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Tapovan- Gaumukh Trek
Duration
8 Days 7 Nights
Tour Type
WeeklyDestinations Covered: Dehradun , Gangotri
Route: Dehradun – Gangotri (1N) – Chirbassa (1N) - Bhojwasa (1N) - Gaumukh - Bhojwasa (1N) - Tapovan - KhadaPathar (1N) – Chirbassa (1N) - Gangotri (1N) - Dehradun
This trek tracing the source of the holiest river in the country, Ganges, takes one into a Himalayan landscape par excellence. This trek steeped in spirituality and Himalayan grandeur takes one into a very remote and true Himalayan landscape. On this inviting trail, there are big mountains, high altitude meadows, a sacred & mighty river, holy temples, great campsites, sadhus, occasional wildlife, and more. You begin the trek at Gangotri, which is bustling with pilgrims, sages, and sadhus (holy men) who have journeyed here to pay homage at the source of the Ganges. The spiritual intensity of Gangotri, one of India's most sacred pilgrimage sites, is palpable as you witness the daily puja at the temple, and the Hindu devotees bathing at the water's edge.
The trail starting from Gangotri gradually and beautifully moves up to an inviting patch of pine (chir) forest at Chirbasa. There are fantastic views of the open valleys and Sudarshan peak to begin with. The campsite at Chirbasa is extremely scenic with all elements present. There is the Ganga river flowing by, big snow-capped giants & rocky cliffs all around and a beautiful pine forest over it. In the next stage, we move up to Bhojbasa which gets its name from Bhojpatra trees (silver birch) that grow here. the hike from Chirbasa to Bhojbasa is a short one but has beautiful sights all along. In the next stage, we trek towards Tapovan, en route we halt at Gaumukh (Cow’s mouth), said to be the Source of the Ganges. One sees water gushing out of a snout-like opening and towering rocks and the thick chunks of hardened ice of the glacier. The awe-inspiring view is no doubt revered by one and all!! One can catch a glimpse of sadhus taking a dip here as part of their penance as it is believed that a dip in these holy waters washes away one’s sins. As you weave your way from Gangotri to Tapovan, every twist in the trail reveals another stunning snow-clad Himalayan giant. The meadows at Tapovan must rate as one of the most awe-inspiring spots in the world, as you gaze at the Shivling peak rising like a great deity before you and not to mention the twin Bhagirathi peaks and the Meru peak. For the greedy, who are still not content with the beauty, the Tapovan region offers numerous exploration options. In the last stage of the trip, we hike down to Gangotri and drive down to Uttarkashi from where we drive down to Dehradun on the last day.
- Day 01: Dehradun - Gangotri (2620m) (Drive/8-9 Hrs)
- Day 02: Gangotri (3100m) - Chirbassa (3600m) (Trek/3-4 Hrs)
- Day 03: Chirbassa (3600m) - Bhojwasa (3800m) (Trek/3-4 Hrs)
- Day 04: Bhojwasa (3800m) - Gaumukh (4100m) - Bhojwasa (3800m) (Trek/5-6 Hrs)
- Day 05: Bhojwasa (3800m) - Tapovan (4450n) - KhadaPathar Camping Site (4300m) (Trek/ 6-7hrs)
- Day 06: KhadaPathar Camping Site (4300m) - Chirbassa (3600m) (Trek/6-7 Hrs)
- Day 07: Chirbassa - Gangotri (2620m) (Trek/2-3 Hrs)
- Day 08: Gangotri(2620m) - Dehradun (Drive/8-9 Hrs)
Itinerary Details
Day 01: Dehradun – Gangotri (2620m) (Drive/8-9 Hrs)
You will start your drive from Dehradun to Gangotri. This is a long but very beautiful drive specially after Uttarkashi as you enter the upper Bhagirathi valley. We check into a guesthouse/lodge at Gangotri and savour the spectacular surroundings. In the evening visit the mother Ganga (Gangotri) temple and take a stroll in the Gangotri market, if time permits. You can do your last-minute shopping here if you have missed out on carrying any items. Overnight at Gangotri.
Day 02: Gangotri (3100m) – Chirbassa (3600m) (Trek/3-4 Hrs)
After breakfast, set out on the trek towards Chirbassa. This trek is mostly on even terrain with mild gradient. The views of Sudarshan peak early in the trek is quite nice. Today’s hike is a very pleasing one with interesting sights throughout. The forest campsite at Chirbasa next to the Ganga river is a fabulous spot and one is going to completey enjoy the camping experience here. The area is surrounded by Pine (Chir) trees from where it gets its name. Overnight at Chirbassa.
Day 03: Chirbassa (3600m) – Bhojwasa (3800m) (Trek/3-4 Hrs)
After breakfast, we continue ahead to Bhojwassa. The area gets its name from the bhojpatra or bhoj leaves that were used for writing purposes as paper during the ancient times. The walk from Chirbasa to Bhojbasa is a short and delightful one. Today you get very good views of the Bhagirati peaks and the Gaumukh glacier ahead. Bhojbasa is a very small settlement with a couple of ashrams and govt. guesthouses. After a brief rest at the campsite and lunch we suggest that one hike up towards Gaumukh and return to the campsite towards evening. This will assist in acclimatization and give one great opportunity to take pictures. Dinner and overnight at Bhojwasa.
Day 04: Bhojwasa (3800m) – Gaumukh (4100m) – Bhojwasa (3800m) (Trek/5-6 Hrs)
After having our breakfast we start on our hike to Gaumukh. Today’s trek is a little demanding one and gets difficult as the gradient increases. Getting to Gaumukh will take around an hour or so we will spend spiritual time here and take blessings of the Ganga ma(mother). Sight of the source of Ganges or rather the source of life for many, is a truly spiritual experience. After spending some time, we will trek back to Bhojwasa. It’s downhill and a gradual walk all the way to Bhojwasa. Overnight stay at Bhijwasa.
Day 05: Bhojwasa (3800m) – Tapovan (4450m) – Khada Pathar Camping Site (4300m) (Trek/ 6-7hrs)
From here we will have to traverse the gigantic Gangotri glacier to cross over to the other side and climb up to tapovan. The route has changed from what it used to be couple of years back and that’s why the distance is more now. All the sweat and hardwork of reaching Tapovan is rewarded manifolds as one this is a spectacular bugyal (high altitude meadow) situated at the base of the Shivling peak and is surely one of the top places to visit across Himalayas. The circle of giant mountains around this meadow with very close views of Bhagirathi peaks, Mt. Meru & Mt.Shivling is a sight to behold. Overnight at KhadaPathar.
Day 06: Kahda Pathar Tapovan (4300m)– Chirbassa (3600m) (Trek/6-7 Hrs)
After breakfast, we will trek down to Chirbassa for overnight stay.
Day 07: Chirbassa (3600m) – Gangotri (2620m) (Trek/ 2-3 Hrs)
After breakfast we will trek down to Gangotri.
Day 08: Gangotri(2620m) – Dehradun (Drive/8-9 Hrs)
After breakfast board the vehicles and start driving back towards Dehradun. Arrive in Dehradun by around late afternoon. Our trip ends here.
- Altitute: 4450M
- Stay: Rooms/Tents
- Difficulty: Moderate+
Inclusion
Accommodation: On single or double sharing basis
- Day 01: In Good Quality hotel at Gangotri
- Day 02: Alpine tents in Chirbassa
- Day 03:Alpine tents in Bhojwassa
- Day 04: Alpine tents in Bhojwassa
- Day 05: Alpine tents in KhadaPathar (near Tapovan)
- Day 06: Alpine tents in Chirbassa
- Day 07: In Good Quality hotel at Gangotri
Enhanced Menu: We offer enhanced menu where the food is nourishing, fresh & tasty
- Day 01: Dinner
- Day 02: Breakfast, Packed Lunch, Dinner
- Day 03: Breakfast, Packed Lunch, Dinner
- Day 04: Breakfast, Packed Lunch, Dinner
- Day 05: Breakfast, Packed Lunch, Dinner
- Day 06: Breakfast, Packed Lunch, Dinner
- Day 07: Breakfast, Packed Lunch, Dinner
- Day 08: Breakfast
Exclusion
- Transport of any nature (will be divided amongst the final number of trekkers)
- Any meals/services not mentioned above
- Any charges for video cameras, still cameras, etc.
- Alcohol, soft drinks, beverages, etc.
- Personal expenses like tips, telephone calls, laundry, etc.
- Any costs arising out of unforeseen circumstances like landslides, roadblocks, bad weather, etc.
- Insurance
- GST 5%.
Addition Informations
Good Quality camping Arrangements. The following equipment is provided on the trek
- Good quality and big size A shaped tents or alpine tents
- Absolutely clean sleeping bags with fresh inner liners
- Thick foam mattresses
- Dining tent with camping stool.
- 1 toilet tent for 5 trekkers. Separate toilet tent for ladies. Toilet tents have good quality portable seats
- Lamp inside the tent
- Professional guide(s) to ensure high safety and more information and personal attention which are necessary to appreciate a trek. All our guides are professionally trained and have many years of relevant experience in guiding treks.
- Porter charges for carrying camping equipment & rations
- Forest entry charges, permits & camping fee for Indian guest only
- Basic first aid for the group
