About Gangotri Nandanvan Tapovan Trek
The Uttarkashi trek to Tapovan and Nandanvan covers two major spots.
The first one is the Gangotri. Cross the glacier to reach Gaumukh and
finally leaving Bhagirathi peak by your side reach the place, whose
beauty can even cover the excellence of heaven. In the trek route you
will have to cover several small snow covered peaks and glaciers. The
best thing that you will find in this trek is to see the origin of the
Holy Ganga. Throughout the route, you will find several high altitude
peaks on either side. Among them, Shivling and Bhagirathi will follow
you till end.
Your journey will start from Gangotri. After that you will have to
stay at the camp in Bhojwassa. This is the location where the ancient
Bhojpatra are available. These are the ancient leafs, used for writing
scripts and Puranas. Next you will have to climb through the Gangotri
peaks, to find the Gaumukh Glacier. It is situated at the heart of the
range. So, there is no other way than to climb it. The giant Bhagirathi
peak at the northern side will continue to vigilante you throughout the
trek – they will never let you feel alone. Gaumukh is the giant Cow
mouth shaped glacier, rewarding the world with forceful River Ganga.
Area of the glacier is 24 kilometre in length. In width, it is near to 8
kilometer. The long stretched land is having a distance of only 16
kilometer from Badrinath. It is a part of another trek route.
Journey throughout the trek needs someone experienced for the risk
factors. At some areas the trek route becomes so slippery, that it will
be risky to climb without a guide. The full land is covered with snow
and is ideal to be trekked in the month of April to November. You can
face little difficulty in summer, since the snows melt at that time to
feed the Ganges. The Shivling will be there with the vertical top beside
you, whereas Bhagirathi Peak remains as a giant observer, as you reach
the Gaumukh.
Area : Garhwal Himalayas
Duration : 10 Days (4 days travel/6 days trekking)
Best Season : May - October
Grade :Moderate
Altitude : 5200 mts
Total Trekking : 70 K.M
The full trek route is having so many folks and myths that at times
you will find difficult to correlate them. A guide in that aspect will
be essential. If you are experienced in Himalayan treks, then a trek
without a guide will do, but to understand the myth, a guide is
essential. This is the route that is termed to be one of the four top
Pilgrimage Dhams. Myths say that King Bhagirath pledged to Lord Shiva
for the rescue of his sons. It was possible only with the holy water of
Ganges. Mother Ganges started the journey from the Gaumukh, where from
Bhagirath showed her the path to flow. The serene meadows through the
Tapovan have been a pilgrimage route, from Gaumukh. Previously Bill
Tallman travelled this complete trekking route and discovered numerous
trek routes to Kedarnath and Badrinath. Journey through the different
phase of topography will really fill your mind with life time
photographs, which you cannot hold in your camera.
Gangotri Nandanvan Tapovan Trekking Tour Highlights
- Stop by Gangotri Temple and seek the blessings of goddess Ganga.
- Pass through the Gaumukh Glacier, primary sources of the Ganges, which is one of the largest rive in Himalaya.
- Witness the high Himalayan peaks like Mt. Shivling, Bhagirathi groups of Peak and many more.
- Chances to see Ibex/Blue Sheep
Best Time to Visit
Best time to travel to Gangotri Nandanvan Tapovan Trek is in summers (May – June) and Post Monsoon (September – October).
Summer: The weather of Gangotri Nandanvan Tapovan Trek remains
salubrious and pleasing during summers. The Himalayas are distinctly
visible and the cool breeze adds charm to the vacation. Carry woolens
with you.
Post Monsoon: Serenity and solitude are at its best during
post monsoon at Gangotri Nandanvan Tapovan Trek. The region is blessed
with snowfall during winters. But you can see the best of Gangotri
Nandanvan Tapovan Trek during post monsoon as it looks like Heaven on
earth.
Where is the Nandanvan Tapovan?
Tapovan (Garhwal region of Himalaya) is a high-altitude alpine meadow
below Mt. Shivling, spread over an area of 2 km. This vast ground is
not suitable for trekking as the land remains wet throughout the year
due to melting snow and glacial water. Earlier, Tapovan was the place
where sages used to meditate over centuries. Many such holy men are
living permanently at Tapovan.
Seven kilometers trekking from Tapovan will land tourists at
Nandanvan camping ground, which is known for offering the view of peaks
like Mt. Kedardome (6940 m), Mt. Shivling (6543m), Mt. Meru (6,660 m)
and Kirti Bamak Glacier.
How to Reach?
By Airways: Jolly Grant Airport at Dehradun, 226 km
away, is the closest airport. Taxis, private cars, state road transport
buses are available from the airport to Gangotri via Rishikesh.
By Rail: Haridwar Railway Station, 285km km away, is the closest railway station. It is well connected major destinations of India.
By Road: Bus and taxis from Rishikesh, Haridwar and Dehradun are easily available to reach Gangotri.
Gangotri Nandanvan Tapovan Trek (Detailed Itinerary)
Day 01: Delhi – Haridwar - Rishikesh
In the morning transfer to Delhi railway station and take an AC train for Haridwar at 06:50 hrs. After arriving in Haridwar meet our guide and transfer to Rishikesh, check into your hotel. Evening time is free for leisure activities. Overnight stay at the hotel.Day 02: Rishikesh – Uttarkashi (195 kms (5-6 hrs)
In the morning after breakfast drive to Uttarkashi via Chamba and Tehri. This 5-6 hours drive will take you through the course of narrow streams of Ganga Valley and later by the Bhagirathi river valley. Reaching here check in to the hotel. Take rest for a while and head for exploring the major attractions of Uttarkashi. Overnight stay at Uttarkashi.Day 03: Uttarkashi - Gangotri (3048 metres / 10000 feet)
After having breakfast in the morning we will drive 95 kilometer by road to reach the Gangotri through Gangnani hot water spring, Bhairon Ghati and Harsil. By late afternoon we will reach at Gangotri and check into the hotel. In the evening visit the Gangotri temple for Darshan and Aarti ceremony. Dinner and overnight stay.Day 04: Gangotri - Bhojwassa (3792 metres/12440 feet) (14 kms trek/5-6 hrs)
Today, after taking breakfast in the morning we will direct the trek further to Bhojwassa through Chirbasa (3600 metres). From Gangotri we will go ahead all along the flattened track heading towards Chirbasa, which is an adobe of the Chir trees. The entire trek today is beside the garrulous Bhagirathi River.Ahead of Chirbasa the landscape becomes really barren. In fact, it is referred as Arctic Tundra by a few trekkers. From Chirbasa we will hike further to Bhojwassa, the on the way of the entire trail we pass through dense forest and reach at Bhojwassa. There is a small temple and a potential campsite situated near down beside the river. We will build our camp near the river side. Afternoon, time is free to explore the nearby region, spectacular surrounds and to take pleasure of incomparable sunset on the Bhagirathi Peak.
Arrangements made for dinner and an overnight stay in tents.
Day 05: Bhojwassa - Gomukh (3890 mts/12760 ft) - Tapovan (4463 mts /14640 ft)
Wake up early in the morning and enjoy the stunning panoramic views of the Bhagirathi group of peaks. After having a wholesome breakfast trek to Gomukh (3890 metres) begins. Gomukh is the source of the Ganges; it is a place where the water of Ganga trickles downwards from the glaciers. The sages called it 'Gomukh', since in the distant ancient times; it possibly appeared like the mouth of a cow. Travel around and explore the region and begin the trail to Tapovan, one of the finest towering altitude alpine meadows with stunning backdrops in the area. The trek from Gomukh to Tapovan is precipitous gradient, and as we climb higher, the view of the surrounding crest becomes much more obvious. Tapovan is known for its stunning and extensive meadows with sparkling streams, and wild flowers. The base camp of the Shivling peak is surrounded by vast meadows and towering peaks. Tapovan is the base camp for various expeditions that includes Bhagirathi peak, Shivling peak, etc.On the distant side of the glacier the Bhagirathi I, II, III (6454 metres), offer an impressive backdrop that you can sight during the train. It is also a place where saints and Sadhus come for absolute meditation during the summer season. Arrive at Tapovan and set up the camp. Arrangements made for dinner and an overnight stay in camps.
It is said that there is similarity between the Shivling and the Matterhorn peak in the Alps. Foreigners frequently use the name Matterhorn for Shivling.
Marco Pallis wrote of Shivling: Horried looking mountain with a striking resemblance to the Mattherhorn… beautiful alluring, hideously inaccessible.
Day 06: Tapovan (4463 metres / 14640 feet)
On this day you are free to accustom yourself, relax and enjoy the fabulous views of the snow covered peaks, fauna, flora, and mountain landscape of the region and capture them in your cameras. Arrangements made for dinner and an overnight stay in the camps.Day 07: Tapovan - Nandanvan (Trek 4 to 5 hours)
On this day we will move forward to Nandanvan through the Gomukh glacier. The route from Tapovan passes from the upper section of the meadow till we reach downwards and on the glacier. From Gomukh glacier we will turn towards Nandanvan (4340 metres) and steering on the right one we will be reaching on the Gangotri glacier. The glacier is between the two ranges and the landslides make a stratum of rock-strewn moraine on the ice which perhaps makes the walking a little easier. The glacier hike is slippery and lack of attention would be risky. While on the trail you can see Massive crevasses en route gaped hither and thither. After we walk for about a kilometre there is a vertical ascent. Big rocks en route offer grip and foothold, but scores of them are illusory too. Arrangements made for dinner and an overnight stay in camps.Day 08: Nandanvan - Bhojwassa (Trek 4 to5 hrs)
Wake up early in the morning to take pleasure of the astonishing sunrise on the high peaks in magnetic surrounds. After having breakfast we will trek downwards to Bhojbasa. We will reach Bhojwassa in around 4 to 5 hours and camp. Arrangements made for dinner and an overnight stay in camps.Day 09: Bhojwassa - Gangotri (Trek 4to5 hrs) - Uttarkashi
In the Morning after having wholesome breakfast we will hike downwards to Gangotri, where a car will be waiting for us. From here we will drive back to Uttarkashi. Arrangements made for dinner and an overnight stay in hotel.Day 10: Uttarkashi - Haridwar (195 kms/5 hours) - Delhi
In the morning after having breakfast we will drive back to Haridwar. Upon arrival at Haridwar, transfer to train station and from here catch AC train for Delhi at 18:05 hrs. Arrival at Delhi by 22:45 hrs.Tour & Services End.
Things to Carry for Gangotri Nandanvan Tapovan Trek
- Windproof jacket
- Warm and thick Fleece / Full-sleeve
- Woolen sweater
- Thermal inner wear (upper & lower)
- Woolen cap, Woolen gloves
- Woolen socks and regular socks (3-4 pairs)
- Scarf/muffler (optional)
- Comfortable Trekking/Hiking shoes
- Lightweight floaters/sandals/slippers
- Raincoat / Poncho
- Small light weight towel
- Sturdy Water bottle
- Cap / Hat
- Sun glasses
- Walking stick / Trekking pole
- Sunscreen Lotion
- Lip Balm
- Torch / Flashlight (with extra batteries)
- Personal medications
- Personal toiletries
