Gaumukh Tapovan Trek at Rishikesh

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

• 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 minutes

  • Or cycle 8 km in 30 minutes

  • Should be able to carry 10–12 kg backpack (or 3–5 kg if offloading)

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• Explore Tapovan in the morning: meditate, photograph, rest

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

• Camp overnight at Bhojwasa

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

• Walk through Chirbasa forest trail again

• Reach Gangotri by afternoon, rest at guesthouse

• 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