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📍 Gangotri, Uttarakhand
🏛️ Sightseeing Attraction

Gaumukh

Gaumukh (meaning 'Cow's Snout') is the sacred terminus and primary glacial source of the holy Bhagirathi (Ganga) River, situated at an altitude of roughly ...

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About Attraction

About Gaumukh

Gaumukh (meaning 'Cow's Snout') is the sacred terminus and primary glacial source of the holy Bhagirathi (Ganga) River, situated at an altitude of roughly 4,023 meters (13,200 feet) in the upper reaches of Gangotri National Park. Forming the snout of the vast 30 km long Gangotri Glacier, this ancient ice arch is one of the most revered pilgrimage destinations and adventure trekking routes in the entire Himalayas.

Gaumukh in Gangotri, Uttarakhand

The classic 18 km high altitude trek begins from Gangotri Temple, traversing dramatic granite gorges, birch forests (Bhojbasa), and high moraine trails under the watchful gaze of colossal peaks including the Bhagirathi sisters (I, II, III) and Shivling peak. Trekkers and spiritual pilgrims touring northern Uttarakhand witness milky glacial meltwater gushing out of the colossal ice cave before continuing to the high meadows of Tapovan.

Truth is, standing face to face with the colossal ice wall where the holy Ganga takes birth is an intensely moving spiritual experience. The trek requires forest permits and medical self certification with daily quota caps.

How to Reach Gaumukh

  • By Air: Jolly Grant Airport (DED) in Dehradun is located about 270 km south, connected with flights from Delhi and Mumbai. Taxis take roughly 8.5 hours to reach Gangotri roadhead.
  • By Train: Rishikesh Railway Station (RKSH / YNRK) is situated 240 km away, while Haridwar (HW) is 265 km away, offering express rail links.
  • By Road: Base roadhead is Gangotri Temple (approx 100 km from Uttarkashi), followed by an 18 km one way high altitude mountain foot trek to Gaumukh with an overnight stay at Bhojbasa.

Best Time to Visit Gaumukh

The best months to trek to Gaumukh Glacier are from May to June and September to October when trails are clear and weather is stable.

  • Summer & Yatra Season (May to June): Clear trekking weather with daytime temperatures between 8°C and 15°C, bustling with adventurous pilgrims.
  • Autumn & Tapovan Season (September to October): Crystal clear blue skies offering razor sharp views of Mount Shivling and Bhagirathi peaks.
  • Monsoon & Winter (July to August / November to April): Closed due to heavy rainfall, rockfall risks, and severe winter blizzards.
Tour Packages

Tour Packages for Gangotri

Gangotri Dham Yatra Pilgrimage

Gangotri Dham Yatra

Gangotri  •  4 Nights / 5 Days

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Yamunotri Gangotri Yatra Pilgrimage

Yamunotri Gangotri Yatra

Gangotri  •  6 Nights / 7 Days

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Accommodation

Hotels Near Gaumukh

Utsav Palace ★ Hotel

Utsav Palace

Utsav Palace is budget hotel in Gangotri. hotel in Gangotri offers in-room amenities like …

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Shriya Cottage ★ Hotel

Shriya Cottage

Located near the Gangotri bus stand, the Shriya Cottage is a beautiful hotel. The big spac…

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Shiv Ganga Palace ★ Hotel

Shiv Ganga Palace

Shiv Ganga Palace is located near the bus stand in Gangotri Dham. it features a front desk…

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Hotel Manisha ★★ Hotel

Hotel Manisha

The hotel is located on the main highway leading towards the mandir of Maa Ganga, situated…

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Bhairon Ghati Attraction

Bhairon Ghati

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Gangnani Attraction

Gangnani

Gangnani is a peaceful thermal spring settlement situated along the Uttarkashi to Gangotri…

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Jalmagna Shivling Attraction

Jalmagna Shivling

Jalmagna Shivling (meaning 'Submerged Shiva Lingam') is a sacred natural monolithic granit…

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📸 Photo Gallery

Gaumukh & Gangotri Photo Gallery

6 Photos • Click to View

Explore high-resolution photographs of iconic landmarks, temples, and scenic spots in Gangotri.

Helpful Information

Frequently Asked Questions about Gaumukh

Essential visitor information regarding timings, entry tickets, location, nearby attractions, and travel guide in Gangotri.

The trek from Gangotri Temple to Gaumukh is 18 km one way (36 km round trip), usually completed over two days with an overnight stay at Bhojbasa (14 km from Gangotri).

Yes, an official Gangotri National Park entry permit from the Uttarkashi forest department is strictly mandatory, with a daily quota limited to 150 trekkers.

Gaumukh Glacier is situated at an elevation of approximately 4,023 meters (13,200 feet) above sea level in the Garhwal Himalayas.

Yes, with an authorized mountain guide, fit trekkers can cross the Gangotri glacier moraine and climb 4 km further up to the high alpine meadow of Tapovan (4,463 m).

Overnight accommodation is available at GMVN tourist dormitories, private ashram huts (like Lal Baba Ashram), and registered tent camps in Bhojbasa.

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