Trek Overview
The Gaumukh Tapovan Trek is an eight-day journey that blends mythology, spirituality, and raw Himalayan adventure. Starting from Gangotri, the trail leads to the Gaumukh Glacier, believed to be the sacred source of the river Ganga. Stretching nearly 24 km, the glacier unfolds breathtaking views of towering peaks like Shivling, Bhagirathi, and Meru. As the Bhagirathi River gushes out from the glacier’s snout — the “cow’s mouth” — one can feel the deep spiritual connection that inspired countless legends. The trek moves beyond the tree line into dramatic landscapes of ice, rock, and high meadows at Tapovan, where sages still meditate under the gaze of Mount Shivling. This moderate-to-difficult trail rewards trekkers with surreal sights — moonlit peaks, golden dawns, and moments of pure serenity amid the might of the Himalayas.
Trek Highlights
- Experience a maximum altitude of 14,222 ft.- and participate in the holy ritual of taking a dip in the Bhagirathi river
- Catch the glimpse of magnificent Bhagirathi group of three soaring peaks during your journey
- Witness the short trek to Bhojwassa which is studded with trees and is mostly barren and often compared to the Arctic Tundra region
- The Gomukh Gangotri trek takes you through many of the significant pilgrimage spots of Hindu devotees such as Gangotri Glaciers, Gaumukh, Bhagirathi Sisters, etc.
Quick Itinerary
Day 1: Dehradun to Gangotri
- Drive Distance: 240 km (approx. 8-9 hrs)
- Route: Scenic drive through Uttarkashi and Harsil
- Stay: Overnight at a guesthouse in Gangotri
Day 2: Acclimatization Day at Gangotri (10,171 ft)
- Activities: Explore Gangotri temple & surrounding trails
- Purpose: Acclimatization for the high-altitude trek
- Stay: Guesthouse in Gangotri
Day 3: Gangotri to Chirbassa (11,680 ft)
- Trek Distance: 9 km (approx. 5-6 hrs)
- Highlights: Walk along the Bhagirathi River, pine forests
- Stay: Camping at Chirbassa
Day 4: Chirbassa to Bhojwasa (12,435 ft)
- Trek Distance: 5 km (approx. 3-4 hrs)
- Highlights: Stunning views of Bhagirathi peaks
- Stay: Camping at Bhojwasa
Day 5: Bhojwasa to Khada Pathar via Gaumukh & Tapovan (14,600 ft)
- Trek Distance: 7 km (approx. 6-7 hrs)
- Highlights: Gaumukh Glacier, Tapovan meadows, Mt. Shivling views
- Stay: Camping at Tapovan
Day 6: Tapovan to Chirbassa
- Trek Distance: 14 km (approx. 7-8 hrs)
- Highlights: Retrace steps via Gaumukh Glacier
- Stay: Camping at Chirbassa
Day 7: Chirbassa to Gangotri
- Trek Distance: 9 km (approx. 4-5 hrs)
- Highlights: Descend along the Bhagirathi River
- Stay: Guesthouse in Gangotri
Day 8: Gangotri to Dehradun
- Drive Distance: 240 km (approx. 8-9 hrs)
- Route: Return via Uttarkashi
Detailed Itinerary
Day 01: Dehradun to Gangotri
Start the journey from Dehradun at 6 AM, covering 241 km to Gangotri. Enjoy a scenic 8-9 hour drive through Mussoorie, Dhanaulti, Chamba, and Uttarkashi.
Stop for lunch and sightseeing along the way. Uttarkashi, located on the banks of the Bhagirathi River, offers a spiritual experience. Pass through Harsil, famous for apple orchards, before reaching Gangotri.
Drive Distance: 241 km (approx. 8-9 hrs) | Stay: Guesthouse in Gangotri
Day 02: Acclimatization Day at Gangotri
Enjoy a relaxed day in the holy town of Gangotri. Visit the famous Gangotri Temple, Bhagirath Shila, and Pandava Gufa. Acclimatization is essential to adjust to the high altitude (10,171 ft).
Spend the evening exploring the local market and interacting with pilgrims. Prepare for the upcoming trek.
Stay: Guesthouse in Gangotri
Day 03: Gangotri to Chirbassa
The trek begins through pine forests along the Bhagirathi River. Enjoy stunning views of the Sudarshan Parbat throughout the 9 km trail. The gradual ascent makes for an easy 4-5 hour trek.
The campsite at Chirbassa, located within Gangotri National Park, offers mesmerizing views of the Bhagirathi Sister peaks and surrounding mountains.
Trek Distance: 9 km (4-5 hrs) | Stay: Camping at Chirbassa
Day 04: Chirbassa to Bhojwasa
A relatively easy 2-3 hour trek covering 5 km. As the valley widens, breathtaking views of the Bhagirathi peaks become more prominent.
Bhojwasa, named after the Birch (Bhojpatra) trees, is the widest part of the valley and offers the first glimpse of Mt. Shivling. Relax and explore the surroundings before settling in for the night.
Trek Distance: 5 km (2-3 hrs) | Stay: Camping at Bhojwasa
Day 05: Bhojwasa to Khada Pathar via Gaumukh & Tapovan
The longest and most challenging trekking day. Start early, carrying enough water and packed lunch. The 7 km trek to Gaumukh is relatively easy, offering an incredible view of the glacier, the source of the Ganges.
The trail from Gaumukh to Tapovan is steep, with rocky boulders and moraines making the climb difficult but non-technical. Tapovan, a high-altitude meadow at 14,600 ft, offers close-up views of Mt. Shivling, Mt. Meru, and the Bhagirathi peaks.
Trek Distance: 7 km (6-7 hrs) | Stay: Camping at Tapovan
Day 06: Tapovan to Chirbassa
After enjoying the magnificent sunrise over Mt. Shivling, begin the descent. The trek back follows the same path via Gaumukh and Bhojwasa. Descending is more challenging due to rocky terrain.
The journey takes 6-7 hours, retracing steps along the Bhagirathi River and through the pine forests back to Chirbassa.
Trek Distance: 14 km (6-7 hrs) | Stay: Camping at Chirbassa
Day 07: Chirbassa to Gangotri
The final trekking day covers 9 km in 4-5 hours. Enjoy the last views of Bhagirathi peaks as the trail winds through forests and waterfalls back to Gangotri.
Relax at the guesthouse, enjoying a hot meal before preparing for departure.
Trek Distance: 9 km (4-5 hrs) | Stay: Guesthouse in Gangotri
Day 08: Gangotri to Dehradun
Bid farewell to the mountains and start the return journey. The 8-hour scenic drive passes through valleys and along the Bhagirathi River.
Expect to reach Dehradun by 5 PM, from where you can continue your journey home.
Drive Distance: 241 km (approx. 8-9 hrs) | Arrival Time: 5 PM in Dehradun
Inclusion / Exclusion
Inclusions:
- Accommodation (Guest house, Home stay, Camping).
- Meals while on trek (Veg. + Egg).
- Trek equipment (Sleeping bag, mattress, kitchen & dining tent, crampon, utensils, tent).
- All necessary permits and entry fees.
- First aid medical kits, stretcher, and oxygen cylinder.
- Mountaineering qualified & professional trek leader, guide, and support staff.
Exclusions:
- Any kind of personal expenses.
- Food during the transit.
- Insurance.
- Mules or porter to carry personal luggage.
- Anything not specifically mentioned under the inclusions.
Cancellation & Refund Policy
Change/Cancellation of Booking by the Participant
Process
The cancellation process is completely automated. Please log in to your Mountain Hike account and follow the instructions on your dashboard. You can choose between Instant Refund or Cash Refund as per the policy below.
Replacement of Participants
Participants can be replaced through the Mountain Hike dashboard if the booking status is “Paid” and at least 5 days remain before departure. If you face issues, email themountainhike@gmail.com with a screenshot of the error. The new participant must submit a signed undertaking form.
Note: Any Volvo/Train transport booked for the original participant will be automatically canceled and is non-transferable.
Cash Refund Policy
Cash refunds apply only for bookings made without promotional codes or vouchers. Refund amounts will be deducted as follows:
- 30+ days before departure: 5% deduction
- 15-30 days before departure: 50% deduction
- Less than 15 days before departure: No Refund
Refunds will be processed to the original payment method and are based on the Base Price of the trek, excluding transport, insurance, and portage fees.
Voucher Refund Policy
Voucher refunds are available for all types of bookings, including promotional offers. Refund amounts will be:
- 5+ days before departure: No deduction
- Less than 5 days: No Refund
Vouchers are valid for 10 months from the date of issue. The refunded voucher amount does not include service tax paid during the original booking.
Cancellation or Change Initiated by Mountain Hike
We reserve the right to modify or cancel an event due to unforeseen circumstances such as weather conditions, natural disasters, low participation, or any force majeure events. If this occurs, you will be given the choice of:
- A replacement event of equivalent value
- A full refund (processed as a voucher valid for 6 months)
If cancellation is due to low participation, participants can choose between a cash refund or a voucher.
Changes/Cancellation After Departure
Due to Force Majeure
No refund will be provided for cancellations due to force majeure after departure.
Other Reasons
If cancellations occur for reasons other than force majeure, we will attempt to arrange alternative services or provide a refund in the form of a 6-month voucher (or cash, if preferred).
Participant Dropout During the Event
No refund will be provided if a participant voluntarily drops out of the trek. Any additional costs incurred for return arrangements will be borne by the participant.
Early Return from an Event
If a participant returns early due to force majeure or an event ending sooner than planned, additional expenses (extra nights, transport) must be covered by the participant.
Emergency Evacuation
In case of a medical emergency, we will arrange evacuation to the nearest hospital. Any costs for porters, vehicles, ambulance services, or hospitalization must be covered by the participant.