Uttarakhand
Location
Uttarakhand
Duration
6 days
Max Altitude
13400 ft
Trekking
34 km
Grade
Moderate
Monday–Saturday: 10 AM to 06 PM (GMT +5:30)
Location
Uttarakhand
Duration
6 days
Max Altitude
13400 ft
Trekking km
34 km
Grade
Moderate
Monday–Saturday: 10 AM to 06 PM (GMT +5:30)
Be it a sight of one of Uttarakhand’s Char Dham sites or a walk to India’s most sacred glacier snout, you experience both on this journey. This is the Gaumukh Gangotri Trek.
Have you ever witnessed the birth of something timeless? And have you ever thought about the origin or seen the birth of the river?
In India, rivers are considered sacred. This belief comes from faith, stories, epics, traditions, and everyday life itself. Rivers quench our thirst, feed our fields, nourish the land, and support entire civilizations. They are the source of water and survival. Because of this connection, the place where a river begins is always seen as pure.
The Gaumukh Trek leads you to one such place. This trek starts from Gangotri, one of Uttarakhand’s Char Dham sites, and gradually moves into the Himalayas. It is a simple walk, but one filled with emotions. Trekkers come here with curiosity and a long-held wish to see the source of the Ganga with their own eyes.
This beautiful trek is located in the Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand. The journey begins from Dehradun, and the trekking begins from Gangotri which is about 40 km away from Uttarkashi.
The trek is beautiful for so many reasons, but one of the most important ones is its accessibility. The Gaumukh Gangotri Trek can be done by people of different age groups, including many 50+ aged trekkers who have carried this wish for years.
Its trail is well marked and you can walk at your own pace, take breaks, enjoy, and absorb the surroundings without rushing. For many senior trekkers, this is a long-awaited journey to a sacred place they have always wanted to see.
You will also walk alongside the Bhagirathi River. Where rivers hold a very special place in people’s lives, on this trek, you will see the origin of one such river. You will see the sacred source of the Bhagirathi River. It is considered sacred because it is linked with ancient epics and beliefs. A lot of trekkers feel a strong pull to be here. They want to witness where the Ganga begins and to feel the presence of something greater than themselves and to understand how blessed this land is.
On this trek, you are not trekking to a summit or a meadow. On this trek, you will be walking to an origin. And this is what makes this trek very special. You will see the two sights- The Gangotri town, where the divine Gangotri temple is located, and then the sight of the Gaumukh, the snout of the Gangotri glacier.
Before the Ganga becomes a river of prayers, cities, nature, and countless stories, she begins as ice, ancient and untouched in the high Himalayas. At Gaumukh, the snout of the Gangotri Glacier, this ice slowly melts and takes its first form as flowing water. This trek becomes more spectacular because with the mountain views, you get to see the birth of a river that shapes millions of lives.
For people above the age of 50, the Gaumukh Gangotri Trek has always been a dream. It is one of those journeys people talk about, think about, and hope to experience someday.
The reason this trek suits senior trekkers is its gentle nature. There are no sharp climbs or technical sections. The trail has steady walking, frequent rests, and enough time to adapt to the altitude. When you walk alongside the river with fresh air and divine energies, the journey itself becomes powerful. Hence, this beautiful trek is loved by everyone, especially the elderly, and not just by young souls.
Gaumukh Gangotri is one of those treks that reminds us why people go to the Himalayas and how India is so full of sacred and fulfilling places. This is a trek that everyone wishes for, and everyone should definitely visit once.
The best time to do the Gaumukh Gangotri Trek is from May to June and September to October. In these particular months, the weather is excellent for trekking and you can enjoy the best views of the surrounding mountains. The trail is also more accessible compared to the monsoon and winter months.
The Gaumukh Gangotri Trek is a moderate trek, and you can enjoy it with a little preparation. You don’t need to be an experienced trekker, but being reasonably fit and used to regular exercise will make the journey easier. If you enjoy walking and are ready to take your time, you will find this trek manageable.
A good level of physical fitness is required for the Gaumukh Gangotri trek. Trekkers should be in good health and prepared for strenuous physical activity over several days.
Accommodation on the Gaumukh Gangotri trek typically consists of tents. Campgrounds are set up at various points along the route, providing basic shelter and amenities.
If you are a solo trekker, you can join our fixed departures to Gaumukh Gangotri and we will pair you with like-minded trekkers ensuring a rich trekking experience.
Yes, there is a chance of Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) on the Gaumukh Gangotri trek because of the altitude. We follow a slow and steady pace with proper acclimatisation to keep everyone comfortable. If you feel uneasy or unwell at any point, it’s important to inform your Trek Leader immediately.
Gaumukh Gangotri is a very famous trekking destination of Uttarakhand and is situated in the Uttarkashi district. It is one of the most lovable treks among the trekkers. The trek is easily accessible from major cities such as Dehradun and the trekking journey begins from Gangotri, from where the trail leads towards Gaumukh, the source of the Bhagirathi River, which later becomes the Ganga.
Gaumukh is such a place where legends and nature directly come in contact with each other in the most wonderful manner. It is a snout of the Gangotri Glacier and the source of the sacred River. When you stand in front of it you almost feel that you are experiencing the Himalayas itself beating.
The glacier’s snout resembles the head of a cow, which is why it is called Gaumukh. It is also a very highly spiritual place since Gaumukh forms a great portion of the Char Dham Yatra as well and Gangotri is one of the four sacred places. The location is very beautiful with snow mountains such as Meru and Bhagirathi.
The trek is moderate in difficulty. It is a 6 day trek, and involves some long walking days. But the most beautiful thing about this trek is that every day involves its own beauty. In these 6 days, you will experience the Aarti of Gangotri, flora and fauna of Chirbasa and Bhojwasa, river Bhagirathi and Gaumukh, the highlight of the trek and mighty peaks such Mt. Meru and Bhagirathi - I, II, III. It is a 34 km trek that provides all the essence of the Himalayas.
The best time to do the Gaumukh Gangotri trek is during summer and autumn. The trek is ideal in the months of May and June, as well as September and October, when the weather is stable and the trail remains accessible and beautiful.
Gaumukh Gangotri is a 5 day trek
Quick trek itinerary for you:
Gaumukh lies at an altitude of approximately 13400 Ft. The trek gradually climbs from Gangotri, passes through Chirbasa, Bhojbasa, and finally reaches Gaumukh.
In just 6 days, you can complete the Gaumukh Gangotri trek at a relaxed pace, including travel from Dehradun to Gangotri and back.
It is always good to prepare well for any trek and journey. In case you can walk at least 2-3 hours at a stretch, can climb the stairs without too much trouble, and have no significant health problems, you will be able to enjoy the trek. A few weeks before the trek, try regular walking, light jogging, or stair climbing to build stamina. Keeping your body active before any outdoor activity always helps.
It is best to trek light but pack smart. Carry warm clothes, a raincoat or poncho, comfortable trekking shoes, a woollen cap, gloves, and sunglasses. A small backpack, water bottle, sunscreen, and basic toiletries are also needed. You may also want to carry a towel and a waterproof pouch to keep your electronics and valuables safe.
Altitude sickness, or AMS, is possible after 10,000 ft. Gaumukh is at 13400 Ft., so there might be chances of it to happen. You can always note the symptoms if there are any, and immediately inform your trek leader.
Symptoms include: Headache, Nausea or vomiting, Dizziness, Tiredness, Loss of appetite
To avoid AMS:
The trekkers need to take permission to do the Gaumukh Gangotri trek. Upon trekking with TTH, however, all the logistics of getting the necessary permits are made on your behalf. This implies that you can concentrate fully on the process of having fun rather than be burdened by paper work. TTH make sure that all is settled, so you can enjoy the trek with peace of mind.
No, camping is not permitted at the Gaumukh snout, as the area falls within the protected Gangotri National Park and is also regarded as a sacred site. Trekkers are required to follow the rules and regulations in place to protect the fragile environment and preserve the sanctity of the area.
Toilets are basic along the trek. In Gangotri, guesthouses have proper washrooms. At campsites, you will find dry pit toilets or toilet tents. It is advisable to carry toilet paper, hand sanitiser, and personal toiletries. Please use the available facilities responsibly and avoid littering or polluting the surroundings, especially near water sources.
To obtain the necessary permissions from the local authorities, it is mandatory to complete your profile with all the required information.
If you need help, watch the video below for a step-by-step guide on how to complete and submit your profile details.
View the Guide
Hear Trekkers Share Their Gaumukh Gangotri Trek
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You’ll have to arrive in Dehradun, the capital of Uttarakhand. Dehradun is the main pickup point for the Gaumukh Gangotri Trek by TTH, from where the journey of this trek begins.
Options to Reach Dehradun
There are many ways to reach Dehradun, but the most convenient option is to arrive directly at the Dehradun bus station, airport, or railway station, depending on your preference.
If you are taking a bus, it is highly convenient to catch a direct overnight bus from Delhi.
(We highly recommend choosing government Uttarakhand Transport Corporation (UTC) buses over private ones, as they are generally more reliable. Ensure you reach Dehradun by 6:00 AM on the pickup day).
For international and domestic trekkers opting for a flight, the most preferred option is to fly into Jolly Grant Airport (Dehradun Airport).
| Location | Travelling Guide / Travel Instruction |
|---|---|
| DELHI | The Indira Gandhi International Airport, Delhi, offers multiple daily direct flights to Jolly Grant Airport (Dehradun). Major airlines include IndiGo, Alliance Air, and Air India. |
| OUTSTATION (Mumbai/Blr/Hyd/Pune) | You can book a direct or connecting flight to Dehradun Airport. If direct flights are unavailable, flying via Delhi is the best route. |
From Dehradun Airport to the Pickup Point: The distance between Jolly Grant Airport and Dehradun city center is around 25-30 km. After arriving, you can easily take a public bus or book a private cab to reach the TTH pickup point.
Note: If you are arriving by air, it is highly recommended to reach Dehradun one day in advance.
Dehradun is well-connected by rail via the Dehradun Railway Station (DDN).
If you have not opted for the TTH transport package, you will need to reach the initial base location of Gangotri on your own.
( If you prefer to travel independently to Base camp and don't want to take TTH's pick-up service, you can either take a government bus or book a private cab from Dehradun. Your trek coordinator will provide guidance on how to arrange for the bus or cab booking. )
Trek Essentials Guide :
To request a cancellation, please email us at info@trekthehimalayas.com using your registered email ID.
Cancellations prior to 25 days from the start of the Trip
Refund Options
Cancellation between 24 days and 15 days to the start of the Trip
Refund Options
Cancellation between 14 days and 10 days to the start of the Trip
Refund Options
Cancellation less than 9 days to the start of the trek.
Refund Options
Cancellation Policy (Emergency Cases):
In case of a death in the immediate family (parents, siblings, spouse, children) or if the trekker is hospitalized (min. 48 hours) or suffers a fracture (leg/arm) within a week before the trek, even if canceled a day before:
90% trek fee refund in cash & 10% as a voucher (valid for 1 year, for any India trek).
Valid documents required. We’re here to support you during tough times.
Note:
Booking and Payments
Itinerary and Modifications
Cancellations and Refunds
Force Majeure
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Enter your weight and height to check if you’re fit for the trek.
Medical & Disclaimer Form (Mandatory Documents) Click here to download Medical & Disclaimer Form
Government employees can avail the benefit of Special Casual Leave (SCL) when they join us for a trekking expedition. As per Pay Commission guidelines, up to 30 days of Special Casual Leave can be availed in a calendar year for trekking or mountaineering expeditions conducted through a registered organisation.
Trek The Himalayas is a registered adventure tour operator with the Indian Mountaineering Foundation (IMF) and the Ministry of Tourism (MoT), making your trek eligible for SCL benefits.
To apply, email us at info@trekthehimalayas.com at least 30 days before the trek departure date, with the following details:
This benefit is exclusive to Indian Government employees and is applicable only for treks within India.
Since the inception of Trek The Himalayas, countless trekkers have chosen us to be a part of their trekking journey. Some experiences were learning moments, while many of you returned time and again, allowing us to be part of your most unforgettable adventures. Over the years, we have continuously evolved, improving our operations, and every detail that shapes your experience.
Through it all, you have shown us that we are not just another trekking company to you, we are family. Your trust, loyalty, and love mean more to us than words can express, and we cherish every step we have taken together in the mountains.
As a small way of giving back and saying thank you for choosing us again and again, we are excited to introduce something special: our heartfelt expression of gratitude to our valued and loyal trekkers.
We are launching an amazing policy to make your trekking journey even more exciting.
YES! An unbelievable policy for trekkers
With the TTH Trek Ambassador Policy, anyone who completes four treks with us gets their fifth trek absolutely free. You can choose from a variety of treks that we offer in himalayan states of India including Ladakh, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Sikkim and West Bengal. You just need to start creating your trek bucket list and we are here to help you accomplish it.
Thinking, “I have already done more than 6 treks with TTH, what about me?” In this case you automatically qualify for the policy and therefore, your next trek will be on us. In fact, for every paid 8 treks you complete, 2 treks are on us.
Choose any Trek You Love
Love the Chadar Trek? It could be free!
Your dream treks including Markha Valley, Bali Pass, or Pin Bhaba Pass, can be yours at no cost under this policy.
Just like five stars make a perfect set, you are that fifth star for TTH. But this star does more than shine; it guides and inspires. You will share your tips, your stories, your experiences, and help new trekkers enjoy the journey as much as you do. That’s why this trek is special, and it’s your chance to be a TTH Trek Ambassador on the trail.
As an avid trekker, you bring excellent trekking knowledge and experience, and we would love you to share it and guide others along the way. You will be introduced as our TTH Trek Ambassador, representing TTH on the trail. Your experiences will glorify the shine of treks! And we can’t wait to see how you make the journey as beautiful as the Himalayan trails themselves!
What About Those Who are Just Getting Started?
Those who are just starting their trekking journey are also eligible for this policy, they just need to complete any four treks/expeditions with us (weekend treks, panch kedar excursion, and multi-sport adventures count too) and they will get the chance to become a TTH Trek Ambassador with their fifth trek absolutely free of cost.
This initiative is our way of appreciating trekkers who continue to walk with TTH again and again. When you complete four treks with us, you reach an important milestone in your trekking journey. Your fifth trek is then offered by TTH as a gesture of appreciation. You will also step in as a TTH Trek Ambassador, sharing your stories, inspiring others, and becoming a part of a community that celebrates the spirit of trekking.
Yes, it absolutely can. And that’s what makes this policy special. If trekking in Ladakh has been your dream, this could be your moment. Iconic treks like Chadar Trek and Markha Valley Trek are available as options for your free fifth trek.
Of course! A trek is a trek, and all your TTH treks, including weekend or two-day treks count toward your free fifth trek.
Yes, and this is one of the nicest parts of the policy. The free trek benefit works in groups of four treks. After completing four treks, your fifth trek is free. If you have completed eight treks, the benefit comes again, and your ninth and tenth treks will also be free. In short,for every four treks completed with TTH, you earn free treks along the way. The more you trek, the more TTH gives back.
Trek The Himalayas offers a wide range of treks be it easy to moderate treks like Kedarkantha, Har Ki Doon, Ranthan Kharak or moderate to difficult treks like Bali Pass, Pin Bhabha Pass or Chadar. By the time you complete four treks in the Himalayas, you have already grown into an experienced trekker.
Naturally, you would now like to prefer to take a step up and choose a difficult trek as your fifth one. Here is where Trek The Himalayas stands out as it offers a variety of difficult treks. And luckily all of them are qualified as free treks under the TTH Trek Ambassador policy. With TTH, you get a variety of trek options to choose from. You can pick a tougher trail or go for an Easy or Moderate trek; the choice is yours.
Yes definitely, we’re happy to offer this. Young trekkers bring fresh energy and enthusiasm to the trail, which makes the journey even more special. If your child has completed four treks with TTH, they can choose a Summer Camp as their fifth free trek.
You’ll be happy to know that any himalayan trek from easy to difficult level can be chosen as your free trek. The best part is that treks like Chadar Trek, Markha Valley, and many other beautiful himalayan treks are included. You may also choose higher-grade treks such as Bali Pass or Pin Bhaba Pass as part of your free trek.
As a TTH Trek Ambassador, your role goes beyond just trekking. You become a mentor on the trail. Someone who guides and shares real experiences with fellow trekkers. After completing multiple treks with TTH, you bring valuable knowledge and perspective that naturally encourages others and adds energy to the group.
Your stories and practical tips help first-timers and intermediate trekkers feel more comfortable and motivated. This is where your experience shines and lifts the overall trekking spirit of the group.
Challenging and peak summit treks, however, follow a slightly different approach. These treks are designed for highly experienced trekkers and climbers, where every participant is already well-prepared and self-driven. In such settings, there is limited scope for peer mentorship, as the structure and demands of the trek are very specific.
That’s why challenging and peak summit treks are kept outside the free fifth trek option, not because they are out of reach, but because the Trek Ambassador role is best experienced on trails where your guidance, encouragement, and shared journey can add value to others.
To claim the fifth-trek benefit, you must book your fifth trek using the same login ID/account that you used for your previous four eligible treks. This allows our system to automatically identify your trek history and verify your eligibility.
Once your previous four eligible treks are successfully matched to your account, the trek fee for your fifth eligible trek will be waived automatically at the time of booking. You do not need to submit a separate claim or request the benefit manually.
Please note: The benefit is applicable only to treks that are eligible under the TTH Trek Ambassador Policy. Treks that are not covered under the policy will not count toward the benefit or qualify for the waived trek fee. Any additional charges or services not covered by the policy will need to be paid separately.
No, you don’t. The trek fee for your fifth trek will be waived at the time of booking, provided you are eligible under the TTH Trek Ambassador Policy. All you have to do is select and book your fifth eligible trek, and you’re all set to go!
The first upcoming trek you undertake after successfully completing your fourth eligible trek will be considered your fifth trek under the TTH Trek Ambassador Policy. If you have multiple treks booked in advance, the benefit will apply to the trek that falls fifth in your completed trekking sequence.
All four treks must be registered under a single email ID. This helps us confirm that the same person has completed all four treks with TTH. Please ensure your records are linked to one email ID.
The free fifth trek is only valid for treks within India. International treks, including those in Nepal or other countries, don’t qualify as your free trek. However, any international trek you’ve completed does count toward your total number of treks with TTH.
Each unique trek you complete adds to your total. If you repeat a trek you’ve already done, it won’t be counted toward your free fifth trek.
The free trek includes only the trek fee itself. Any extra costs like trek insurance, transport, gear rentals, offloading, or special meals are not included and will need to be paid separately.
To be eligible for the free fifth trek, we count only treks you’ve completed with TTH. But don’t worry, even if you’ve done weekend treks, pilgrimages, or international treks with us, they all contribute to your count. By the time you’re eligible, you’ve likely completed more than four treks with TTH anyway.
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