Youth Travel IndiaYouthTravel India
Gaumukh Tapovan Trek
Photo by INDU BIKASH SARKER on Pexels

Trekking · Uttarakhand

Gaumukh Tapovan Trek

challenging5-7 days

Duration

5-7 days

Price

12,000

Group size

1–15

Best time

Nearest city: GangotriAltitude: 4463m

A trek to the snout of the Gangotri Glacier - the source of the River Ganga - continuing to the pristine Tapovan Meadow at 4,463m with breathtaking close-up views of the Shivling peak.

Highlights

  • Stand at the source of the Ganga - Gaumukh Glacier snout
  • Camp at Tapovan Meadow with unobstructed view of Shivling Peak (6,543m)
  • Pass through the dramatic Gangotri National Park with wildflowers in bloom

Itinerary

  1. Day 1: Drive Rishikesh to Gangotri (240 km, 9 hrs)

    Day 1: Drive Rishikesh to Gangotri (240 km, 9 hrs)

  2. Day 2: Trek Gangotri to Chirbasa (9 km, 4-5 hrs)

    Day 2: Trek Gangotri to Chirbasa (9 km, 4-5 hrs)

  3. Day 3: Trek Chirbasa to Gaumukh to Tapovan (13 km, 6-7 hrs)

    Day 3: Trek Chirbasa to Gaumukh to Tapovan (13 km, 6-7 hrs)

  4. Day 4: Acclimatization and exploration day at Tapovan

    Day 4: Acclimatization and exploration day at Tapovan

  5. Day 5: Trek Tapovan to Chirbasa (12 km, 5-6 hrs)

    Day 5: Trek Tapovan to Chirbasa (12 km, 5-6 hrs)

  6. Day 6: Trek Chirbasa to Gangotri (9 km, 4 hrs); drive back towards

    Day 6: Trek Chirbasa to Gangotri (9 km, 4 hrs); drive back towards Rishikesh

  7. Day 7: Buffer day / drive back to Rishikesh

    Day 7: Buffer day / drive back to Rishikesh

Inclusions

  • Camping accommodation (twin-sharing tents)
  • All meals during trek (veg)
  • Forest Department permits (₹150/day per Indian)
  • Experienced guide, cook, support staff
  • Sleeping bag, mat, camp furniture
  • First aid kit and oxygen cylinder

Exclusions

  • Travel to/from Gangotri
  • Personal gear
  • Backpack offloading by porter
  • Travel insurance

Safety guidelines

  1. Gangotri National Park open only May 1 to November 15
  2. The moraine section from Gaumukh to Tapovan is steep and loose - difficult terrain
  3. Acclimatization at Tapovan is important - altitude 4,463m
  4. No mobile network beyond Gangotri village
  5. Carry sun protection - glacier sun is intense
  6. Water purification tablets needed - only glacier melt water available