The Gaumukh Tapovan Trek leads trekkers to the source of the Ganges and onward to the vast alpine meadows of Tapovan. Rocky terrain, glacial moraines, and continuous altitude exposure define this trek.
At 4,500 metres, Tapovan offers breathtaking views of Shivling and Bhagirathi peaks. This trek is ideal for trekkers with prior Himalayan experience.
Note: Prices apply to Indian passport holders; foreign nationals may have different costs.
Note: An indemnity document will be shared before the trek.
Day 1: Dehradun to Uttarkashi (1550m)
Arrive at Haridwar in the morning or fly into Jolly Grant Airport. From there, it’s a scenic 7-hour drive to Uttarkashi, a charming town on the banks of the Bhagirathi River. You’ll check into your hotel and have the evening free to explore Uttarkashi or rest after the long journey.
Day 2: Uttarkashi to Gangotri to Chirbasa (3600m)
After breakfast, a 4-hour drive takes us to the holy town of Gangotri, where the trek begins. We visit the famous Gangotri temple before trekking along the Bhagirathi River. The path offers stunning views of the Bhagirathi peaks, leading us to Chirbasa, where we camp by the river.
Day 3: Chirbasa to Bhojbasa (3800m)
Today is a relatively easy 3-hour trek to Bhojbasa. The trail becomes more barren, with stunning open views of the surrounding peaks. You’ll have time to acclimatize and explore the area, preparing for the more challenging days ahead.
Day 4: Bhojbasa to Tapovan via Gaumukh (4500m)
Trek to Gaumukh Glacier, the sacred source of the Ganges, then cross the glacier and ascend to the stunning meadow of Tapovan. This challenging day is rewarded with breathtaking views of Shivling and Meru peaks.
Day 5: Rest Day at Tapovan (4500m)
Take a well-deserved rest at Tapovan, a serene alpine meadow surrounded by towering peaks. Explore the area or enjoy the peacefulness of the campsite.
Day 6: Tapovan to Chirbasa (3600m)
Begin your descent, retracing your steps back to Chirbasa. The 6-7 hour trek offers familiar but equally stunning views of the Bhagirathi peaks and surrounding landscape.
Day 7: Chirbasa to Gangotri to Uttarkashi
After a 4-hour trek back to Gangotri, board the vehicle and drive back to Uttarkashi for an overnight stay at the hotel, where you can relax and enjoy the comforts of civilization.
Day 8: Uttarkashi to Dehradun
After a relaxed morning, drive back to Dehradun (5 hours), where the trip concludes. You can either explore Dehradun or continue with your onward journey.
Transportation
Accommodation
Meals
Trek Leadership & Support Staff
Equipment & Safety
Permits & Fees
Additional Benefits
Travel & Transportation Outside Trek Itinerary
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Please read carefully before registering
At Boots & Crampons, preparation is not optional. The level of training required depends on the duration, altitude, and technical difficulty of the trek or expedition you are signing up for.
Proper preparation increases not just your chances of success, but also your safety and enjoyment in the mountains.
*Rental Gears Required*
Visit our Contracted Business Partner website – Summit Yak
for details on trek-specific rental gears and rates.
The trek includes river valleys, rocky trails, glacial moraines, and high alpine meadows, with continuous views of major Himalayan peaks.
Tapovan lies at approximately 4,500 metres, making this a serious high-altitude trek.
This trek is considered moderate to challenging, due to rocky terrain, altitude exposure, and long walking days.
Not recommended for beginners. Prior Himalayan trekking experience is strongly advised.
The trek generally lasts 6 to 7 days, with daily walking hours of 5 to 7 hours.
Good endurance, balance on rocky terrain, and ability to walk for multiple days at altitude are required.
➡️ Refer to the Preparation Guide for detailed fitness expectations.
Water from streams should be treated or purified before drinking.
Preparation should include cardio training, leg strength workouts, and hiking practice with a backpack.
➡️ Detailed preparation guidelines are in the Preparation Guide.
Boots & Crampons staff of highly trained professional guides is here to make your journey as safe and secure as possible. All of our trekking guides are medically certified and have abundant experience using their training in mountainous environments.
Our safety standards are based on the experiences of our founder, managing risk in some of the world’s most hostile environments.
While we advise our trekkers to carry light, our guides are always prepared with:
Be it queries about the trek, customization or anything else, our team is eager to assist you.
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