GAUMUKH–TAPOVAN Trek – Uttarakhand

🏔️ GAUMUKH–TAPOVAN TREK – UTTARAKHAND

Region: Gangotri → Chirbasa → Bhojbasa → Gaumukh → Tapovan

Difficulty: Moderate–Difficult

Duration: 6 Days / 5 Nights

Max Altitude: ~4,350m

Price From: ₹13,500

⭐ Short Overview

The Gaumukh–Tapovan Trek is one of India’s most iconic high-altitude spiritual & alpine adventures. Starting from Gangotri, it follows the Bhagirathi river to Gaumukh—the snout of the Gangotri Glacier, the origin point of the Ganga. From Gaumukh, the climb to Tapovan is steep and challenging but rewards you with a legendary amphitheater of Himalayan giants, including Mt. Shivling, Bhagirathi I–II–III, and Meru.

Ideal for trekkers seeking stunning mountain views, glacier terrain, and a spiritual Himalayan experience.

1. Difficulty Breakdown

Overall Difficulty: Moderate–Difficult

Due to altitude, steep glacier climbs, and rugged terrain.

Why It’s Challenging

• Steep ascent from Gaumukh to Tapovan

• Altitude above 4,300m

• Moraines, rocky sections, and glacier approaches

• Strong winds at Tapovan

Trail Type

• Mountain trail

• Boulder sections

• Glacier approach

• Steep grassy climb to Tapovan

Daily Distance

• 5–12 km per day

Fitness Requirements

• Strong cardiovascular endurance

• Ability to trek 6–8 hours/day

• Previous high-altitude experience recommended

2. Day-Wise Itinerary

DAY 1 — Rishikesh → Gangotri

• 8–9 hr scenic drive

• Evening acclimatization walk

• Visit Gangotri Temple

• Overnight stay in lodge

DAY 2 — Gangotri → Chirbasa

• Moderate trail with cliffside sections

• First views of Bhagirathi peaks

• Trek: 4–5 hrs

DAY 3 — Chirbasa → Bhojbasa

• Gentle incline with wide valley views

• Bhojbasa offers sunrise views over the Himalayas

• Trek: 3–4 hrs

DAY 4 — Bhojbasa → Gaumukh → Tapovan

Main challenge day:

• Walk to Gaumukh Glacier

• Steep, technical climb to Tapovan

• Reach the famous meadows below Mt. Shivling

• Trek: 7–8 hrs

Tapovan is one of the finest high-altitude campsites on Earth.

DAY 5 — Tapovan Exploration → Bhojbasa

• Explore Tapovan meadows

• Optional hike to Vishnu Top

• Descend back to Bhojbasa

• Trek: 5–6 hrs

DAY 6 — Bhojbasa → Gangotri → Rishikesh

• Final descent to Gangotri

• Drive to Rishikesh

• Trek ends

3. Inclusions & Exclusions

Inclusions

• Tents + sleeping bags + mats

• All meals during trek

• Trained trek leader & support team

• Permits & forest entry fees

• Basic safety gear

Exclusions

• Transport to/from Rishikesh

• Porter/mule charges

• Personal gear rental

• Anything not mentioned

4. How to Reach

Base Hub: Rishikesh

Route:
Rishikesh → Gangotri → Chirbasa → Bhojbasa → Gaumukh → Tapovan → Bhojbasa → Gangotri → Rishikesh

Transport Options:

• Shared jeeps

• Private taxis

• Bus to Uttarkashi → taxi to Gangotri

5. Stay & Food

Stay

• Gangotri: Guesthouse

• Trek: Tents at Chirbasa, Bhojbasa, Tapovan

Food

• Hot vegetarian meals

• Tea/soup

• Packed lunch on long days

6. Weather & Safety

Weather

• May–June: Best views, colder

• Sep–Oct: Clear skies, stable conditions

Safety

• Glacier approach requires careful movement

• Steep climb from Gaumukh to Tapovan

• Guides ensure proper acclimatization

• Strong winds common at Tapovan

7. Best Time

• May–June

• September–October

Avoid monsoon due to landslides.

8. Packing List

Mandatory

• Trekking shoes

• Warm layers + down jacket

• Waterproof jacket

• Trekking poles

• Sunglasses

• Headlamp

• Water bottles

Optional

• Gaiters

• Power bank

• Microspikes (early season only)

9. FAQs

Q. How difficult is the climb to Tapovan?
Steep and strenuous, but non-technical with guides.

Q. Are there views of Mt. Shivling?
Yes — Tapovan is one of the best viewpoints in India.

Q. Is this trek good for beginners?
Not recommended unless very fit.

Q. Any network on the trek?
No network after Gangotri.

Ready to witness Gaumukh Glacier and camp below the mighty Mt. Shivling?