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.
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 5 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 5 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 5 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 allowed directly at Gaumukh snout because it is within a protected area and considered sacred.
Toilets are basic. In Gangotri, guesthouses have proper washrooms. At campsites, you will find dry pit toilets or toilet tents. You can also carry toilet paper, hand sanitiser and personal toiletries. Keep hygiene in mind, and avoid polluting the environment. Do not litter near water sources.
Hear Trekkers Share Their Gaumukh Gangotri Trek
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 two amazing policies to make your trekking journey even more exciting
YES! Not one, but TWO unbelievable policies
In the TTH Trek Ambassador Policy, anyone who has completed four treks with us gets the 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 8 treks you complete, 2 treks are on us.
As Unbelievable as it Sounds, Your 5th Trek is Sponsored by Us - Choose any Trek You Love
Love the Chadar Trek? It could be free! Your dream treks including Markha Valley, Bali Pass, Pin Bhaba Pass, or Lasermo La Trek (launching soon) 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.
Being an avid trekker comes with excellent trekking knowledge and experience, and we would love you to share that and guide fellow trekkers along the way.
You will be introduced as our TTH Trek Ambassador to your fellow trekkers. Your experiences will glorify the shine of treks! And we can't wait, just to see how you make the journey just 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.
After you become a TTH Trek Ambassador with Trek The Himalayas, you will unlock our Loyal Customer Policy, a perk that keeps giving every time you share the joy of trekking.
Once you complete all four treks with TTH, you receive a unique referral code that you can share with your friends and family.
When someone books a trek using your code, you will receive trek points based on the difficulty level of the trek and the referred trekker will receive the same amount of discount while booking the trek. Here is the breakdown of the trek points and discount you and your friend will get.
Kindly Note: 1 Trek Point = 1 Rupee
These trek points get added to your loyalty points balance and you can redeem these points while booking for your next trek. The more you refer, the more your balance grows.
For Example :
If you collect 15,000 as your trek points, you can use them to book any trek within that value. As your balance grows, the possibilities expand and you could use your points for treks and expeditions of higher value anywhere in India, and abroad. Your loyalty points open the door to all kinds of trekking experiences in India and Internationally.
Another great part of this policy is its flexibility. You won’t believe it, but you can also transfer these loyalty points to anyone you like if you’re unable to use them yourself. You can either share or split them with friends or family.
You can also track your loyalty points balance anytime in your TTH dashboard, and we will also keep you updated through notifications whenever the trek points are added or redeemed
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 step in as a TTH Trek Ambassador, sharing your stories and inspiring others with your experience. Along with this, you also unlock Loyal Customer policy in which you can earn the trek points by sharing the referral code with your friends and family.
If your upcoming trek is your fifth trek with TTH, the trek fee for that trek will be completely waived. To ensure smooth planning, you need to register and make the full payment at the time of booking. Once you successfully complete the trek, TTH will refund the eligible trek fee within a week.
Please note that GST and trek insurance are fixed mandatory charges, so they will not be refunded. Any optional add-ons, like transport, gear rental, offloading, or special meals, are also outside the refund scope.
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 your free trek, please send an email to info@trekthehimalayas.com, and our team will take it forward from there.
Yes, you do. You need to pay the full amount at the time of booking, just like any regular trek. Once you successfully complete the trek, we process the return of the eligible trek fee within one week. This process helps us plan treks better and ensures that all participants are fully committed.
Each spot on a trek involves planning, logistics, and local arrangements. If someone cancels at the last moment, it directly affects the team and the opportunity for another trekker. Collecting the payment upfront helps us manage this responsibly. Once you complete the trek, the amount is returned as promised. If you cancel, the standard TTH cancellation policy applies.
To keep your trek planning smooth and fair, we collect the trek fee upfront. Last-minute cancellations can affect team arrangements and local logistics, so this pay-and-refund process keeps everything running smoothly while still giving you this special benefit fairly.
The trek that you actually complete as your fifth eligible trek will be considered under this initiative. Even if you have several treks booked in advance, the benefit applies to the trek that completes your fifth-trek milestone.
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.
The Loyal Customer Policy is a special perk for TTH Trek Ambassadors. After completing four treks with Trek The Himalayas, you receive a referral code. When someone books a trek using your code, both you and the referred trekker earn trek points and discounts based on the difficulty level of the trek.
You become eligible for the Loyal Customer Policy after completing four treks with Trek The Himalayas and becoming a TTH Trek Ambassador. Make sure all your four treks must be unique.
A referral code is a unique code provided to you once you become a TTH Trek Ambassador. You can share this code with friends and family. When they use it while booking a trek, both of you receive trek points and discounts.
There is no limit to the number of trek points you can earn. The more you refer, the more points get added to your loyalty points balance, which you can redeem while booking your future treks.
There is no minimum limit for redeeming your trek points under this policy. You can start redeeming your rewards with as little as one trek point. Every trek point you earn holds value, giving you complete flexibility to use your points whenever and however you choose without waiting to accumulate a fixed number.
Yes! One of the best parts of the Loyal Customer Policy is that you can use your trek points to book any trek with TTH, including international treks.
This is the flexibility of the policy. You can easily transfer your points to friends and family, and they can use them for their own trek planning with TTH. Even if you want to split the points and use them with your friends, you can do that too and enjoy trekking together!
You can easily track your trek points anytime in your TTH dashboard. Also, we’ll keep you updated with notifications whenever points are added or redeemed, so you always know your balance.
No. Referrals must be for completely new members. Anyone who has already registered or trekked with TTH earlier will not be counted as a valid referral.
The Loyalty Customer accumulated points is valid for two years from the date it is issued.
First, you can arrive at Delhi, Dehradun Airport or Chandigarh. The journey from these locations to Dehradun is explained below.
1. Take an overnight train from Delhi to Dehradun.
2. Take a bus to Dehradun ISBT from Delhi Kashmiri gate ISBT or Chandigarh Sector 17 Bus stand, and then take local transport to the pickup point (Prince Chowk).
Delhi to Dehradun - 250km | 6hr.
Chandigarh to Dehradun - 220km | 5hr
The distance from the Dehradun Bus Stand (ISBT) to the Railway Station is 6 km, without traffic, it will take 15 minutes.
( We strongly recommend to go for the govt. Buses over the private ones outside the bus station as based on the experience we have found that there are very high chances of delay involved with private buses. Also, govt. Buses are always more reliable. Whichever bus you choose, just make sure to reach Dehradun at least by 05:30 am positively. )
3. Take a flight to Dehradun airport (Jolly Grant Airport), then from the Airport to Prince Chowk, Dehradun Distance is 30km and it will take around 1 hr( if coming by flight then reach one day early).
( 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. )
TTH offers comfortable transportation through Tempo Traveler, Bolero, or equivalent vehicles. If you wish to upgrade your mode of transportation, please contact your trek coordinator for further assistance.
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