Gaumukh Tapovan TREK
Tapovan is a Sanskrit word that comes from the two root words, Tapas’ meaning severe meditation or penance and ‘Vana’ meaning forest. Traditionally in India, the places where the great sages and ascetics engaged in spiritual awakening came to be known as Tapovan. The most well known Tapovan in India is the area above Gangotri glacier which is the primary source of the river Ganges in Uttarakhand. Many people explore the area lying at the foot of Shivling Peak which serves as the seasonal home to the sage and hermits living in the caves and huts. Tapovan is also the base camp for several mountaineering expeditions to Shivling Peak, Bhagirathi Peak, and many others. You can also visit Nandanvan, a beauteous place near Tapovan which is a hub of many trekkers and pilgrims
In recent times, the retreat of the glacier has quickened extensively. Major steps have been taken by the government of Uttarakhand towards this severe problem. Now only 100 persons can trek to Gaumukh.
TREK highlights
Region
Uttarakhand
Difficulty Level
Easy-Moderate
Altitude
12,500 Ft.
Time Duration
6 Days
Trekking Distance
6 kms
Who Can GO For Gaumukh TREK
- First timer can apply, should have some interest in trekking and mountaineering.
- The climber must be fit and have sufficient stamina to cover 5 km of distance in 45 minutes without a stress.
- The climber should be able to carry a 10 kg backpack.
- Heart problem, high blood pressure, asthma, and epilepsy cannot be reconciled on this mission. The climber must not have the conditions mentioned above.
How to reach
The Dehradun Railway station is one of the main stations in the City and it is an old station. It has good connectivity to many places and these include Lucknow, Delhi, and Howrah. Tickets from Delhi to Dehradun by train cost around Rs.350 for a second class sleeper ticket and Rs.890 for a third A/C sleeper ticket. It is essential to book the tickets at least one month in advance as this route is always in demand.
By Train:-
From Delhi take the DDN SHTABDI SPL (02017) Dep. New Delhi at 06:45am. Arrival Dehradun at 12:55pm. or the Uttar KOTA DDN SPL (02401) Dep. NZM at 11:45pm arrival Dehradun at 05:40 am (Overnight Journey).
By Bus:-
Regular buses fly from ISBT Delhi Anand Vihar/Kashmiri Gate station to Dehradun. Buses drop you at ISBT bus station.Tata Sumo or similar vehicles will pick-up you from Dehradun Isbt and Railway
Brief Itenary
Day 1: Dehradun- Gangotri, Altitude: 10,170 Ft. by surface 241 Kms approx 8 Hrs.
Day 2: Gangotri to Chirbasa, Altitude: 11,680 Ft, by trek 9 Kms approx 5-6 Hrs.
Day 3: Chirbasa to Bhojbasa, Altitude: 12,435 Ft, by trek 5 Km approx 2-3 hrs trek.
Day 4: Bhojwasa to Tapovan via Gaumukh and Back to Bhojwasa.
Day 5: Bhojwasa to Gangotri.
Day 6: Gangotri to Dehradun.
Detailed Itenary
Dehradun- Gangotri, Altitude: 10,170 Ft. by surface 241 Kms approx 8 Hrs.
On day one, trekkers will be driven to Gangotri from Dehradun, which makes for a 10-12 hours drive. Shaded by lofty mountains and beautiful Deodar forests, Gangotri is also the base village for the Kedartal Trek. Rest overnight, and gear up for the trek beginning the following day to the source of river Ganga.
Gangotri to Chirbasa, Altitude: 11,680 Ft, by trek 9 Kms approx 5-6 Hrs.
Begin early in the morning by driving from Dharali to Gangotri. Start trekking towards Chirbasa, the trail to which snakes through a lush forest. In a matter of a few minutes, the mighty Sudarshan Parbat (21,345 ft.) greets you. Take trail proceeding towards the left side of the mountain, to the right of which the roaring Bhagirathi river can be seen. A little further up, you can see one of the first streams and waterfalls of the trek. Crossing a makeshift bridge and a few more streams will bring you mindblowing vistas of the valley. A few hours of trekking will land you at the Chirbasa campsite sitting beside the Bhagirathi river and affording great views of the Bhagirathi peaks. You will camp here overnight.
Chirbasa to Bhojbasa, Altitude: 12,435 Ft, by trek 5 Km approx 2-3 hrs trek.
As you begin your trek from Chirbasa, other towering peaks loom out gracefully. You now embark on the Gaumukh trail. A few minutes later, the beautiful Chirbasa campsite can be seen below, after which the terrain seems rugged and broken in places. Soon, you will face the first ridge of the day. The twin Bhagirathi peaks appear closer as you trek further up the trail. It is not advisable to loiter much as there may be many falling rocks to watch out for. Once you reach Bhojbasa, you are gifted with the first magical glimpse of Mt. Shivling. Go on a short trek to Gaumukh, which takes about 2.5 hours to reach, and is flanked by Mt. Shivling on the right.
Bhojwasa to Tapovan via Gaumukh and Back to Bhojwasa.
Take the same trail to Gaumukh as the other day. The most challenging day of the trek, the trail from Gaumukh to Tapovan takes you through rugged glacial moraines and the stunning Gaumukh glacier. Making your way through the landslide-prone regions, and the glacial stream Akash-Ganga sends a rush of excitement through your body! A deadly combination of ice and rocks adds to the difficulty level, making it slightly slippery. The initial leg of the climb up to the top of the glacier is a stark ascent of about 100 meters. Soon, you must wade through the chilling Akash-Ganga, post which, a steep ascent of 1.5 hours will bring you to Tapovan. Pitch your tents here for the night.
Bhojwasa to Gangotri.
The trek back from Bhojwasa to Gangotri is quite smooth and can be traversed comfortably. The trail back follows the same route taken while ascending.
Gangotri to Dehradun.
On this day, you will drive back to Dehradun. You will reach Dehradun by 6 or 7 pm.
Important things to carry for trekking
Basic Essentials
An identity card – Original and Photocopies (MANDATORY)
Back Pack & Rain Cover (50-60 liter)
Day Pack & Rain Cover (20-30 liter, If you hire mule or porter)
1 ltr of pet water bottle or hydration pack
Floaters or Sandals, Trekking Shoes (waterproof are better during snow and rain)
LED Torch/Headlamp (With extra batteries)
Poncho, Rain Coat or Umbrella any one is must (Poncho are lightweight, easy to carry/fit)
Torch with pair of batteries
Clothing & other Essentials
2 Pairs of Quick Dry Tees and Track Pants (Denim are not recommended for treks.)
1 pair of T-shirts (half and full sleeve)
3 Pair of Cotton Socks, 2 pairs of woolen socks
2 Full Sleeve Sweater or Fleece Jacket
Thermal Wear – 1 pair (you can keep two if going on the long trek)
Gore Tex type similar hard shell for rain or snow & to be worn over mid layers like fleece or down jackets.
One down feather Jacket
Sun Cap, One Scarf, Light towel, Gloves (1 woolen, 1 waterproof)
Woolen cap or Balaclava that covers the ear (protection from cold waves), Dark UV Sunglasses
Carry a few plastic bags in case your clothes get wet.
Eatables – Quick Energy During Trek
Glucose, Chocolates, biscuits, Energy bars, Toffees and Dry fruits & nuts.
INCLUSIONS
1.Accommodation. (Guest house, Camping)
2.Meals while on trek (Veg)
3.Trek equipment (Sleeping bag, mattress, Kitchen & dinning tent, crampon, utensils, tent)
4.All necessary permits and entry fees.
5.First aid medical kits, stretcher and oxygen cylinder.
6.Mountaineering qualified & professional trek Leader, guide and Support staff.
EXCLUSIONS
1.Any kind of personal expenses.
2. Food during the transit.
3. Insurance.
4. Mules or porter to carry personal luggage.
5. Anything not specifically mentioned under the head
F.A.Q.
For Gaumukh Trek
Simply select “Contact Us” offered by us from navigation menu and mail us about your Trek Details according to your preferences and make online payment by Debit Card/ Credit Card or Net Banking.
You have to provide a photo identification, medical health certificate and a scan copy of confirmation of payment made.
Yes, you can cancel the booking due to any reason. But you have to give us a written declaration for cancelling the package.