Gaumukh is the terminus of the Gangotri Glacier and the primary source of the Bhagirathi River, which is famous as one of the crucial headstreams of holy Ganges. The place where the Gangotri glacier ends is said to resemble the mouth of a cow and is therefore called Gaumukh. It is situated at an elevation of 13,200 feet from the sea level in Uttarkashi, Uttarakhand.
Gaumukh is one of the best trekking destinations in the circuit of Gaumukh- tapovan trek and sacred Hindu Pilgrimage site. The beauty of Gaumukh glacier will spellbind you and includes many famous and sacred pilgrimage sites around. It is approximately 18 Km from the Gangotri temple and measuring 8 kilometers by 24 kilometers, it is the source of the Bhagirathi River, which joins the Alaknanda River to form the Ganges in Devprayag, from where the river flows 2,480 kilometers in the Gulf of Bengal, feeding the Indus life and culture. Gangetic plain.
Places to Visit Near Gaumukh:
Gaumukh is popular with hiking enthusiasts, as the region has some challenging trails. The hiking path from Gangotri to Gaumukh covers a distance of 18 km. You can visit these following places near Gaumukh.
- Nandanvan & Tapovan
- Vasuki Tal
- Khatling Glacier
- Kedar Tal
- Submerged Shiva Linga
- Dayara Bughal
- Nachiketa Tal
- Deoriya Tal
- Rudranath
- Kalpeshwar
- Dodital Lake
- Dharali
Best Time to Visit
September to June is the best time to visit Gaumukh. The sacred site of Gaumukh, from which the glacier finally begins to melt, giving rise to the great river, is best visited from April to June and again from September to November. The winter months are too cold for a visit, and the rain makes transportation difficult during the monsoons, which leave only the spring, summer, and autumn months.
Exciting Things to Do in Gaumukh
The excursion is a combined experience of trekking, bouldering, rock climbing, and crossing of glaciers. The trekking path is generally regular, but it becomes dangerously steep in some places. Once you reach Tapovan, you can see the fascinating view of the beautiful snow-capped peaks shrouded in sunlight. About 9 km from Gangotri, Chirbasa, or “Morada de Chirbasa” is visible. Gila Pahar is famous for its landslides. Lucky hikers can also see some mountain antelopes called Bharals here. These animals are found only at the height of 10,000 feet.
How to Reach
By Plane: Jolly Grant airport is the closest airport located at a distance of about 160 km from Uttarkashi, which is home to the Gaumukh glacier
By Train: Rishikesh railway station, about 143 km from Uttarkashi. Regular trains are available to Rishikesh throughout the year. Transportation to Uttarkashi is also readily available.
By Bus: To get Uttarkashi, choose the closest route to NH-108, where Uttarkashi located. Buses from Uttarakhand, as well as from major cities, are readily available for Uttarkashi.
Gaumukh is one of the most popular and rewarding excursions in the Garhwal Himalaya. A trip to this mesmerizing place not only gives you the opportunity to camp at the foot of the Himalayas ‘ high peak but also involves crossing the massive Gaumukh glacier, the source of the river Ganges.