Goumukh Tapovan Trek

Region

: Uttarkashi district - Uttarakhand

Duration

: 8 Days

Level

: Moderate to Difficult

Trekking distance

: (Approx): 46 Kms

Max Altitude

: 4463 Meters

Pickup Point

: Rishikesh

Drop Point

: Rishikesh

Best Season

: May - June & Aug - Oct

Gaumukh Tapovan trek is a world famous trek. Located at the base of the Gangotri glacier. Gaumukh also known as Cow's snout is a source of holy river Ganga.  Due to  offer stunning views of Mt. Shivling and the Bhagirathi group of mountains, fascinating beauty, natural variations and unfavourable conditions this track is known as the most exciting and challenging. At the same time it is also an important pilgrimage place for the Hindus and a dip in its water is considered as sacred ritual.

Tapovan's basic meaning is through penance or spiritual practice in the forests. The way to reach Tapovan ahead of Gaumukh is full of difficult conditions and it is considered as a challenging way for the trekkers to come here. Filled with grasslands, small mountainous streams, rare wild animals such as Blue Sheep and wild flowers. The area of Tapovan is the base camp for several mountaineering expeditions, in which Shivling peak and Bhagirathi peak expedition are prominent. Its grasslands are considered as the best high-altitude grassland in India.


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  • Day 01: Rishikesh – Uttarkashi (180 kms, 6 hrs)
    After breakfast, drive towards Gangotri(3048 M) via the beautiful Harsil valley- famous for its cedar forests and the famous Apples, approx 25 km before Gangotri by covering 95 km in 4-5 hrs.. On arrival check-into Guest house. After relax visit the temple for pray. Overnight stay.
  • Day 02: Uttarkashi – Gangotri (95 kms)
    After breakfast, drive towards Gangotri(3048 M) via the beautiful Harsil valley- famous for its cedar forests and the famous Apples, approx 25 km before Gangotri by covering 95 km in 4-5 hrs.. On arrival check-into Guest house. After relax visit the temple for pray. Overnight stay.

    Gangotri : The shrine of Gangotri is situated at an elevation of 3200 M surrounded by Deodars (Cider) and Chir (pine). The original temple was constructed by the Gorkha General Amar Singh Thapa after his conquest of the Garhwal area! Every year people from all around the world visit this shrine. A number of Ashrams and Dharamshalas are located here. It is believed that Raja Bhagirath used to worship Shiva on a slab of rock “Bhagirath Shila” situated near the temple. Submerged in the river there is a natural Shivling where, according to mythology, Lord Shiva sat when he received the Goddess Ganga in his matted locks. A days trek takes one to Gomukh, the source of the mighty Ganges.

  • Day 03: Gangotri– Bhojwassa (14 kms trek)
    In the morning meet our trekking team and start the trek towards Bhojwasa((3792 M) via Chirvasa (3600 M). From Gangotri one moves along the well formed track towards Chirvasa, a small patch of Pine trees en route. The entire trek follows a parallel course along the roaring Bhagirathi River steadily gaining altitude with every step taken. Beyond Chirvasa the terrain becomes really desolate and barren. And the ground transforms to sandy and crumbly (a point en route called the silent zone is so fragile, that a loud noise or a thud might initiate a rockslide from above) The trek further to Bhojvasa is along a the path that slowly flattens out and dips suddenly to reveal Bhojvasa with a small temple and a potential campsite near the river. The camp is set up near the river. In evening free to explore the area and to enjoy excellent sunset on Bhagirathi group of peaks. Dinner and overnight stay in tents.
  • Day 04:Bhojwassa – Gomukh– Tapovan ( 9 Kms trek)

    Early morning enjoy the panoramic view of Bhagirathi group of peaks. After breakfast trek to Gomukh (3890 M), the source of the Ganges. Gomukh is the spot where the water from the glacier trickles down to form the river. The sages called it ‘Gomukh’, because in the distant past, it probably appeared like a cow’s mouth. Explore the area and trek to Tapovan, one of the finest high altitude alpine meadows in the area. The trek from Gomukh to Tapovan is a steep ascent over the side of the glacier, and as one climbs, the view of the surrounding peaks becomes clearer.

    Tapovan(4463 M) known for its beautiful meadows that encircle the base of the Shivling peak. The meadow is a picturesque spot with a large area replete with wildflowers. Herds of Bharal (blue mountain goats) are a common sight from here, and are often spotted on the craggy mountain faces. On the far side of the glacier the Bhagirathi I, II, III (6454 M), provide an equally impressive sight. It is because of the isolation and serenity of this spot that Sadhus and ascetics choose this spot for extended meditation during the long summer months. Arrive Tapovan and camp. Dinner and overnight stay in camp.

    Gomukh :The Gomukh glacier is the source of Bhagirathi (Ganges) and is held in high esteem by the devout that do not miss the opportunity to have a holy dip in the bone chilling water. The visit to this hallowed place is the religious duty of every devout Hindu.

    Tapovan :Tapovan is an ideal location for the tourists looking for peace or adventure. Tapovan is located on an altitude of 4463 M above sea level, and also acts as a base camp for Shivlinga peak in Uttrakhand. View of the Bhagirathi peaks from the Tapovan meadow attracts scores of tourists and religious travelers including many foreigners in search of adventure activities like mountaineering & trekking.

  • Day 05: Exploring Tapovan
    Patter means Stone & Nauchniya (dancer) believed that dancers converted into stone because of curse of Goddess Nanda. After breakfasts we climb to Kailawa Vinayak top, tough ascend.
    from Kalwa Vinayak view is unique Himalayan rage peaks, rivers, waterfalls. After having lunch trek will start to Patternachaniya.
  • Day 06: Bhagwabasa - Roopkund–Patarnachaaniya (10 kms trek)
    The day is spent on acclimatization, relaxation and enjoying a view of the magnificent snow clapped peaks, flora, fauna and the mountain landscape. Explore the Kriti & Meru Glaciers. Dinner and overnight stay at the camp.
  • Day 06:Tapovan – Bhojwassa (9 KmsTrek)
    Enjoy the early morning sunrise on high peaks, and witness the changing colors of the mountain peaks. After breakfast trek down to Bhojwassa. Dinner and overnight stay at the camp.
  • Day 07 : Bhojwassa – Gangotri – Uttarkashi
    Prepare to trek down to Gangotri, and take as many pictures en route as the trek is effortless. Upun arrival at Gangotri drive to Uttarkashi. On arrival at Uttarkashi check in to hotel. Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.
  • Day 08:Uttarkashi – Rishikesh
    After breakfast drive to Rishikesh, following the route of the river Bhigarathi and then river Ganges.
  • Accommodation (Camping /Guest house/Home stay/Hotel).
  • All Meals during trek (Veg.)
  • Qualified & experienced trek Leader, Guide and Support staff.
  • Transportation during the trek program.
  • Trek equipments (tent, sleeping bag, matters etc).
  • Permits & entry fees.
  • First aid medical kit.
  • Any kind of personal expenses.
  • Insurance.
  • Mules or porter to carry personal luggage.
  • Anything not specifically mentioned under the head “Inclusion”.

Things to Carry
  • id-proof-icon
    Photo ID Proof
  • backpack-with-cover
    Rucksack/Backpack (40 to 50 Litre) & Rucksack cover (Waterproof)
  • daypack
    Daypack- one small day pack (15-20 L) with you during the walk.
  • trekking-shoe
    Trekking Shoe- A good quality rubber sole shoe.
  • t-shirt
    T-shirt Dry fit/Quick dry type
  • warm-jacket
    Warm Jacket-Warm Fleece Jacket/Synthetic fill
  • windproof-jacket
    Windproof Jacket/Wind Cheater
  • thermal-wear
    Thermal wear
  • trek-pants
    Trek pants
  • raincoat
    Raincoat/Poncho
  • woolen-cap
    Woolen cap
  • hat-bandana
    Hat/Bandanna
  • inner-wear
    Under garments/Inner wear
  • warm-socks
    Warm Socks
  • woolen-gloves
    Woolen gloves
  • woolen-gloves
    Waterproof gloves
  • trekking-sticks
    Walking Sticks/Trekking Poles
  • water-bottle
    Water bottle/Hydration pack
  • sunglasses
    Sunglasses -UV protected
  • torch
    Torch/Head Lamp with extra batteries
  • lotion
    Sunscreen lotion
  • sanitizer
    Sanitizer
  • tissue-paper
    Wet tissue paper
  • towel
    Small Towel
  • anti-fungal-powder
    Anti-Fungal Powder
  • camera
    Camera with extra cells
  • first-aid-kit
    Medications and a first-aid kit

Trekking, Tour and adventure actives in Himalayan region carry an inherent risk to life and goods. The natural calamities may cause injury and loss of life, which is beyond any control. Himalayas Adventure does its best to minimize all types of risks, discomfort and hazard to the best of their ability, yet there are chances of accidents, mishaps and deficiency in service.


Advisory:

  • Any delay from the customer’s side will lead to cancellation of trek/ tour/ adventure activities.
  • Trekking maybe cancelled due to some unavoidable circumstances i.e- weather condition, govt. notification, land sliding or any other natural calamity.
  • Himalayas Adventure reserves the right to discontinue, modify any trek, tour & adventure activities without assigning any reasons or without any prior intimation whatsoever.
  • Anybody found to be under the influence of alcohol or drugs medically or physically unfit (any serious ailment, weak heart conditions, epilepsy, asthma, expecting mothers etc.) unfit for any reasons in the wisdom of the trek leader/guide/instructor will not be allowed for trekking /tour/ adventure activities. Request for a refund or a discount in such situation will not be entertained. Decision of the trek lead/guide/management in this regard would be final.
  • Total decided package cost will not be affected if there is any reduction in the number of persons
  • Minimum required 50% of amount to get confirmed the trek/tour/adventure activities.

Cancellation Policy

  • If cancellations are made 30 days before the start date of the trip, 25% of total tour cost will be charged as cancellation fees.
  • If cancellations are made 10-30 days before the start date of the trip, 50% of total tour cost will be charged as cancellation fees.
  • If cancellations are made within 0-10 days before the start date of the trip, 75% of total tour cost will be charged as cancellation fees.
  • In case of unforeseen weather conditions or government restrictions, certain activities may be cancelled and in such cases, we will try our best to provide an alternate feasible activity. However no refund will be provided for the same.

Refund Policy

The applicable refund amount will be processed within 10 business days or can be adjusted in other trek or adventure activities.