Gaumukh
Uttarkashi, Uttarakhand, India • 30.92°N, 79.07°E
📖 About Gaumukh
- ✦Gangotri Glacier snout at 4,236m - source of the Ganga River
- ✦18 km trek from Gangotri temple through high-altitude Himalayan terrain
- ✦Accessible May to October only - closed November to April completely
- ✦Forest Department permit mandatory - apply at Gangotri office before trek
The Ganga begins at this glacier snout 18 km upstream from Gangotri temple, where meltwater emerges from beneath the ice at 4,236 metres (13,898 ft). At this elevation, daytime temperatures in peak summer (August) reach only 13.5°C (56.3°F), and mornings stay below freezing even in June at -6.4°C (20.5°F). The trek gains 528 metres over 18 km, passing Chirbasa at 11 km and Bhojbasa at 14 km - the last overnight camping spot before the glacier. July and August bring 127 mm and 105 mm of monsoon rain respectively, making the trail slippery and prone to landslides.
Hindu tradition considers Gaumukh - literally 'cow's mouth' - the most sacred source of the Ganga, though the glacier has retreated 2 km upstream since 1780 due to warming. The Gangotri Glacier spans 30 km, making it one of the largest in the Himalayas, and feeds the Bhagirathi River that becomes the Ganga at Devprayag. Pilgrims have trekked here for centuries, and the route now sees around 150,000 visitors during the May-October season. The glacier face itself stands 30 metres tall, with ice visibly calving into the stream below.
This trek suits physically fit trekkers comfortable with multi-day high-altitude walking and basic camping. The trail has no mobile connectivity beyond Gangotri, limited food options past Chirbasa, and altitude sickness risk above 3,500m requiring acclimatization at Gangotri for at least one night before starting.
🎯 Things to Do in Gaumukh
The 18 km trail from Gangotri temple (3,048m) climbs to the glacier snout at 4,236m through pine forests and alpine meadows. Forest Department permit costs Rs 150 per person, available at Gangotri office with ID proof - start by 6 AM to reach Gaumukh and return same day or camp at Bhojbasa (14 km). The trail gets extremely crowded during May-June weekends with 500+ trekkers daily, while September sees smaller groups and clearer weather.
Bhojbasa sits at 3,792m, 14 km from Gangotri, with a GMVN rest house and basic tented camps charging Rs 800-1,200 per night (confirm locally — rates vary by season). The site offers sunrise views of Shivling peak (6,543m) and acclimatization before the final 4 km push to Gaumukh. Night temperatures drop to -2°C (28.4°F) even in July, requiring sleeping bags rated to -10°C minimum.
Tapovan lies 6 km beyond Gaumukh at 4,463m, a steep technical climb over moraine and glacier requiring guide assistance and crampons in snow. The meadow provides base camp access to Shivling peak with close views of Meru (6,660m) and Bhagirathi peaks. Only experienced high-altitude trekkers should attempt this - altitude sickness risk increases significantly above 4,000m without proper acclimatization days.
Chirbasa sits at 3,600m, 11 km from Gangotri, marking the treeline where the last birch forests give way to scrub and rock. Small tea stalls serve hot drinks and Maggi for Rs 50-80, the final refreshment stop before Bhojbasa. The flat campsite here works for acclimatization stops, though most trekkers push on to Bhojbasa for better views and facilities.
The trail offers clear views of Bhagirathi I (6,856m), II (6,512m), and III (6,454m) - the three peaks forming the backdrop to the glacier source. Best light hits between 7-9 AM when morning sun illuminates the snow faces, and the river hasn't yet risen with meltwater. September provides clearest visibility with only 63 mm rain compared to July's 127 mm that brings persistent cloud cover.
📅 Best Time to Visit
| Month | Low °C | High °C | Rain (mm) | Humid % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 🌤️ | -27.9 | -4.8 | 28 | 70% |
| Feb | 🌤️ | -28.1 | -2.9 | 31 | 75% |
| Mar | 🌤️ | -25.0 | 0.5 | 37 | 79% |
| Apr | 🌤️ | -18.6 | 3.8 | 30 | 74% |
| May | 🌤️ | -10.9 | 7.2 | 47 | 73% |
| Jun | 🌤️ | -6.4 | 12.3 | 51 | 75% |
| Jul | 🌦️ | -2.0 | 13.8 | 127 | 80% |
| Aug | 🌦️ | -1.8 | 13.5 | 105 | 81% |
| Sep | 🌤️ | -6.1 | 11.4 | 63 | 77% |
| Oct | 🧊 | -14.1 | 6.9 | 16 | 68% |
| Nov | ❄️ | -19.4 | 2.0 | 6 | 59% |
| Dec | ❄️ | -25.1 | -1.0 | 12 | 58% |
📡 Data Source: NASA POWER
Climate figures are 11-year averages from NASA POWER satellite data. Values represent conditions for the broader Uttarkashi region, not exclusively Gaumukh. Actual conditions at this specific location may vary due to local elevation and terrain. Always check a local forecast before travel.
🚗 How to Reach Gaumukh
💡 Visitor Tips
Pack for temperatures from -6°C to 14°C (21°F to 57°F) - bring thermal layers, down jacket, waterproof shell, gloves, and woollen cap even in summer as mornings stay below freezing. Nights at Bhojbasa drop below zero from May through October.
Book Bhojbasa accommodation 15-20 days ahead through GMVN website during May-June peak season. Obtain Forest Department trekking permit at Gangotri office before 10 AM - office closes early and no permits issued after noon.
The Gangotri road (from Uttarkashi) gets blocked frequently during July-August monsoon due to landslides - buffer 1-2 extra days in your schedule. Shared jeeps from Uttarkashi to Gangotri cost Rs 300-400 per person (confirm locally — rates vary by season) and leave when full.
Gangotri has two ATMs (SBI and Punjab National Bank) but both run dry during weekends - withdraw enough cash in Uttarkashi. No mobile connectivity exists beyond Gangotri town, and only BSNL works partially there. Carry all food supplies from Gangotri as options shrink to instant noodles and tea beyond Chirbasa.
Stay options cluster in Gangotri town near the temple with budget lodges from Rs 500-800 and mid-range hotels from Rs 1,500-2,500 per night (confirm locally — rates vary by season). Bhojbasa offers only GMVN rest house and basic tents - no private hotels exist between Gangotri and Gaumukh.
📍 More Places in Uttarkashi
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❓ Frequently Asked Questions
📚 About This Page
This travel guide for Gaumukh covers key information for visitors including best time to visit, how to reach, things to do, and practical tips. Gaumukh is located in Uttarkashi district, Uttarakhand, India at an elevation of 4236 metres above sea level. Climate data on this page is sourced from NASA POWER and represents 11-year regional averages.