Gaumukh Tapovan Trek

Detail Itinerary

• Day 01:New Delhi – Rishikesh (225 kms/7 hrs)In the morning drive to Rishikesh. Upon arrival at Rishikesh is the gateway to the famous Chardham yatra in of Uttaranchal. It’s also starting point of the journey to the sacred sources of the Ganga and the Yamuna Rivers. According to legend, Prince Bhagirath performed penance here to salvage the souls of his ancestors who had perished due to Sage Kapila’s curse. The penance was answered and the river Ganga trickled forth from Lord Shiva’s locks and its bountiful water revived the sons of King Sagara. In the tradition of Bhagirath, devout Hindus stand in the sacred waters here, praying for the salvation of their ancestors. Evening is free to visit the Aarti ceremony at Swargashram. Back to hotel for overnight stay.
• Day 02:Rishikesh – Uttarkashi (180 kms/ 5-6 hrs):Morning after breakfast meet our guide and transfer to Uttarkashi (1150 mt) via a hill town of Chamba & Tehri which takes 5-6 hrs. Uttarkashi , located on the bank of river Bhagirathi in the foothills of the Himalayas is also the gateway of many mountaineering and trekking expedition in Gangotri area. World famous Nehru Institute of Mountaineering is situated over here. Upon arrival at Uttarkashi check-in Hotel. Evening free to explore the surrounding by your own. Overnight stay at hotel.
  
  Vishwanath Temple: One of the major Shiva worship centers for all India, this ancient and renowned temple is an interesting and important pilgrimage and touristic monument.
• Day 03:Uttarkashi – Gangotri ( 100 kms/5 hrs) Post breakfast we will drive 98 km to Gangotri via Bhatwari , Gangnani, Sukhitop, Harsil & Bhairon Ghati . We will stop at Gangnani for a refreshing bath in the hot springs followed by lunch . This Scenic drive along the roaring Bhagirati River, through terraced fields, deodar forests, apple orchards, and villages ends to Gangotri (one of the Char Dham – the series of holy pilgrimage sites). On arrival transfer to hotel at Gangotri. This 18th century Gangotri temple made of granite rock was built by Amar Singh Thapa, a Gorkha commander, and later rebuilt by the Maharaja of Jaipur. The temple here is dedicated to the Goddess Ganga. Dinner and overnight at hotel.
• Day 04:Gangotri – Bhojvasa (14kms/8hrs)Morning after breakfast we proceed towards Bhojbasa via Chirbasa (3600mt). From Gangotri we move along the beaten track towards Chirbasa, which is on treeline. The entire trek of today is along the roaring Bhagirathi river with views of famous Himalayan peaks – Sudarshan, Bhagirati group & many others . Beyond Chirbasa the terrain becomes really desolate and barren up to our camp site at Bhojbasa . Afternoon free to explore the area and to enjoy excellent sunset on Bhagirathi group of peaks while have a hot cup of tea. Dinner and overnight in tents.
• Day 05:Bhojvasa – Gomukh (12760 ft) – Tapovan (14640 ft)Enjoy the panoramic view of Bhagirathi group of peaks on your way trek to Gomukh (3890mt), the source of the Ganges. Gomukh, the snout of Gangotri glacier is only 4 km away from Bhojvasa. After offering a puja we will trek 3k through the lateral morane of Gangorti glacier followed by steep ascent 1 km uphill climb to Topovan, a famous bugyal , base camp for Shivling Peak and Mehru , several sadhu ashrams, and spectacular views of many famous mountains.
  
  Tapovan, at the foot of Mount Shivling – this barren high meadow at 4464 mt elevation, is a seasonal home to various sadhus living in caves, with bubbling streams, wildflowers and dream camp sides. On the far side of the glacier the Bhagarithi I ,II , III (6454mt), provide an equally impressive backdrop. Dinner and overnight at camp.
• Day 06:Acclimatize CampFree to acclimatize, relax and enjoy the magnificent snow clapped peaks, flora & Fauna and mountain landscape . Explore the Kriti & Meru Glacier. Dinner and overnight stay at the camp.
• Day 07:Tapovan - Chirvasa (14kms/6hrs)Enjoy the view of the golden rays of sunrise on high peaks, and the crisp and dazzling morning sunshine on the campsite. Post breakfast make a swift descent down to Chirvasa, covering the seemingly endless trek in a matter of hour through the moraine and big rocks to Gaumukh and then gradual downhill walk to the beautiful campsite at Chirvasa surrounded by pine trees . Enjoy the sunset on the Bhagirathi massif & Chirvasa parbat.
• Day 08:Chirvasa – Uttarkashi(109kms/8hrs)Gentile downhill trek 9k. to Gangotri along the Bhagirathi river. Then beautiful mountain drive 100k. to Uttarkashi along the Bhagirathi river stay at hotel.
• Day 09:Uttarkashi- Hardwar (200kms/7hrs) Reach Haridwar by lunch time and explore this popular and beautiful shrine town as opposed to Rishikesh. Haridwar is regarded as one of the seven holiest places to Hindus. According to the Samudra manthan, Haridwar along with Ujjain, Nasik and Allahabad is one of four sites where drops of Amrit, the elixir of immortality, accidentally spilled over from the pitcher while being carried by the celestial bird Garuda. This is manifested in the Kumbha Mela being celebrated every 3 years in one of the 4 places, and thus every 12 years in Haridwar. Amidst the Kumbha Mela, millions of pilgrims, devotees, and tourists congregate in Haridwar to perform ritualistic bathing on the banks of the river Ganges to wash away their sins to attain Moksha. Brahma Kund, the spot where the Amrit fell, is located at Har ki Pauri (literally, “footsteps of the Lord”) and is considered to be the most sacred ghat of Haridwar.It is always asvisable to participate in the colorful evening “Aarti” at Har ki Pauri in honor of the river godess, Ganga.
• Day 10:Haridwar – Delhi (200kms/5hrs) Return to Delhi.