A Short Briefing of Gaumukh Tapovan Trek

Gaumukh, which means ‘cow’s mouth,’ is the place where Maa Ganga emerged from for the whole of India. Here, you can have a spiritual and natural experience. The weather and route of this Tapovan Trek tell you what the real challenges are on the trek. It is one of the most recommended treks in Uttarkashi; the beauty of the Gaumukh Tapovan trek makes it special from others.

This Gaumukh Tapovan starts from the base at Gangotri, where the pilgrim village is settled by Pandits (priests). This is a trekking journey in the Gangotri Gaumukh range with huge glaciers, high peaks, and a flat base camp. Maa Ganga originates from Gaumukh, where you can see drops of melting glacier and the saying (बूंद बूंद से घड़ा भरता है) coming true. Bhagirathi Ganga flows along with you and guides you throughout the trek. At the Camp of Tapovan, you will see Mount Shivling in the front of your eye in a triangle shape, and the Bhagirathi I, II & III form a magnificent mass. 

Overview of Gaumukh Tapovan Trek

Total Distance and Duration:
Approximately 20 km | 5 Days
Highest Altitude Reached:
Tapovan at around 4,463 meters (14,640 ft)
Difficulty Level:
 Moderate to difficult trek, suitable for experienced trekkers, but even beginners can do it by practicing and exercising before the trek.

Visible Peaks From Tapovan
Mount Shivling
Bhagirathi 1, 2, & 3
Sudarshan
Meru
Kedar Dome
Gangotri Glacier
Chaturangi Glacier

What can you expect from this Gaumukh Tapovan Trek?

The Gaumukh Tapovan Trek is an unforgettable journey through the landscape of the mountains. When you set out on this adventure, you can expect the following:

Beautiful Scenery: This Gaumukh Tapovan Trek takes you through the green meadows and rocky terrains. It will conclude with amazing views of the Gaumukh Glacier and the majestic peaks surrounding Tapovan.

Wildlife Sightings: Keep your eyes out for the various plants and animals. You might spot Himalayan black bears, musk deer, and various bird species along the trails.

Places To Explore in Gangotri Before & After Gaumukh Tapovan Trek

1. Maa Ganga Temple: On the basis of the Char Dham Yatra, Gangotri is the fourth Dham in Uttarakhand, the home of Maa Ganga. Every year after the Deepawali festival, Gangotri temple gates close until April-May on the auspicious day of Akshay Tritiya.
2. Amar Singh Thapa, a Nepali general, built the first Gangotri temple around the 18th century. The Gangotri Temple was built in Nagara style, and the King of Jaipur rebuilt it.
3. Bheem Gufa (Cave): This cave is dedicated to the 5 Pandavas who were in search of heaven after the Mahabharata war.
4. Surya Kund: When the sun rises in Gangotri, the first ray of the sun falls on the Surya Kund. There is a Shivlinga at the bottom of the Surya Kund, which becomes visible during winters when the Gaumukh glaciers slowly melt, and the flow of the River Ganga becomes normal.

Safety and Assistance During Gaumukh Tapovan Trek.

Safety on the trek is our priority, and here is how to ensure a safe trekking experience during the Gaumukh Tapovan trek.
Experienced guides: Our certified guides are trained in guidance and first aid and are well-experienced in the Himalayan region. They will lead the group, and you must follow their instructions to stay safe on the trek.

Briefing before the trek: We conduct a briefing session to discuss safety protocols, itinerary, etc.

Emergency assistance: Our guides and trek leaders carry a first aid kit and communication equipment for any emergencies. In case of altitude sickness or any other health issue, we have protocols in place to ensure immediate assistance.

15 Trekkers Group: We form a manageable group size to ensure each trekker gets the attention and assistance he needs.

Weather Reporting: Our Base Camp team monitors weather conditions to make informed decisions regarding the trek’s safety.