The trek to Gaumukh Glacier is one of the most iconic journeys in India. At 4,023 metres above sea level, Gaumukh — literally “cow’s mouth” — is the snout of the Gangotri Glacier and the primary source of the River Ganga. Every year, thousands of pilgrims and trekkers make this journey from Gangotri, and almost all of them pass through Uttarkashi at least once.
If you are planning the Gaumukh trek, this guide is your starting point.
Gaumukh Trek: Basic Overview
- Start / End point: Gangotri (3,048 m)
- Gaumukh altitude: 4,023 m
- One-way distance: ~18 km from Gangotri
- Trek duration: 2 days (1 night camp at Bhojbasa)
- Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
- Best time: May–June and September–October
- Permit required: Yes — from the Forest Department at Gangotri
Detailed Day-by-Day Itinerary
Day 0 — Arrive in Uttarkashi, Stay at Devdaar Cottage
Most trekkers heading to Gaumukh will break their journey in Uttarkashi, which sits approximately 100 km south of Gangotri on NH 94. Uttarkashi is the last major town with ATMs, pharmacies, gear shops, and medical facilities before Gangotri. Stay overnight, stock up on supplies, and rest before the mountain road ahead.
Stay at Devdaar Cottage, Uttarkashi — hot meals, hot water, and trek advice from our local team.
Day 1 — Uttarkashi to Gangotri to Bhojbasa
Drive from Uttarkashi to Gangotri (~100 km, ~3–4 hours). Visit Gangotri Temple for darshan and obtain your trekking permit from the Forest Department check post. Begin the trek to Bhojbasa (3,792 m) — a scenic 14 km walk through pine and birch forest alongside the Bhagirathi river. Camp at Bhojbasa.
Day 2 — Bhojbasa to Gaumukh and Back to Gangotri
An early 4 km morning walk from Bhojbasa takes you to the Gaumukh Glacier. The approach is across glacial moraine and boulders — wear sturdy trekking boots. Spend time at the glacier, offer prayers if desired, then return to Bhojbasa for lunch and trek back down to Gangotri. Return to Uttarkashi or camp a second night in Gangotri.
Optional extension: Continue another 5 km beyond Gaumukh to Tapovan Meadow (4,463 m) — a breathtaking high-altitude camp ground with views of Shivling peak.
Permits for Gaumukh Trek
A permit is mandatory for the Gaumukh trek. As of the latest season, the process is:
- Where to get it: Forest Department office at Gangotri (near the temple)
- Cost: Approximately ₹150 for Indian nationals per person (subject to change — verify before your trip)
- Daily limit: The Forest Department caps daily entries to protect the glacier ecosystem. During peak season, arrive early at the permit office to avoid missing your slot.
- What to carry: Valid government ID (Aadhaar, passport, or voter ID)
What to Pack for the Gaumukh Trek
- Warm layers — temperatures at Bhojbasa and Gaumukh can drop below 5°C even in June nights
- Sturdy trekking boots (waterproof recommended)
- Rain jacket / windcheater — afternoon showers are common in summer
- Trekking poles — helpful on the moraine section near Gaumukh
- Personal medication, first aid, altitude sickness tablets (consult a doctor if coming from plains)
- Sufficient cash — no ATMs beyond Uttarkashi
Where to Stay Before the Gaumukh Trek — Uttarkashi
Uttarkashi is the perfect base for the Gaumukh trek. It is the last well-serviced town before Gangotri, with gear shops, pharmacies, government offices, and multiple restaurants. Staying a night in Uttarkashi before your trek allows your body to start acclimatising to the altitude and gives you time to sort permits, supplies, and logistics without rushing.
Devdaar Cottage, Uttarkashi is ideally positioned on the Gangotri road — our guests heading to Gaumukh can simply step out of the cottage and onto the highway without navigating Uttarkashi’s town centre. We serve early breakfasts from 6 AM for trekkers catching the first jeeps to Gangotri, provide packed lunch arrangements on request, and store your extra luggage safely while you are on the trail.
📞 Book your pre-trek stay: +91-7253079221
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