Gangotri Trek Overview

About the Gangotri Trek, Uttarakhand:

Total Trekking Distance: 47 km (approx.)

Maximum Altitude: 4,400m

Temperature Range: May to June: 11 to 23-degree; October to December: 3 to 19-degree

The Gangotri glacier is one of the primary sources of holy river Ganges and there are many mythological stories associated with the origin and descent of the Ganges. 

This tour explores various such points starting from the sacred city of Rishikesh, which is also known as the “Gateway to the Himalayas”. After reaching Uttarkashi which is the base for many trekking expeditions, you reach Gangotri. The Gangotri trek starts from here which will take you through Bhojbasa as you walk alongside River Bhagirathi. 

About the Gangotri Trek, Uttarakhand:

Gangotri is also one of the destinations of the ‘Chota Char Dham’ pilgrimage tour. Apart from religious belief, if you are an ardent nature lover, then this trip will give you a mix of both spiritual fulfilment and instant gratification of your finer senses. As a part of daily hygiene protocol, proper care of hygiene and sanitation is maintained all through to ensure the utmost care and personal safety of the guests.

Get close to the mountains when you cross the Gangotri glacier and reach Tapovan known for its scenic landscape. The mighty Bhagirathi group of peaks and Neelkanth Peak are a spectacular view from here. The entire Gangotri trek is through pine forest and flowering valleys. 

Gangotri Trek Itinerary

Day 1
Drive from Haridwar to Uttarkashi (1,150 m) (195 km/7-8 hours by road)

Sightseeing in Uttarkashi, Nehru Mountaineering Institute

The day starts with an early morning drive from Haridwar to Uttarkashi, which is known as the footstep to trekking towards Gangotri.

After reaching Uttarkashi, a sightseeing programme is scheduled to visit popular locations like India's premier mountaineering institute 'Nehru Mountaineering Institute'.

Overnight stay in a hotel.

Day 2
Drive from Uttarkashi to Gangotri (3,048 m) (90 km/3-4 hours by road)

Start from Uttarkashi and reach Gangotri

The journey begins early morning with a drive up to Gangotri which is a place of immense religious significance.

It is believed that Gangotri is the home of Goddess Ganga and it is from this place that the trek begins.

Situated on the banks of the holy river Bhagirathi, it is one of the ‘Char Dham’ or one of the four destinations of pilgrimage of Uttarakhand.

Overnight stay in a tourist lodge.

Day 3
Trek from Gangotri - Bhojbasa (3,658 m)

14 km trek, Bhagirahi River, Neelkanth Peak

A 14 km trek will take you to Bhojbasa, a place known for the coniferous birch trees.

The trek takes course along River Bhagirathi on the right and is mostly an uphill climb.

The climb may at times leave you a little breathless but the wonderful view of the Neelkanth Peak more than makes up for the physical toll.

Enjoy the sunset views from the camp and retire for the night early.

Day 4
Trek from Bhojbasa - Gaumukh - Tapovan (4,400 m)

10 km trek, Sunrise View, Gangotri Glacier, Mt Shivling

After enjoying the splendid sunrise view early morning, get ready to climb further uphill to Tapovan.

You will have to cross Gaumukh to reach Tapovan.

The terrain is a bit rocky here and you should be careful with your steps.

The Gangotri glacier looks intimidating and a sense of humbleness reigns over all your feelings.

You will cross over from the right bank of the glacier to the left and then continue with the climb through the glacier moraine to reach Tapovan, which is also the base camp for avid trekkers who go further up to Mt. Shivling.

View from Tapovan is exhilarating, especially the Bhagirathi Peaks.

Overnight stay in tent.

Day 5
Trek from Tapovan - Bhojbasa - Chirbasa (3,300 m)

14 km trek, back to Chirbasa from Tapovan via Bhojbasa

The downhill trek commences which makes the journey less exhausting.

The return trek takes a different route and you reach Chirbasa via Bhojbasa

Enjoy the last night in a camp.

Day 6
Trek from Chirbasa - Gangotri, drive from Gangotri - Uttarkashi (90 km)

9 km trek

This trek is a relatively shorter one as you trek further downhill to Gangotri.

Upon arrival in Gangotri, take a drive towards Uttarkashi and retire for the day in a resort.

Day 7
Drive from Uttarkashi to Rishikesh/Haridwar

Tour Ends Here

You will be driven to Rishikesh/Haridwar in the morning.

With your arrival, this astounding Gangotri Gaumukh trek will come to an end.

Select Package Options

Enjoy a thrilling trekking experience with a professional guide

Price Includes
  • Stay

    Tents/Camps/Lodge as and when feasible

  • Meals

    All meals during the trek (Day 02 dinner to Day 06 lunch) are included in the package

    Vegetarian only

  • Activities
    • Trekking
    • Camping


More Details about Gangotri Trek

Know Before You Go for Gangotri Trek

  • Climatic conditions in the high altitudes vary from the plains; take adequate time to get acclimatized to high altitudes.
  • The management reserves all the right to modify the trek during any emergencies or natural calamities.
  • Consult a physician before undertaking the trek. Carry basic medications and a first-aid kit during the trek.
  • Pay heed to the trek guides and instructors in order to enjoy a safe and sound trek.
  • The trek takes place through an eco-friendly zone; do not encourage littering the local sites or campsites. Travelers littering may be fined.
  • Water is very precious, so conservation is appreciated.
  • Do not encourage trekking during the night unless it is a part of the itinerary and a guide is with you; this might lead to unforeseen mishaps.
  • Avoid using earphones during the trek; this might hinder your audibility.
  • Avoid using plastic bags and maintain the ecological balance of the destinations.
  • In case, the trek needs to be canceled, the authorities should be informed beforehand.
  • Please provide a valid ID at the time of check-in.
  • Professional guide(s) are available to ensure high safety and more information and personal attention which are necessary to appreciate a trek.
  • The exact location will be shared with you post-booking.
  • Neat and clean vehicle for the journey with experienced drivers especially for hilly terrains available.
  • Camping is very basic in nature. One must not expect luxuries. Electricity may be available only at a few locations.
  • Mobile & laptop charging points may/may not be available on campsites at a common point.
  • Any personal expenses, items of personal nature, meals not mentioned, etc. will not be in part of the package.
  • Carry dry snacks/food from home (you will save a lot of money). Carry water bottles with you, so that you can refill.
  • Keep your luggage minimum; the more you carry, the more you hassle.
  • It is recommended to carry enough warm clothes and the right kind of shoes for the Gangotri trek.
  • Children below the age of 7 years are not recommended for Gangotri trek.

Things To Carry for Gangotri Trek

  • Back pack (50-60l)
  • Water bottle
  • Hiking shoes
  • Warm clothes

Tour Difficulty for Gangotri Trek

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