The Gaumukh Glacier is the sacred source of the River Ganga — one of the most breathtaking and spiritually significant treks in India. Starting at Gangotri Temple (3,048m) and ending at the glacier snout (3,892m), this 18 km trek through the Gangotri National Park passes through ancient Deodar forests, the Chirbasa meadow and the Bhojbasa campsite. Our hotel in Uttarkashi is the closest quality base camp, just 43 km from the Gangotri trailhead.
What is Gaumukh Glacier?
Gaumukh (meaning "Cow's Mouth" in Hindi) is the snout of the Gangotri Glacier — the largest glacier in the Himalayas and the primary source of the sacred River Ganga. Located at 3,892 metres altitude in the Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand, Gaumukh is where the Bhagirathi River emerges from underneath the glacier ice in a powerful stream of icy blue water.
The trek to Gaumukh passes through the Gangotri National Park — a protected biosphere reserve home to Snow Leopards, Himalayan Tahr, Blue Sheep and Monal pheasants. The trail offers spectacular views of Shivling Peak (6,543m), the Bhagirathi group of peaks and the Meru Glacier.
Gaumukh Trek Permit 2026 — How to Get It
An entry permit is mandatory for the Gaumukh trek since it falls within the Gangotri National Park. The permit is issued by the Forest Department office near Gangotri Temple.
- Issued by: Forest Department, Gangotri (office near the temple entrance)
- Fee (Indians): ₹150 per person per day
- Fee (Foreigners): ₹600 per person per day
- Camera fee: ₹100 per camera (still), ₹500 for video camera
- Documents required: Aadhaar card / Passport + 2 passport photos
- Daily quota: Only 150 trekkers permitted per day beyond Bhojbasa
- Timing: Permit office open 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM daily
- Our hotel staff can advise on current permit rules — call +91 7467062536
Gaumukh Trek Route Map — Day by Day
Best Season for Gaumukh Trek
| Season | Months | Conditions | Recommended? |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🌸 Spring | May – June | Clear skies, Himalayan flowers, manageable snow. Best views of Shivling Peak. | ✅ Best Season |
| ☀️ Summer | Late June – July | Increasing rain and risk of landslides near trail | ⚠️ Caution advised |
| 🌧️ Monsoon | July – August | Heavy rain, dangerous trail, frequent landslides. Park may close. | ❌ Avoid |
| 🍂 Autumn | Sep – Oct | Crystal clear skies, stable weather, stunning mountain panoramas. Very popular. | ✅ Excellent Season |
| ❄️ Winter | Nov – April | Gangotri Temple closed. Trail under heavy snow. Extremely dangerous. | ❌ Trek closed |
What to Pack for Gaumukh Trek
- Warm layered clothing — thermal base + fleece + waterproof jacket
- Sturdy waterproof trekking boots (ankle support essential)
- Trekking poles / walking stick — mandatory for loose glacier moraine
- Sleeping bag rated to -5°C (for Bhojbasa overnight stay)
- High-altitude sun protection — SPF 50 sunscreen + UV sunglasses
- Altitude sickness medication — Diamox (consult doctor first)
- Water bottles × 2 + water purification tablets
- High-energy trail snacks — dry fruits, energy bars, chocolate
- Headlamp + extra batteries (early morning glacier approach)
- Permit documents + Aadhaar card — checked at multiple checkposts
- First aid kit — ORS sachets, blister plasters, antiseptic cream
- Do NOT approach glacier edge — crevasses and ice falls are extremely dangerous
- Acclimatize minimum 1–2 nights at Gangotri (3,048m) before attempting trek
- Altitude sickness symptoms: headache, nausea, breathlessness — descend immediately
- Trek with a registered guide if doing it for the first time — our hotel can arrange guides
- No plastic bags permitted inside Gangotri National Park — strict eco rules
Book Your Gaumukh Trek Base Hotel
Paradise Point Cottage — 43 km from Gaumukh Trailhead · Best Hotel Near Gangotri · Trek assistance arranged