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30°48'13.7"N 79°11'03.4"E

Gaumukh Meru Glacier Trek

An eight day itinerary interspersing myth, spirituality, and sensational adventure, the Gaumukh Tapovan Trek takes you around the Gangotri glacier to the site traditionally believed to be mouth of the holy river Ganga.
  • Uttarakhand
  • 9 Days
  • 35 KM
  • 16,000 FT
  • Moderate to Difficult
  • ₹ 85000
    ?
    The price is for a group of 16 people. The charges will be different for a tailormade private trek. The charges in dollars are more as the permit fees are different for non-Indians.

Book Now

Or Call On
+91 8800332031
  • Event Type

    Trekking

  • Best Time

    May-June, Sept-Oct

  • Base Camp

    ?
    Click to open in maps

    Haridwar

  • Pickup Point

    ?
    Click to open in maps

    Railway Station, Haridwar

  • Minimum Age

    ?
    For this adventure, we only allow people above this age to ensure the safety of everyone joining this adventure.

    15

Highlights

  • Go beyond the source of the holy Ganga.
  • Explore the meadows of Tapovan
  • Glaciers at Gomukh
  • Peaks like the Bhagirathi massif, Mt. Shivling, Mt. Meru

Overview

Are you bored with the daily monotony? Well, here is a trek that you should try out to get the adrenaline to restore pack. Get past the coniferous trees at Chirbasa and birch at Bhojbasa, explore the retreating glacier at Gamukh which is the source of river Bhagirathi (which later becomes river Ganga), experience a trek of your lifetime by seeing the Himalayan giants such as the Bhagirathi massif, Mt. Shivling, Mt. Meru and many more. As a matter of fact Mt. Meru is one of the toughest peaks to climb in the entire world, with only a very recent successful attempt of the Sharks' Fin route by Jimmy Chin, Conrad Anker & Renan Ozturk. Very interestingly, this peak (Mt. Meru) was once mythologized to be the center of the whole universe according to an old Indian mythological theory. The Mount Meru Base Camp trek starts from Gangotri and goes beyond the source of Ganga to the meadows of Tapovan. Although the Meru trek seems to be an easy one but isn't for real. Keeping aside fitness, you also should have prior trekking experience. This trek is strictly not for beginners, you need to know about the equipment and how to use them. Trekking in Uttarakhand is always a pleasure with the shining white snow on the huge mountains at distance, and the typical trails with pine trees and meadows all around. So, enjoy the Meru Base Camp Trek in the holy Himalayas and get ready for a magnificent and thrilling experience that you will remember for a lifetime.

Brief Itinerary

Detailed Itinerary

Drive in a cab to Kuflon village also known as Camp Kuflon which is near the road head for Dodital. It is 11 km from Uttarkashi in the valley of Assi Ganga (which is a 5-hour drive). Stay the night at Kuflon. Alternatively, you can also cover more ground and reach Gangotri at 10,200 ft which will take you around 10-12 hours to reach. The drive will be mostly along the sacred banks of the river Bhagirathi. You can also explore the local markets and temples in the evening.

Meals : Dinner Only
Accommodation : Hotel/Homestay

The next day, a 4-hour drive to reach Gangotri. After visiting some temples you can start your trek towards Gaumukh which is the source of the holy river Ganga. The trek is almost gradual thanks to the frequent trekkers and pilgrims. Just before reaching Chirbasa you will see the beautiful Bhagirathi peaks. Trek along the tree line and the river Bhagirathi and it will take you around 6 hours to reach Chirbasa which is at a height of 11,761 ft. After reaching, come down from the main trail and we will set up camp close to the river.

Meals : B, L, D
Accommodation : Tents
Time Taken : 6 hours trek, 4 hours drive
Altitude : 11,716 ft.

You will have a comparatively relaxed day as you just have to trek 5 km which will take you around 3 hours of time. Bhojbasa is situated at a height of 12,450 ft. The trek from Chirbasa to Bhojbasa is a narrow one, where there are points where you won’t even find a clear way to tread upon and just a single wrong foot will take you some 164 ft down the hill. It is recommended that you take an evening walk to one of the high points nearby for better acclimatization of your body, also don’t forget to take your camera as you just might sight a group of ibexes and a beautiful sunset.

Meals : B, L, D
Accommodation : Tents
Time Taken : 3 hours
Altitude : 12,450 ft.
Distance : 5 km

The next day walk for about 2 hours to reach Gaumukh at 13,123 ft which is the source of Ganga. Stay there for a while and admire the beauty of nature as river Ganga gushes out of the snout of the Gangotri glacier. After you are done, cross the glacier and start a steep ascent to reach Tapovan which is at 14,650 ft. The journey from Bhujbasa to Tapovan is a challenging one. The trek will take 3 hours from Gaumukh. Tapovan is the base camp of Mt. Meru and Mt. Shivling which is considered to be one of the most beautiful peaks in the world by climbers. Enjoy seeing Bharals (blue mountain goats) which is a common animal up there and get astonished by the sight of the Bhagirathi I, II and III with the majestic Mt. Shivling standing tall in front and Mt. Meru behind it.

Meals : B, L, D
Accommodation : Tents
Time Taken : 5 hours
Altitude : 14,650 ft.

Start your day early, following a full day trek to Kirti glacier. From here you can see the Kedardome peak, Kedarnath, Bhartekuntha, Thalay Sagar, Bhrigupanth, Meru and the majestic Shivling from the east. The trek will not be easy, as you will make it through the uncertain crevasses. You will be walking over a glacier, so you won’t know where there is a deep split marginally covered with snow. So take caution in walking over the ridges. After exploring the glacier return to the base camp, and feel the real sense of achievement. Enjoy hot dinner and camp overnight at Tapovan.

Meals : B, L, D
Accommodation : Tents
Altitude : 16,000 ft at glacier

Enjoy the day relaxing and exploring nearby places. Seeing a breathtaking view every time you step out of your tent is amazing. Enjoy the lush green meadow filled with wildflowers right at the foot of the giant Shivling. Spend your day walking around the campsite or interacting with sadhus. Get amused every time you look at those big, mountains covered in snow, read a book sitting at the lap of Mt. Meru and Mt. Shivling and do other stuff to refresh yourselves.

Meals : B, L, D
Accommodation : Tents

Leave early and bid adieu to these beautiful mountains and a wonderful campsite at Tapovan while heading back to Chirbasa. Enjoy the early morning sunrise while you trek down. The road from Tapovan leads you through the upper section of the meadow till down and finally onto the glacier. Explore the huge crevasses gaped here and there. You will take around 5 hours to reach Chirbasa at a height of 11,761 ft. The descent will be much faster than the ascent ever was. Reach Chirbasa and camp near the river, have a hot dinner and stay overnight.

Meals : B, L, D
Accommodation : Tents
Altitude : 11,761 ft.

Have a hot breakfast at Chirbasa and continue walking down on your trail towards Gangotri which will take you around 4 hours to reach. After reaching Gangotri board one of the share cabs or get your personal one and drive back to Camp Kuflon and once again enjoy the comforts of hot water, barbeque and not to mention, campfire. At Gaumukh, if you want, you can also take a holy dip in the river Ganges. The water will be very chilly but it will be a lifetime experience that you would not want to miss.

Meals : B, L, D
Accommodation : Hotel/ Homestay

After a small hot breakfast at Camp Kuflon, drive to Haridwar which will be a long journey or alternatively you may also go to Dehradun and take a train or a flight from there. It will be much more convenient for many and much faster too. This will complete your Gaumukh Meru Glacier trek for this time.

Meals : Breakfast Only
Accommodation : Not Included

How To Reach

How to reach Gaumukh Meru Glacier Trek Pickup Point:

By Air

Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun is the nearest airport to Haridwar and is easily accessible, it is just 40 km away from the city. Daily flights from New Delhi are available to this airport.


By Train

Haridwar railway station. Overnight trains hail from Delhi to Haridwar at regular intervals. People often prefer railways over airways because with trains you get to see the landscape in its full glory, it is also cheaper and you will definitely enjoy your way till Haridwar.


By Road

Regular bus service is available from Delhi ISBT Kashmere Gate which plies government buses that are safe and you can rely on them more than the private buses.

Why Trek With Us ?

Twin Sharing Tents
Eco Friendly & Paperless
Finest Guides
Just Right Group Sizes
Commitment to Safety

Trek Calendar All

Inclusions

  • Accommodations at Trek: All accommodations on the trek will be on twin sharing basis in Tents or Homestays. Any accommodation in a hotel/guest house/hostel will be in a budget hotel.
  • Trek Leader and Guides: An experienced and certified Trek Leader, as well as a professional guide, will accompany you for the trek. The team will have years of experience and well equipped for any emergency situation.
  • Transportation from Haridwar to Camp Kuflon and back to Haridwar is included in the package.  Any expenses occurred during the journey are not included in the package cost.
  • Services of a Professional Trekking Team: A team of an experienced Cook, Camp Staff, Porters/Mules will accompany you for all the arrangements on the trek.
  • Meals: All Meals on the Trek are included. We will serve Vegetarian Indian food on the trek which will be cooked by our high altitude chefs. It will be a five-course meal plan.
  • Camping and Safety Equipment: All the camping equipment such as Tents, Sleeping bags, Toilet Tents, Dining Tent, Mattresses, and other things will be provided by us and we guarantee the quality. Safety Equipment including Medical kit, Oxygen Cylinder, Oximeter, Crampons & Gaiters(if required) will be provided by us. We recommend you to bring your own sleeping bags if possible.
  • Trek Permits and Forest Camping Charges: Only for Indian Clients, All the applicable trekking permits, Camping Charges, Forest Entry Fee, etc will be paid by us. Foreigners have to pay these charges if not mentioned.
  • A Life-Changing Experience: We assure you that by trekking in the Himalayas you will have a life-changing experience and we will do everything we can to provide you with the best services and make your venture in the wild an unforgettable one. 


Note: Prior to booking any adventure with Trekmunk, it will be mandatory to sign the waiver form and get a medical certificate from a doctor in due time, without these, you will not be allowed to start the trek. All this will be done online without using any paper.

Exclusions

  • GST and Other Taxes: The goods and services tax is not included in the price mentioned with the trek. They are subjected to change according to the government rules of India.
  • Accommodation and Food in Haridwar: Food and stay in Haridwar and during transit to Sankri and back are not included in the package. You can book your hotels or homestays in Haridwar, we can recommend a few good options.
  • Flights and Transportation to Haridwar: Flights or other means of transport are not included in the package.
  • Personal Equipment: Your Rucksack, personal clothing, shoes, trek poles, and other personal trekking gear is not included in this package. You have to bring your own gear according to the weather and difficulty of the trek.
  • Portage of Personal Bags(Offloading): We highly advise you to carry your own burden (your rucksack) but due to any reason, if you wish to not carry your rucksack, we can arrange for a porter/mule to carry it. For this service, you will be charged over and above the trek cost. The charges for offloading vary with every trek.
  • Travel Insurance: Travel Insurance is not included in this package. We recommend you to have travel insurance before opting for such adventures. You can buy insurance from us while booking the trek, it is optional.
  • Personal Expenses: Any personal expenses incurred (Laundry, Bottled Water, Beverages, Snacks, Orders at tea houses or dhabas, Tips for guides, Camera fees, etc) are not included in the package.
  • Emergency Expenses: Any costs arising out of unforeseen circumstances such as accidents, bad weather, landslides, road conditions and any other circumstances beyond our control are not included in the package.
  • Anything not mentioned in Inclusions of the package.

Cancellation Policy And More Information

Booking Terms:


1. Confirmation Policy:

Upon Booking, An invoice will be sent to your mail & within 12 to 24 hours the booking confirmation with additional details will be sent to your mail.


2. Cancellation Policy:


Note: Following Cancellation policy will be followed for departures booked on or before 31st May 2021-


1) Cancellation up to 7 days before the start date of the trek:  Get a complete cash refund (minus 5% transaction fee). The money is refunded to the same bank account, credit, or debit card from where the payment was made. 

2) Cancellation during the last 6 days before the start date of the trek, and not counting the day of the trek: Full refund with 100% of the trek fee in the form of a Trekmunk Trek Voucher. Valid for 1 year from the date of issue. Can be used on any Trekmunk trek. 

3) Cancellation on the start day of the trek, or no show on the start day of the trek: Unfortunately, no refund. 


For more details, go to https://www.trekmunk.com/cancellation-policy


3. Refund Policy:

Any refund applicable will be processed within 10 to 15 business days as per the company policy.


4. Postpone/Transfer of a booked trek:

1. You can postpone your booked trek for a period of two months (61 days) but we will charge a 20% processing fee. The last date for the postponement will be 15 days before the start of the trek. Failing to book the slot in 2 months (61 days) time, would be considered a cancellation with no refund of any kind. Postpone of a booked trek can only be done once. 

2. You can transfer your booked slot for the trek to any fit person till 15 days before the trek. You just have to mail us the request and rest we will handle. The new person has to get all the mandatory documents duly signed for the trek.


More Information: 

1. We Trek for a Cause: For overall development of the areas we run our operations in, we donate Rs 100/- per booking from our profits which are used for the upliftment of the local people and conserving nature. We have named this initiative as - Trek for a Cause. For more details, follow: https://www.trekmunk.com/trek-for-a-cause


2. We are paperless: We are focusing on Sustainable Tourism and to do that we are trying all measures to convert our trek operations to be Eco-Friendly. Going Paperless is one step closer to our aim. 


3. Single-Use Plastic: Trekmunk does not encourage the use of single-use plastic items. We are ensuring that our team is working together to reduce the problem and educate those around them. We will send you instructions on how to go plastic-free on your adventures.


4. Preparing for your Holiday: Getting some additional exercise makes a lot of sense to spend time before coming on a trekking adventure. The fitter you are, the more enjoyable you will find the experience. Hiking in the hill country is the best training but jogging, squash and swimming are also good for developing cardiovascular fitness and stamina. To read more on how to get fit, follow: https://www.trekmunk.com/get-fit-for-trek 


5. Electricity Supply & Plug: You will get electricity supply till the starting point of the trek. If not Indian, We recommend you check if you require an adaptor for your electrical items at: http://www.worldstandards.eu/electricity/plugs-and-sockets/


6. Currency: The unit of currency in India is the Indian Rupees.


7. Health & Vaccinations: 

Severe Allergies: If you have a severe allergy please inform the Trekmunk office before you travel. We will do all we can to help, but we cannot guarantee an allergy-free environment on trekmunk trips. You will need to carry your own treatment for the allergy with you, as 'adrenaline auto-injectors' are not carried as standard by our leaders and staff. You should inform your leader on the arrival of your allergy, and let them know where you keep your adrenaline pen.

Vaccinations: You should contact your doctor or travel clinic to check whether you require any specific vaccinations or other preventive measures. You should be up to date with routine courses and boosters as recommended e.g. diphtheria-tetanus-polio and measles-mumps-rubella, along with hepatitis A and typhoid. Malarial prophylaxis is not usually required for trips in the mountains, however, if you are visiting rural and remote low lying areas then they might be necessary. 


8. Passport & Visas/Identity Proofs: If foreigner, Validity for 6 months, should have blank pages, and should be kept with yourself all the time.


9. Water: If you are on a trekking or cycling holiday, water is supplied to fill up your individual bottles. This will be boiled or filtered. Additionally, you should take purification tablets or a filter bottle (such as a LifeStraw, Sawyer Filter) to treat your water when in towns or where water is not supplied. We do not encourage the purchasing of single-use plastic bottles.


10. Altitude: This adventure involves going to a very high altitude. This is not something that you should worry about; the human body is quite capable of adapting to a very wide range of altitudes, but it is important that we follow some simple rules in order to acclimatize successfully. We will send you the information in your mailbox about Acute Mountain Sickness and trekking in high altitudes. On this trip, we carry bottled oxygen for use in emergencies.


11. Guidance on Tipping: Tipping is the accepted way of saying thank you for good service. Normally the guide and any other trek staff are given their tips at the end of the trek and this is best done as a group. The main guide will make sure that the tip is appropriately distributed among all the staff members on the trek.


12. Spending/Emergency Money: Approximately Rs. 8000-10000/- (in Indian Currency)should be carried for miscellaneous expenses including porter and trek crew tips, drinks, soft drinks, etc. We recommend that you carry your travel money in the form of cash as the availability of ATM is less in these remote areas. This can also serve as your emergency spending money.


13. Travel Insurance: It is recommended to have travel insurance for these kinds of adventures. When taking out insurance please ensure the policy you choose covers you for the activities and altitude included in your itinerary. We will ask for the Travel Insurance Details over a mail. Indians can buy insurance from us while booking the trek.

Reviews

I had the most wonderful experience trekking through the ranges of Chandrashila with Trekmunk. The small moments of achievement were phenomenal. Chandrashila is the most astonishing peak that I've ever trekked through; I've never been so fascinated. I think I am going to go for a ...

Anwesha Chakraborty
Chandrashila Trek

Chadar trek is considered to be one of the most difficult and dangerous treks, which requires a lot of skilled trek leaders, a perfect guide and a strong team of porters. I choose Trekmunk for Chadar and they proved they are a perfect team. Highly skilled trek leaders, profession ...

Sushil Chauhan
Chadar Trek

Our 7 days trip to Meghalaya was a truly memorable experience. Thank you Trekmunk for arranging such an adventurous backpacking trip and a special thanks to Mohit Goswami our trip leader for giving us an experience of what true travelling is. From hitchhiking to traversing the un ...

Jayati Bist
Meghalaya Backpacking

Reviews

Chandrashila Trek
Anwesha Chakraborty

I had the most wonderful experience trekking through the ranges of Chandrashila with Trekmunk. The small moments of achievement were phenomenal. Chandrashila is the most astonishing peak that I've ever trekked through; I've never been so fascinated. I think I am going to go for another trek with Trekmunk soon enough! The kind of hospitality that is provided to us is worth appreciating. I made many new friends and have enjoyed each and every day of this trek to its fullest.

I had the most wonderful experience trekking through the ranges of Chandrashila with Trekmunk. The small moments of achievement were phenomenal. Chandrashila is the most astonishing peak that I've ever trekked through; I've never been so fascinated. I think I am going to go for another trek with Trekmunk soon enough! The kind of hospitality that is provided to us is worth appreciating. I made many new friends and have enjoyed each and every day of this trek to its fullest.

Chadar Trek
Sushil Chauhan

Chadar trek is considered to be one of the most difficult and dangerous treks, which requires a lot of skilled trek leaders, a perfect guide and a strong team of porters. I choose Trekmunk for Chadar and they proved they are a perfect team. Highly skilled trek leaders, professional skiers, gave us details on how to walk on slippery ice. Professionally trained and certified with wilderness medication programs always ready to take your care in any condition and travelers themselves. One will enjoy their company, their travel stories and their way of leading a trek. Cheers to team Trekmunk.

Chadar trek is considered to be one of the most difficult and dangerous treks, which requires a lot of skilled trek leaders, a perfect guide and a strong team of porters. I choose Trekmunk for Chadar and they proved they are a perfect team. Highly skilled trek leaders, professional skiers, gave us details on how to walk on slippery ice. Professionally trained and certified with wilderness medication programs always ready to take your care in any condition and travelers themselves. One will enjoy their company, their travel stories and their way of leading a trek. Cheers to team Trekmunk.

Meghalaya Backpacking
Jayati Bist

Our 7 days trip to Meghalaya was a truly memorable experience. Thank you Trekmunk for arranging such an adventurous backpacking trip and a special thanks to Mohit Goswami our trip leader for giving us an experience of what true travelling is. From hitchhiking to traversing the unknown places to eating delicious Momo's to climbing 3000 steps, we did it all in those 7 days which came to end so quickly and none of us wanted to go back home. Such an experience where you just pick up your rucksacks and walk down the roads of a traveller could have been only possible because of Trekmunk!

Our 7 days trip to Meghalaya was a truly memorable experience. Thank you Trekmunk for arranging such an adventurous backpacking trip and a special thanks to Mohit Goswami our trip leader for giving us an experience of what true travelling is. From hitchhiking to traversing the unknown places to eating delicious Momo's to climbing 3000 steps, we did it all in those 7 days which came to end so quickly and none of us wanted to go back home. Such an experience where you just pick up your rucksacks and walk down the roads of a traveller could have been only possible because of Trekmunk!

Ladakh Motocycle Trip
Avinash Kumar

No words for the bike trip from Srinagar to Leh. One should experience it to feel it and all this because of the management of Trekmunk especially Mohit and Harshit whose efforts even made the hardest of the ride exciting adventurous and above all safe. Although some hindrances which are quite common like bike issues and medical problems arose with our co-riders, I liked the way these two guys handled it dexterously. I went with one of my best friends and came with a lot more and the trip turned out to be memories that can be cherished for a lifetime. Thanks, Team Trekmunk for giving me a wonderful experience. I can't wait to go on my next adventure with them.

No words for the bike trip from Srinagar to Leh. One should experience it to feel it and all this because of the management of Trekmunk especially Mohit and Harshit whose efforts even made the hardest of the ride exciting adventurous and above all safe. Although some hindrances which are quite common like bike issues and medical problems arose with our co-riders, I liked the way these two guys handled it dexterously. I went with one of my best friends and came with a lot more and the trip turned out to be memories that can be cherished for a lifetime. Thanks, Team Trekmunk for giving me a wonderful experience. I can't wait to go on my next adventure with them.

Kedartal Trek
Mazhar Dohadwala

We were a group of 12 friends and booked a trek to Kedartal with Trekmunk, it was an amazing experience..even though it was our first trek to the Himalayas and Kedartal being a difficult terrain trek we were guided excellently by the Trekmunk team. They served us nutritious food, took complete care of our safety and health and gave us the right advice to overcome AMS. Eagerly awaiting our next trek with them.

We were a group of 12 friends and booked a trek to Kedartal with Trekmunk, it was an amazing experience..even though it was our first trek to the Himalayas and Kedartal being a difficult terrain trek we were guided excellently by the Trekmunk team. They served us nutritious food, took complete care of our safety and health and gave us the right advice to overcome AMS. Eagerly awaiting our next trek with them.

FAQ's

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