Embark on a remarkable Himalayan journey with Sivananda Kutir to Gaumukh and Tapovan, where the majesty of the Himalayas meets the timeless spiritual heritage of India.
Gaumukh, the source of the sacred River Ganga, is one of the most revered destinations in the Indian Himalayas. From here, the Ganga begins her journey through the mountains and plains, nourishing countless lives and holding a special place in the hearts of millions of devotees.
The Circuit
Netala
Netala
Sivananda Kutir Ashram in Netala, Uttarkashi, where the trek begins and concludes.
Gangotri
Gangotri
Ganga Aarti, the Gangotri temple and Sivananda Guha, the cave of Swami Vishnudevananda.
Chirbasa
Chirbasa
A stop for tea or a packed lunch on the trail through Gangotri National Park.
Bhojbasa
Bhojbasa
Welcomed by spectacular views of the Bhagirathi peaks.
Gaumukh
Gaumukh
The revered source of the Ganga.
Tapovan
Tapovan
A high-altitude alpine meadow nestled beneath the imposing Mount Shivling.
Located in the magnificent Gangotri Valley of Uttarakhand, Tapovan is a high-altitude alpine meadow situated at approximately 14,500 feet above sea level. Nestled beneath the imposing Mount Shivling, it offers breathtaking views of snow-clad peaks, vast glaciers, and the pristine Himalayan landscape. The trek takes you through the spectacular terrain of Gangotri National Park and alongside the mighty Gangotri Glacier.
Beyond its natural splendour, Tapovan is renowned for its profound spiritual atmosphere. Sages and seekers have long been drawn to this sacred region for meditation, contemplation, and solitude. The silence of the mountains, the grandeur of the glaciers, and the purity of the surroundings make this journey an opportunity to reconnect with nature and deepen one’s spiritual awareness.
The Sacred Legend of Mother Ganga
The story of Ganga’s descent to Earth is one of devotion, perseverance, and divine grace.
According to Hindu tradition, King Sagara’s 60,000 sons were reduced to ashes by the curse of Sage Kapila. Their liberation depended upon the descent of Goddess Ganga to Earth. After earlier generations of the royal lineage failed in their efforts, King Bhagiratha undertook intense penance to fulfil this sacred mission.
Pleased by his devotion, Lord Brahma agreed to send Ganga to Earth. However, her mighty descent threatened to overwhelm the world. King Bhagiratha then prayed to Lord Shiva, who received the celestial river in his matted locks and gently released her onto Earth, tempering her immense force.
Thus, through Bhagiratha’s unwavering devotion and Lord Shiva’s grace, Mother Ganga descended to Earth to grant liberation to his ancestors. This sacred legend continues to inspire millions, who regard the Ganga as a source of spiritual purification and divine blessing.
Join Us on This Sacred Himalayan Journey
The Gaumukh Tapovan Trek is more than a mountain expedition. It is an invitation to experience the splendour of the Himalayas, reflect upon the sacred traditions associated with Mother Ganga, and discover the stillness and serenity of this extraordinary spiritual landscape.
Sivananda Kutir invites you to join us from 1st to 9th May 2027, for this special Himalayan journey organised in collaboration with Experience the Himalayas (ETH).
Register now to be part of this memorable Himalayan pilgrimage.
Trek Itinerary
Day 1: 1st May 2027 — Arrival at Sivananda Kutir Ashram, Netala, Uttarkashi
Participants will be picked up from Rishikesh at 10:00 AM and driven to Sivananda Kutir Ashram in Netala, Uttarkashi. The road journey takes approximately six hours. Dinner will be at the ashram in Netala. Participants will need to cover the cost of Lunch enroute to the ashram.
Participants are required to arrange their own travel to Rishikesh and arrive in time for the scheduled pickup.
Day 2: 2nd May 2027 — Netala to Gangotri (11,200 ft)
Begin the day with Satsang, a yoga class, and brunch at the ashram in Netala. After brunch, depart for Gangotri, approximately 90 km away.
In the evening, attend the Ganga Aarti in Gangotri, visit the Gangotri temple, and the scared place where King Bhagiratha did his penance to bring down Mother Ganga to Earth.
Day 3: 3rd May 2027 — Exploring Gangotri
Visit Sivananda Guha, the cave associated with Swami Vishnudevananda in Gangotri. Participate in morning Satsang and puja at the cave, followed by a Bhandara organised for the Sadhus.
Swami Vishnudevananda spent significant time in deep meditation and contemplation in his cave, Sivananda Guha, in Gangotri. For several years, Swami Vishnudevananda followed his Guru’s instruction to spread the teachings of yoga and meditation throughout the world. No matter how busy his schedule was, he always escaped to his cave in Gangotri, where he remained undisturbed by anyone for months together and immersed himself in deeper meditation.
After spending time at the cave, the remainder of the day is free to explore Gangotri.
Day 4: 4th May 2027 — Gangotri to Bhojbasa (12,400 ft)
Today’s trek covers approximately 14 km, taking you through the magnificent landscape of Gangotri National Park.
After the first 2 km, you will reach the entrance to Gangotri National Park, where the necessary permits will be checked. The next stretch follows relatively level ground, with a few stream crossings and beautiful views of the Ganga flowing alongside the trail.
The route continues through sections of steeper terrain and boulder hopping before reaching Chirbasa, where you can stop for tea or enjoy a packed lunch.
From Chirbasa, another stretch of approximately 5 km leads to Bhojbasa, where you will be welcomed by spectacular views of the Bhagirathi peaks.
Day 5: 5th May 2027 — Bhojbasa to Tapovan (14,500 ft)
Today’s trek covers approximately 9 km, taking you to the spectacular alpine meadow of Tapovan.
The journey begins with a crossing of the Ganga at Bhojbasa using a manually operated trolley. The trail continues over relatively level ground towards Gaumukh, the revered source of the Ganga.
Beyond Gaumukh, the route becomes considerably steeper, culminating in a challenging ascent to Tapovan.
At Tapovan, you will be rewarded with magnificent views of Mount Shivling and the surrounding Himalayan peaks.
Camp at Tapovan for the night. The group will spend the following day here as well.
Day 6: 6th May 2027 — A Day in Tapovan
Spend the day experiencing the extraordinary beauty and tranquillity of Tapovan.
Overnight camping at Tapovan.
Day 7: 7th May 2027 — Tapovan to Chirbasa (11,745 ft)
Begin the return journey, retracing the trail towards Chirbasa.
Enjoy the changing perspectives of the Himalayan landscape as you descend from Tapovan. Camp at Chirbasa for the night.
Day 8: 8th May 2027 — Chirbasa to Gangotri (11,200 ft)
Continue the descent towards Gangotri, covering approximately 9 km.
On arrival, the remainder of the day is free for rest and personal activities.
Overnight stay in Gangotri.
Day 9: 9th May 2027 — Gangotri to Sivananda Kutir Ashram, Netala
Travel by road from Gangotri to Sivananda Kutir Ashram in Netala, marking the conclusion of the trek.
The next day, participants can arrange onward travel to their respective destinations or continue to stay as Yoga Vacation Guest at the Ashram. If you would like to continue as a Yoga Vacation Guest, please inform the ashram at the time of registration.
Fee & Registration
| Participant category | Fee |
|---|---|
| Indian nationals | INR 45,000 + 5% GST |
| Foreign nationals | USD 650 + 5% GST |
To register or enquire about the trek:
Email: himalayas@sivananda.org.in
Phone / WhatsApp: +918791079793
Inclusions and Exclusions
Inlcusions
The trek fee includes:
- Accommodation at Netala and Gangotri on a twin-sharing basis.
- Gangotri National Park permits.
- All meals from Netala to Netala.
- Sleeping tents, mattresses, sleeping bags, kitchen tent, dining tent, and toilet tent during the trek.
- Services of an experienced trek leader.
- Services of a cook and kitchen staff.
- Porters for carrying common trekking equipment.
- Porters will also carry upto 15 kg luggage per participant. Participants must ensure that they bring their luggage in a back pack that can be offloaded to the porters.
- A medical kit with an oxygen cylinder.
Exclusions
The trek fee does not include:
- Transfers from Netala to Dehradun or Rishikesh on 10th May.
- Gratuities and tips.
- Personal travel and medical insurance.
- Personal expenses such as shopping, telephone, and laundry.
- Any other expenses of a personal nature.
- GST of 5%.
- Participants planning to continue their stay at the ashram after 10th May will have to pay the Yoga Vacation charge. Please check the charges at the time of making the registration.
Terms & Conditions
By making payment for the trek, participants agree to the following terms and conditions.
Payments:
Full payment of 100% of the total trek cost is required to confirm a booking.
Cancellation Polic:
- More than 30 days before departure: 85% refund of the total expedition cost.
- Between 15 and 30 days before departure: 50% refund of the total expedition cost.
- Less than 15 days before departure: No refund.
If a trek is cancelled due to unforeseen circumstances, such as adverse weather or other unavoidable situations, a credit note will be issued after deducting costs already incurred. The credit note will be valid for one year and may be used towards any trek organised by ETH within that period.
Fitness and Preparation:
As the Gaumukh Tapovan Trek is a high-altitude trek involving challenging terrain, participants must ensure that they are adequately physically fit before embarking on this journey. Regular practice of yoga asanas, pranayama, and cardiovascular exercises such as walking, jogging, cycling, or swimming will help build stamina and endurance, enabling participants to undertake the trek more comfortably.
Participants are encouraged to begin preparing well in advance and to consult a medical professional before the trek to assess their fitness for strenuous physical activity at high altitudes.
Risk and Liability:
ETH will make every effort to ensure that the journey is as smooth and pleasant as possible. However, participants should be aware that changes to the itinerary may become necessary due to circumstances beyond the organiser’s control.
These may include government restrictions, landslides, road blockages, flooding, snowfall, political disturbances, flight cancellations, illness, or accidents. Any additional expenses arising from such circumstances will be borne by the participant.
Participants are strongly advised to obtain appropriate travel and medical insurance that covers trekking at high altitudes, emergency evacuation, and other relevant risks.
All participants must follow the trek leader’s and guide’s instructions carefully. ETH accepts no responsibility for injuries or other consequences arising from participants taking unnecessary risks against the advice of the guide.
ETH will make every reasonable effort to facilitate emergency rescue by air or ground, should the need arise. The associated rescue and evacuation costs will, however, be borne by the participant.
