Source of the Ganga and high meadow trail

Gangotri–Gaumukh–Tapovan Trek

A sacred and dramatic Garhwal trek from Gangotri towards Gaumukh and the high Tapovan meadow beneath the great Bhagirathi–Shivling landscape.

Gangotri–Gaumukh–Tapovan Trek — Gangotri · Gaumukh · Tapovan
Photo information

Sharada Prasad CS / Wikimedia Commons · CC BY 2.0 · source

RegionGangotri · Gaumukh · Tapovan
DurationApprox. 12 days
DifficultyChallenging
Best seasonSeasonal trekking window
AltitudeTapovan around 4,463 m

About the trek

What to expect on this route

The route follows the Bhagirathi valley from Gangotri towards Gaumukh, the glacier snout traditionally associated with the source of the Ganga, before climbing into the high Tapovan landscape.

Its religious importance and high-altitude glacier terrain make careful permits, pacing and local conditions central to planning.

GangotriBhagirathi valleyGaumukhTapovan meadowShivling and high-peak views

Day-wise itinerary

The route, day by day

Day 1

Arrive Delhi

Arrival and hotel stay.

Day 2

Delhi – Haridwar – Rishikesh

Drive to Rishikesh via Haridwar.

Day 3

Rishikesh to Uttarkashi

Drive to Uttarkashi.

Day 4

Uttarkashi to Gangotri

Drive via Harsil to Gangotri.

Day 5

Gangotri to Bhojbasa

Trek along the Bhagirathi river via Chirbasa to Bhojbasa.

Day 6

Bhojbasa – Gaumukh – Tapovan

Visit Gaumukh and climb into Tapovan for the high camp.

Day 7

Tapovan exploration

Acclimatisation and exploration around the high meadow and glacier viewpoints.

Day 8

Tapovan to Bhojbasa

Descend to Bhojbasa.

Day 9

Bhojbasa to Gangotri

Trek back to Gangotri.

Day 10

Gangotri to Uttarkashi

Road transfer to Uttarkashi.

Day 11

Uttarkashi – Haridwar – Delhi

Drive to Delhi via Haridwar.

Day 12

Departure

Airport/onward transfer.

The day-wise plan shows the route Alpine Trek works with. Roadheads, overnight stops, permits and timings are confirmed again for the selected departure.

Safety & route reality

Conditions decide the final plan.

Protected-area permits, glacier conditions and high-altitude fitness are essential considerations. The exact route and camp plan must follow current local rules.

Before you book

Common questions

What is the best season for Gangotri–Gaumukh–Tapovan Trek?

Seasonal trekking window. Exact dates are confirmed against current weather, road or trail access and local instructions.

How difficult is Gangotri–Gaumukh–Tapovan Trek?

Alpine Trek currently classifies this route as challenging. Fitness, previous trekking experience and altitude readiness are reviewed before confirmation.

Is the itinerary fixed?

The day-wise plan reflects Alpine Trek’s established route, but roadheads, permits, weather, accommodation and local administration can require changes.

How do I book?

Send your preferred month, group size, ages and prior trekking experience. Alpine Trek will reply with current availability, inclusions and cost.

Trek enquiry

Tell us the group. We will confirm the workable plan.

Please include ages, preferred month, starting city and previous trekking experience.

Both options save the enquiry securely on the Alpine Trek website. The first also sends an email notification to the team.