Gaumukh Tapovan Trek trek itinerary — day by day route map

Detailed Route

Gaumukh Tapovan Trek — Detailed Route

Duration

7 Days

Total Distance

48 KM

Max Altitude

14,640 FT

Trek Type

circuit

Altitude Profile

TREK / CAMP

DRIVE

SUMMIT

Dashed = Vehicle Segment

Points show end-of-day camp altitude. Summit days show peak altitude reached.

Day by Day Breakdown

Day 1

10 Hrs

242 KM

drive

10,200 FT

DehradunGangotri

Drive: Dehradun to Gangotri

Pick up from Dehradun at 6:00 AM. Long drive into the deep Garhwal. Harsil is a famous stop for its apple orchards. Gangotri is a holy town at 10,200ft. Night stay in a hotel. First stage of acclimatization is critical here.

Key Landmarks

MussoorieTehri Dam ViewpointUttarkashiHarsil ValleyGangotri Temple

Day 2

4 Hrs

—

explore

10,200 FT

GangotriGangotri

Acclimatization Day at Gangotri

Short hike to Surya Kund and Pandav Gufa (3km). Visit the evening Aarti at the temple. Drink plenty of water. This day helps prevent AMS on the steep climb to Bhojbasa.

Key Landmarks

Surya KundBhagirathi RiverPandav GufaGangotri Temple Aarti

Day 3

6 Hrs

9 KM

trek

11,811 FT

GangotriChirbasa

Trek: Gangotri to Chirbasa

Trek begins at the forest check-post. The trail follows the Bhagirathi river upstream. Gradual uphill on a well-marked path. Chirbasa (meaning 'Home of Pines') is a scenic campsite with clear views of the Bhagirathi peaks.

Key Landmarks

National Park Entry GateSudershan Peak viewsPine (Chir) forests

Staying At

Chirbasa

Day 4

3 Hrs

5 KM

trek

12,450 FT

ChirbasaBhojbasa

Trek: Chirbasa to Bhojbasa

A shorter trek to aid acclimatization. Terrain becomes more rocky and barren as you exit the tree line. Bhojbasa is the last forest department outpost. Night stay in tents or the GMVN guesthouse.

Key Landmarks

Bhojpatra (Birch) forestsGanesh Gufa viewMt. Shivling first view

Staying At

Bhojbasa

Day 5

8 Hrs

10 KM

trek

14,600 FT

BhojbasaTapovan

Summit Day: Bhojbasa to Gaumukh, Trek to Tapovan

Trek to Gaumukh (4km), the source of Ganga. From there, cross the Gangotri glacier moraine. The final climb to Tapovan is a steep 2km ascent on rocks and scree. Tapovan is a high-altitude meadow at the very foot of Mt. Shivling. Most beautiful campsite in the Himalayas.

Key Landmarks

Gaumukh Glacier SnoutAkash Ganga streamMt. Shivling BaseMt. MeruBhagirathi I, II, III

Staying At

Tapovan

Day 6

Hrs

—

explore

14,600 FT

TapovanTapovan

Exploration: Tapovan (Neel Tal & Shivling Base)

Spend the day exploring the vast meadows. Many sadhus live here in caves. Close-up views of Mt. Shivling (The Matterhorn of India). Best day for mountain photography.

Key Landmarks

Neel Tal (Blue Lake)Shivling Basecamp areaMeru Peak glaciers

Staying At

Tapovan

Day 7

7 Hrs

14 KM

trek

11,811 FT

TapovanChirbasa

Trek: Tapovan back to Chirbasa

Descend back through the glacier moraine. Use extreme caution on the steep section below Tapovan. Reach Chirbasa for the night.

Day 8

12 Hrs

9 KM

mixed

2,100 FT

ChirbasaDehradun

Trek to Gangotri, Drive to Dehradun

Trek back to Gangotri (3 hrs). Drive 10 hrs back to Dehradun. Reach by 10 PM. End of a spiritual and technical journey.

Trek Extensions & Add-ons

Nandanvan Base Camp

+2 Days

Cross the Gangotri glacier from Tapovan to reach Nandanvan for a closer view of Bhagirathi peaks.

Day by day, camp by camp. Send this to your group so everyone's on the same page.

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