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Gaumukh Trek in Uttarakhand

Gaumukh trek is a popular trek in Uttarakhand state of India. It is located at the Gangotri glacier. Gaumukh is looking like a Cow's mouth. It is a source of holy river Ganga. On the other hand, Tapovan is located on the Gangotri glacier. This trek will pass traveller through glaciers. That’s why it is certainly one of the great treks for adventure. This trail is rated as moderate and therefore can be undertaken by mountaineers and non-mountaineers. The Gaumukh glacier is the source of Bhagirathi the holy Ganga river. Devotee take a holy dip in the bone chilling icy water. Gaumukh, the source of the River Ganga, itself is reason enough to do this trek. Gaumukh is a sight on its own. Only when you get close to it do you realise how big and magnificent the glacier it is. The Holy River Ganga is the most sacred river in the Hindu religion and its source at Gaumukh on the Gangotri glacier and many other peaks. Gaumukh is one of the holiest places for Hindu pilgrims who come here to witness the birth of Mother Ganga. The trek takes you to Gaumukh (cows mouth), the mythological source of the River Ganga which is at the snout of the Gangotri glacier.

Tapovan Trek in Uttarakhand

Tapovan is an area beyond Gaumukh consisting of a beautiful meadow, at the feet of Mt. Shivling, a further 5 Kms from Gaumukh. The most well known tapovan in India is the area above the Gangotri Glacier at one of the primary sources of the Ganga, in Uttarakhand, India. At the foot of Shivling peak, a barren area near about 4,463m elevation, is a seasonal home to several sadhus living in caves. It has become a trekking destination. The trekking usually starts from Gaumukh and the trek was considered moderate to difficult route from Gangotri to Gamukh in 2013 North Indian Floods. Tapovan area is base camp for several mountaineering including Shivling peak, Bhagirathi peak etc. Tapovan area is full of meadows, streams and flowering plants and the meadows are considered as one of the best meadow in India. There is also a place known as nandanvan near Tapovan, and Nandanvan is also trekked by trekkers and dwvotees. Nandanvan is also a spacious meadow located at the base of river Bhagirathi.

Best time to visit:-

May - June & August - Mid Oct

Activities to be done here

One of the most beautiful places in Uttarakhand, Gaumukh glacier is sightseeing in itself. The vastness of Bhagirathi peaks can be experienced from the Tapovan base camp which is near or at Gaumukh glacier. Apart from that, there is no sightseeing option except for the glacier itself .The trek to the heavenly Gaumukh has enough beautiful views and natural beauty.

Distance from Major cities

Delhi to Gangotri = 488km
Kathgodam to Gangotri = 521km
Haridwar to Gangotri = 286km.