the time when it glows in white snow, and in summers, it turns into a lush green meadow field. To surprise you further, you will also find an emerald green Tapovan lake sitting silently in the middle of the valley.

The best thing about the Tapovan campsite is the views of the mountains. If the weather is clear which general is at this height, you can spot the mighty Mt. Shivling standing tall right in front of you. To give you an idea, Mt. Shivling is said to be the prettiest mountain in our country. Imagine, waking up to such splendid views and taking a stroll in the meadows. Doesn’t it seem like a paradise?

How is your stay going to be?

For 7 days, two days you will stay in a guesthouse and five days in alpine dome tents. Our choice of guesthouses is one of the best in the city and will give you the utmost comfort.

But more than the guesthouses, stay in the dome tents are the best. To get a feel of adventure and thrills, spending a night inside the tents is the best. Apart from the camps, we will also provide you with floor mats and cozy sleeping bags.

The stay in both the guesthouse and camps will be on a shared basis. Depending on the availability, you can stay on a dual, triple, or quad sharing basis.

How’s the weather like?

In Summers:

May and June are the best months in the summers to do this trek. The unique thing about these months is that you will experience a lot of snow on the way. Gaumukh Tapovan trek (also known as Gangotri trek) looks astonishingly beautiful with snow on the route. So if you are someone who loves to trek in snow, Gaumukh trek’s (also known as Gomukh trek) best time is the months. The Gomukh temperature during the summers swings between – 2 to 10 degrees celsius. During the daytime, the weather stays utterly pleasant and at night goes mildly cold.

In Winters:

September to October is the ideal wintertime to do the Gaumukh Tapovan trek. Due to the post-monsoon season, you will find all the meadows and wildflowers blooming brightly throughout the route.

This time, the route becomes easier to trudge as it stays clear of any snow or slippery rocks. If spring glows with snow, autumn glows with lush green meadows. You can choose your perfect time according to your preference for the views.

During these months, winter starts to descend. So the temperature usually stays colder than the springtime. You will find the temperature dipping down to – 10 degrees above 12,000 ft.

Itinerary

Day 1: Dehradun to Gangotri

Drive: 240 km

Altitude: 10,800 ft

Meal Included: Dinner

Stay Included: Stay in a guest house on a sharing basis

Welcome to Uttarakhand. If you are coming from the plains, make sure that you have seen the forecast and are ready with your clothes accordingly. Our first day is going to be a long drive from Dehradun to Gangotri village.
Report at Dehradun Railway station by 6 am and hop in the car to start with the tour. The drive is pretty long but exceptionally scenic. We are sure you will love the roads and views.
The route will cross Dehradun – Mussorie – Dhanulti – Chamba – Uttarkashi – Harshil – Gangotri. Enjoy the scenic views of mighty mountains and a gushing river flowing just beside the road.
Once you have reached Gangotri, first settle in your guesthouse and rest. If you are feeling okay, you can go and explore the town by yourself.
By the time you come back, we will have your dinner ready. Devour your food and sleep a good night.

Day 2: Acclimatisation day at Gangotri

Altitude: 10,800 ft

Meal Included: Breakfast-Lunch-Evening Snacks-Dinner

Stay Included: Stay in a guest house on a sharing basis

Have breakfast and enjoy the entire day just being alive in the religious vibes.
Acclimatization is like a health supplement for your body to get used to the environment and low temperatures.
You can visit Gangotri temple- Gangotri is one of the Char Dhams of Uttarakhand.

Day 3: Gangotri to Chirbassa

Trek: 9 km (5-6 hours)

Altitude: 11680 ft