Gaumukh Trek : The Source of The Ganges River

Kajal, 4 weeks ago, 6 min read, 20 Views

Overview

Table of Contents

The Gaumukh Trek, located within Uttarakhand in India, is a renowned trekking route. Reaching Gaumukh Glacier, which serves as the origin of Ganges River, requires going through a difficult trek that takes one to an altitude of 13200 feet or 4023 meters above sea level.

The beginning of the trek can be found in a small village named Gangotri that is perched on the banks of Bhagirathi River. The path consists of rocky areas, alpine meadows, and dense forest areas and bestows magnificent views of adjacent Himalayan tops.

Normally, it requires around six to seven days completing the hike which is approximately 18-20 kilometers long from both ends. Along the way, there are many settlements and campsites like Tapovan, Bhojbasa and Chirbasa.

The journey’s high point is arriving at the Gaumukh Glacier, a large ice structure that takes on the shape of a cow’s mouth, hence its name. As the glacier is where the Ganges River originates, which is worshiped as a holy river in all parts of India, the Hindus also consider the glacier as a sacred site.

Gaumukh Trek is extremely tough but it is famous for the Himalayas and more so for its. This trek caters for all who are experienced hikers, those that are physically fit and are well-prepared to hike in high altitudes.

Best Time to visit Gaumukh Trek

It is up to you to decide when the best time to visit the Gaumukh Trek is and what events you hope to see there. But when you’re organizing your vacation, here are some important things to think about:

The monsoon showers and heavy snows in the Himalayan region often render certain times of the year less favorable for trekking. In general, summers extending from the first week of May to the end of June and the post-monsoon period from the end of September to the second week of October are the ideal periods for one to attempt the Gaumukh Trek. During these times, the climatic conditions remain stable, with fewer cloudy days and pleasant temperatures that add to the pleasure of trekking as well as the scenery that can be viewed.

Traveling to Gaumukh Trek is hence the most advisable during the summer and post monsoon seasons (May to July and September to October). This is due to the favorable climatic conditions, straightforward routes, and plenty of sightseeing chances afforded by the Himalayas. However, it is very important to schedule and prepare in advance that includes factors such as the season, the possibility of access to the trails, and specific needs of the individuals.

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What to expect on the Gaumukh trek

The Gaumukh trek is something that every traveler can expect to be great and transform the traveler within him or her. The walk also gives the enjoyment of breathtaking views of the giant Himalayas and also the idyllic surrounding of the high mountains. Apart from the opportunity to gaze at beautiful glaciers and snow peaks, the walk also presents the opportunity to venture into the great outdoors – literally.

The way also enables the trekker to visit a few sites to worship including the Gangotri Temple which is dedicated to river Ganga. Exploration of the Garhwal region’s traditions and ways of life is also made possible by the hike.

Gaumukh Trek Itinerary

Day 1: Dehradun to Gangotri Drive

Driving 242 kilometers in 7 or 8 hours
From Dehradun, we take a traveler bus via Uttarkashi to Gangnani.
The naturally occurring hot spring spas at Gangnani are well-known.
The little town of Gangotri, which is 3,048 meters above sea level, is a good place to spend the night.

Day 2: Gangotri (3,048 m) to Chirbasa (3,600 m) 9km trek in 6 hours.

You will take a hike of 9 kilometers (approx. 5-6 hours) from Gangotri to Chirbasa in order to reach there.
As it follows Bhagirathi River the route goes on climbing slowly through the pine forests and deodar woods.
Spend the night in Chirbasa.

Day 3: Chirbasa (3,600 m) to Bhojwasa (3,800 m)

Trek 5 km, 3 – 4 hrs
Set out on a 3- to 4-hour hike covering a distance of 5 km from Chirbasa to Bhojwasa.
The path travels through thick forest the whole way from Chirbasa to Bhojwassa.
Bhojbasa also has a small shrine and a possible camping area.
The Gangotri Glacier and the Bhagirathi peaks are magnificently visible from the trek.
In the afternoon, we are free to explore the area and enjoy a breathtaking sunset over the Bhagirathi peaks.
Spend the night in the camps.

Day 4: Bhojwasa (3,800 m) to Gaumukh (4,000 m) and back to Bhojwasa

Begin the 4-kilometer (three to four-hour) hike from Bhojwasa to Gaumukh.
Visit Gaumukh to explore the Gangotri Glacier and the Ganges River’s source.
Trek back to Bhojwasa to spend the night.

Day 5: Bhojwasa (3,800 m) to Tapovan (4,463 m)

Begin the 9-kilometer (five to six hour) hike from Bhojwasa to Tapovan.
The hike offers breathtaking views of the nearby mountains but also requires a difficult ascent.
Spend the night at Tapovan.

Day 6: Tapovan (4,463 m)

In Tapovan, relax and get used to the surroundings.
Take in the vistas of the Meru Glacier and Shivling Peak while you explore the area.
Dinner and a tent stay for the night.

Day 7: Tapovan (4,463 m) to Chirbasa (3,600 m)

Begin your journey back to Chirbasa, which is 14 km long and takes roughly 7–8 hours.
Spend the night in Chirbasa.

Day 8: Chirbasa (3,600 m) to Gangotri (3,048 m)

Set out on the 9-kilometer (about 6 hour) trek back to Gangotri.
Spend the night in Gangotri.

Day 9: Gangotri to Rishikesh

Bid farewell to this stunning experience that you will never forget.
Return by car to Rishikesh and Dehradun; this will take roughly ten hours.

How to reach Gaumukh trek

The Gaumukh Trek allows for several approaches based on your point of origin. The following routes will help you reach Dehradun, the base point for this trek:

By Air:

By Train:

By Road:

About 30 km east of the city centre is Dehradun’s Jolly Grant Airport (DED), which is the city’s own airport.
Major cities such as Bangalore, Kolkata, Mumbai, Delhi, and others offer flights to Dehradun.
Upon reaching the airport, you can either take a cab to directly reach Gangotri, which is the starting point for the Gaumukh trek, or you can go to the city center of Dehradun by means of pre-paid taxi services.

Dehradun boasts of an efficient rail network available to many Indian Cities. The Dehradun Railway Station (DDN) is situated inside the city.
Train fares to Dehradun from various metropolitan like Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai and even Bangalore are available for booking.
Upon arriving at the railway station, either public transportation or a taxi can be taken to either the hotel in Dehradun or directly to Gangotri for the Gaumukh Trek.

Many of the major towns and cities across North India have good road connectivity with Dehradun. One can take a bus or drive his/her own car.
From Delhi to Dehradun or other nearby places like Chandigarh, Haridwar, Rishikesh etc. there are many state operated and private buses which ply.
If you are in Delhi, you can take a bus to Dehradun from the Delhi Interstate Bus Terminus (ISBT).
One can take a taxi or any public transport services to reach Gangotri, the base point of the Gaumukh Trek, from Dehradun. The duration of the journey by road from Dehradun to Gangotri is typically around ten to twelve hours.

Conclusion

The Gaumukh trek in the Indian Himalayas is ideal for adventure lovers as well as those looking for spiritual solace and tussle along a horseback riding, that is, trekking. Gaumukh trek is an ethereal trip where dipping your feet in the very source of Ganga is a refreshing experience, surrounded by the towering, pristine peaks of the Himalayas.

So without wasting much time, pack your bags and brace yourself for an amazing journey to Gaumukh glacier where one can relish the exquisite views of the Himalayas.

Related FAQs

Gaumukh is famous for what?

It is India’s second-largest glacier. In Hindu mythology, Gaumukh is a sacred site where visitors gather to observe the Gangotri holy temple and the Gomukh, which is the melting point of the Gangotri glacier and the Ganga River’s emergence.

Is the Gaumukh trek difficult?

Never trek alone without a guide if you’re going it alone. Additionally, if the weather is favorable, you can continue your difficult and steep 4-kilometer climb from Gaumukh to Tapovan (partially on a glacier). Baba’s ashram in Tapovan is where you can stay. I had to call off my walk to Tapovan and head back due to really terrible weather.

What is the duration of the Gaumukh trek?

The Gangotri Glacier is among the largest in the Himalayas and is situated in Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand state, at an altitude of 4023 meters. The little village of Gangotri, situated on the banks of river Bhagirathi, is a hub of the 18-kilometer long Gaumukh Trek.

What is the Gaumukh trek price?

Transportation included for the Gaumukh Tapovan Trek costs INR 17,900 + 5% GST per person. In Hindu mythology, Gaumukh is the snout of the Gangotri Glacier, one of the Char Dhams. Tapovan is a base camp for numerous treks in Uttarakhand, situated above the Gangotri Glacier.

Is the Gaumukh trek possible to complete in a single day?

On a wider angle no, in fact, you should be fit in order to attempt this. This particular trek is mostly offered in 7-8 days by several companies. This is due to the need for proper acclimatization and risk management.