GONGOTRI TO GAUMUKH

At a distance of around 250 kilometers from Rishikesh, Gangotri and Gaumukh are situated in the Garhwal Himalayas. The journey to Gaumukh, the snout of the Gangotri Glacier, begins from Gangotri, a famed Hindu pilgrimage site. Along with being spiritually enlightening, the trip also provides beautiful vistas of snow-capped mountains, virgin valleys, and gushing streams.Traveled through the Central Himalayas  across the districts of Dehradun, Uttarkashi, Tehre-Garwal, Chamoli and Pauri.

The Routes I travelled during this journey are

• GANGOTRI-GAUMUKH
• KEDARNATH – GANGHI SAROWAR
• DOGAL BHITA-CHOPTA-TUNGNATH
• BADRINATH – MANA – VYASA GUMPA – BHIMPOOL
• RISHIKESH

THE TEMPLE OF GONGOTRI

I commenced my journey on 16Th October 1992 by Brahmaputra Mail from Guwahati and reached Delhi on 18Th, and on the same day I reached Haridwar by Dehradun Express . Spent the night in Haridwar.

At the very dawn on the 19Th I started my alone journey for 272 kms long to GONGOTRI by GMUA bus. The route to Gongotri passes across the several towns –among them a prosperous town on hill is Uttarkashi, where the Nehru Institute of Mountaineering is located. The places both side are full of natural beauty. I left behind one by one -MANERI, BHATWARI, GANGNANI, SUKI, JHALA. Valleys are so beautiful that one can eager to spend a day or two in midst of gorgeous gift of nature. As I went more and more ahead , became very sad thinking the beautiful landscapes were passed by . A place name HARSIL – a valley of river Ganga is so worthy to look hardly to explain here. The place is a fertile valley with huge population. This is the place where the suiting of famous hindi flim “Ram Tere Ganga Maili” look place. At LANKA and BHAIRON GHATTI, where Bhagirathi and Janhi confluences also looks worthy.

At last in complete darkness I reached GANGOTRI at 20 hrs. – where the Mighty Ganga descended to earth. No electricity was available, in darkness I was totally in an another environment. I could felt only Bhagirathi was gurgling , tossing , frothing and singing an eccentric melody. On the bank of Bhagirathi I found “SRI GANGA NIKETAN” , where I took shelter in that cool and windy night.

A DIFFERENT VIEW OF BHAGIRATHI

The early morning of 20th October 1992, was a clear sky day here on a height of 3140m above sea level. I hurriedly went out to witness the magnificent GONGOTRI. The TEMPLE OF GANGA is situated on right bank of Bhagirathi, which was constructed by a Gorkha General A.S. Thapa. BHAGIRATHI SHILA, BRIDGE WATERFALL – where the singing of Bhagirathi with a gargling vibration and confluence of DEV GANGA and KEDAR GANGA , created a Godly feeling here. Many scattering kuthirs of saints hither and thither and many saints were fond in meditation in their lonely yoga huts. The gargling sound of Bhagirathi along with the echo of mantra by the saints created a exceptional environment. For a moment I forgot everything and next thought that, that was the place so lonely and also so lively from the rest of the globe.

At 9 hrs. I made my mind to go to the recognized source of GANGA, so I started 18 kms long trekking for GAUMUKH. Trekking on this route is best during June to September . Before June after October the bridle path can be full of ice. As I trekked high and high the snow-clad peaks of Himalayas were dazzling white in the sun .

I took a rest on the way to Gaumukh

The trek to Gaumukh starts from Gangotri, and the first stop along the way is Bhojwasa.  The 14-kilometer hike takes you past lovely villages, stunning forests, and the raging Bhagirathi River. Bhojwasa, which is 3,800 meters above sea level, provides trekkers with simple lodging options. Many bengali and foreign tourists were found on the way and at BHUJABASA is the  place which is 14 kms from the GANGOTRI . This is the only place in between GANGOTRI and GAUMUKH/TAPOVAN , where one can takes launch/dinner or stay at night.

With a German Tourist

Tourist Rest House and LALBABA’s ashram were only staying resort there. Having launch at BHUJABASA , I began trekking again for 4 kms long distance to reach GAUMUKH. The path was full of detached rocks and boulders, a boulder bridle path. Trekkers to be very careful and cautions. Viewing naked rocky hills and snow crowned peaks are nature’s different gift here.

At about 15-20 hrs. in the afternoon I reached GAUMUKH at a height of 4000m above sea-level. GAUMUKH is the place from where the BHAGIRATHI is flowing through a cave (GAUMUKH) made up of a solid icy mountain (Glacier). The GONGOTRI glacier is 6 km to 8 km in width and nearly 24 km in length, located at the height of 4255m above sea –level. The Glacier is set in heart of Gongotri peak. Snow-clad several peaks are seen from here. SHIVLING, BRAHMA, SHANKARACHARYA are worthy seeing.

RECOGNISED SOURCE OF GANGA

From Gaumukh upwards trekking for 4 km reaches TAPOVANAM – a big plain between two glacier MERU and BHAGIRATHI. The famous lonely place (TAPOVANAM) is for saint’s ancestry. Visiting Gaumukh and drinking crystal clear holy water from the holy river source, I returned back to BHUJABASA tourist rest house at about 17-45 hrs. And spent the night on the lap of surrounded Rocky Mountains.

VERY ADJACENT TO GAUMUKH (CAVE)

Next morning on 21st October, came back to GANGOTRI at 14-15 hrs. And started for my next journey for KEDARNATH via the route UTTARKASHI, TEHRI, GHANSALI, TILWARA and KEDARNATH which is 183 km long , but my journey terminated at Uttarkashi at 19-40 hrs. and stayed in Joshi Tourist Lodge.

STANDING NEAR GAUMUKH (CAVE)


Numerous pilgrims, hikers, and nature lovers are drawn to the enchanting grandeur of the Gangotri and Gaumukh region in the Indian state of Uttarakhand every year. This exquisite location, which is tucked away in the Himalayas, is extremely significant spiritually since it serves as the Ganges River's starting point. 

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Is prior trekking experience necessary to reach Gaumukh? 

A: While prior trekking experience is beneficial, beginners with good physical fitness can undertake this trek with proper guidance.

Q: Are there accommodation facilities available along the trekking route? 

A: Yes, there are basic accommodation facilities available at Bhojwasa and Gangotri. However, it's advisable to carry your own sleeping bag and other essential items.

Q: What is the best time to visit Gangotri and Gaumukh? 

A: The best time to visit is during the summer months of May to June and September to October when the weather is pleasant and the trekking conditions are favorable.

Q: Are there any medical facilities available during the trek? 

A: Medical facilities are limited in the region. It's advisable to carry a basic first aid kit and any necessary medications.

Q: Can I engage a local guide for the trek? 

A: Yes, it is highly recommended to hire a local guide who is familiar with the terrain and can provide valuable assistance throughout the journey.