Gangotri Dham is a crucial stop on the Chota Char Dham Yatra, coming after Yamunotri and before Kedarnath and Badrinath. Nestled in the scenic state of Uttarakhand, Gangotri is a renowned pilgrimage site for Hindus. The primary draw is the Gangotri Temple, dedicated to Goddess Ganga. According to legend, Gangotri is the birthplace of the River Ganga, where Lord Shiva released the river from a lock of his hair.
The Gangotri Trek presents a moderate challenge, influenced by factors such as weather, physical fitness, and altitude acclimatisation. Starting from Gangotri at an elevation of 3,100 metres (10,200 feet), trekkers traverse 15 km over several days, camping along the way to reach Bhojbasa, a common camping site. The trail becomes more demanding as it winds through forests and streams, leading another 5 km to the Gaumukh Glacier. Gaumukh, the glacier's snout, is revered in Hindu mythology as the source of the holy River Ganges.
Trekkers must navigate rocky terrain, climb over boulders, and cross glacial streams to reach Tapovan, which involves a steep ascent of approximately 4 km. The highlight of the Gangotri Tapovan trek is arriving at Tapovan, a site inhabited by numerous saints. Additionally, Tapovan serves as the base camp for mountaineers preparing for expeditions to Auden's Col, Kedarnath, and other peaks.
How to Reach Gangotri
Reaching Gangotri is comparatively easier than the other sacred abodes of Char Dham. Reaching Gangotri by road is quite easy from several cities in Uttarakhand like Rishikesh, Dehradun, Uttar Kashi, and so on. If you are coming by train or flight, then the nearest city to reach is Dehradun. Board a flight to Jolly Grant Airport or Dehradun Railway Station, and take roadways to cover the rest of the distance to Gangotri. The distance from Dehradun Gangotri is 237 km. One can find several Dharamshalas and Hotels in Gangotri where you can book your accommodation based on your budget and the number of people travelling. Begin your trek from the next day, early in the morning.
The Ultimate Itinerary of the Trek
Day 1. Gangotri to Chirbasa (8.8 km)- On the first day of the trek, you will cover approximately 9 km. Start early, ideally around 5 am, to enjoy a leisurely pace and because daily entry to the park is limited. After a few km, you will meet the Bhagirathi River, which will accompany you for much of the journey. Continue for another 6 km to reach Chirbasa, situated at an altitude of about 3,400 metres, typically in around five hours. Here, you will set up camp and can spend the rest of the day taking in the breathtaking scenery.
Day 2. Chirbasa to Tapovan- The route becomes more adventurous after Chirbasa, passing through several rock-fall zones. The ascent remains gradual, making the trek manageable. The approximately 6-km journey from Chirbasa to Bhojbasa (3,800 metres) takes about two hours. Here, you can take a break, as camping beyond Bhojbasa up to Gaumukh is not allowed.
The 4-km trek from Bhojbasa to Gaumukh is fascinating, featuring unnamed streams, boulder hopping, and stunning views of snow-clad mountains, with the Bhagirathi River flowing alongside. The gradient steepens between Bhojbasa and Gaumukh. Shortly after leaving Bhojbasa, the Shivling peak becomes visible on your right, with the Bhagirathi peaks straight ahead. Upon reaching Gaumukh, you can visit a small Shiva temple and enjoy the breathtaking scenery.
From Gaumukh, the 5-km trek to Tapovan, one of the finest high-altitude alpine meadows in the region, begins. This steep ascent offers clear views of the surrounding peaks, with the last kilometre being a near-vertical climb that involves crossing the Akash Ganga stream. This challenging section is best tackled with a guide. Tapovan is an ideal spot to camp for the night.
Day 3. Tapovan to Chirbasa- Begin your downward trek to Chirbasa from Tapovan. It is a 9 km trek, therefore it is better to start as early as possible. Carry enough water and refreshments to stay hydrated and avoid starvation. Spend the night at Chirbasa.
Day 4. Chirbasa to Gangotri- The descent of 8.8 km, today, will be ultimately to Gangotri. Reaching Gangotri, either check in to an accommodation here or directly head back to Dehradun.