01 ABOUT
All About The Gomukh & Tapovan Trek
Introduction
Basic Details of Gaumukh Tapovan Trek:
- The height of the trek: 14,250 feet
- Difficulty level: Moderate to Difficult
- Duration: 8days/7nights
- Trek distance: 23 Km (one way)
- Age group: 19-50 years
Highlights of Gaumukh Tapovan Trek:
- The trek trail is through the rare flora and fauna of the region.
- Witness the Magnificent peak of Bhagirathi from Chirbasa.
- Enjoy the camping and bonfire with your friends at the high summit and clear night sky.
- Trek trail full of serene sights of snowcapped mountain and valleys
- Trekking path through Chota Jhandidar and Bada Jhandidar.
- Trek through Bhojwassa which is in comparison to the Arctic Tundra Region
- Witness the Kriti and Meru glacier.
- Trek through Bhojwassa which is in comparison to the Arctic Tundra Region
How to Reach Gaumukh Tapovan Trek:
By Train:
- Nandadevi Express - Train no: 12205 (Departure 11:50pm; Arrival - 5:40am)
- Dehradun Express - Train no: 12687 (Departure - 9:10pm; Arrival - 5:00am)
- Take the overnight train to Dehradun from Delhi
By Air:
- Jolly Grant Airport is the airport serving Dehradun, located about 25 km from the city. There is a daily flight from Delhi to Dehradun
By Road:
Day 1 : Dehradun to Dharali
Dehradun early morning and drive straight to Dharali with stopages in between for breakfast and lunch (7-8hrs). Long drive but very scenic along the river Bhagirathi. We will reach Dharali by late afternoon. Ideal place to stop for acclimatization. Dharali is around 02kms from Harsil – very scenic village with apple orchards all around. It is believed that Bhagiratha had meditated here to bring the River Ganga from heaven to earth. Overnight at Camp
Day 02: Drive to Gangotri (3048m/ 1 hr) & Trek to Chirbasa (3548 m/ 5 hrs)
We will drive to Gangotri which will take 01 hr. Our team and porters would be waiting for us to start the trek. The walk begins with a gradual ascent through pine forests alongside the roaring Bhagirathi River with towering cliffs on the left. We pass a check post for the Gangotri Conservation Project. Chirbasa means home of pine trees! From here you get superb views of Manda peak (6511 m), Bhrigu Parbat (6000 m), Bhagirathi I, II and III ( 6856 m, 6512 m, & 6454 m respectively). Overnight in tents
Day 03: Trek from Chirbasa to Bhojbasa (3784 m/ 2hrs)
It is a two hour trek to Bhojbasa (3784 m) which has an ashram, a tourist guest house and a police outpost. Bhojbasa is named after birch (Bhojpatra) forests in the area. It is presently totally denuded of the Bhojpatra trees. Today, the dead woods of Birch remind us of the past glory of the Birch forest. Since the area has been declared as a National Park & the no of people entering the park has been restricted one can notice early signs of re-forestation. After lunch we walk up to Gaumukh, the snout of the river. Overnight in tents
Day 04: Trek from Bhojbasa to Tapovan (4463 m/ 5 hrs)
The trail from Bhojbasa to Gaumukh is a fairly gradual ascent. Today’s walk will feel strenuous with the combined effects of the altitude, the glacier crossing and the steep and rocky terrain on the final climb to Tapovan. Here the soaring peak of Shivling (6543 metres) comes into view. The trek begins over rocky boulders and becomes noticeably steep gradually over the rocky terrain. The glacier is covered by moraine so you do not need any technical equipment, although a steadying trekking pole is definitely handy. Take the last step up the steep rocky path to enter the Tapovan meadow and view the spectacular sight all around you. You are surrounded by the giants – Shivling, Meru, Manda, the Bhagirathi group, Kedardome, Kharchakund and many more. Overnight in tents.
Day 05 : Rest day in Tapovan
Day hikes to either Meru Glacier or towards Kirti Bamak glacier. Explore the Gangotri glacier and peaks around this area.
Day 06: Trek from Tapovan to Chirbasa (6 hours)
Rise early to see the spectacular sight of the sunrise on the surrounding 6000 metre peaks. Shivling is undoubtedly the star of the show, commanding instant attention as it soars dramatically into the sky, dwarfing its neighbours. Today we will retrace our steps to Chirbasa. A steep descent down to the glacier is followed by a rocky traverse of the glacier and a gradual descent to Chirbasa.
Day 07: Trek from Chirbasa to Gangotri and drive to Uttarkashi
It is a 3 hour trek from Chirbasa to Gangotri from where we have a 5 hour drive to Uttarkashi. We aim to get to kuflon Hideaway early enough so we can get our much needed hot showers and relax in the evening. Dinner & drinks by a soaring campfire is a great way to finish the trip. Overnight at Kuflon Hideaway.
Day 08: Drive from Uttarkashi to Dehradun (6hrs)
We set off for a long drive after having breakfast for drive to Dehradun.
- Transport from Haridwar @ 22000/- all inclusive AC medium car
- Insurance
- Water bottles for drinking during trek
- Alcohol, beverages, soft drinks etc
- Any other service not mentioned in inclusions
- Porter or Pony to carry any personal backpack
- Accommodation in good quality Alpine camps on double sharing basis
- All meals during the trek
- All applicable taxes
- Experienced trek guide, cooks, toilet tents, porters
- Forest entry fee and permit
- Basic first aid kid
- Trek equipment’s – Sleeping bags, mattresses, alpine shaped camps