Gaumukh Tapovan Trek

Today is our first day of the actual trek. We start early after an early breakfast. We will be walking towards Gomukh, the snout of Gangotri glacier. Our destination for today is Chirbasa which is at an altitude of 3,600M and means home of pine in the local language – no points for guessing what kind of trees you are likely to find en route to Chirbasa which will take us 4 hours to get to. The name "Chirbasa" translates to "abode of pines," and you'll indeed find yourself amidst dense pine forests. The entire trek up until Chirbasa is alongside the roaring Bhaigrathi River whose refreshing spirit is likely to keep the spring in your gait alive all the way through.

The trail from Chirbasa to Bhojwasa winds its way through enchanting landscapes, with the Bhagirathi River accompanying you for most of the journey. Enjoy the soothing sound of the rushing river and the refreshing breeze as you trek along the well-defined path. Bhojwasa in the local language literally translates to the home of birch trees. Spend the remainder of your day at Bhojwasa acclimatizing to the altitude and exploring the surrounding area. You can take short hikes to nearby viewpoints, visit the Bhagirathi River banks, or simply relax amidst the pristine Himalayan scenery.

We wake up to the majestic view of the Bhagirathi range of peaks and head out for our next campsite after an early breakfast. The trek from Bhojwasa to Tapovan via Gomukh is a challenging yet rewarding journey that takes you through some of the most spectacular landscapes in the Garhwal Himalayas. We will be crossing the snout of the glacier that we saw glimpses of on our way yesterday. We will be walking alongside our companion, River Bhagirathi, till we get to Gomukh. Gomukh, which curiously translates to the mouth of the cow, was named so by sages of the yesteryears for its appearance. We spend some time exploring the region around Gomukh after which we head on toward Tapovan - one of the finest high- altitude alpine meadows in the area. The trail from Gomukh onwards is one on moraine-rich glaciers. The view of the surrounding peaks starts to get wider and wider as the trail from Gomukh to Tapovan gets steeper with every step forward. Tapovan, known for its gorgeous meadows encircling the base of Shivling Peak, is a beautiful campsite bustling with many freshwater streams and an assortment of wildflowers scattered across its floor. Herds of Bharal (blue mountain goats) running up and down the mountain ridges with magnificent views of Bhagirathi I, II, and III in the background, is a common sight here. Is it any wonder why Tapovan remains one of the most preferred spots for spiritually inclined people for their long periods of meditation? We can try some of that as we set up camp here for the night!

Begin your descent from Tapovan, bidding farewell to the majestic peaks that surround this high-altitude meadow. Take one last look at the panoramic views before you start your journey back to Bhojwasa. The trail from Tapovan to Bhojwasa retraces your steps along the same route you took during the ascent. While it may seem easier since it's a descent, it still involves navigating rocky terrain, glacial moraines, and occasional steep sections. The descent from Tapovan to Bhojwasa may be physically demanding, but it offers a chance to appreciate the beauty of the Himalayas from a different perspective. Take your time, stay hydrated, and enjoy every moment as you make your way back to the basecamp at Bhojwasa. Once you've settled into your accommodation at Bhojwasa, take the time to rest and recuperate from the day's trekking. Stretch your muscles, hydrate, and enjoy a warm meal as you reflect on your journey through the Himalayas.

The trek from Bhojwasa to Gangotri is the final leg of the journey, leading you back to the sacred town of Gangotri, where the trek began. After arriving in Gangotri, you can explore the town's attractions, including the temple complex, local markets, and nearby viewpoints. Immerse yourself in the spiritual ambiance of Gangotri and interact with pilgrims and locals to learn more about the region's cultural heritage.

The drive from Gangotri to Dehradun marks the end of your Himalayan adventure, but it leaves you with memories that will last a lifetime. As you bid farewell to the majestic peaks and pristine landscapes of the Gangotri region, take solace in knowing that the spirit of the Himalayas will always remain with you.

In case of bad weather or other difficulties which might set us off schedule during the course of the trek, Day 8 is set as a reserve day. This will only get used if unexpected and unforeseeable conditions present themselves at the last minute preventing us from reaching our destination as planned. If the buffer day is used, you have to pay Rs. 2,550/- + 5% GST  per day (INR). The amount will be collected by the Trek Leader.