Gomukh, Gangotri – Trekking & Connectivity

Gomukh, Gangotri – Trekking & Connectivity

Connectivity:

Gangotri is located at about 26 Kms from Harsil, 100 Kms from Uttarkashi, 263 Kms from Rishikesh Railway Station, 266 Kms from Dehradun Airport, 267 Kms from Rishikesh, 285 Kms from Haridwar, 286 Kms from Haridwar Railway Station and 503 Kms from New Delhi Airport. Gangotri is situated at the end of NH 108. Pilgrims need to go to Uttarkashi by GMOU bus or private taxi. From Uttarkashi, four wheelers are available on shared basis to Gangotri. Gangotri is connected with motorable roads, buses and taxis from important destinations like Rishikesh, Dehradun, Uttarkashi and Tehri Garhwal. Gomukh is located at about 18 Kms from Gangotri in the foot hills of Bhagirathi at a height of 4023 m.

Trekking:

This incredible trek commences from Gangotri, a prominent Hindu pilgrimage destination and notable for being one of the Char Dham sites. Tourists / Pilgrims must get permission from (D.F.O.) District forest officer, Uttarkashi. Only 150 permits are issued per day, permission can be taken via fax also. The Gomukh trek begins from around 100 mts behind the Gangotri temple. One has to climb a steep stairways in order to reach the starting point of the trek. Here the permits are checked, and one can clear all doubts of the trek from the guards. Start for the trek early at around 7.00 am in the morning from Gangotri.

The trail to Gomukh begins from Gangotri, about 18 Kms from Gomukh. From Gangotri, first reach Chirbasa, the abode of Chir trees (9 Kms from Gangotri). After 3 Kms of Chirbasa comes the dangerous Gila Pahar, the place well known for its landslides. One must traverse near-sheer cliffs in this place. Here the Bharals, a type of mountain antelope are sometimes seen. The Bharals are found above the altitude of 10,000 ft. After 4 Kms of Gila Pahar comes Bhujbasa, the only night halting place on the way with buildings.

One can stay at the GMVN Bunglow, or at the Lalbaba's Ashram or at Ram Baba's ashram; both ashram charge Rs 300 for a day that includes lodging and food. After trekking 4.5 Kms from Bhujbasa, one reaches Gomukh, the snout of the Gangotri Glacier. A little before Gomukh, the majestic view of Mt. Shivling welcomes the trekkers to the place. On the trail no horses are allowed, so one must take preparations to walk on foot. The trek to Tapovanam and Nandanvan starts from here.

The route after Bhojbasa can be quite difficult, more so since the 2013 floods. One has to cross a boulder zone to reach the Gomukh snout. The trek beyond Gomukh is quite difficult. Crossing the glacier & going towards Tapovan has become quite dangerous nowadays (because of the landslides). There is no track and one must have a guide and should be prepared to face any type of accident which can even be a life-threatening one. The last climb to reach Tapovan is very stiff, within 2 km a climb of around 1500 foot and is quite a challenging experience.