The Gangotri Glacier is roughly 30 km long and 2 to 4 km wide. The source of the Gangotri Glacier is said to resemble a cow’s mouth, and the place is called Gaumukh (gou, cow + mukh, face). Gaumukh is situated near the base of a mountain called Shivling In recent times, it has been pointed out that the retreat of the glacier has quickened significantly.

Trekking beyond Gaumukh

Nandanvan – Tapovan

Traversing the Gangotri Glacier to Tapovan and Nandavan. Ever-changing view of Shivling.

A possible 3 or 4-day trekking Itinerary to Tapovan could look like this:

Day 1: Gangotri – Bhojbasa (3800m) in 5 hours. Progress along a picturesque trail, through dense deodar forests before emerging into the wide unforested valley. The trail is congested with porters, mules, pilgrims, and mobile traders. From Raj Ghat, the glacial valley gets wider, and soon we can see the Bhaghirati massif, which rises above 6500 m. Alternatively one could walk to Chirbasa, literally the abode of pines, in approx 5 hours (13 km). Camp on a grassy meadow beside the Bhagirathi. One could easily spend a few days here.

Day 2: Bhojbasa – Gaumukh (3900m) – Tapovan (4450m) in 4 hours. From Gaumukh, the scenery is fascinating, with praying pilgrims and half-naked saddhus meditating along the banks of the tumultuous stream that pours out of the glacier. The trail crosses Gangotri moraines before reaching Tapovan and its gorgeous meadows, furrowed with streams and scattered with flowers. From here the panoramic view over Shivling (6540m), Meru (6660m), and the Bhaghirati massifs (above 6500m) is stunning.

It is not surprising that Sadhus chose this area to meditate in summertime.

The trail leaves its way through the terminal moraine before cutting across the Gangotri glacier and climbing steeply up to the grassy slopes to the vast ablation valley of Tapovan.

The vast meadows strewn with wildflowers are situated at the base of Shivling. The Bhagirathi peaks are now almost within touching distance. Camp is set in the heart of high mountains.

Day 3: Tapovan – Bhojbasa in 3 hours.
In the morning, lazily enjoy the charms of this magic spot. In the afternoon descend towards Bhojbasa.

Day 4: Bhojbasa – Gangotri in 4 hours.
Visit the temples of Gangotri in the afternoon.

Instead of returning To Gaumukh from Tapovan, many other destinations are open to the trained hiker from here.

Tapovan – Kirti Bamak – Tapovan

A full day’s walk to the Kirti Bamak glacier and the base of peaks Kedarnath Dome 6850 m, Kirti Bamak 6500 m, and to a view of Shivling from the east. Return to camp the same day
Trek time: 6 hours, 7 km.

Tapovan – Meru Glacier – Tapovan (4800 m).

Another full day’s walk. Crossing the meadows of Tapowan the trail climbs into another valley, which is traversed to the base of Mount Meru (6400 m), yet another of the spectacular Garhwal peaks. Its mythical name is “The Mountain of Gold”. Return to camp the same day,
Trek time: 5 hours, 6 km trek.

Tapovan – Nandavan (4570 m).

This day is largely an exercise in boulder hopping. Crossing the moraine-covered Gangotri glacier to Nandavan located at the confluence of the Chaturangi and the Gangotri glaciers. Meaning the four-colored glacier. The Chaturangi is truly multi-hued. The massive meadows of Nandavan are situated at the base of the Bhagirathi massif. The area provides excellent sightings of Bharal (blue sheep). Overnight in camp.
Trek time: 6 hours, 7 km trek.

Nandavan – Vasuki Tal (4800 m).

A full day’s walk to the picturesque Vasukita. The trail follows a grassy ridge running parallel to the Chaturanga glaciers, across a small glacier-eroded valley to Vasuki tal. It then continues along the lateral moraine of the Chaturangi glacier to views of Mount Satopanth. Return to camp.
Trek time: 6 hours, 7 km trek.

Nanda van – Gaumukh

Another boulder hops back along the Gangotri glacier to its snout at Gangotri.
Trek time: 5 hours, 13 km trek.

Shivling

Shivling Expeditions have become popular in recent years. Only for the well-trained climber.

Bhavishya Badri Temple

Dense forests near Tapovan surround the Bhavishya Badri. The Bhavishya Badri is at a distance of about 17 km east of Joshimath. Pilgrims trek beyond Tapovan up the Dhauliganga River to reach this holy spot. The idol of Narsingha (the god with the head of the lion) is enshrined here. Traditionally, it is believed that a day will come when the present route to the Badrinath will be inaccessible and the Lord Badrinath will be worshipped here and this is why the place is called Bhavishya Badri.