Gaumukh Tapovan Trek

Overview

The Gaumukh Tapovan Trek is a high-altitude Himalayan expedition in Uttarkashi, Uttarakhand, reaching a maximum altitude of 14,600 ft. It spans approximately 40 km, offering breathtaking views of Mount Shivling, Bhagirathi peaks, and the Gangotri Glacier, ending at the pristine meadow of Tapovan. This trek combines spirituality, glacier exploration, and alpine beauty, making it ideal for adventure seekers with good physical fitness.

Inclusions

Accommodation (guesthouses & camping as per itinerary)

All vegetarian meals (including eggs) from base camp to base camp

Professional expedition leader, local guides, and high-altitude chef

Medical support (first aid kit, oxygen, stretcher, oximeter, etc.)

Mules/porters for group luggage

Cloakroom service at base camp

Required permits and entry fees (for Indian nationals)

Transport from Rishikesh to Gangotri and return (if opted)

Exclusions

Insurance

Meals during transit (Rishikesh to Gangotri and back)

Personal expenses (gear rental, tips, etc.)

Porter/mule for personal luggage

Emergency evacuation or hospitalization

Things to carry

• Base layers, thermals, fleece, warm padded jacket
• Trek pants, woolen socks, gloves, cap, balaclava
• Trekking shoes with ankle support
• Toiletries (toothbrush, paste, moisturizer, toilet paper)
• Towel, sunscreen, lip balm, sunglasses
• Headlamp, trekking pole, water bottles, poncho
• Daypack, tiffin box, energy snacks
• Personal medication kit
• Documents: Aadhar copy, 2 passport-sized photos, self-declaration, medical form

Who can join

• Minimum age: 8 years
• Good physical fitness is essential
• First-time trekkers welcome (preferably with prep)
• Fitness benchmarks:Run 5 km in 40 minutes or walk 10 km in 90 minutesOr cycle 8 km in 30 minutesShould be able to carry 10–12 kg backpack (or 3–5 kg if offloading)

Gaumukh Tapovan Trek itinerary

Day 1: Rishikesh to Gangotri

Drive 250 km through scenic Himalayan routes (approx. 8–9 hours)

Pass through Uttarkashi, enjoy river and mountain views

Reach Gangotri (10,200 ft), check-in at guesthouse, rest

Day 2: Gangotri to Chirbasa

Begin trek along the Bhagirathi River – 9 km (5–6 hours)

Walk through pine forests and mountain ridges

Camp at Chirbasa (11,700 ft) with views of Bhagirathi peaks

Day 3: Chirbasa to Bhojwasa

Trek 5 km (3–4 hours) along a rocky and scenic path

Enjoy open views of the glacier valley

Camp at Bhojwasa (12,500 ft) near the banks of the Bhagirathi River

Day 4: Bhojwasa to Tapovan

Trek 6 km (7–8 hours), crossing Gaumukh Glacier

Climb steep moraines to reach Tapovan (14,600 ft)

Camp in alpine meadows below Mount Shivling

Day 5: Tapovan to Bhojwasa via Gaumukh

Explore Tapovan in the morning: meditate, photograph, rest

Retrace steps to Bhojwasa via Gaumukh – 6 km (5–6 hours)

Camp overnight at Bhojwasa

Day 6: Bhojwasa to Gangotri

Final trek day – 14 km descent (6–7 hours)

Walk through Chirbasa forest trail again

Reach Gangotri by afternoon, rest at guesthouse

Day 7: Gangotri to Rishikesh

Depart early for a 250 km drive back to Rishikesh (9–10 hrs)

Scenic journey via Uttarkashi and Tehri

Trip ends with mountain memories at Rishikesh

Who runs it

• Capt. Mount Rishikesh