Gaumukh Tapovan Trek

Gaumukh Tapovan Trek

Description

A trek to the source of the holiest river of India, Ganges, is an experience of its kind. Gaumukh Tapovan Trek includes experiencing mighty peaks up close, high altitude meadows, a sacred & mighty river, holy temples & exotic campsites. The route to Gangotri is generally a busy route full of pilgrims, sages and sadhus.

It is a difficult trek all the way from Gangotri to Tapovan through Chirbasa (Chir means pine), Bhojwasa (silver birch), Gaumukh (Cow's mouth, glacier that is also the source of mighty ganges). Some other treks in Uttarakhand region would be Har Ki Dun, Kedarkantha Trek, Brahmatal Trek etc.

Itinerary

Day 01: Dehradun – Gangotri(drive - 255 kms/10-11 hours) (1,500 feet – 10,800 feet)
We meet at Dehradun at around 6:00 a.m and from here we board the vehicles and drive up to Gangotri. This is a long beautiful drive as we enter the upper Bhagirathi valley. We check into a guesthouse/lodge at Gangotri and enjoy the spectacular surroundings. We visit the Gangotri temple in the evening and the local market.

Day 02: Gangotri – Chirbasa (5 hours/ 9kms) (10,800 feet – 11,815 feet)
Soon after breakfast, set out on the trek towards Chirbasa. This trek is mostly on even terrain with moderate ascends. The view of Sudarshan peak in the beginning of the trek is a memorable sight. Our trek today is an easy one with interesting sights throughout. The forest campsite at Chirbasa next to the Ganga river is a great spot and one is going to completely enjoy the camping experience here.

Day 3: Chirbasa – Bhojbasa (2-3 hours/ 5kms) (11,815 feet – 12,460 feet)
After nutritious breakfast, we continue ahead towards Bhojbasa. The area gets its name from the bhojpatra or bhoj leaves that were used for writing in ancient times.

The trek today is also a moderate one. As we continue ascending, we get a glimpse of Bhagirati peaks and the Gaumukh glacier. Reach campsite and relax for the day. Overnight in camps.

Day 4: Bhojbasa – Gaumukh – Tapovan (6 to 7 hours/ 9.5kms) (12,460 feet – 13,500 feet – 14,650 feet)
Post breakfast, we set out for Gaumukh. The ascend today is going to be challenging yet interesting all the way till the Gaumukh glacier. We reach Gaumukh in about 2 hours and spend some time at the glacier. Thereafter we set out for a steep hike to Tapovan. The hardwork pays once we reach the bugyal (meadows) situated at the base of shivling peak. It is a magical place surrounded by Bhagirathi peaks, Mt. Meru & Mt. Shivling.

Day 5: Buffer/ extra day
We have this as an extra day that can be utilized. The decision of utilizing it would depend on the guides/ trek leads depending on the group or weather conditions.

Day 6: Tapovan - Chirbasa (7 hours/ 13kms) (14,650 feet – 11,815 feet)
We trek back to Bhojbasa campsite from Tapovan and retrace our steps all the way till Chirbasa. We have some steep descends for today and we’ll need to keep hydrating ourselves.

Overnight in tents.

Day 7: Chirbasa – Gangotri(5 hours/ 9kms) (11,815 feet – 10,800 feet)
We trek for about 5 hours and get back to Gangotri. Today’s trek will have gradual descends. We cross the beautiful Pine and the Himalayan Birch trees. After reaching at the Bhagirathi river, a short trek of approx. 2 kms gets us to Gangotri.

Later in the evening have the closing session and call it a day.

Day 8: Gangotri – Dehradun (Drive/255 kms/9-11hrs)
After breakfast, drive back to Dehradun. Our trip ends here with fine memories from the Gaumukh-Tapovan trek.

Inclusions:
1) Meals - All the meals from Gangotri to Gangotri.
2) Accommodation -
- Hotels/ guest houses in Gangotri and camping while on the trek.
- While camping, wanderers will provide: dry cleaned sleeping bags and mattresses with fresh individual fleece liner for hygiene.
- Toilets – clean and hygienic.
3) Trek Leader - An experienced mountaineer who is also a certified wilderness first aid responder.
4) Guide - There will be a well experienced local guide who is well versed with the local topography.
5) Camping & trekking permits and permissions from the local administrations/ authorities.
6) Other Equipment (if required) can be rented from Wanderers.

Exclusions:
1) Transport - To the base (Gangotri) and back.
2) Any meals/services not mentioned above
3) Any costs in accommodation & food arising out of unforeseen circumstances like landslides, road blocks, bad weather, etc.
4) Insurance
5) Alcohol, soft drinks, beverages, etc.
6) Personal expenses like tips, telephone calls, laundry, etc.
7) Any charges for video cameras, still cameras, etc.