GOMUKH TAPOVAN TREK

BASECAMP

Gangotri

DURATION

8D /7N

GRADE

MODERATE

ALTITUDE

14,203 ft

DISTANCE

40 KMS

PICKUP/DROP

KASOL

The Gomukh Tapovan Trek is a spiritually enriching and visually stunning journey nestled in the Indian state of Uttarakhand, within the Garhwal Himalayas. It is one of the most revered treks in India, taking adventurers to the source of the holy River Ganga at Gomukh—literally meaning “Cow’s Mouth”—where the Gangotri Glacier melts and begins its journey as the Bhagirathi River.

The trek begins at Gangotri (10,055 ft), a sacred town and one of the Char Dham pilgrimage sites. From here, trekkers pass through dense forests of deodar and pine, rugged terrain, and vast meadows. As the altitude increases, the landscape opens up to awe-inspiring views of majestic Himalayan peaks like Shivling (21,467 ft), Bhagirathi I, II, and III, and Meru.

Reaching Gomukh (13,200 ft) offers a surreal experience as trekkers witness the snout of the mighty glacier. From there, the trail ascends steeply to Tapovan (14,640 ft), a high-altitude meadow known for its breathtaking views, spiritual energy, and as a base camp for mountaineering expeditions. Tapovan is dotted with ascetic sadhus’ camps and offers one of the best close-up views of Mt. Shivling.

The trek, spanning 6–8 days, is moderately difficult, making it suitable for fit beginners and experienced trekkers alike. It blends adventure, natural beauty, and spiritual essence, offering an unforgettable Himalayan experience. The best time to undertake the Gomukh Tapovan Trek is May to June and September to October.

Day 1 : Dehradun to Gangotri 

Day 2 : Gangotri to Chirbasa

Day 3 : Chirbasa to Bhojasa

Day 4 : Bhojbasa to Tapovan

Day 5 : Tapovan to Bhojbasa 

Day 6 : Bhojbasa to Chirbasa 

Day 7 : Chirbasa to Gangotri

Day 8 : Gangotri to Dehradun

Day 1: Dehradun to Gangotri

  • Altitude: 3,048 m / 10,000 ft

  • Distance: ~240 km | 9–10 hrs drive

  • Route: Via Uttarkashi, following the Bhagirathi River

  • Stay: Guesthouse/hotel in Gangotri

  • Highlight: Scenic mountain roads, pine forests, riverside villages


Day 2: Gangotri to Chirbasa

  • Altitude: 3,600 m / 11,800 ft

  • Trek Distance: 9 km | 5–6 hrs

  • Trail Type: Gradual ascent along the Bhagirathi River

  • Terrain: Forested paths with pine and deodar trees

  • Stay: Campsite at Chirbasa

  • Difficulty: Easy to Moderate


Day 3: Chirbasa to Bhojbasa

  • Altitude: 3,800 m / 12,450 ft

  • Trek Distance: 5 km | 3–4 hrs

  • Trail Type: Wide, open trail with mountain views

  • Terrain: Sparse vegetation, open valley landscape

  • Stay: Campsite at Bhojbasa

  • Difficulty: Easy

  • Highlight: Sunset views on Bhagirathi peaks


Day 4: Bhojbasa to Tapovan via Gomukh

  • Altitude: Tapovan – 4,450 m / 14,600 ft

  • Trek Distance: 10 km | 7–8 hrs

  • Route: Bhojbasa → Gomukh → Tapovan

  • Terrain: Rocky moraine, glacial patches, steep ascent

  • Stay: Campsite at Tapovan

  • Difficulty: Moderate to Difficult

  • Highlight: Gomukh glacier (source of Ganga), Mt. Shivling, Mt. Meru


Day 5: Tapovan to Bhojbasa

  • Altitude: 3,800 m

  • Trek Distance: 10 km | 5–6 hrs

  • Trail Type: Descend via Gomukh

  • Stay: Campsite at Bhojbasa

  • Difficulty: Moderate

  • Highlight: Last panoramic views of Tapovan meadows and peaks


Day 6: Bhojbasa to Chirbasa

  • Altitude: 3,600 m

  • Trek Distance: 5 km | 3–4 hrs

  • Trail Type: Gentle descent

  • Stay: Campsite at Chirbasa

  • Difficulty: Easy

  • Highlight: Forest trail, quiet riverside camping


Day 7: Chirbasa to Gangotri

  • Altitude: 3,048 m

  • Trek Distance: 9 km | 4–5 hrs

  • Trail Type: Gradual descent

  • Stay: Guesthouse/hotel in Gangotri

  • Difficulty: Easy

  • Highlight: Return to civilization, optional temple visit


Day 8: Gangotri to Dehradun

  • Distance: ~240 km | 9–10 hrs drive

  • Route: Same as Day 1, via Uttarkashi

  • End Point: Dehradun

Type Of  Packages

  1. Group Discount Package ( minimum 5 person required) – ₹ 7,999/- per person 
  2. Fix Departure – ₹ 8,499/- Per Person
  3. Customise Package starting from – ₹ 10,999/- per person
  4. Solo Package – ₹ 15,999/- per person

1. Accommodation:

✔ Stay in guesthouses/homestays at Gangotri.
✔ Tented accommodation during the trek (twin/triple sharing basis).

2. Meals:

✔ Nutritious vegetarian meals (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Tea/Snacks) from Day 1 dinner to Day 8 breakfast.
✔ High-altitude energy snacks and hot drinks.

3. Transportation:

✔ Dehradun to Dehradun shared vehicle.
✔ Internal transfer  as per itinerary.

4. Permits & Fees:

✔ All forest entry fees, camping charges, and trek permits.
✔ Trek insurance (if included in the package).

5. Trekking Staff & Support:

✔ Experienced trek leader and guide (certified mountaineering experts).
✔ Support staff (porters/mules) to carry group camping equipment.
✔ Cook & helpers for fresh meals.
✔ Oxygen cylinder, first aid kit, and emergency support.

6. Trek Equipment:

✔ High-quality tents, sleeping bags, and sleeping mats.
✔ Microspikes and gaiters for snow patches.

❌ Personal expenses (laundry, phone calls, tips, etc.).
❌ Any transportation costs beyond itinerary (e.g., early departure, personal travel).
❌ Personal trekking gear (shoes, jackets, trekking poles, backpack, etc.).
❌ Insurance for trekkers (can be arranged on request).
❌ Emergency evacuation, medical expenses, or rescue charges.
❌ Any additional meals/snacks beyond itinerary.
❌ Anything not mentioned in “Inclusions”.

Reach Dehradun (Uttarakhand)

Dehradun is the nearest major city with good connectivity.

🚌 By Road:

  • Regular buses from Delhi (ISBT Kashmiri Gate) to Dehradun (6–7 hrs).

  • Taxis also available from Delhi or Haridwar.

✈️ By Air:

  • Jolly Grant Airport (DED) is the nearest airport (25 km from Dehradun city).

  • Direct flights from Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore and other metros.

🚆 By Train:

  • Well-connected to major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Lucknow.

  • Popular trains: Nanda Devi Express, Shatabdi Express.

1. Booking & Payment

✔ Advance Payment: 30% of the total package cost at the time of booking.
✔ Full Payment: Must be completed before departure.

Cancellation Policy:

30+ days before trek: Full refund (minus processing fee)

15-30 days before trek: 50% refund

Less than 15 days: No refund

2. Package Inclusions & Exclusions

✔ The package covers accommodation, meals, transport, permits, and guide services as per itinerary.
✔ Personal expenses, insurance, and emergency evacuation are not included.

3. Fitness & Medical Condition

✔ Trekkers must be physically fit and disclose any medical conditions before booking.
✔ The company is not responsible for health issues arising due to altitude sickness or pre-existing conditions.

4. Trekking Rules & Safety

✔ Follow the trek leader’s instructions at all times.
✔ Consumption of alcohol, drugs, or smoking is strictly prohibited during the trek.
✔ Littering and harming wildlife is not allowed.

5. Cancellation by Organizers

✔ If the trek is canceled due to natural calamities, landslides, or government restrictions, a partial refund or alternative trek will be offered.

1. Clothing (Layering is Key)

✔ Base Layer: Full-sleeve moisture-wicking T-shirts (2-3)
✔ Insulation Layer: Fleece jacket / Down jacket for warmth
✔ Outer Layer: Windproof & waterproof jacket and pants
✔ Trekking Pants: 2-3 quick-dry pants (avoid jeans)
✔ Thermal Wear: 1-2 sets for cold nights
✔ Gloves: 1 pair of woolen gloves + 1 pair of waterproof gloves
✔ Woolen Cap / Balaclava / Buff: To protect from cold
✔ Socks: 4-5 pairs (woolen + synthetic)

2. Footwear

✔ Trekking Shoes: High-ankle, waterproof with good grip (Quechua, Salomon, or similar brands)
✔ Camp Shoes / Sandals: Lightweight for evenings

3. Backpack & Accessories

✔ Backpack: 50-60L trekking bag with rain cover
✔ Daypack: 20-30L for summit day & essentials
✔ Trekking Poles: Reduces strain on knees

4. Sleeping Gear

✔ Sleeping Bag (optional): Provided by trek organizers but carrying an extra liner is useful
✔ Inflatable Pillow: Optional for comfort

5. Personal & Hygiene Kit

✔ Sunscreen (SPF 50+), Lip Balm, Moisturizer
✔ Sunglasses (UV protection)
✔ Quick-dry Towel
✔ Toilet Paper, Wet Wipes, Hand Sanitizer
✔ Toothbrush & Paste
✔ Feminine Hygiene Products

6. First Aid & Medicines

✔ Personal Medication (if any)
✔ Diamox (for altitude sickness, consult your doctor)
✔ Painkillers, Anti-inflammatory Tablets
✔ Band-aids, Blister Patches
✔ ORS / Electrolytes

7. Food & Hydration

✔ 2-3L Reusable Water Bottle / Hydration Bladder
✔ Energy Bars, Dry Fruits, Chocolates

8. Miscellaneous Items

✔ Headlamp with Extra Batteries
✔ Power Bank
✔ Camera / GoPro (optional)
✔ ID Proof (Aadhar Card / Passport)

Pro Tips:

✅ Pack Light – Avoid unnecessary items
✅ Break in Your Trekking Shoes before the trek
✅ Stay Hydrated & Acclimatize properly

1. What is the best time to do the Gomukh Tapovan Trek?

May to June and September to mid-October are ideal. The weather is stable, skies are clear, and the trail is open.


2. Is prior trekking experience necessary for this trek?

Not mandatory, but moderate fitness and basic trekking knowledge are highly recommended. It’s a high-altitude trek with steep ascents and moraine patches.


3. How difficult is the Gomukh Tapovan Trek?

Moderate to difficult – mainly due to altitude (up to 4,450 m) and rough terrain near the glacier and Tapovan. Good stamina and acclimatization are important.


4. Do I need a permit for the trek?

Yes, you need a permit from the Gangotri National Park Authority, along with a valid photo ID. Trekkers and guides must register.


5. Is it safe to do the trek solo?

Solo is possible but not recommended due to unpredictable glacier terrain, lack of mobile network, and remoteness. A guide or joining a group is safer.


6. Is mobile network available on the trail?

Only BSNL has limited connectivity in Gangotri. No signal beyond Gangotri. Inform family in advance and carry a power bank.


7. Are there stay options on the trail?

Yes, you’ll be camping throughout the trek at Chirbasa, Bhojbasa, and Tapovan. Some basic GMVN huts exist at Bhojbasa but are seasonal.


8. What is the temperature like during the trek?

  • Day: 10°C to 18°C

  • Night: -5°C to -10°C at Tapovan (can be colder in May/Oct)
    Pack proper thermals and layers.


9. What are the major attractions of this trek?

  • Gomukh Glacier – the source of the Ganga

  • Tapovan Meadows – with epic views of Mt. Shivling, Bhagirathi peaks, Mt. Meru

  • High-altitude meadows, spiritual sites, and glacial landscapes


10. Is acclimatization a concern on this trek?

Yes. The trek rapidly gains altitude. Proper hydration, rest, and gradual ascent help prevent AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness). Carry Diamox if needed (consult a doctor first).


Let me know if you’d like these in a visual format or want to add a few pro tips for first-time high-altitude trekkers!

1. Cardiovascular Fitness:

Why it is important: You may have to walk continuously for 6-8 hours during the trek.

What to do:

Walking or jogging 4-5 km daily

Cycling or swimming (20-30 minutes)

Stair climbing

2. Leg strength and endurance:

3. Backpack training:

You will have to carry a bag weighing 7-10 kg on the trek.

Do weighted walks 2-3 times a week.

4. Hiking Practices (if possible):

Additional Tips:

Break-in shoes: Don’t wear new shoes on the trek, try them on beforehand and get them fitted.

Breathing exercises: Pranayama and deep breathing will improve oxygen usage.

Hydration habit: Make it a habit to drink 3-4 liters of water daily.

Meditation: Practice breathing process, inhale and exhale.

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