The Sacred Trail to the Source of the Ganga
XploreTheDreams welcomes you to the legendary Gaumukh Tapovan Trek — a spiritual and high-altitude Himalayan journey that takes you to the origin of the holy Ganga and the pristine meadows of Tapovan, right below the mighty Mt. Shivling.
The Gaumukh Tapovan Trek is one of Uttarakhand’s most iconic routes — a rare blend of spirituality, adventure, and breathtaking high-altitude scenery. The trail follows the Bhagirathi River through dense forests, rugged terrain, and finally reaches the Gaumukh Glacier, the snout of the Ganga.
The moment you step into Tapovan, you enter a different world — a vast alpine meadow surrounded by towering Himalayan giants. The golden light on Mt. Shivling during sunrise is known to mesmerize trekkers.
What Will You See?
As the trail opens up into the Gangotri basin, you witness iconic peaks such as:
- Mt. Shivling — The “Matterhorn of India” and one of the most stunning peaks in the world.
- Bhagirathi Peaks I, II, III — Majestic mountains right above the glacier.
- Mt. Meru and the Sudarshan Parbat range.
- Gaumukh Glacier — The revered source of the holy River Ganga.
The trek also passes through scenic sections like the Chirbasa (Pine Forest) and Bhojbasa meadows. The route keeps you close to the Bhagirathi river, offering unbelievable views throughout.
Why Choose Gaumukh Tapovan?
- Spiritual Significance: Reach the origin of the sacred Ganga.
- World-Class Mountain Views: Shivling, Bhagirathi, Sudarshan, Meru & more.
- High-Altitude Meadow: Tapovan is known for yogis & mountaineers.
- Classic Himalayan Glacier Trek: Walk alongside the Gaumukh Glacier.
- Challenging & Rewarding: Perfect for fit trekkers seeking real adventure.
- Wildlife & Rich Flora: Home to blue sheep, high-altitude birds & rare herbs.
Every step on the Gaumukh Tapovan Trek — from serene forests and glacier views to sunrise on Mt. Shivling — becomes a life-changing memory. Whether you seek spiritual peace or Himalayan adventure, XploreTheDreams ensures an unforgettable journey.
Itinerary
Arrive at Gangotri, check-in to your guesthouse or campsite.
Visit the sacred Gangotri Temple and explore the peaceful surroundings.
Acclimatization walk around the valley.
Evening briefing about the trek and dinner.
Overnight stay at Gangotri.
After breakfast, start trekking towards Bhojwassa.
Trail passes through Chirbasa (“Abode of Pines”) with stunning views of the Bhagirathi peaks.
Easy-moderate trail following the Bhagirathi River.
Reach Bhojwassa and enjoy the wide-open valley views.
Overnight stay in tents.
Start early from Bhojwassa and trek towards Gaumukh Glacier — the holy origin of the Ganga.
Spend time at Gaumukh and admire the gigantic ice walls.
Climb the steep trail to Tapovan — the land of saints and sadhus.
Tapovan offers breathtaking close-up views of Mt Shivling, Meru & Bhagirathi peaks.
Overnight stay at Tapovan campsite.
Wake up to sunrise on Mt Shivling — a surreal golden view.
Explore Tapovan meadows, high-altitude streams, and glacier formations.
Optional: Visit Meru Glacier base.
Photography and relaxation in the spiritual Tapovan Valley.
Overnight stay in Tapovan.
Descend from Tapovan to Gaumukh Glacier.
Continue trek back to Bhojwassa through moraine patches and river trails.
Reach Bhojwassa by afternoon and rest.
Overnight stay in tents.
Final descent from Bhojwassa to Gangotri.
Enjoy last views of Bhagirathi peaks and the river valley.
Reach Gangotri by afternoon.
Depart for your onward journey — trek ends with memories of a lifetime.
Gaumukh Tapovan Trek Cost Details
- Transport support from Rishikesh to Rishikesh
- All vegetarian meals from dinner on Day 1 to breakfast on the last day
- Tent stay on double/triple sharing at Gangotri, Bhojbasa & Tapovan
- Forest permits & entry fees for Indian nationals
- Professional trek leader, local guides & technical team
- High-altitude tents, sleeping bags, mats & common equipment
- Kitchen tent, dining tent, toilet tent arrangements
- Porters & mules for common trekking equipment
- Meals during transit between Rishikesh & Gangotri
- Personal expenses like snacks, water bottles & medicines
- Porter charges for personal backpack offloading
- Unscheduled stay due to landslides, roadblocks or weather issues
- Any kind of emergency evacuation/rescue charges
- Anything not mentioned in the inclusion list
A Himalayan journey of spirituality & adventure — but these expenses are personal!
Gaumukh Tapovan Trek Location
Gaumukh – Tapovan Trek Essentials & Rental Gear
- Rucksack/Backpack (60–70L with rain cover)
- Microspikes + Gaiters (very important for glacier walk)
- Trekking Poles (essential for Tapovan climb)
- First Aid Kit + Personal Medicines
- Rain Gear (Jacket + Pant)
- Thermals (Upper & Lower) – 2 pairs
- Padded Jacket + Fleece Jacket
- Quick-dry T-Shirts (3–4)
- Water Bottle (1–2L insulated)
- Sunscreen (SPF 50+), Lip Balm
- Woollen Cap + Balaclava
- Warm Gloves + Waterproof Gloves
- Extra Woollen Socks (3–4 pairs)
- Energy Bars + Dry Fruits
- Headlamp with spare batteries
- Power Bank (10000mAh+)
- Valid Photo ID (Aadhar/Passport)
- Trekking Shoes (High Ankle): ₹600
- Down Jacket: ₹500
- Trekking Poles: ₹200
- Gaiters: ₹200
- Microspikes/Cramp-ons: ₹300
- Waterproof Gloves: ₹200
- Trek Pants (warm & water-resistant): ₹300
- Woollen Socks (2 pairs): ₹100
- Thermal Innerwear: ₹300
- Backpack (60–70L): ₹500
- Sunglasses (UV protected): ₹150
- Rain Poncho: ₹150
- Headlamp: ₹100
Down Jacket
Trekking Shoes
Gaiters
Microspikes
Headlamp
Trekking Poles
Poncho
Woollen Cap




