Gaumukh Tapovan Trek (Source of the Ganges)
15-23rd May, 2026
Area
Garhwal Himalaya India
Duration
9 Days
Max Altitude
4500 mts
Grade
Moderate
Trip Cost
1390 / Person
Key Highlights
The trek along the holy Ganges takes you to its origin Gaumukh and walking over Gangotri glacier further up to beautiful meadow Tapovan (forest of austerities or spiritual practice). This is an Ideal trek for adventure lover keen to discover the outdoors and experience the mighty Himalayas at high altitude. Gaumukh: The source of the Ganges is one of the largest glaciers in the Himalaya lies among the soaring, snow-clad peaks of the Garhwal Himalayas. Garhwal is a land of ancient temples, sacred rivers, ancient history and folklore, a land mentioned in ancient history of India. The Ganges is one of the greatest rivers on Earth and you will hardly find a river more worshiped and more sacred than Ganges. First half of the trek Dayara Bugyal is considered one of the most beautiful and breathtaking alpine meadow in Himalaya. Bugyals are alpine pasture Land or meadows in higher elevation range between 3,300 metres (10,800 ft) and 4,000 metres (13,000 ft) of the Himalayas. The panoramic views of the Mt. Banderpunch, Kalanag and Gangotri range from this meadow are simply breathtaking.
Detailed Itinerary
Overnight : Hotel
Meal : D
After breakfast, drive up into the Gangotri Himalaya along the Bhagirathi river to Uttarakashi and further up to Barsu Village. If the weather is clear, there is a beautiful view of the Himalayas and the valleys around.
Overnight : Lodge
Meal : B, L, D
Today, we continue our drive up into the Garhwal Himalaya. Beautiful view of Himalaya and the valleys around. It’s a scenic drive deeper into the steep-sided Bhagirathi Valley and the scenery rapidly becomes more dramatic. After reaching Dharali village we will take a acclimatisation walk alomh the Bhagirathi river and then drive another 1 hrs to Gangotri. After checking in at our lodge we will visit Goddess Ganga Temple built by the Gorkha General, Amar Sing Thapa in the early 18th century, and various other temples around.
Overnight : Lodge
Meal : B, L, D
After breakfast, begin with an easy climb, the route providing magnificent scenery with every step to Chirbasa. Continue through pine and birch (Bhojpatra) forests to the Bhojwasa. The entire trek on this day is along the roaring Bhagirathi River. Great views of Mt Manda (6510m), Bhagirathi Massif and other surrounding peaks during the walk. Bhojwasa means home of birch trees. We arrive at the camp by evening. A short distance above camp we will get our first views of Shivling peak (6543m) the Matternhorn of India.
Distance : 14 km/5-6 hrs
From Bhujbasa, we trek towards Gaumukh, The sages called it ‘Gomukh’, because in the distant past, it probably appeared like a cow’s mouth. Before turning onto the Gangotri Glacier we descend the lateral moraine and follow a cairned trail that leads to the east side of the glacier. Continue on to Tapovan (4500m), one of the finest high altitude alpine meadows in the area surrounded by Shivling (6543m), Meru (6660m), Kharchkund (6632m) and the Bhagirathi peaks (6853m).
Tapovan comes from the two root words tapas - meaning penance and by extension religious mortification and austerity, and more generally spiritual practice, and vana, meaning forest or thicket. Tapovan then translates as forest of austerities
Distance: 8 Km/ 4-5 hrs
Overnight : Camp
Meal : B, L, D
Free to acclimatize, relax and enjoy the magnificent snow capped peaks, flora & Fauna and mountain landscape. Optional day hike towards Mt. Meru base camp.
Distance : 4 km/ 2-3 hrs
Overnight : Camp
Meal : B, L, D
Rising early to enjoy the spectacular sunrise over the surrounding 6000 metre peaks, with Shivling, once again, the main event. After breakfast steep descend down to the glacier and gradual descend to Chirwasa.
Distance : 13 km/ 5-6 hrs
Overnight : Camp
Meal : B, L, D
Descend down towards Gangotri the road head and drive to the Uttarkashi.
Distance : 9 km/ 3-4 hrs & 2 hrs Drive
Overnight : Hotel
Meal : B, L, D
Return drive to Dehradun airport/railway station for onward journey to home.
Cost Inclusions
- All transport in AC SUV as per the itinerary above.
- Accommodation on twin sharing basis as per itinerary
- Accommodation in tents (twin sharing) with foam sleeping pads during trek.
- All meals and snacks as mentioned in trip itinerary.
- All permits & camping fees.
- Full board camping arrangements on the mountain with a large mess tent, Kitchen tent, toilet tent, tables & stools, etc.
- English-speaking Trip Leader assisted by certified, experienced local guides, camp staff & Cook.
- Porterage of luggage 10 kg per person & camping gear
- GST as applicable.
Cost Exclusions
- Flight/train to & from Delhi
- Sleeping Bag & Items of personal clothing (Sleeping bag can be hired at RS 200 / Day during the trek)
- Insurance, laundry, phone calls, beverages and bottled water, souvenirs and other expenses of a personal nature.
- Any costs arising out of unforeseen circumstances such as bad weather, landslides, road conditions and any other circumstances beyond our control.
- Any transfers or meals outside of the itinerary
- Bottled water
- Items of personal clothing
- Tips & gratuities (we recommend 5-10% of your trip cost- to be distributed among the team) – personal choice
- Travel & cancellation insurance
Cancellation Terms
At Taamara Trails, we understand the emotional and physical investment that goes into preparing for a trek. Months of planning, training, and anticipation make cancellations especially disappointing. Keeping this in mind, we offer a fair and transparent trekker-friendly cancellation policy. If you need to cancel your trek, you must notify us in writing at the earliest. The date on which we receive your written cancellation request will determine the applicable charges.
- More than 60 days before the expedition start date: 90% refund or 100% of the trek cost credited for a future expedition.
- Between 60–30 days before the expedition start date: 80% refund or 90% of the trek cost credited for a future expedition.Between 60–30 days before the expedition start date: 80% refund or 90% of the trek cost credited for a future expedition.
- Between 30–10 days before the expedition start date: 50% refund or 75% of the trek cost credited for a future expedition.
- Less than 10 days before the expedition start date: 10% refund or 25% of the trek cost credited for a future expedition.
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