The scenic trail of Gaumukh circuit starts from Gangotri (Altitude - 3,048mts) in Uttarkashi District. It takes you to the lap of the mountains via dense forest, steep climbs, traversing the awe-inspiring glaciers and high altitude alpine meadows.
This 46kms trek has so many stories to
offer mystical and spiritual — how many have found solitude or
have overcame their fears to go on one of the most beautiful treks.
Content
Gangotri Glacier Circuit Routes
Short Itinerary
The Trek
Trek Permit and Entry Cost
Guide & Porters for the Trek
Reaching Gangotri
Do’s & Don’ts
Major Highlights…
- Amazing mountain view with tea and maggie at Chirbasa.
- Huge Gaumukh glacier snout with big chunks of ice falling continuously with thunderous sounds.
- The beautiful sunrise and sunset views over the mountain peaks.
- Spectacular views of Mt Shivling and Bhagirathi sisters glistening on the cloudless night.
Gangotri Glacier Circuit Routes…
It is famous for Gangotri shrine – one of the holy places among the Char Dam Yatra in Uttarakhand. Originally the temple was constructed by Gorkha commander Amar Singh Thapa in the 18th century.
Several thousand years ago, Gaumukh Glaciers used to start beside Gangotri Temple, but over the years it has moved back 18kms, and are still retreating very fast.
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| Gangotri Temple |
You can opt for either of the routes for
- Gangotri – Gaumukh Trek
- Gangotri – Tapovan – Gaumukh Trek
- Gangotri – Gaumukh – Tapovan Trek
The route which we will take is Gangotri – Gaumukh – Tapovan Trek, this route is ideal for acclimatization, as you can prepare for Tapovan while getting first acclimatize at Gaumukh.
It is always better to go for warm-up trek before your actual trek. As there are always risk of AMS in high altitude.
Short Itinerary...
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| Trek Route |
Day 2 : Trek from Gangotri 10,052 ft) to Bhojbasa (12,431 ft)
Day 5 : Explore Tapovan
Day 6 : Tapovan (14,203 ft) to Bhojbasa (12,431 ft)
Trek distance: 6.5 km 丨 Trek duration: 5 hours
Day 7 : Bhojbasa (12,431 ft) to Gangotri (10,052 ft)
Trek distance: 15 km 丨 Trek duration: 8 hour
Day 8 : Drive from Gangotri to Dehradun
🔸Left side of the marked area connect with the market.
🔸Just after the temple, on the left, there are series of steps that leads to Gaumukh.
After about 2 - 3kms of trek from entrance, you will reach Forest Check Post. The check post opens at 6.00 AM. Therefore, it would be best to start early. From here, you can spot the stunning white peak of Sudarshan Parbat (21,345 ft.)
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| Gangotri National Park Entry Gate |
All snacks packets, chocolate covers and polythene bags will be counted and you will be asked to deposit a certain amount.
We covered the trek from Gangotri till Bhojwasa on day-1, you can split the trek by camping at Chirbasa on first day and next day heads towards Bhojwasa.
Gangotri to Bhojwasa
I have divided trek from Gangotri to Bhojbasa in two parts i.e. from Gangotri to Chirbasa and then from chirbasa to Bhojwasa
Elevation: 10,052ft.ー11,631ft.
Gradient: Easy, gradual inclines and level walks.
After getting the permit checked, head towards Chirbasa. The trail remains consistent offering you the magnificent view of mountains with streams and roaring Bhagirathi River on the right side.
Navigating the trail is easy as the entire trail to Gaumukh is well marked. The path swirls through streams, waterfalls and boulders as well.
After 9kms of gradual incline, when you will come across big cluster of pine trees, it means you are approaching Chirbasa.
→ There are no stalls or dhabas till you reach Chirbasa, hence carry sufficient snacks/energy bars or dry fruits for munching.
Chirbasa literally means “The Abode of Pine Trees”, it is the home of chir (pine) trees. Take rest at the dabha, enjoy maggi and hot tea with stunning views of Manda peak (6511 m), Bhrigu Parbat (6000m), Bhagirathi I, II and III (6856 m, 6512 m, & 6454 m).
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| View from Chirbasa |
II) Trek from Chirbasa to Bhojwasa
Elevation: 11,631ft.ー12,431ft.
Distance: 5Kms
Time: 3-4 hours
Gradient: Easy to Moderate, gradual inclines and level walks.
About 2km from Chirbasa you will come across landslide zone, which stretches for about 1km, keep an eye for falling rocks and avoid resting on this route. After crossing landslide section, it takes about 2-3 hour to reach Bhojwasa.
All the efforts and tiredness of the trail will vanish as you set your eyes on the untouched beauty of Bhojwasa. The panoramic views of snow-capped mountains are the visual treat. You will get the first glimpse of the awe-struck Mt. Shivling (6543mts.)
Bhojbasa is named after birch (Bhojpatra) forests in the area. It is believed that the Ramayana and Mahabharata were written on the bark of this tree. But sadly, at present, this place is denuded of the Bhojpatra trees.
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| Trail to Bhojbasa |
Enjoy the sunset on Bhagirathi group of peaks
Stay Option in Bhojwasa
There are number of options available here but they are dormitory-type accommodations. You also get hot water and vegetarian food.
✳️Ashrams – Lal Baba ashram and Ram Baba ashram. Cost Rs.350/- pp Night Stay with all the meals.
✳️GMVN Guest House - Cost Rs.400/- pp Night Stay without meals.
✳️Tent – You can pitch your own tent at the campsite near Bhagirathi River. Self-camping is not allowed beyond Bhojwasa. You will need an authorized trek guide for camping beyond Bhojwasa. Cost Rs.100/- for pitching the tent.
Bhojwasa to Gaumukh and back
About 6kms from Bhojwasa and at an altitude of 13,200ft. (4,023 meters) is ‘Gaumukh’ — the source of river Ganga (known as Bhagirathi River until it reaches Deoprayag).
Distance : 6 Kms
Time : 3 - 4hrs
Gradient : Moderate, lot of ups and downs in this section, steep at many places
Try to wake up early before sunrise and glance at the mesmerizing view of starry sky which resembles the Milky Way and later with the sunrise, witness the spectacular view of sun rays touching the mountain peaks.
After breakfast start the trek. The trail from Bhojbasa starts behind the GMVN guest house, where you climb a bit to get to the trail.
In the old times, the snout of the Gangotri glacier, where Bhagirathi originates looked exactly like the “Mouth of a Cow” and hence the name. The glacier is really gigantic, big chunks of ice falls with thunderous sound is a sight to behold.
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| Bhagirathi River and Gaumukh Glacier |
In my opinion, Gaumukh is truly special and scared part of the Himalayas. One really needs to be there to experience the special energy which exist in this region. Plus, there is a real thrill to walk in the lap of the Himalayas while soaking the phenomenal views. |
Distance : 6.5 Kms
Time : 5 - 6 hrs.
Gradient : Moderate-Difficult, glacier walk followed by steep ascent.
Today start early, after breakfast start the trek to Tapovan.
To continue the trek you need to cross Bhagirathi River via SDRF is operating a manual trolley. They transfer in batches, overall it takes about an hour to reach other side of the river bank.
The walk will feel strenuous due to - altitude gain, the glacier crossing, steep and rocky terrain, especially on the final climb to Tapovan.
Tapovan is one of the finest high-altitude alpine meadows, surrounded by legendary peaks such as the Bhagirathi group (I, II, III), Mt Shivling, Mt. Sumeru, Kedardome, Kharchakund and many more contribute to the most magnificent mountain scenery in the Himalayas. It also serves as a base camp for Mt Shivling.
Stay at Tapovan |
Travel Tips:
If time permits visit Neel Tal – the divine lake of Tapovan. It takes about 2 hours to reach the lake, but you will be rewarded with unparalleled views of the glorious Mt. Meru. You will be able to return before mid-day.
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| Mt. Sumeru from Tapovan |
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| Mt. Shiving, Tapovan |
Tapovan to Bhojwasa
Sleep in Bhojbasa.
Bhojwasa to Gangotri
Part II
Trek Permit and Entry Cost...
Entry Limit:
Permit Cost & Duration:
→ Extra charges for videography and drones are not allowed in Gangotri National Park.
For Gaumukh Trek, only permit is mandatory.
For Tapovan Trek, permit and guide from registered tour agency is mandatory.
➡️ Gaumukh and Tapovan Permit and Entry cost in detail
Guide & Porters for the Trek…
The trail from Gangotri to Gaumukh is very well marked, and hence a guide should not be necessary. Tour guide is mandatory for Tapovan Trek.However, if you need a guide, you can hire from Gangotri or with the agencies listed in the permit website at the bottom. Pony is allowed only up to Bhojwasa.
Reaching Gangotri…
By Airport: The nearest Airport is in Dehradhun, later you need to travel by road.
By Road: It takes about 10-12 hours to reach Gangotri, so direct buses usually runs early morning between 4am to 8am or 9am-especially during Char Dham Yatra/peak season (May to early November). If direct bus is unavailable then you have to breal the journey i.e. ply on the bus/jeep till Uttarkashi, later hop on the shared jeep for Gangotri. Rishikesh and Dehradhun are better option for direct bus.
For detailed route direction click 👉 How to reach Gangotri
Dos & Don’ts
- ATM: Last ATM is in Uttarkashi.
- After 3 kilometers from Chirbasa, you will come across “Gila Pahar”, a place well known to be dangerous because of landslides.
- Carry sufficient water. Always keep yourself hydrated while trekking.
- Please carry ample dry fruits, chocolates, snacks, and drinking water.
- Do not consume alcohol or any other intoxicants during the trek.
- Wear light and quick dry clothes; avoid jeans and other body-hugging clothes.
- A quality trek shoes is a life-saver, trek in good quality shoes with ankle support and firm grip.
- In mountains weather is unpredictable, carry a light jacket even if you were trekking in the months of May and June.
- Do not attempt trekking at night.
- You should carry a first-aid kit and basic medications (for fever, headache, upset stomach, body ache) during the trek.
- You should avoid trekking in the monsoon season. Rains can make the route slippery and this region is prone to landslides, cloudbursts, and roadblocks.
- Never move without a raincoat in the mountains.
Please do not litter. If you brought polythene bags along, please ensure that you are bringing those back and not throw them carelessly in the mountain
