'Fixed departures' are assured departures that will start on the given date as per the given itinerary.
From Dehradun we drive to Gangnani via Uttarkashi. Gangnani is known for the natural hot water spring baths it has. We can also drive till Gangotri on this day itself. We stay at a guesthouse overnight.
On this day, we start our trek from Gangotri to Chirbasa (3,650 m). From Gangotri we move along the beaten trail 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 Arctic Tundra by many trekkers. From Chirbasa we trek further to Bhojwassa, the entire trail passes through dense forest. In Bhojbasa there is a small temple and a potential campsite near the river. In afternoon we are free to explore the area and to enjoy excellent sunset on Bhagirathi group of peaks.
Early in the morning enjoy the panoramic view of Bhagirathi group of peaks. After breakfast we trek to Gaumukh (3,890 m), the source of the Ganges. We explore the area and trek to Tapovan, one of the finest high altitude alpine meadows in the area. The trek from Gaumukh to Tapovan has steep ascent, and as we climb, the view of the surrounding peaks becomes clearer. They appear to be just a stone's throw away. It is also a little wonder why Sadhus and saints choose this spot for extended meditation during the long summer months.
This day is free for us to acclimatize, relax and enjoy the magnificent snow-capped peaks, flora, fauna, and mountain landscape. This land is frequented by some of the greatest contemporary mountaineers. The Shivling peak stands tall in front of us. Behind Shivling, towards the right is Meru. A little towards the left of Shivling, is Sumeru. The Bhagirathi peaks are visible further to the left. Bhagirathi III, Meru (Central Peak) and Sumeru have some of the hardest climbing routes in the world. We can visit the Meru Glacier and return to our campsite.
Early in the morning we enjoy the sunrise on high peaks. After breakfast we trek down to Bhojbasa.
We trek to Gangotri in the morning. Dinner and overnight stay at a guesthouse.
Early morning after breakfast, we drive back to Dehradun and arrive by evening.
When humans set their feet and eyes on the Himalaya, it is a romantic meeting between the Earth´s youngest species and the earth´s youngest mountain. As the Himalayan mountains have developed on Earth, the evolution of humans has also been accompanied by the making of an inner Himalaya. Every human has a Himalaya within himself or herself. It is the peak of human potential and challenge as well as a place of silence and peace. Our Journey started in the humble roots & persistent efforts of an authentic mountain trek leader, Bachan Rana, who founded Himalaya Shelter, after he had to forego his long journey as a Trek Leader at one of the finest Outdoor Activities organizer in India, in 2013, following Kedarnath Disaster which led to dwindling tourist influx, crippling the tourism sector in Uttarakhand.
A. Booking Terms
1. If booked more than 30 days before the trip start date, advance of 10% of the total booking value is payable at the time of booking. Balance amount shall be paid no later than 30 days before the trip start date.
2. If booked less than 30 days prior to the trip start date, the full booking value is due at the time of booking.
3. If the due amounts are not paid as per the payment schedule, bookings shall stand cancelled.
B. Cancellation Policy
1. If cancelled more than 30 days before the trip start date, the advance shall be refunded net of a 5% transaction fee.
2. If cancelled after full payment between 30 to 15 days before the trip start date, 25% cancellation fee of the total booking value.
3. If cancelled less than 15 days prior to the trip start date, the booking amount shall not be refundable.
In the event you opt for Refundable Booking, click here to read the terms and conditions for claiming a refund.
C. Changes to and / or cancellation of trips
Itineraries shown are based on information available at the time of planning and are subject to change. The operators reserve the right to change expedition / trek / package dates, people or itineraries as conditions warrant. If a trip must be delayed or the itinerary changed due to bad weather, road conditions, transportation delays, government intervention, airline schedules, sickness, or other contingency for which the operator or its agents cannot make provision, the cost of delays and/or other changes are the responsibility of the participant. The operator reserves the right to decline, or accept, any individual as a trip member for any reason whatsoever.
*for 15 pax
The Gaumukh Tapovan Trek is one of the most preferred and oft-trekked routes by the Indian hikers and trekkers. You should also embark on the Gaumukh Tapovan Trek if you want to satiate your inner callings to visit sacred sites and ancient pilgrimage centers apart from the fantastic adventure experience that this trek offers. You can also do the Gaumukh Tapovan Trek solo. Enchanting views of Mt. Shivling and the Bhagirathi Sisters, forming a massif, bordering this region is enough for you to embark on this trek. And if that is not enough, then there lies the highest-altitude grassland of Tapovan and the second-largest Indian glacier-Gaumukh. The latter is the origin of the holy Ganges.
The Gaumukh Tapovan Trek best time lies around the pre-monsoon/summers and the post-monsoons/autumns. The summer season stretches from mid-May to the end-June and offers daytime temperatures of 15 to 20 degrees Celsius near Gangotri, but the campsites might be colder. There could be occasional occurrences of precipitation as the weather is unpredictable. Thus you should always be prepared for early-monsoon or late-spring rainfall. On the other hand, the post-monsoon/autumn season that stretches from mid-September to the end of October is a little colder but has a more stable weather condition. Till Chirbasa, the forest section offers you natural insulation. After this point, you encounter a drastic change in temperature between the day and the night, around 15 degrees Celsius during the day and 3 to 0 degrees Celsius at night.
The Gaumukh Tapovan Trek has been rated moderate to difficult by most of the experienced trekkers and hikers. The sheer gain in altitude increases the difficulty level of the trek, though the trail is mostly straightforward. The round course starts and ends at Gangotri, taking you across 46 kilometers and a height of 4463 meters over eight days. Amongst those eight days, at least one day is reserved for high-altitude acclimatization. You can also stay at picturesque campsites in Chirbasa and beyond, which is included in the Gaumukh Tapovan Trek cost if you travel with reputed tour operators and travel agencies.
Like other treks that fit beginners and first-time trekkers can attempt, the Gaumukh Tapovan Trek can also be done by them. You need to prepare yourself physically and mentally well in advance for the trek. The physical preparation includes custom training and fitness regime like brisk walking, running across undulating topography, jogging, cycling, swimming, etc., amongst other indoor and outdoor activities.
Like all other high-altitude adventures, you should concentrate on getting yourself a pair of sturdy, well-made hiking boots with defined ankles and good grips. Apart from this, a good-quality, sturdy walking stick is one of the essential items to carry. A 50-60-liter backpack, 20-30 liter daypack for offloading purposes, warm clothes consisting of a couple of full-sleeved quick-dry shirts, insulation layers- 2 light fleece layers and one light, full-sleeve sweater, an outer, regular padded/shell jacket, raincoats/ponchos, windcheaters and a pair of quality hiking pants made from the same quick-dry, waterproof material as your full-sleeved shirts should be in you packing list.
You should also carry other essentials, including a pair of sunglasses for UV protection, suncap, balaclava, synthetic and woolen hand gloves, a few pairs of underwear, extra pairs of socks, sports bra (for women), rain cover for the backpack, essential toiletries like biodegradable soaps, excess toilet paper, and wet wipes, sunscreen, lip balm, moisturizers, personal medicines, and a first-aid kit. The best thing to do is carrying your own water bottles and hydration packs to avoid littering the serene Himalayan sceneries with disposable plastic bottles.
If you face any emergency during any adventures in Uttarakhand and the northern parts of the country, you should contact the following:
- Uttarakhand Glacier burst helpline- 1070/9557444486
- Police: 112
- Ambulance: 108/102
- Fire: 101
- Child helpline: 1098
- Women helpline: 1090
- NDMA (Disaster management): 1070/1078/9711077372
- Anti poison helpline- 011-1066 (Delhi)
Is something not as per your expectation after your trip has started?
Bucket 
List with us
