Gangotri Glacier is a well-known glacier in Garhwal Himalayas, situated in Uttarkashi district. The glacier originates at the northern slope of Chaukhamba ranges of peaks. This is not a single valley glacier, but a combination of several other glaciers is fed to it and it forms a huge mass of ice. The river Ganges river originates from the Gaumukh glacier & ends in the Bay of Bengal after covering a distance of about 2500KM through the world-famous tiger reserve ‘Sunder Van’ which is a delta.
Gangotri is the base camp for high-altitude treks to Gaumukh and Tapovan. It is a serene, beautiful place. One can reach there only by trekking. It is an out of the world experience to trek in barren mountains, with little vegetation, but you tend to turn spiritual. One thing is for sure, it is not for fun, the journey tests you physically and mentally both. As you climb higher, transformation of landscape into lush green valley is truly overwhelming. The absolute wilderness of ethereal mountains is truly fascinating.
Tapovan & Nandanvan are on two oppositely directed mountains from Gomukh. You have to cross over the Gaumukh (Gangotri glacier) to reach from Tapovan to Nandanvan. The major part of the trek is fairly easy with a few steep inclines. You should consider one trek to this mountain at least once in your life and it will change or modify your perspective. Views of the Bhagirathi peak and Shivling greet the entrance to the valley.
How to Reach:
By Air :-
Jolly Grant Airport Dehradun, Airport is just 25 km from the main city. There are daily flights from Mumbai, Bangalore and Delhi to Dehradun
By Train :-
Take night train from Delhi to reach Dehradun
- Nandadevi Express - Train no: 12205 (Departure 11:50pm; Arrival - 5:40am)
- Dehradun Express - Train no: 12687 (Departure - 9:10pm; Arrival - 5:00am)
By Bus: -
There are frequent buses from Delhi ISBT Kashmere Gate.
We would suggest you to take only government buses from ISBT Kashmere Gate.
Usually buses drop you at Dehradun ISBT. From there you can catch an auto which will take 15/20 mins to Dehradun Railway Station.
Tata Sumo or similar vehicles will pick-up you from Dehradun Railway Station at 6:00am to 6.30am.
- Gradient: Moderate to Difficult.
- Max Altitude: 14600 ft.
- Base Camp: Gangotri.
- Best Season: May-June – Sep-Oct
- Day time temperature 17-20°C Night time 3-4°C
- Meeting Point: Dehradun Railway Station
- End Point: Dehradun Railway Station
Day 1- Dehradun to Gangotri, Altitude: 10050ft, Distance: 245 km, Duration 9-10 hrs.
Getting to the Basecamp Gangotri. We start early morning from Dehradun railway station around 6.30am. So, you are expected to reach Dehradun the previous night. Drive from Dehradun to Gangotri is a very scenic and adventurous journey which takes 9/10 hrs time. You need a full day for this as it is a longboard journey. During your travel journey, the view is breathtaking and next to you,the Bhagirathi river following you for most of your journey. On the way you will go via Uttarkashi which is the nearest town for Gangotri. Overnight stay in Guest house.
Meals: Evening Tea, Dinner
Note:
- We will arrange the vehicle (on request) to reach Gangotri and vehicle charges payable in cash to the driver directly. Sumo/Bolero/Max Rs- 7000 and Tempo Traveller Rs- 10000.
- No network for the regular networks in/after Gangotri. Tell your loved ones you're on a trek and will be back in 4-5 days and take a break from the phone. Sometimes BSNL landline works but that also depending on weather situation. Save the battery to click awesome photos.
Day 2- Trek from Gangotri to Chirbhasa, Altitude 11700ft, Distance: 9 km, Duration: 6-7 hrs.
Your day starts after having breakfast. Fill up your water bottles at Gangotri, you can refill your water bottles from streams on the way. Today’s trek is fairly easy, gradual ascends are there at a few sections. The path is well defined all the way till camp, you will not get bored because the walk is through the jungle with Oak and pine trees, you will be amazed with the different types of wild flowers and the surrounding mountains will add more beauty to it. Once you reach the camp hot lunch will be waiting for you. Evening you can explore the surrounding camp and also we all will be going for acclimatisation walk. Overnight stay in tents.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Evening Tea and snacks, Dinner
Day 3- Chirbasa to Bhojbasa, Altitude: 12450 ft, Distance: 5 km, Duration: 4-5 hrs.
Today is the easier day of the trek and also a short walk. Fill up your water bottles at Chirbasa as we know that there is no water point on our way till our next campsite. We start the trek around 8.30am from Chirbasa camp after finishing breakfast. You can enjoy the scenery and the beauty of nature around, walking through Birch (bhojpatra) forest in the area. Once you reach the camp we serve the hot lunch. The Gui campsite is a unique location, from here clearly you can see Bhagirathi massif range very closely from campsite. Overnight stay in tents.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Evening Tea and snacks, Dinner
Day 4- Bhojbasa to Tapovan via Gaumukh and back to Bhojbasa, Altitude: 14200 ft, Distance: 16 Km, 7-8 hrs.
We start early morning after having breakfast. The path is quite steep and it tests your fitness physically and mentally, keep the pace steady. You can experience the calmness of nature and feel more connected to it. Initially trek starts with gradual ascends for 2.5 hrs, firstly you reach near Gaumukh Glacier, you will be walking on the glacier for almost 2 hrs, here you can refill your water bottles. And the final km ascend is quite a steep one before reaching our final destination, Tapovan.
The Tapovan is a serene place, with sanity and tranquility filled in the air.The feeling of the whole Brahmand opens up to you after seeing the majestic peak Shivaling and Bhagirathi massif. Views of Bhagirathi peak and Shivling greet the entrance to the valley. This is the Place where Maharshi Bhagirath made Tapasya to bring Gangaji to earth. Tapovan is closed almost 7 months every year starting from October to May due to heavy snowfall.
The glacier is a massive one with an ice wall of around 40 mtrs high with snow clad peaks of Shivaling and Bhagirathi at the background. After reaching there we spent about an hour seeing the flow and the massive glacier,all the tiredness has gone by breathing the fresh pristine air. After exploring the place and spending a couple of hours we will start our return journey towards Bhojbasa camp. Overnight stay in tents.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Evening Tea and snacks, Dinner
Day 5 - Bhojbasa to Gangotri, Altitude: 10050 ft, Distance 14 km, Duration 5-6 hrs.
After having breakfast, we start our journey to Gangotri. Today is an easy walk, you can enjoy the scenery and the beauty around. Getting down is easy but sometimes we have to be careful, especially people who have knee pain. On the way we stop at water point before reaching our final destination. After taking few rest points you will reach Gangotri. Overnight stay in Guest house.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Evening Tea and snacks, Dinner
Day 6: Gangotri to Dehradun, Distance 245 km, 8/9 hrs
You can start early in the morning after having tea so that you can reach Dehradun by 5pm. We advise you to keep one extra day in your plan so that you can avoid missing flights or trains. We will arrange the vehicle (on request) to reach Dehradun and vehicle charges payable in cash to the driver directly.
What is included in the tour
- Activity: Trekking, Camping, sightseeing etc
- Tented Accommodation
- All meals while on trek (Veg)
- Permits (Foreign national need to pay extra on spot)
- Basic First aid medical kits
- Qualified and experienced Trek Leader (2), support staff, Helpers
- Camping Tents, Kitchen tents, Dining Tent and Sleeping bags and Carry mats.
- Homestay/Guest House accommodation for 2 days.
- Local route guide
What is NOT included in the tour
- Meals during transit
- Mineral Water or soft drinks
- Transportation of any kind (but can be shared between trekkers)
- Mules or porter to carry personal luggage
- Cost Escalation due to natural reason.
- Unscheduled stay due to landslide.
- Insurance
Ruck Sack: Compulsory to carry strong and steady rucksack, Between 55 to 60 Litre
Ruck sack cover: Protect your things from quick rain or snowfall
Day Pack: Optional, carry only if you are planning to offload your bigger bag. If you are offloading your bigger backpack, then you have to carry your personal valuable things, water bottles, pack lunch, raincoat/poncho etc.
Trekking Shoes: Good quality, rubber soul shoes with ankle support is advisable. Please make sure that shoes are well used before trek.
Note: Sports shoes are not recommended but you can carry as additional back up shoes.
T-shirts: As per your need, carry at least one quick dry type, avoid too bright/dark colours T-shirts. Cotton T-shirts avoid especially while walking. Full sleeves T-shirts are recommended.
Track Pants: As per your need, one synthetic quick dry type track pant is highly recommended.
Warm Jacket: Highly recommended one thick fleece jacket/ Down feather jacket is must to carry. You can use this when you cool down at camp.
Windproof Jacket/ Windcheater: We advise you to carry one as it resists wind chill/snowfall and quick burst of light rain.
Thermal Wear: You can use this once you reach the campsite. Thermal will keep your body warm especially during harsh winter temperatures.
Towel: One medium sized light weight towel quick dry type
Raincoat/ Poncho: Raincoats/ ponchos are water-resistant to protect the body from rain.
Woollen Cap / Balaclava: Mandatory to carry woollen cap or balaclava to protect from cold.
Sun cap / Hat: To protect you from direct sunlight
Undergarments: As per your need.
Socks: Hiking socks have the ability to wick moisture and keep feet dry. Full length socks are advisable.
Hand Gloves: Compulsory to carry, few gloves are constructed of water resistant or waterproof material that keep your fingers dry.
Walking stick / Trekking pole: Trekking pole provide useful literal stability on rough terrain and give balance while descending while also reducing pressure on knee.
Water Bottle/ Hydration pack: Compulsory to carry, please do not carry packaged drinking water bottles.
Sunglasses: Compulsory to carry. It is protecting from snow blindness. Person who use spectacle need to carry custom make powered sunglasses.
Head Torch / Torch: It is mandatory to carry with extra batteries. Head torch is advisable to keep your hands free while walking.
Sunscreen Lotion: Optional, advisable to carry sunscreen lotion (SPF 50+ and more)
Chapstick/ Cold cream: Optional, as per your need
Toilet Kit: Must carry, Personal toilet kit (toilet paper)
Sandals / Slippers: Optional, to walk around camp
Small Lunch Box & Tea mug: Compulsory, sometimes we give pack lunch so you can carry pack lunch items in it (one small leak proof lunch box is the best one), also carry one tea mug/glass
Dry Fruits / Energy Bars: We provide healthy adequate food on trip. Some do feel very less energetic compared to others, so you carry energy bars, dry fruits etc.
Repairs Kit: Must, one small repair kit which includes safety pins, needle, thread and string
Personal Medical Kit: Must carry small basic first aid. If you are taking any specific medicine from your doctor please inform us in advance. There will be a basic first kit will be available throughout the trek. Our Instructor has done a first aid course.
Camera: Optional, to capture your lifetime memories.
