Gaumukh, Uttarakhand

This incredible trek commences from Gangotri, a prominent Hindu pilgrimage destination and notable for being one of the Char Dham sites. The shrine, dedicated to Goddess Ganga, is located on the bank of the gurgling river Bhagirathi and is a major attraction. The divine journey turns bit adventurous as one continues to head towards Gaumukh at 3890 metres, the source of River Bhagirathi that joins the River Alaknanda at Devprayag. The trek from Gangotri to Gaumukh, which is approximately 19 kilometers trek, is one of the popular and spiritual treks in the Garhwal Himalayan region. The journey continues to follow the course of River Bhagirathi, cutting and running through the thick cedar and pine forest. Further, it embarks upon a beautiful alpine meadow that is dotted and patched with several wild and colourful orchids. The rewarding view of the Gangotri group of peaks and Jogin peak and stretch of Himalayan range that forms a silver cascade makes the entire strenuous trek a walk to paradise.

The Gangotri to Gomukh trek, which is one of the moderate treks in the Garhwal Himalayan region, starts from Gangotri and leads to Bhojwassa. Gangotri is easily accessible by road from Rishikesh via Uttarkashi and Harsil. The trek from Gangotri to Bhojwassa passes through the lush green bed of Chirbasa and expunges to a barren and desolate landscape till it blends once again with the thick pine and cedar forest. From Bhojwassa, the trail continues to ascend towards Gomukh, where the water of River Bhagirathi trickles down from the glacier. Herds of Bharal (blue mountain goats) are a common sight from here on mountain ridges. On the far side of the glacier the Bhagirathi I, II, III at 6454 metres, provide an equally impressive backdrop. The downhill trek from Gomukh follows the same route to Gangotri.

Best Time to Visit Gangotri Gaumukh Trek

May, June, September and October.

Summer (May, June) : Weather remains salubrious, mild and pleasing during the day time while the nights are relatively chilly in comparison.

Autumn (September, October) : Perhaps the best time to go for trekking as this is when there is an onset of snowfall and landscapes starts looking picturesque. If planning to visit during the autumn season, one should do booking in advance as there are very less accommodation options.

Where is the Gangotri Gaumukh Trek?

One of the primary sources of Bhagirathi River, Gomukh is a snout of the Gangotri Glacier at an elevation of 13,200 ft in Uttarkashi district, Uttrakhand. With an estimated volume of 27 cubic kilometers, the glacier is one of its kind and largest in Himalaya. Besides being a favourite haunt for the trekkers, the glacier carries a vast mythological significance the traces of the same can be read in the tales of the Sanskrit epics. Shape of the snout looks like a mouth of the cow, and that is the reason its called 'Gomukh.' Sages from different corners of the world make their way to Gomukh to attain enlightenment.

How to Reach Gangotri Gaumukh Trek

Nearest Airport:Jolly Grant Airport, 250 km from Gangotri, is the closest airport. Else, you can avail chopper service from Dehradun to reach Gangotri

Nearest Railway Station:Haridwar Railway Station, 288 km from Gangotri, is the nearest railway station.

By Roadways:Gangotri is well connected with all the neighbouring towns like Rishikesh (234 km), Delhi (471 km), Uttarkashi (93 km), Haridwar (259 km), Devprayag (227 km), Rudraprayag (256 km), Badrinath (411 km), Barkot (158 km) and Joshimath (368 km).

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