Trek To Tapovan

Trek to the holy Gaumukh (so called because in the distant past it appeared like a cow's snout) and on to Tapovan; a high altitude meadow. Gaumukh is where the waters of Ganga trickle down from the glaciers. Tapovan is base camp for shivlinga peak in Uttarakhand hills. This trek is popular with both pilgrims as well as avid- trekkers.

Day 1: Delhi - Haridwar

Depart from Old Delhi railway station by Mussoorie express departing late at night. Overnight on board.

Day 2: Haridwar - Uttarkashi (1158M)

Arrive in Haridwar early in the morning. After breakfast and short rest, drive to Uttarkashi on a beautiful ridge road through Devdar and Dhanolti groves, and then along the banks of the Bhagirathi River to the holy town of Uttarkashi. Uttarkashi is a famous destination for pilgrims going to Gangotri and an important center for yogis and sadhus. Check into a guesthouse.

Day 3: Uttarkashi - Gangotri (3048M) - 80 kms/4 hrs

After breakfast, drive 4 - 5 hours to Gangotri. Gangotri lies in the northwest Himalayas of Garhwal, and is one of the four Holy dhams (pilgrim sites) of the North. The Ganga is believed to have rst descended to earth at Gangotri. The Bhaironghati bridge; said to be the highest in Asia, is built across one of the deepest gorges in the world and connects Gangotri to the rest of the world over the Jahnvi River. It is also the bridge that Heinrich Harrer used in early 19th century to run from prison in Garhwal to Tibet (ref: Seven years in Tibet). Night stay in a guesthouse in Gangotri.

Day 4: Gangotri - Chirbasa (3606M) - 9 kms/4 hrs

Trek above the Bhagirathi River on a relatively groomed path to Chirbasa. Though there are trees, we are walking on the side of the mountain and there is little shade most of the time. Camp in a small, forested area next to the river. Overnight stay in tents.

Day 5: Chirbasa - Gaumukh (3892M) - 9 kms/4 hrs

This day we walk to the source of the River Ganga, a beautiful walk with views of Mt. Shivling and the Bhagirathi peaks. We reach Bhojbasa from where the views are truly memorable, and it is nice to take a rest here and gaze upon the mountains. Reach Gaumukh where we camp for the night.

Day 6: Gaumukh - Tapovan (4463M) - 5 kms/3 hrs

From Gaumukh we trek up and across the Gangotri Glacier climbing over boulders, with a nal ascent over rock and scree up a 300m vertical wall. Tapovan is a vast meadow of golden grass and is surrounded by peaks. Mt. Shivling (6543m) anked by Mt. Meru (6630m) and Kedar Dome (6808m), Sudarshan (6,507m) and Bhagirathi I, II and III are some of the peaks that can be seen from here. This is truly one of the most breathtaking views imaginable. Camp overnight in Tapovan.

Day 7: Tapovan - Rest day

We visit the Shimla baba (local holyman), and spend the rest of the day exploring the terrain around Tapovan, which is also the base camp for Mt. Shivling. Tapovan is a magni cent theatre surrounded by peaks reaching 22,000 feet.

Day 8: Trek to Chirbasa

Trek 14 km (5-6 hrs) downhill to Chirbasa and relax, enjoying our last night of camping next to the Holy Bhagirathi River.

Day 9: Uttarkashi

Trek back down to Gangotri and have nal darshan with Swami Sundaranad then drive for 4 hours back to Uttarkashi. Overnight at guesthouse.

Day 10: Uttarkashi - Haridwar Delhi

Start early in the morning from Uttarkashi to Haridwar to reach in time to board Shatabdi express train departing in the evening back to Delhi.