Have you ever fantasized about zipping through the curves and twists of a snowy terrain, where the glittering flakes dazzle your eyes and the crisp air fills your lungs? Have you ever felt the call of the wild woods, where the trees whisper secrets, and the leaves dance with joy? Have you ever dreamed of reaching the source of the sacred Ganga, where the holy water flows from the mouth of a glacier?
If yes, then you are not alone. We share your passion for exploring the Gangotri Glacier Trek, a journey of wonder and awe that will take you to the heart of the Himalayas. We know you have a restless spirit that yearns for heights that touch the sky and beyond. A trek to Gangotri may seem daunting, but not to those who have adventure and thrill in their veins. It's a land of magic and mystery, where the mountains guard and guide you, where the river Bhagirathi accompanies you with its soothing sound.
Gangotri offers something for all kinds of adventurers - Whether you want to witness the glacial mouth of Gomukh, the alpine meadows of Tapovan, or the crystal-clear lakes of Kedartal and snow-kissed peaks of Shivling and Meru. By the end of this article, we bet you will be ready to embark on your Gangotri trek and experience the ultimate Himalayan adventure. Read on!
Best time to visit Gangotri:
When to visit Gangotri? It depends on what you want to do. If you want to see the temple and the rituals, go in summer (April-June) or autumn (September to November). But be ready for crowds and high prices. If you want to trek to the glacier and beyond, go in post-monsoon or pre-monsoon. But be prepared for clear skies and dry trails.
Avoid monsoons and winter, as they are bad for trekking. The weather is nasty, the views are foggy, and the trails are muddy or snowy. Plus, the temple is shut due to rain or snow.
Read about Avinash's dream journey from Gangotri to Gaumukh, here.
Popular routes for trekking to Gangotri:
You can take several routes for trekking to Gangotri and its surrounding areas. Here are some of the most popular ones:
Gangotri Glacier Trek
This is one of Gangotri's easiest and shortest treks, suitable for beginners and families. It covers a distance of 18 km (one way) from Gangotri town to Gomukh, the snout of the Gangotri Glacier and one of the sources of the Ganga River. The trek takes about two days (one way) and passes through scenic forests, meadows, waterfalls, and bridges along the Bhagirathi River. The highlight of the trek is the view of the glacier mouth, which resembles a cow's mouth (hence the name Gomukh). You can also see the towering peaks of Bhagirathi I, II, and III on the way.
Gangotri Gaumukh Trek
This is one of Gangotri's most popular and challenging treks, suitable for experienced and adventurous trekkers. It covers a distance of 24 km (one way) from Gangotri town to Tapovan, a high-altitude meadow at an elevation of 4,400 meters. The trek takes about three days (one way) and passes through Gomukh, where you must cross the glacier cautiously.
The hike's highlight is the view of Tapovan, surrounded by some of the most iconic mountains in the Himalayas, such as Shivling, Meru, Thalay Sagar, and Bhagirathi IV. You can also see the rare flora and fauna of the region, such as Brahma Kamal, blue poppy, and Himalayan ibex.
Gangotri Tapovan Trek
This is a variation of the Gangotri Gaumukh Tapovan Trek, suitable for those who want to skip the glacier crossing and save some time and energy. It covers a distance of 20 km (one way) from Gangotri town to Tapovan, the same destination as the previous trek. The trek takes about two days (one way) and passes through a different route that bypasses Gomukh and goes through Chirbasa and Bhojbasa, two camping sites along the Bhagirathi River. The highlight of the trek is the same as the previous trek: the view of Tapovan and the surrounding mountains.
Transportation options for reaching Gangotri:
To reach Gangotri, you must first reach Uttarkashi, the nearest central town and the base for Gangotri. Uttarkashi is well connected by road to other cities and states in India. You can choose from the following modes of transportation to reach Uttarkashi:
Flight
The nearest airport to Uttarkashi is Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun, about 180 km away. You can fly from Delhi or other major cities in India to Dehradun, which takes about an hour. You can take a taxi or bus from Dehradun to Uttarkashi, which takes about 5 to 6 hours.
Train
The nearest railway station to Uttarkashi is Rishikesh, about 170 km away. You can take a train from Delhi or other major cities in India to Rishikesh, which takes about 6 to 8 hours.
Bus
You can also take a direct bus from Delhi or other major cities in India to Uttarkashi, which takes about 10 to 12 hours. Regular state-run and private buses ply this route, which are comfortable and affordable.
Permits:
Want to go to Gomukh? Get your permits at the park office in Gangotri town. They cost Rs 150 for Indians and Rs 600 for foreigners. They last two days, but you can extend them for another day by paying Rs 50 more when you leave.
Want to go to Tapovan or Kedartal? Sorry, you can't get your permits in Gangotri town. You must go to the park office in Uttarkashi; remember it stays closed on Sundays. Or you can email a trekking company in Uttarkashi beforehand and ask them to get them for you.
You can read about Saurav's spiritual journey to Gangotri, here.
Gears that you'll need:
Sleeping bags are a must for Gomukh, Tapovan, or Kedartal. Get one that can handle -20C. You can rent one from a trekking company in Uttarkashi too. You might find one in Gangotri town, but it will cost you more.
Kedartal has no lodges, so you need a tent, food, and cooking gear. You can rent them all from trekking companies in Uttarkashi. Gomukh and Tapovan have lodges with food.
Are you ready to embark on a thrilling Gangotri Glacier Trek, where snowy terrains and glittering flakes await?
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