Gaumukh Tapovan Trek
8 Days
41 Km
14,203 ft
18+
Difficult
The Gaumukh Tapovan Trek is a breathtaking high-altitude trek in Uttarakhand, leading to the source of the Ganges River at Gaumukh Glacier (13,200 ft) and the stunning Tapovan Meadow (14,640 ft). The trek offers a mix of spiritual significance, thrilling adventure, and panoramic Himalayan views of peaks like Shivling, Bhagirathi, and Meru. Passing through dense forests, glacial moraines, and vast meadows, this trek is ideal for those seeking divine energy and raw Himalayan beauty.
Highlights
- Sacred Source of the Ganges – Witness the Gaumukh Glacier, where the holy Ganga River originates.
- Majestic Himalayan Peaks – Get close-up views of Mt. Shivling (6,543 m), Bhagirathi, and Meru.
- Scenic & Diverse Terrain – Trek through dense forests, glacial moraines, and high-altitude meadows.
- Spiritual & Mythological Significance – A pilgrimage route for saints and devotees seeking divine energy.
- Tapovan – A High-Altitude Wonderland – Experience one of the most beautiful Himalayan meadows, ideal for meditation and exploration.
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Gaumukh Tapovan Trek
Complete Trek Information
The best time for the Gaumukh Tapovan Trek is from May to June and September to October. Summers (May-June) offer pleasant weather with clear mountain views, while post-monsoon (September-October) provides crisp air, golden landscapes, and excellent visibility. Winters (November-April) bring extreme cold and heavy snowfall, making the trek inaccessible. Due to landslides and challenging trail conditions, monsoons (July-August) should be avoided.
By Train
Dehradun Railway Station (DDN) is well-connected to major cities across India.
Popular Trains:
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From Delhi: The Shatabdi Express and Nanda Devi Express offer frequent services.
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From Mumbai: The Dehradun Express connects Mumbai to Dehradun.
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From Kolkata: The Doon Express operates from Kolkata to Dehradun.
From the railway station, you can hire a taxi, take an auto-rickshaw, or use local buses to reach your destination within Dehradun.
By Bus
Dehradun is well-connected by road, with several state-run and private buses operating from major cities.
- From Delhi: Buses from ISBT Kashmere Gate include Volvo, deluxe, and semi-deluxe options. The journey takes around 6-7 hours.
- From Chandigarh: Regular bus services take about 5-6 hours.
- From Haridwar/Rishikesh: Frequent buses make the 1.5-2 hour journey.
Buses typically arrive at Dehradun’s ISBT. From there, you can hire a taxi, auto-rickshaw, or take local buses to reach your desired location within the city.
By Flight
Jolly Grant Airport (DED) is located about 30 kilometers from Dehradun city center.
Connecting Flights: There are regular flights from major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and Bangalore.
- From Delhi: Several daily flights by airlines such as IndiGo, SpiceJet, and Air India.
- From Mumbai: Direct flights available.
- From Bangalore: Direct and connecting flights available.
From the airport, you can hire a taxi or use airport shuttle services to reach Dehradun. The drive takes approximately 45 minutes to an hour.
Pack smart, trek safe!
Ensure you're prepared for every adventure with this essential checklist of gear and supplies. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned trekker, the right equipment makes all the difference. Download checklist's pdf here
Basic Gear
| Backpack with Rain Cover | (40 - 50 ltr) Comfortable Shoulder Straps |
| Day pack with Rain Cover | 20 - 30 ltr (If off-load opted) |
| Walking stick | Advisable (At least one) |
| Water Bottle / Hydration pack | 2 Bottles(1 liter each), Hydration Pack 1 (Pack) + Bottle |
| Small size tiffin/lunch box | 1 Nos |
| Snacks | Energy bars, dry fruits, electral/ors |
| Personal Medical Kit | Consult your doctor |
Clothing
| T-Shirt (Synthetic quick dry) | 1 Full & 1 Half sleeves |
| Fleece T-shirt | 1 Nos |
| Wind stopper / Fleece jacket | 1 Nos |
| Windproof Jacket | 1 Nos |
| Down feather / Hollow jacket | 1 Nos |
| Thermal inner (Upper and Lower) | 1 Nos |
| Trek Pant (Synthetic quick dry) | 1 Nos |
| Wind stopper / Fleece Pant | Not required |
| Waterproof gloves | Not required |
| Fleece / woollen gloves | 1 Pair |
| Poncho / waterproof Jacket and pant | 1 Nos |
Head Gears
| Head torch | 1 Nos. (Avoid Hand torch) |
| Sun cap | 1 Nos. (One that covers the neck as well) |
| Woolen cap | 1 Nos. |
| Balaclava | Not required |
| Buff / Neck-gaiters | 1 Nos |
| Sunglasses | UV with dark side cover, People who wear spectacles - (A)- Use contact lenses | (B)- Photo chromatic glasses |
Foot Gears
| Trekking shoes | 1 Pair (Waterproof, high ankle with good grip) |
| Floaters / flip-flops | 1 Pair |
| Cotton socks | 6 pairs |
| Woollen socks | 1 pairs |
| Gaiters | 1 Pair (TTH provides when required) |
| Micro spikes | 1 Pair (TTH provides when required) |
Personal Utilities
| Sunscreen cream | 1 Nos |
| Moisturiser | 1 Nos |
| Chap-stick / Lip balm | 1 Nos |
| Toothbrush and toothpaste | 1 Nos |
| Toilet paper & Wipes | 1 Nos |
| Soap / hand sanitizers | 1 Nos |
| Antibacterial powder | 1 Nos |
| Quick dry towel | 1 Nos |
At Scoutripper, we understand that plans can change. You can reschedule your booking up to 24 hours before your experience begins. Changes are subject to availability and any applicable price adjustments. Rest easy knowing your adventure is flexible!
At Scoutripper, we value flexibility but also adhere to clear cancellation guidelines:
- Full Refund: Cancel at least 6 full days before the experience starts.
- 50% Refund: Cancel between 2 and 6 full days before the start time.
- No Refund: Cancellations made less than 2 full days before the experience start time will not be refunded.
Additionally:
- Changes are not accepted less than 2 full days before the experience begins.
- Cut-off times are based on the local time of the experience.
- Some experiences require a minimum number of participants. If the minimum isn’t met, you’ll receive a full refund or the option to reschedule.
Enjoy peace of mind with our clear and transparent policies!
ATM Availability:
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Last ATM: Uttarkashi (ATMs available, but cash runs out quickly).
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Best Option for Cash Withdrawals: Dehradun (more reliable).
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Carry Rs 4,000 - 5,000 for transport, rental gear deposits, and personal expenses.
Mobile Network & Internet:
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Good Network Until Gangotri (Airtel, BSNL, and Jio).
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Beyond Gangotri: Spotty or no connectivity on the trek.
Electricity:
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Gangotri: Last point with uninterrupted power supply.
Beyond Gangotri: No electricity – bring:
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Extra camera batteries
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Power bank (10,000+ mAh)
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Keep batteries warm in your sleeping bag to prevent fast draining.
FAQs about
Gaumukh Tapovan Trek
The Gaumukh Tapovan Trek is located in the Garhwal Himalayas in Uttarakhand, India. It starts from the town of Gangotri and leads to Gaumukh, the source of the Ganges River, and then continues to Tapovan, a high-altitude meadow offering mesmerizing views of the surrounding peaks.
The best time to visit the Gaumukh Tapovan Trek is from May to June and September to October. During these months, the weather is stable, and trekkers can enjoy clear skies, pleasant temperatures, and the lush landscape. Avoid the monsoon season (July-August) due to heavy rains and potential landslides.
The trek is moderate to difficult due to its high altitude and challenging terrain, including glacier crossings and steep ascents. However, trekkers with previous experience and good physical fitness can manage it with proper preparation.
The total distance of the trek is about 46 km (round trip), and it typically takes 6 to 8 days to complete. The trek involves moderate days of trekking, including acclimatization to the altitude along the way.
The highest point of the trek is Tapovan, situated at an altitude of 4,463 meters (14,640 feet). Gaumukh, where the Ganges originates, is at around 4,000 meters (13,123 feet).
Yes, trekkers are required to obtain a permit to trek through the Gangotri National Park. The permit is available at the Forest Office in Uttarkashi or Gangotri and needs to be arranged before starting the trek.
Gangotri is accessible by road from Rishikesh, Haridwar, and Dehradun. The nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun, and the nearest railway station is Haridwar Railway Station. From these locations, you can take a bus or taxi to reach Gangotri.
The trek offers stunning views of Mt. Shivling, Meru Peak, and the Bhagirathi peaks. Key highlights include the Gaumukh Glacier, which is the source of the Ganges, and Tapovan, a beautiful high-altitude meadow known for its peaceful ambiance and panoramic views of the mountains.
Yes, the trek reaches significant altitudes (Tapovan at 4,463 meters), and altitude sickness can be a concern. To prevent it, trekkers should acclimatize properly by taking regular breaks, staying hydrated, and avoiding rapid ascents. It's essential to be aware of symptoms such as dizziness, headache, and nausea.
The trek is not ideal for absolute beginners, as it involves high-altitude terrain and glacier crossings. It’s recommended for trekkers with some experience in moderate treks and a good fitness level. However, beginners with good preparation and a guided tour can attempt it.
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