Gaumukh

Gaumukh

Starting point of Ganga The snout of the Gangotri Glacier and the source of the Bhagirathi river. Pilgrims trek upto  the sacred spot on foot or on ponies to take a holy dip in the ice-cold water.  Starting point of Ganga At this height ganga's majestic force is divided into many branches. Even the main branch the bhagirithi is often only a small stream Tour Packages for India Book Online Hotels, Cheap Flights, Holiday Packages Specialist Budget and 5 Star Hotel . For Most Economical and Exclusive Hotels ✔Save Time✔Save Money✔Trusted Network Planning to travel (where to go) on or around for along with   on a having budget as GO

Starting point of Ganga

At this height ganga's majestic force is divided into many branches. Even the main branch the bhagirithi is often only a small stream

Gaumukh

The shivalinga mountain thrusts its peaks towards the heaven hinting at the divine origin of the ganga. The glacier from where it originates has, over past several decades, shifted backwards; a few environmentalists claim to know the answer to this receding phenomenon but you must have heard their argument too often. It will be a good idea to tie a backpack and reach Gaumukh — the cow-mouth glacier from where Ganga actually melts into life. If you have time, try to divide the itinerary in two days for your comfort. This is a 16 km trek, but an amateur could be hard put to cover it in one day (8 hour walk, roughly). For the veteran it is just a walk, with a few slippery stretches thrown in. You will be amply rewarded with glowing peaks, a bluer sky, large tracts of birch-pine forests and all that you often read in travel articles

Stay overnight at Cheerbasa (abode of pine trees). The facilities will be minimal, but there are many campsites, if you are carrying personal tents. This will also help you in acclimatizing with the sudden rise in height from the sea level. A little bit of night fire, lit by the pinecones strewn all around, can be a good idea in the cold eerie jungle. You will notice that while at Gangotri, a Pepsi costs about Rs 10/12 and a cooked Maggie about Rs 20, at Cheerbasa, it is priced one and half times. Further up at Bhojbasa (abode of birch trees) the damage is double. Before you curse, think of the hardships of porters carrying the load to such heights (approx 3,500 metre from sea level) and you will know why. Bhojbasa gives a breathtaking view of Gangotri One, Two and Three peaks.

Gaumukh is barely two-kilometer light walk from Bhojbasa. But there is no place to stay at Gaumukh. You will either have to return to Bhojbasa for a night shelter or pitch tents at the riverbank. The latter option is pregnant with possibilities; you may face snowy winds on an empty stomach or, worse, weather the snow, rains and thunder. There is a burphani baba (snow saint) hutment nestled between two large boulders and covered by a canvas sheet; who may help you with some khichdi for dinner. If you accept his help, don’t forget to leave some money (about Rs 50-100 per head) at his feet. It beats logic as to why the good man is coming here for years and torturing himself to boredom, but hills are like that: an onion full of mysteries; you can keep peeling one after another. Doctor’s advice is to think less, see more, walk hard, eat well and drink not (at high altitudes, lack of oxygen makes drinking more dehydrating and nausea follows).

Further up four km from Gaumukh is Tapovan where the nascent form of the Bhagirathi flows in childlike glory. The journey to Tapovan is a tiresome one so advance at your own risk. Guide will be of help if you have no experience in trekking before. Hire one from Bhojbasa. Tapovan is a meadow (bugyal), with an icy stream of the Bhagirathi slicing it in two large parts. This is also the base camp for the mountaineers to Shivling, a divine peak that stands majestically atop the meadow. If you have proper equipment (like ice axe, ropes et al) you can try and go further down to Nandan Van or Vasuki Tal, via a glacier trek.

Gaumukh The source of Ganga is at Gaumukh (the shape of the ice formation is like a cow's mouth), where the mighty river emerges from the depths of Gangotri glacier. The Gangotri glacier is situated at the height of4255 m above sea level and is approx 24 km in length and 7-8 km in width.Here the river is known as Bhagirathi after  King -Bhagirath. Rising in the icy caves of Gangotri glacier, the gushing , tossing and gurgling Bhagirathi starts its long journey downwards where later it joins river 'Alaknanda' and becomes Ganga.There are many legends associated with river Ganga, some of which are even mentioned in the ancient holy scriptures.

Gaumukh

Kedar Tal (18 kms.)  An enhancing lake, 4425 mts. above sea level against the splendid backdrop of mighty Thalaiyasagar peak. Accessible through a rough mountain trail, it is the base camp for trekking to surrounding peaks. The trek to Kedartal needs a local guide.