Gangotri is a holy destination in India and one of the four Char Dhams in Uttarakhand. According to Indian mythology goddess Ganga descended from heaven on earth via Lord Shiva’s hair locks on this place. Situated at the altitude of 3048 metre above sea level, river Bhagirathi flows by its side and the holy temple of goddess Ganga is its centre. You can see natural rocky Shivling at Gangotri submerged in river and they are easily visible during winters when the water level decreases.
The holy river Ganga originates at the Gaumukh glacier which is around 18 km from Gangotri and the trek to Gaumukh offers visuals of the Himalayan ice capped mountains and its flora and fauna. The Gangotri Kapath opens in the month of April and closes at the onset of winters and remains close till the next cycle as the area gets heavy snowfall. The glacier is named Gaumukh after the resemblance of the river’s outlet with a cow’s face (“Gau” means cow and “mukh” means face). Gaumukh glacier is around 30 km in length and 3-4km wide. After the Siachen glacier Gaumukh is the second largest glacier in India.
The Gangotri Gomukh is a moderate 8 days trek at the maximum altitude of 4463 meters and is available from April to early November.
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival at Rishikesh
On arrival at Rishikesh, stay at the local hotel and visit the Ganga Ghat, temples and explore the city.
Day 2: Rishikesh to Uttarkashi (around 170km drive, 4-5 hours)
After the tiring road trip, relax at the hotel/guest house reserved for you and meet your trekking team. Roam around the town and mix with its culture and climate. This place is very famous for Vishwanath temple and Nehru Institute of Mountaineering. It is also the main town of many mountaineering and trekking expedition in Gangotri region.
Day 3: Uttarkashi to Gangotri (3048m/10,000ft, around 95km drive, 2-3 hours)
After breakfast, drive to Gangotri and check into hotel. Relax for the day and you will be escorted to the evening ceremony of Gangotri temple and evening Arti of Bhagirathi River.
Day 4: Gangotri to Bhojwassa (3792m/12440ft, 13 km trek, 6-7 hours)
After breakfast start trek to Bhojwassa via Chirbasa (3600m/11811ft). From Gangotri we trek uphill along the beaten trek towards Chirbasa. The trek passes through beautiful landscapes of the Himalayan ranges. This whole trek is along the Bhagirathi River. The camp at Bhojwassa looks up to the Gaumukh glacier and has magnificent views of the mountain peaks. It is also surrounded by small temples and one can easily meditate in the peaceful environment. We make our camp near river side and enjoy excellent sunset on Bhagirathi’s ranges. Dinner and overnight stay in tents.
Day 5: Bhojwassa to Gaumukh (3890m/12760ft) to Tapovan (4463m/14640ft)
Witness the breath-taking sunrise from the Himalayan ranges. After breakfast we trek to Gomukh (3890m). Gaumukh is a massive glacier which feeds the perennial Bhagirathi River. This place has a great religious significance and a dip in the water is considered very holy. After having a holy dip trek further to Tapovan, one of the finest high altitude alpine meadows in the area. The trek from Gomukh to Tapovan is steep ascent, and as we climb, the view of the surrounding peaks becomes clearer and more majestic. Tapovan is known for its beautiful meadows that encircle the base camp of the Shivling peak. It is a very pleasant spot with a large meadow with bubbling streams, wildflowers and campsites. The place is surrounded by Himalayan peaks like Shivling, Thalay Sagar, Meru, Bhagirathi III and many others. Here we can also see the Himalayan animals and birds like Monal, Bharal (blue mountain goats) and Himalayan Thar. We pitch our tent at Tapovan. Dinner and overnight stay in tent.
Day 6: Tapovan (4463m/14640ft) (Day of relaxation)
The day is to explore the campsite and its nearby attractions like the Himalayan ranges, its flora and fauna and Kirti and Meru glaciers. You can relax, roam around, meditate and capture the whole scene in your body and soul.
Day 7: Tapovan to Chirbasa (Trek 13 km, 5-6 hours)
We descend and trek down to Chirbasa from Tapovan. Stay overnight and camp at Chirbasa.
Day 8: Chirbasa to Gangotri (Trek 4-5 hours) to Uttarkashi to Rishikesh
After trekking down from Chirbasa to Gangotri, we drive back to Rishikesh. Stay overnight at hotel/guesthouse in Rishikesh.
Day 9: Return from Rishikesh
After the morning breakfast you depart from Rishikesh
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