Gaumukh Tapovan Trekking

Gaumukh is located in Uttarakhand and Gaumukh Tapovan trekking is famous all over India. Here is the source site of Ganga. But in Gaumukh the river Ganges is known as Bhagirathi. Gaumukh is also known as Gaumukhi. It is situated at an altitude of about 4023 meters above the sea level. The trekking of Gaumukh Tapovan is famous all over the country. Where people from other countries also stay here for trekking. People who are fond of trekking definitely come here. Gaumukh is a very beautiful natural gift. Which is very beautiful to look at? The fragrance of flowers here is very sweet and the beauty is worth seeing. The peaks of the mountains here are covered with snow. Gaumukh is a cow shaped glacier covered with snow. The view of this glacier is very big and thrilling. It is one of the holy Ganges water sources of the Ganges. This trek offers breathtaking views including Gangotri Shivling peaks, Thalai Sagar, and Meru Ate. Whose view looks very beautiful. There is a lot of rain here too. Which is so fast in which you will not be able to stop your teeth from ringing. Strong winds also blow here. There is also a holy Bhagirathi river which is considered as one of the religious places. While trekking the Gaumukh Glacier, pilgrims- Rishikesh, Uttarkashi, Gangotri and Bhojwasa can enjoy the divine aura.

Why was Gaumukh Tapovan named as Gaumukh or Gaumukhi?

A part of the Gaumukh Tapovan Gangotri Glacier looked like the face of a cow. Only after that it was named as Gaumukhi which later became popular as Gaumukh. The journey to Gaumukh Tapovan Trekking starts from Gangotri Dham. Which is about 18 km from Gangotri temple. It is situated far away. From here Gaumukh Tapovan can be reached by trekking.

Where to stay during Gaumukh trekking

Firstly, you will reach Gangotri where you will get the facility of food and drink. There you can also spend the night. After that if you stay at Gangotri in the night then you will leave for Chilwada in the morning. You can stay in Chilwada. Very few people have the facility to stay here. There is not much food and drink available here. Many times there is no place to stay for the night, nor to eat and drink. If you think of staying here, then once you must know from the permanent residents of that place. Otherwise you leave for Bhojwasa. In Bhojwasa, you will definitely get the facility of food and drink and night stay. Here you will find two ashrams or you can also stay in hotels where you will get the facility of food and drink and night stay. From Bhojwasa, you should leave for Gaumukh in the morning because if you leave at night, there is no night stay facility available at Gaumukh. You must keep this point of Gaumukh in mind.

From where to get permission to go Gaumukh

Due to non-availability of overnight stay and food and drink facilities between Gangotri to Gaumukh Tapovan, only 150 permits are issued every day. Rs 150 is charged for a permit. You can also get the permit to go to Gaumukh online and if you are not able to do it online, then you can get the permit made at two places in Uttarkashi, one at the collector’s office and the other at the Forest Department office.

About Gaumukh Tapovan Trekking

  • Gaumukhi Trek Duration: 8d/7n – 9d/8n
  • Maximum height of Gaumukh Tapovan: 14222 feet.
  • Tracking gradient: Medium.
  • Distance of Gaumukh Trekking Route: 46 km
  • Temperature of Gaumukh: Day: 18°C to 12°C and Night: 5°C to -5°C
  • Best time for Gangotri Gaumukh trek: May to June, September to October
  • Starting Point: Gangotri
  • End Point: Gangotri

Points to note on Gaumukh Tapovan Trek

  • Track with tracking stick.
  • Don’t forget to take the rain court.
  • You must be mentally and physically prepared before trekking.
  • Be sure to wear trekking or sports shoes.
  • Be sure to carry a medical kit with you.
  • Carry warm clothes and gloves according to the time.
  • Carry a torch and some light with you.
  • Do not carry too many things with you.
  • Take some food items and water bottles with you.
  • Do not go to the wrong places while trekking.
  • Handle wooden bridges carefully.
  • Stay away from wet mountains or do that road early.
  • Arrive at your destination before sunset.

How to reach Gaumukh

To reach Gaumukh Trekking, you have to reach Uttarkashi first. Those who want to come by plane can first come from Jolly Grant airport in Dehradun and this Dehradun airport is 200 km away. It is situated far away. Cab from the airport will drop you easily in Uttarkashi. Nearest railway stations of Uttarkashi are at Rishikesh and Dehradun. Gaumukhi is situated at a distance of about 17 kms from Gangotri on National Highway No. 108. Bus passengers can come by bus from Uttarkashi/Haridwar/Dehradun/ and Rishikesh, from here the bus keeps running daily.Â