Gaumukh Trek: A Quick Travel Plan To Source Of Ganges River!

In the Hindu religion, the divine River Ganga is the most sacred river, and its source is at Gaumukh at the Gangotri Glacier. The astonishing glacier follows Westerly way situated below Chaukhamba Mountain, the highest peak of the Group.

This is the only Ganga Valley from which anyone can witness Bhagirathi peak – I, II, III, Raktvan, Shivling Peak, and Matri Peak. You can also witness the Tapovan and Nill Tall (4400 mt) peaks from here. 

As mentioned earlier, the trek to Gaumukh begins from Gangotri. You can take the path up on the left proximately after the entrance aris, or you can visit the Gangotri Temple first just after the temple, on your left, there is a series of steep stairs that lead to the trail of Gaumukh Trek. 

The trek will lead you to the forest checkpost in nearly 2-3 km. The check post opens at 6:00 AM. Hence, it would be great to leave Gangotri at approximately 5:00 AM so that you arrive at the checkpost by the time it opens up. 

An early beginning carries you astonishing insights during the day and some flexibility also, in case you decide to change your plans midway. In case though, since the allowed office opened at 8:00 AM, you should leave Gangotri only around that time. 

Location 

In Gangotri Glacier, the Gaumukh is the source of the Bhagirathi River, one of the primary headstreams of the Gangas River. The place is located at an altitude of 13,200 ft (4,023 m) in Uttarkashi District. 

Climatic Conditions 

During cold climates, since veteran trekkers are already used to trekking, the chill in the air during this period does not affect them much.

You will witness quite a few pilgrims as well, who were waiting for the weather to get better to make their journey. Temperature is nearly 15 degree Celsius, and it only gets colder from here. 

Best Time to Visit 

Frequently, the best time to visit Gaumukh – Taovan Trek is during Summer and Autumn i.e. from May to June and September to the last week of October. Winters and rains are too harsh around this region so the trek is closed during that period. 

How To Reach? 

Gaumukh is well-linked by motorable roads but the location does not have any airports or railway stations. You can conveniently travel here by using public transport as well as by driving your own vehicle. 

Route 1:- Delhi – Gaumukh via Dehradun

By Road: Gaumukh is well-linked by the motorable roads from Delhi. There are several regular buses accessible for traveling to Gaumukh from Delhi via Dehradun. You can also drive your own or rented car to travel to Gaumukh. 

Gaumukh does not have any railway and its own airport. Travelers can arrive at Dehradun via train or air and then rent a taxi, local bus, or cab to arrive at Gaumukh. It will take nearly 11 hours to arrive at Gaumukh. 

Route 2: Delhi – Gaumukh Via Haridwar

By Road: Gaumukh is well-linked by motorable roads from Delhi. There are different regular buses accessible for traveling to Gaumukh from Delhi via Haridwar. You can also drive your own or rented car to travel to Gaumukh. 

Gaumukh does not have any own airport or its own railway station. Travelers can arrive at Haridwar via train and then rent a taxi, local bus, or cab to arrive at Gaumukh. It will nearly take 10 hours to arrive at Gaumukh. 

How To Get Gaumukh Trek permitted? 

The DM office in Uttarkashi would be the first place to get a permit. You will anyways pass Uttarkashi while going towards Gangotri so you can really get the permit while being on the route. The DFO office is situated at the northern end of the road just ahead of the bus stand. It is a government office open on all operative days throughout normal working hours. 

Getting a permit from here is quite convenient really. You just fill out your name and address on a form, committed your government-issued Identity proofs likewise a PAN card, Aadhar Card, or Voter’s ID; and pay a fee of INR 150 per individual. 

For some reason, if you did not get the permit, you can attain it in Gangotri as well. It is issued at the forest office which is situated just as your enter Gangotri to your left. Charges and processes will remain similar but the issue is that this office is only open from 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM, and then from 5 PM to 7 PM. 

On the perkier side, this office remains open on all days involving Sundays as well which the office in Uttarkashi is not. 

Activities In Gaumukh Trek

Bungee Jumping

Bungee Jumping in Rishikesh is one of the most prevalent activities, which tourists of all age groups celebrate. It provides goosebumps to the individuals who think about it.

However, what triggers most adventure fanatics is that Rishikesh has India’s highest bungee function by professionals with years of experience. 

Valley Of Flowers

Snuggled in the lap of the mighty Himalayas, and at a height of 3858 m above sea level, the Valley of Flowers is a prevalent tourist lure in Uttarakhand. The Trek is more prevalent and allures visitors from all over the globe.

It proposes a spectacular view of butterflies, wildflowers, colorful birds exotic fauna such as Brown Bear, Musk Deer, Bharai, and Himalayan Black Bear. 

Food And Accommodation 

Gangotri is measured to be the base camp of the Gaumukh Tapovan trek. And Gangotri is considered to be the most imperative part of the Chardham Yatra of Uttarakhand, which is why whenever you go to do the Gaumukh Tapovan trek, you can book a hotel for yourself around Gangotri and a room in Dharamshala. 

By the way, if you are doing this trek with a tracking company, then those individuals have already reserved a room in a hotel for you. Bhojbasa is the last location where you can get an overnight stay and food throughout the Gaumukh Tapovan trek. Apart from this, there is no location to stop and eat anywhere throughout the entire trek.

In addition, the ashrams regularly charge Rs 300 per person, involving food (lunch, dinner, and breakfast, comprising tea & warm water to drink). Stay would be rudimentary with a bed/mattress on the floor.

You can also partake in their bhajans etc., if attentive. The GMVN charges Rs 350 per residence bed – food is extra, and being at that place, is also luxurious. Apart from this, of course, if you’re resounding your tent or camp, you can camp at Bhojwasa. If you’ve come with a company, they will also pitch their camps or tents here.

Things To Carry For The Trek 

• Do check the weather, before going on the Gaumukh Tapovan Trek. 
• Take the information about the rules connected to the Gaumukh Tapovan Trek before starting the trek. 
• If one is not doing this trek with any agency, then one must take a local trek guide with you. 
• One should take an identity card, Water Bottle, Muffler, Warm Clothes, Dry Fruits and Packet of Food, Sunglasses, Camping Supplies if possible, Lemon and Salt or electrolyte power or drink, Tracking Pants, Tracking Shoes, Quick Dry Tshirts, Sunglasses, Extra battery for flashlight, and waterproof bags to safeguard the electronic items. 
• The trek gets slippery throughout the monsoon period so be a little extra preventive throughout this season.

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