Gomukh Tapovan Trek

Area: Garhwal Himalaya
Season : May - June & August - Oct
Altitude: 4463 mts /14638 ft
Grade: Moderate to Tough
Duration : 13 days

Interoduction :

The Holy River Ganges is the most sacred river in the Hindu religion and its source at Gomukh on the Gangotri glacier and many other peaks. Gomukh is one of the holiest places for Hindu pilgrims who come here to witness the birth of Mother Ganga. The trek takes you to Gomukh (cows mouth), the mythological source of the River Ganges, which is at the snout of the Gangotri glacier.

Day 01 : Depart from Your Country

Board overnight flight to Delhi. Arrive Delhi by early morning & transfer to hotel. Overnight stay.

Day 02 : Delhi - Haridwar - Rishikesh

In the morning after breakfast drive to Rishikesh via Haridwar. Upon arrival at Rishikesh check in to hotel. Evening free to explore the area. Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.
Haridwar: Haridwar is the gateway to the four pilgrimages of Uttaranchal. It's also starting point on the journey to the sacred sources of the Ganga and the Yamuna Rivers. According to legend, Prince Bhagirath performed penance here to salvage the souls of his ancestors who had perished due to Sage Kapila's curse. The penance was answered and the river Ganga trickled forth from Lord Shiva's locks and its bountiful water revived the sons of King Sagara. In the tradition of Bhagirath, devout Hindus stand in the sacred waters here, praying for the salvation of their ancestors.
The holy city of Haridwar is home to some of the most sacred Hindu rituals. Round the year, devotees from all over the country flock here in their thousands to perform "Poojas" or prayers. Renowned for the "Maha Kumbh Mela" which appears Every 12 years and the enchanting "Aarti" at "Har Ki Pauri" which captives the beholder with hundreds of burning wick lamps floating down the Ganges this town has been distinguished for centuries in the Indian society.

Day 03 : Rishikesh - Uttarkashi (175 kms/5-6 hrs)

Morning after breakfast proceed for Uttarkashi (1150 mts), which takes 5-6 hrs drive. Upon arrival check-in at Hotel. Evening free to explore the surrounding by your own. Overnight stay at hotel.
Uttarkashi is the principle town in the region. Nehru Institute of Mountaineering is situated here. It is also the gateway to many mountaineering and trekking expedition in Gangotri area.

Day 04 : Uttarkashi - Gangotri (3048 mts/10,000 ft) Drive (95 kms).

Morning after breakfast drive to reach Gangotri via Harsil (approx 25 km before Gangotri (3048 mt) by covering approx 95 km in 4-5 hrs. On arrival check-into Hotel. Overnight stay.
There is a beautiful Gorge at Bhairon Ghati over which there is a steel guarder bridge. Gangotri is the place where the Goddess Ganga descended on Earth from Heaven. There is a Temple of Goddess Ganga where thousands of devotees throng to pay homage to her.
Gangotri: The shrine of Gangotri is situated at an elevation of 3200 m surrounded by deodars and pines. The original temple was constructed by the Gorkha General Amar Singh Thapa. Every year people from all around the world visit this shrine. A number of ashrams and dharamshalas are located on the other side of the river. It is believed that Raja Bhagirath used to worship Shiva on a slab of rock "Bhagirath Shila" situated near the temple. Submerged in the river there is a natural Shivling where, according to mythology, Lord Shiva sat when he received the Goddess Ganga in his matted locks. A days trek takes one to Gomukh, the source of the mighty Ganges.

Day 05 : Gangotri (3048 mts/10000 ft) - Bhojwassa (3792 mts/12440 ft) 13 kms trek/5-6 hrs)

Morning after breakfast we commands our trek further to Bhojwassa via Chirbasa (3600mt). From Gangotri we move along the beaten track towards Chirbasa, which is on tree line. The entire trek today is along the roaring Bhagirathi River. Beyond Chirbasa the terrain becomes really desolate and barren. In fact, it has been referred to as Artic Tundra by many trekkers. From Chirbasa we trek further to Bhojwassa, the entire trail passes through dense forest, Arrive Bhojwassa; there is a small temple and a potential campsite near down the river. We make our camp near river side. Afternoon free to explore the area and to enjoy excellent sunset on Bhagirathi group of peaks. Dinner and overnight stay in tents.

Day 06 : Bhojwassa - Gomukh (3890 mts/12760 ft) - Tapovan (4463 mts / 14640 ft)

Early in the Morning enjoy the panoramic view of Bhagirathi group of peaks. After breakfast trek to Gomukh (3890mt), the source of the Ganges. Gomukh is where the water of Ganga trickles down from the glaciers. The sages called it 'Gomukh', because in the distant past, it probably appeared like a cow's mouth. Explore the area and trek to Tapovan, one of the finest high altitude alpine meadows in the area. The trek from Gomukh to Tapovan is ascent steep, and as we climb, the view of the surrounding peaks becomes clearer. The appear to be just a stone's throw away. Tapovan known for its beautiful meadows that encircle the base camp of the Shivling peak, Tapovan is a very pleasant surprised spot with a large meadow complete with bubbling streams, wildflowers and campsites. Herds of Bharal (blue mountain goats) are a common sight from here on mountain ridges. On the far side of the glacier the Bhagirathi I, II, III (6454mt), provide an equally impressive backdrop. It is also the little wonder where Sadhus and saints choose this spot for extended meditation during the long summer month. Arrive Tapovan and camp. Dinner and overnight stay in camp.
Gomukh: The Gomukh glacier is the source of Bhagirathi (Ganges) and is held in high esteem by the devout who do not miss the opportunity to have a holy dip in the bone chilling icy water.
Tapovan: Tapovan is an ideal location for the tourists looking for peace and adventure. Tapovan is located on an altitude of 4463m / 14640ft above sea level. Tapovan is base camp for Shivlinga peak in Uttrakhand hills. One can also have a nice view of Bhagirathi peaks from Tapovan Meadow. Every year this place has been visited by thousands of tourist including foreigners for adventure activity like mountaineering & trekking.

Day 07 : Tapovan (4463 mts / 14640 ft)

Free to acclimatize, relax and enjoy the magnificent snow clapped peaks, flora & Fauna and mountain landscape. Dinner and overnight stay at the camp.

Day 08 : Tapovan - Nandanvan (Trek 4-5 hrs)

We trace back to Nandan van via Gomukh glacier. The route from Tapovan leads from the upper section of the meadow till down and onto the glacier. From Gomukh turn towards Nandanvan (4340m) and steering on right one will be on top of the Gangotri glacier. The glacier runs between two ranges and the landslides make a layer of rocky moraine on the ice which makes the walking easier. The glacier walk is very slippery and a slight lack of concentration would be dangerous. Huge crevasses gaped here and there. After a walking for about a kilometer there is a vertical ascent. Big rocks enroute offer grips and foot - holds but many of them are deceptive too. Dinner and overnight stay in tents.

Day 09 : Nandanvan - Bhojwassa (Trek 4-5 hrs)

Early morning enjoy the sunrise on high peaks. After breakfast trek down to Bhojwassa. Arrive Bhojwassa and camp. Dinner and overnight stay at the camp.

Day 10 : Bhojwassa - Gangotri (Trek 4-5 hrs)

Morning after breakfast trek down to Gangotri, Dinner and overnight stay at the camp.

Day 11 : Gangotri - Uttarkashi

In the morning after breakfast drive to Uttarkashi. On arrival check in to hotel. Overnight stay.

Day 12 : Uttarkashi - Haridwar - Delhi

Morning after breakfast drive to Haridwar. On arrival transfer to railway station to catch AC train for Delhi at 18:05 hrs. Arrival at Delhi by 22:45 hrs and then transfer to hotel. Overnight stay.

Day 13: Delhi Departure

Transfer to international airport according to your flight schedule.

Price of this tour in US $ P.p

US $ 965

• Train ticket: AC Train ticket from Delhi to Haridwar & back.
• Accommodation: Hotel in Uttarkashi and Guest House in Gangotri on breakfast basis. While on trek we will provide you Dome/Alpine trekking tents on twin sharing basis. Sleeping bag, Camping mattresses, camping stool etc would be provided.
• Transport: Toyota Innova / Toyota Qualis from Haridwar to Gangotri & Back.Also tranfer in Delhi.
• Meals: In Delhi,Haridwar,Uttarkashi, Gangotri only brekfast will serve. While on trek all meal will be provided. All meals will be freshly prepared and will be a mix of Indian, Chinese & Continental.
• Mules/Porters: For carrying camping equipment, rations, vegetables and some amount of personal gear of the clients (one bag not weighing more than 15 kgs).
• Professional trekking guide and kitchen staff would accompany the group
• Entry fee for the park

Cost does not Includes:

• Air fare
• Air fare
• Any charges for carrying still/video cameras etc.
• Alcohol, soft drinks, bottled water, beverages, etc.
• Personal expenses like tips, telephone calls, laundry, etc.
• Any meals/services not mentioned above
• Any costs arising out of unforeseen circumstances like landslides, road blocks, bad weather, etc.
• Travel insurance