Photo: indiantrekking.com
One of the most sacred rives for Hindu’s – Ganges originates at from a glacier, Gomukh at the Gangotri glacier. Not only famous for this sacred river, this Glacier is one of the most favorite trek for Mountaineers in India, known as Gaumukh Tapovan Trek. The Trek is an adventure for trek lovers as it gives experience in mountain climbing, rock climbing and glacier traverse.
The Trek takes you through various pleasant landscapes. The trek passes from orchard of coniferous pine trees at Chirbasa and birch at Bhojwassa. From Bhojwassa the trek further goes to Lanks and Gaumukh. During the trek the beautiful view of Heards of Blue mountain goats at bharal is a common sight giving a pleasant experience in the mountains. 4kms ahead of Bhojwassa is located Gaumukh Glacier from which the holy river – Ganges originates. The trek from Gaumukh to Nandanvan goes along the Gangotri glacier and Chatturangini glacier. From Nandanvan the magnificent view of prominent peaks namely – Shivling, Bhagirathi, Sudarshana, Thel, Kedar dome is worth every steep step in this trek. The trek from Nandanvan to Tapovan passes through a rocky landscape and as one climbs the view of the surrounding peaks is breathtaking.
Photo: iexperience.in
Duration of Trek: 12 days
Location: Garhwal Himalayas of Uttarakhand
Altitude: 4463 mts /14638 ft
Best Time to Visit: May – June & August – Mid Oct
Temperature: – Max 10-18°C and Min – 2 to 8°C
How to Reach:
By Road: – One can easily reach Haridwar or Rishikesh from Delhi via Road or By State Transport.
By Air: Jolly Grant Airport in Dheradun is the nearest airport.
By Rail: The nearest railway station is Haridwar Railway Station
Photo: hotelsinuttarkashi.in
Trek Route: Chirbasa -> Bhojwassa -> Tapovan
Itinerary –
Haridwar – Uttarkashi (1150m)
Uttarkashi – Harsil/Gangotri (3050m)
Gangotri – Bhojwassa (3800m)
Bhojwassa – Gaumukh – TAapovan (3890m)
Tapovan – Chirbassa (3600m)
Chirbassa – Gangotri – Bhojkharak (3750m)
Places to visit: Raghunath Mandir at Devprayag, Vishwanath temple on the banks of river Bhagirathi
Photo: dodital.com
Travel Tips:
- Take proper trekking gear when you are going on this trek. Make sure you have proper climbing equipment and some basic training before starting the trek.
- One has to be physically fit to be able to complete this trek
- Take good trekking shoes for the trek route might be slippery.
- Lot of warm clothes, jackets and wind shelters
- Sun glasses to protect from UV rays
- Carry LED torch with extra batteries
- Carry your personal medicine kit and first aid kit
