Sources of Ganges Trek

About This Tour

Region : Garhwal Himalaya Uttrakhand (India)
Trek Start from : Gangotri
Trek End at : Gangotri
Duration : 7 Days
Max Altitude : 3890 mts/12760 ft
Approx Trekking : 40 Kms
Grade : Moderate
Best Time : Mid - April - Mid June and Mid-Sept - October

Gangotri Gaumukh Trek also known Sources of Ganges Trek, is one of the pilgrimage treks situated in the Uttarkashi district in the state of Uttarakhand, India in the Garhwal Himalayas. This trek is exciting and strenuous leads to the depths of the Indian Himalayas, where the Holy River Ganges (Bhagirathi River) originated and allows you to wander through the lush green meadows, thick forests, harsh rocks, and impressive glaciers. En route, you'll see the giant valleys and peaks very close such as Shivling (6543m) on the right and the Bhagirathisisters on the left (6,856m/ 6,512m/ 6,454m) and Meru Peak (4,363m) considered as one of the most difficulty climb in world. You'll be able to experience the Ganges at its original source Gaumukhwhere this river gushes out of ice. The trekker is led right upto the face of the Gangotri glacier and one gets to see the river as it originates from the glacier. The views are breathtaking from here and the glacier coupled with other mountain ranges is right above you.

The Gaumukh Trekis a challenging trek and therefore it is recommended that everyone planning on undertaking the trek must be in good physical health and condition. The distance covered in the whole trek is around 40 KM on foot and after splitting up it is covered in 3 days and your journey will be begin from the Gangotri. The weather includes mountains, sharp incline and decline slopes, rough ground, and ice in some regions due to high altitudes. Sometimes, you can get altitude sickness depending on the altitude of the place you are in, so one should ensure that he or she takes enough time to adapt to the environment and before trekking, take the Acclimatization Walk.

Trek to Gaumukh is not just a trek but also a cultural and spiritual significance to our country. En route, you will find people who have inhabited these mountains for years and even generations. You will also come across Hindu temples and shrines, an inseparable element of the ritual that many travelers take part in. The trekking allows a chance to have a cultural experience with the possibility to learn more about the role of these mountains for the people of India.

Itinerary

Day 01 Delhi - Haridwar - Rishikesh

In the morning take AC train from Delhi to Haridwar at 06:50 hrs. Arrival at Haridwar by 11:25 hrs and meet our guide, then drive to Rishikesh by car. Upon arrival at Rishikesh met our representative and check in to hotel. Evening free to explore the area. Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.

Day 02 Rishikesh - Uttarkashi (195 kms/5-6 hrs)

Morning after breakfast proceed for Uttarkashi (1150 mt), which takes 7-8 hrs drive. Upon arrival check-in at Hotel. Evening free to explore the surrounding by your own. Overnight stay at hotel. Uttarkashi is the principle town in the region. Nehru Institute of Mountaineering is situated here. It is also the gateway to many mountaineering and trekking expedition in Gangotri area.

Day 03 Uttarkashi - Gangotri (3048 m/ 10,000 ft) Drive (95 kms).

Morning after breakfast drive to reach Gangotri via Harsil approx 25 km before Gangotri (3048 mt) by covering approx 95 km in 4-5 hrs. On arrival check-into Hotel. Overnight stay. There is a beautiful Gorge at Bhairon Ghati over which there is a steel guarder bridge. Gangotri is the place where the Goddess Ganga descended on Earth from Heaven. There is a Temple of Goddess Ganga where thousands of devotees throng to pay homage to her. Gangotri: The shrine of Gangotri is situated at an elevation of 3200 m surrounded by deodars and pines. The original temple was constructed by the Gorkha General Amar Singh Thapa. Every year people from all around the world visit this shrine. A number of ashrams and Dharamshala are located on the other side of the river. It is believed that Raja Bhagirath used to worship Shiva on a slab of rock "Bhagirath Shila" situated near the temple. Submerged in the river there is a natural Shivling where, according to mythology, Lord Shiva sat when he received the Goddess Ganga in his matted locks. A days trek takes one to Gomukh, the source of the mighty Ganges.

Day 04 Gangotri - Bhojwassa (3350 mts/10988 ft)

The walk begins with gradual ascent through pine trees, alongside the roaring Bhagirathi River with towering cliffs on your left hand side. Soon after you leave Gangotri, you pass a check post for the Gangotri Conservation Project. The money they collect from your guide trees and an awareness campaign for trekkers on eco-sensitive tourism. Today's walk is quite short to help with acclimatisation. Chirbasa means pine trees. Here you have superb views of Hanuman Tibba (17,186 ft/5366m), Bhrigu Parbat (19,217 ft/6000m), Bhagirathi I, II and III (21,958 ft/6856m, 20,857 ft/6512m, and 20,671 ft/6454m respectively). You could well spot herds of Bharal roaming the hillside above Chirbasa. Dinner and overnight stay in tents at Bhojwassa.

Day 05 Bhojwassa - Gomukh (3890 mts/12760 ft) - Bhojwassa

Bhojwassa - Gomukh (3890 mts/12760 ft) - Bhojwassa Early in the Morning enjoy the panoramic view of Bhagirathi group of peaks. After breakfast trek to Gomukh (3890mt), the source of the Ganges. Gomukh is where the water of Ganga trickles down from the glaciers. The sages called it 'Gomukh', because in the distant past, it probably appeared like a cow's mouth. Explore the area and trek back to Bhojwassa. Dinner and overnight stay in Ashram.

Day 06 Bhojwassa - Gangotri (Trek 4-5 hrs) - Uttarkashi

Morning after breakfast trek down to Gangotri, where our car will be waiting for us. Then drive to Uttarkashi. Dinner and overnight stay at Hotel.

Day 07 Uttarkashi - Haridwar (205 kms/6-7 hrs) - Delhi

Morning after breakfast drive to reach Haridwar. Arrivals at Haridwar by late afternoon and from here catch AC Train for Delhi at 18:05 hrs. Arrival at Delhi by 22:45 hrs.

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FAQ's

Frequently Asked Questions

How many days are required for the Gangotri Gomukh Trek ?

This trek is such a hike that typically takes 3 to 5 days, to complete this trek, without any compromising on the sheer beauty and richness that the Himalayashave to offer. Normally this trek starts from Gangotri, where Gangotri Temple is situated. And it also depends on your physical fitness and which itinerary you choose.

What is the best time to do the Gangotri Gomukh Trek ?

Gangotri Gomukh Trek is one of the most favorite treks in India. Trekkers can see the big mountain views from the bottom to the top. This is the place where you can see the big mountains in our country.

Summer Season - As the temperature becomes warmer you'll come into the summer season May and June. In this season trekkers experience a lot of snow in their trek. If you're a snow enthusiast, you may see the thick layer of snow where your legs are buried. That's why this trek is challenging a little bit if you're not a pro trekker.

Tips - Don't forget to wear rainy clothes, there is a chance to see the rain in these months.

Autumn Season - In September and October month trekkers can see the crystal-clear views of the Gangotri to Gaumukh trek because after the rain everything will be fresh and the air will be crisp. In these months the monsoon season has just ended and the clouds are not abstracted away. You are very close to the mountains such as Shivling on the right and the Bhagirati's sisters on the left.

What is the difficulty level of the Gangotri Gomukh Trek ?

This Gangotri Trek is not that easy, it starts from moderate to Difficult trek.

In your trek, you'll cover lots of distance like- you cover around 40 KM on foot at altitudes more than 11000 ft on this trek. On the first day, you'll cover 14 KM and from there on day 2 6 kms one side and on last day again 14 kms.

Moderate Challenge - This trek will start from Gangotri to Gaumukh with a little bit of difficulty due to steep ascents, rocky paths and changing weather conditions and also this trek reaches an altitude of 4000 meters, which makes you altitude sick.

What fitness and preparation are required for the Gangotri Gomukh Trek ?

When it comes to trekking in the mighty Himalayas, whether it's easy or difficult, it's important that you ensure your physical fitness. If you're planning for a Gangotri trek. You can start your fitness routine at least 1.5 months before going for a trek.

Exercises

Cardiovascular activities - it increases the capacity of your Lungs and makes your heart strong. Start running 5 KM every day (35-40 minutes). You can also do cycling in your Cardiovascular activity.
Strengthening Muscle - You've ensured before your trek, that your legs and upper body core are strong. You can do Squats and Lunges for your Legs and for your upper body core you have to do Plank and Knee Stucks. (15-20 min everyday-3 to 5 sets each)

These two activities gain your lung capacity. When you trek in a high-altitude zone your body needs more oxygen so these exercises help you in that situation.

Tips - In your exercise, if possible then along with your running you should also climb stairs, what will happen is that your body will adapt to it and you won't face too many problems during your trekking. It is also known as the Acclimatization walk.

What are the weather conditions on the Gangotri Gomukh Trek ?

Summer Season - During Summer season between May and June is a good time for trekkers who want to experience a lot of snow on their trek. Temperature

Day - 10°C to 20°C
Night - Can drop almost 0°C

Autumn Season - The season of Autumn Season between September and October month, trekkers can see the crystal-clear views of the Gangotri to Gaumukh trek. Temperature

Day - 5°C to 15°C
Night - -3°C to -5°C

What is the essential packing list for the Gangotri Gomukh Trek?

Some items must be brought to your Gangotri Gomukh Trek such as

Clothing

Rainwear / Rain cover for your backpacks
Fleece jacket
Thermal wear
Breathable T-Shirts
Sunglasses / Cap / Camp Shoes / Trekking Boots
Jacket

Electronics

Head Lamp
Chargers / Power Bank
Earphones / Headphones / Camera

Medical Kit

Medicines - Painkillers / Nausea medicines / Headaches
Sprains / Band-aids / Sprays
Ensure your medical kit with your Doctor

Toilet Kit

Sanitizer, Toothpaste and Brush, Sanitizer and Toilet Roll
Sunscreen (protecting from UV rays) and normal body lotion

Food and Snacks

Energy Bars, Nuts
Trekking Meals

Optional

Maps and Guide Books
Cash for the emergency
Gaiters and Binoculars
Carry your identification

Is any permission required for the Gangotri Gomukh Trek?

Yes, permission is required for your Gangotri Gomukh Trek. Yo'll need a trekking permit from the forest department of Uttarkashi. Trekkers can get permission from offline or online.

Offline - You go to the Uttarkashi District Officer or Gangotri Forest Department to get permission. You'll have to provide all this information include

Name
Address
Photocopy of Aadhar Card
Permission of cost

Online - You can go to the website - Online Single Window System where you can fill in all the details

Name
Address
Photocopy of Aadhar Card
Permission of cost

Tips

Always carry your identification card with you (Aadhar Card, Passport, or another identification card).
Only 250 people are allowed to trek in one day.

What kinds of flora and fauna can be experienced on the Gangotri Gomukh Trek ?

Flora - In this Gangotri Trek you will find varied flora like various types of alpine flowers which is bloom in the summer season, trees like Deodar cedar, spruce, and pine trees dominate the lower elevations and low-lying Shrubs are very common to see in the trek. Additionally, in your trail, you'll find medical plants like Nettle and Yarrow.

Fauna - In this trek, you will hardly get to see the wildlife Snow Leopard which is rare to see, Himalayan Black Deer, Blue Sheep and Musk Deer found in the Alpine region. Additionally, you will find butterflies, which enhance the beauty of this place and find various types of insects (you need to protect yourself from these insects).

What kinds of accommodation and food do you provide during the trek ?

Accommodation

In Gangotri where your trek will start, there are accommodations provided by Uttrakhand Government - GMVN Rest House, there are some good private hotels as well which can be book online as well as offline.

During your Trekking time, you'll be camping in tents and provided food by the agencies which you choose or there are 2 Ashram also, who provide good room and meal.

Food

While your trek starts in Gangotri and this place is predominantly a religious town so the food is pure vegetarian mis of Indian, Chinese, and continental.