Gangotri Gaumukh Tapovan

Starting from Delhi or Rishikesh we drive to Gangotri - the most scenic Dham (pilgrimage site) route in the Garhwal Himalayas. Arriving at Gangotri we commence our trek as we walk through the lush rhododendron forests and alpine pastures to visit Gaumukh (cow snout). River Ganges gushes out here from the glacier snout overlooked by Shivling (6,543 m). While crossing the glacier slopes that lead to the vast meadow at Tapovan, surrounded by magnificient peaks Bhagirathi, Shivling, Meru and much more. Spending few days doing glacier trekking to base of Meru finally descent to Gangotri and drive back to Uttarkashi - Rishikesh - Delhi
Outline itinerary
Day 1 Delhi - Rishikesh, 230 kms, 6-7 hrs drive.
Day 2 Drive Rishikesh - Uttarkashi 148 kms
Day 3 Drive Uttarkashi - Gangotri (3050m), 101 kms, 5 hrs. Trek Gangotri - Chirbasa (3600m) 4 hrs
Day 4 Trek to Bhujbasa (3800m), 5 hrs.
Day 5 Trek Bhujbasa - Gaumukh (3900m) - Tapovan (4,463m), 12 kms. 4-5 hrs.
Day 6 Trek to Kirti Bamak - Tapovan.
Day 7 Trek Tapovan - Nandan Van (4500m), 10 kms.
Day 8 Trek to Chirbasa (3600m). 6-7 hrs
Day 9 Trek to Gangotri 3 hrs, Drive to Uttarkashi 4 hrs.
Day 10 Drive to Rishikesh or Dehradun. 5-6 hrs. ?Drive to Rishikehs/Delhi or Dehradun/Chandigarh. Fly home.
Leaving Delhi drive to Rishikesh 6 hrs approx... Rishikesh the most famous meditation and spiritual centre. Situated on the banks of river Ganges. Surrounded by Shivalik range of lower Himalayas on three side. Also it’s the starting point of all four sacred shrines. Check into hotel evening visit surrounding of RishiKesh: Laxman Jula and Ashrams. Overnight hotel.
Morning after breakfast drive to Uttarkashi (1885 M) by covering approx. 148 kms in 7 hrs. The road climbs up steadily to Srinagar and then onwards steeply. Overnight stay in Hotel.
Morning after breakfast drive to reach Gangotri (4038 M) by covering approx. 101 kms in 5 hrs. En-route visit the Gangotri hot springs. There is a beautiful Gorge at Bhairav Ghati. With its famous Goddess GANGA, temple at Gangotri only inhabits during summer time. A boulder mark the spot where King Bhagirathi beseeched the goddess to descent to Earth. Temple dedicated to Ganga rises above the river. We explore around Gangotri. Today trek to the source of Ganges. And follow a well-defined trail of this pilgrimage route to Gangotri glacier. Enroute we stop for lunch at Chirbasa was once a heavily forested area of Chir tree.
Continue trek Bhujbasa following the river Bhagirathi. Now we cross on a loose boulder a descent to Bhujbasa which named after a Bhuj tree. Enroute a magnificent view of Bhagirathi group of peak. Overnight stay in camp.
Today a fascinating day of trek to Gaumukh the source of river Ganges. we will have the glimpse of Bhagirathi massif rising above 6500 mtrs. While the scene around is fascinating to see a Sadhu meditating half naked, pilgrims praying all around. Arrive at Gaumukh (cow mouth ) than cross the Gangotri glacier , climbing steadily arrive a meadows at Tapovan.Tapovan an open grassland and base camp of Mount Shivaling (6450m), and Meru (6660m). Overnight camp at Tapovan.
Today an early start from camp to full day trek to Kirti Bamak glacier. Finally an impressive view of Meru, Thalay Sagar, Kedarnath, Kedardome and many other peaks. The most interesting point of view is Shivling. Finally retrace back to camp.
After breakfast, ascent towards Nandan Van along the left side of Gangotri glacier. The trek is little steep and challanging. Overnight camp.
Retrace back to Chirbasa.
Early departure from camp to Gangotri and further drive to Uttarkashi. Overnight in hotel.
Drive to Rishikesh or Dehradun. 5-6 hrs. ?Drive to Rishikehs/Delhi or Dehradun/Chandigarh. Fly home.
It has been a very good journey. Kedarnath and Gaumukh are very beautiful at impressive locations. Many thanks for your organization and everything, what you have done for us.
Trip info
TRIP FACTS
Activity - Trekking & hiking
Region: Uttarakhan - India
Difficulty level - Moderate
Max Altitude - 4800 meters
Max sleeping altitude - 4460 meters
Lowest trek altitude - 3050 meters
Trip Length - 10 days Delhi to Delhi
7 days trekking
6 nights camping
3 nights hotel
Best time - Mid June to Oct
PHOTOS
https://goo.gl/photos/FqbVxmJVsTa7985WA (351 items)