A journey to the Source of Ganga Gomukh Tapovan

Gomukh Tapovan is one of the most beautiful trekking sites in Uttarakhand. To reach here, you need a permit from the Uttarkashi D.F.O. A 6-hour journey from Rishikesh will take you to Uttarkashi. From here, you can reach Gangotri in 5-hours. One must show the permit here to continue the journey. You must also submit your ID and passport size photo. The first destination is Gomukh which is 18km away from Gangotri. Tapovan lies 6km away from Gomukh. The forest check post is 2km after your trekking begins. Register your name there and continue your journey. This forest is known as the Gangotri National Park There are very few rest-places throughout the trekking. Some of the prominent stopovers are:
Chidbasa – The first layover at Chidbasa is 6km after you begin your trekking.
Bhojbasa – 9km away from Gangotri, this place is a barren land on the rugged terrains. You can see the tall mountains all around. There is a guest house by Gadwal Mandal Vikas Nigam and a small canteen. Accommodation is provided by the Kabliwala Ashram too. The place has very few facilities. Bhojbasa is situated 12000 feet above sea-level.

About Gomukh: This is the place from where river Ganges originates. The Gomukh glacier resembles the mouth of a cow. It lies 13000 feet above sea-level. Situated in rugged terrains, this mesmerizingly beautiful place is just 5km away from Bhojbasa.
The journey: The trekking here depends a lot on the weather conditions. Landslides and shotting stones are very common here. The trekking from Chidbasa to Bhojbasa is relatively easy but after this, the trekking is very difficult. The path is very narrow and the rain plays a major spoilsport. This is why permission is not granted during rainy season.
Things to Remember
You can reach here by two ways; either by walking or by horse. Those who are planning to go by foor, must stat their journey at dawn. Take enough rest but make sure to reach Bhojbasa which is 15km away within a span of 5 hours. In case it starts raining, take shelter in a safe place. Keep an eye on the upper regions since unexpected landslides and shooting stones are very common here.
The Gomukh trekking from Bhojbasa must be done early morning. Only then, you can reach Tapovan before late afternoon. The 6km trekking is a challenging route. Usually not many visitors decide to trek to Tapovan. Those who do, will have to climb and cross the Gomukh glacier to reach Tapovan. Always plan to take a guide with you for this journey.
The best time to visit Gomukh Tapovan is during May-September. The place gives a stunning view of the Himalayan peaks before you reach the calm and serene place known as Tapovan. It is surrounded by the three famous peaks, Bhagirathi, Shivalik and Sumeru. Tapovan is situated in the foothills of the Shivling Peak which is 22000feet above sea-level. One can see the Devganga flowing through the Tapovan maidan.