Gaumukh Tapovan Trek – India’s oldest trekking trail
Gaumukh Tapovan Trek – India’s oldest trekking trail
Overview
The Gaumukh Tapovan trek is one of most rewarding treks you will ever do.There are several summit views, there are ‘big’ summit views. On Gaumukh Tapovan trek, you don’t just see best views of Mt Shivling. You see Mt Shivling right from base to its summit.If you don’t know about the Mt Shivling then you have to know that it’s one of most beautiful looking mountains in our India. No wonder the mountain had been featured in our gold calendar every year since it was published.
Not only Mt Shivling you will see the Bhagirathi sisters from top to bottom. Sometimes we feel Bhagirathi sisters are even grander than the Mount Shivling because three of them form a massif in which dominates landscape.
The popularity of many other treks is to bring the Gaumukh Tapovan trek down from its grace. It is almost like a new generation movie star replaced by the older star. It sounds silly but that’s what happened to Gaumukh Tapovan trek. Treks like Roopkund and Rupin Pass and the Hampta Pass gained very much popularity. The Gaumukh Tapovan fell in the popularity.
As it is the mentality of most trekkers that if they find one trek attractive then they just rush towards the new offering then it will be a mistake.
Gaumukh Tapovan Trek
The Gaumukh Trek is almost 46 km trek hiked over 6 days or 8 days including drive to and from the trek in the Greater Himalayas. The trek lies in state of Uttarakhand which starts and ends at the pilgrim town of the Gangotri.
The trail snakes through Greater Himalayas within the confines of Gangotri National Park. This trek is a moderate-difficult trek that can be attempted by beginners if you prepare well.
DAY 1
Reach Gangotri from Dehradun
Drive distance: 242 km
Drive Duration: 8 hours
The Transportation will be arranged from Hotel Grand Legacy Dehradun at morning 6.00 am. The Cab cost per vehicle will be Rs.8,000(5-6 seater). This is to be have shared among the trekkers to be paid directly to the driver.
DAY 2
The day2 Trek is from Gangotri (10,050 ft) to The Chirbasa (11,630 ft)
Trek Distance: 10 km
Trek Duration: 6 hours
It will be Moderate. The primary distance is about 300 m steep ascent followed by a very gradual ascent all the way.
DAY 3
Chirbasa (11,630 ft) to Bhojbasa (12,415 ft)
Trek Distance: 5 km
Trek Duration: 3 hours
It will be Moderate.Here the Initial 100 m ascent to get back on the trail. It is a Very gradual ascent all the way is to Bhojbasa
DAY 4
Bhojbasa (12,415 ft) to Tapovan (14,203 ft)
Trek Distance: 6 km
Trek Duration: 9 hours
Here it is Difficult. Gradual ascent is for 2.5 hours. Then the 2 hours glacier walk followed by 1 hour of moderate ascent and final is 1.5 hours is a steep ascent.
DAY 5
Tapovan (14,203 ft) to Bhojbasa (12,415 ft)
Trek Distance: 6 km
Trek Duration: 5 hours
Here it is Moderate Difficult. Level of trail to Chirbasa.
DAY 6
Bhojbasa (12,415 ft) to Gangotri (10,050 ft)
Trek Distance: 14 km
Trek Duration: 8 hours
Tricky descent over the bouldery section
DAY 7
Drive from Gangotri to Dehradun
Drive distance: 242 km
Drive Duration: 8 hours
The Cab cost per vehicle will be Rs 8000 (5-6 seater). Then you will reach the Dehradun between 6.00 pm and 7.00 pm.
note: The distance between campsites may be vary by 100 meters depending on the weather conditions and the route will you take. The altitude may also vary by 100 feet for some similar reasons.
DAY 8
Buffer Day
If buffer day is used, you have to pay the Rs. 2,500 per day (INR) +5% GST. The money will be collected by trek Leader only when if they use the buffer day.
This depends completely on weather conditions on the trek and the call will be taken by trek leader.
The Himalayan treks like Gaumukh Tapovan requires good fitness level. The trek will have long climbs and steep descents daily. As a measure of your fitness you have to Run at least 5 km in 32 minutes before your trek. You should be must and should physically fit. Consistency of your workout also matters thus you have to aim to jog 25 km a week or 100 km in a month. It is the minimum mandatory requirement. You should also have a plan to carry the luggage that what you have to needed .Once you get confirmed for your trek follow up on your fitness routine. This is how you have to plan for your trek and enjoy the trek.This is about the Gaumukh Tapovan Trek where you can enjoy a lot and experience a lot of beautiful sceenrios and experience an adventurous trekking.