Gomukh Tapovan Trek, Uttarakhand, Trek.

Description

Gomukh Tapovan Trek

About the trek

An eight day itinerary interspersing myth, spirituality, and sensational adventure, the Gaumukh Tapovan Trek takes you around the Gangotri glacier to the site traditionally believed to be mouth of the holy river Ganga. The Gangotri glacial expanse is nearly 24 km long and 6 to 8 km wide, beginning from Gaumukh and extending as far as the Chaukhamba massif around Badrinath. Courtesy of celebrated mountaineers Shipton and Tilman, we have a trek route traversing the entire stretch of this storied land. After feasting our senses in the fleeting glacial hues and the immense backdrop of Mount Shivling, present in its entirety from the base to the serrated peak, we descend through the meadows of Tapovan back to Gangotri. The trek is verily a raging visual thrillfest with rising mountain behemoths such as the Bhagirathi twin peaks, and Mount Meru, besides the ever present Shivling.

The realization of magnificence on watching the river that gave birth and nourished an entire civilization emerge fitfully out of the Gaumukh snout to flow a 2,525 odd kilometers before meeting with the ocean, comes at a riveting spiritual moment. Trickling from Gangotri glacier through Gaumukh, meaning “cow’s mouth”, the river has a different name- Bhagirathi, and becomes the Ganga, the life vein of the northern plains of India only after flowing in with another headstream, Alakananda at Devaprayag- the key confluence point of Ganga before it pours into the plains. This illustrious geography has emerged from myths that imagine the river as intensely sacred. She was brought to earth from her celestial heights to renew the life of men by the rigorous dedication of a mortal, Bhagirath who gives the channel its name- Bhagirathi, and the river’s devastating energy was sustained by none other than Shiva himself.

The trek, in great parts veers beyond the tree line and passes through larger than life mountainscapes. We camp at rugged heights from where the snow transfused peaks are a stone’s throw away. Be it the surreal sight of the Bhagirathi peaks glistening in the moonlight, the mind numbing sight of the Shivling from Tapovan campsite, rising from the base to its zenith right before you, or a glimpse of the formidable Mount Meru, the bravura of visual ecstasies never seems to run out on this journey.

This trek is classified moderate-difficult for all the right reasons. You must come braced for an arduous hike along boulder ridden paths and ruthless climate. The holy men who are found living permanently in the meadows of Tapovan for sadhana under the gaze of Shivling can be the ones to draw your inspiration from!

Day 1 :- Dehradun to Gangotri

Altitude 3100 mtr.
Pick up time 06.00 am at the parking of Dehradun railway station
Stay in Guest House
Drive 241 km (8 hrs)
Local Market and network is available
Route:Dehradun – Mussorie – Dhanulti- Chmba- Uttarkashi- Harshil – Gangotri

Day 2 :- Gangotri (10171 ft) to Chirbassa (11680 ft)

Altitude 11680 ft
9 km, 5-6 hrs trek
Entire trek in Gangotri National Park

Accommodation in tent
Hot lunch serve at campsite
Campsite under the pine forest
Moderate level of gradual ascent
Spring and manmade water point are available
Evening acclimatisation walk

Day 3 :- Chirbassa (11680 ft) to Bhojwasa (12435 ft)

Altitude 12435 ft 2-3 hrs trek
5 km, 2-3 hrs trek
Accommodation in tent
Reached campsite for hot lunch
Easiest day of the trek
Moderate level gradual ascent
Birch (Bhojpatra) forests in the area
Ashram, police post and rest house available
Mt. Bhagirathi massif view from camp area
After lunch acclimatisation walk up to Gaumukh, the snout of the river Ganges

Day 4 :- Bhojwasa (12435 ft) to Tapovan (14600 ft) Back to bhojwasa via Gaumukh (13452 ft)

Altitude 14600 ft
18km, 10-11 hrs trek
Bhojwasa to Gaumukh 5 km
Gaumukh to Tapovan 4 km
Accommodation in tent
pack lunch
No water points, it’s advisable to carry at least 2 liters of water
Challenging day of the trek
Carry energy bars, ors and water
Trek begins over rocky boulders and becomes noticeably steep gradually over the rocky terrain
Glacier covered with moraine so no need technical equipment
You might be see Moutain goat/Ibex near your campsite
Tapoan surrounded by giants - Mt. Shivling, Meru, Manda, The Bhagirathi group Kedardome, Kharchakund and many more

Day 5 :- Bhojwasa (12435 ft) to Gangotri (10171 ft)

14km, 6-7 hrs trek
Moderate level of gradual descent
Spring and manmade water point are available
Accommodation in Guest House
Pack lunch
Carry energy bars, ors and water

Day 6:- Depart for Dehradun

240 Km
8 Hrs Drive
Reached Dehradun by 5.00 PM

Basics Gears

Backpack & Rain Cover (40-60 Litres)
Trekking Shoes
Trekking Pole
LED Torch
One Water Bottle (one litre)
Basic Medications (or prescribed if any)

Clothes

Trekking Jacket
Three (Five in winter) Warm Layers
Two trek pants (one Wear and one carry)
Two collared t-shirts
Thermals

Accessories

Sunglasses
Sunscreeen Lotion (SPF 50/70)
Lip Balm (SPF 30)
Sun cap
Synthetic hand gloves
Two pair of Socks
Raincoat/Ponchos

Others

Daypack (20 litres), if you opt to offload your backpack
Toiletries
Cutlery
Plastic cover (for wet clothes)

Mandatory Documents

Original and photocopy of government photo identity card- (Passport, Aadhaar Card, Driving license or voters ID, Medical Certificate)

If cancellations are made 30 days before the start date of the trip, 25% of total tour cost will be charged as cancellation fees.

If cancellations are made 15-30 days before the start date of the trip, 50% of total tour cost will be charged as cancellation fees.

If cancellations are made within 0-15 days before the start date of the trip, 100% of total tour cost will be charged as cancellation fees.

In case of unforeseen weather conditions or government restrictions, certain trips or activities may get cancelled. In such cases operator will try their best to provide an alternate feasible. However a cash refund will not be applicable for the same.

Cancellations are strictly subjected to cancellation policies mentioned on the website & are irrespective of the date of booking.