About Gaumukh
Gaumukh (literally "Mouth of the Cow") is the geographical source of the Ganga river. The cow symbolises the Mother in Hinduism, and Gaumukh is associated with motherly nourishment in the form of life-giving water. The river emerges from the Bhagirathi Range of glaciers near the sacred Shivling peak. Gaumukh is part of the Gangotri Glacier — the second longest glacier in the Himalayas after Siachen.
The Trek to Gaumukh
The 19 km trek from Gangotri to Gaumukh is divided into three stages. The first 10 km leads to Chirbasa (3,600m), named after the giant Chir timber trees abundant in the area. Here you'll find basic tea stalls and warm food. The next 6 km reach Bhojbasa (3,792m), where a rest house offers two-bed rooms, meals and blankets for the night. The final 3 km stretch — the most arduous — takes over 11 hours of uphill trekking through thick snow and ice-rocks to reach the Gaumukh cave.
The Glacier and Its Majesty
The Gangotri Glacier is 24 km long and 6 km wide, extending to the Gaumukh cave where the turbulent Ganga (Bhagirathi) gushes out. The surrounding peaks include Shivling (6,543m), Jogin, Kedar Dome, Bhagirathi and Sudarshan — many still unchallenged by mountaineers. The sunrise over these ice-rock fortresses is a spectacular sight, though pilgrims must be cautious of falling ice-rocks that can dislodge without warning.
How to Reach Gaumukh
- From Gangotri to Gaumukh by foot (19 km trek)
- Ponies and porters available at Gangotri
- Road access to Gangotri from Rishikesh/Uttarkashi by taxi
- Nearest airport: Jolly Grant, Dehradun
Nearby Attractions
- Gangotri Glacier
- Shivling Peak (6,543m)
- Bhojbasa Rest House
- Tapovan (4 km above Gaumukh)
- Nandanvan
Char Dham Helicopter Connection
Gaumukh lies 19 km beyond Gangotri — one of the four sacred dhams. Saffron Chariot's helicopter service brings you to Gangotri effortlessly via the Harsil helipad. The adventurous can plan a Gaumukh trek extension after completing the Char Dham helicopter circuit.
View Helicopter Packages →