The Gaumukh Glacier is the source of the sacred Bhagirathi-Ganges — the cow-mouth shaped snout of the Gangotri Glacier at 3,892 metres. One of India's most iconic and spiritually significant treks, 18 km from Gangotri through birch forests, moraines and high-altitude meadows.
Gaumukh — meaning "cow's mouth" in Sanskrit — is the snout of the Gangotri Glacier, the largest glacier in the Indian Himalayas outside of the Karakoram. This is where the Bhagirathi river emerges from beneath the glacier ice to begin its 2,500 km journey to the Bay of Bengal as the sacred Ganges.
The Gangotri Glacier is approximately 30 km long and 2–4 km wide, lying in the Garhwal Himalaya between peaks exceeding 6,000m. At its snout, the ice is a dramatic dirty brown-white — centuries of compressed snow studded with rock. The Bhagirathi pours out from beneath a natural ice cave at the base of the glacier face, and the sight is one of the most extraordinary and sacred in all of India.
From Harshil, the Gaumukh trek involves a 28 km drive to Gangotri temple (3,048m) and then an 18 km trek to Gaumukh, gaining approximately 844m of altitude. The trail passes through sub-alpine birch and pine forests before breaking into the open moraine landscape above the tree line. The camping point at Bhojwasa (3,775m), 14 km from Gangotri, makes the trek manageable as a 2-day excursion.
Start from Gangotri temple after morning puja (5:30am). The trail climbs through birch and pine forest along the Bhagirathi. Cross the tree line around km 10. Reach Bhojwasa campsite (GMVN / private tents). Overnight at 3,775m — acclimatisation essential. Bhojwasa has basic tea shops and camping facilities.
Start early (5am) for the 4 km stretch from Bhojwasa to Gaumukh. Trail crosses rocky moraine — follow guide markers. Reach Gaumukh glacier snout. Perform puja, take photographs, drink the sacred water. Return to Bhojwasa for breakfast, then trek back to Gangotri same day (14 km return). Total Day 2: ~22 km.
Peak trekking season. Snow still covers upper sections — dramatic glacier views. Clear skies. Gangotri opens in early May. Trails are clear and pilgrim season is active.
Monsoon makes trails slippery. Occasional visibility loss. Glacier is accessible but less photogenic. Some pilgrim groups still trek. Not recommended for first-timers.
Post-monsoon is arguably the best season — crystal clear air, sharp mountain views, no crowds. Gangotri is still open. Nights are cold (−2 to 0°C at Bhojwasa). Best for photography.
Gangotri and Gaumukh are inaccessible. Heavy snow blocks the road and trail. The glacier trek is only for the most experienced alpinists in winter.
Drive 28 km from Harshil to Gangotri on NH108. About 1 hour. Our Harshil packages include this drive. Start trek the same day or next morning after acclimatising at Gangotri (3,048m).
Rishikesh → Uttarkashi → Bhatwari → Gangotri. About 8 hours drive. Overnight in Uttarkashi recommended. Our packages arrange transport from Rishikesh.
Delhi → Jolly Grant Airport Dehradun (fly) or Delhi → Haridwar (train/bus) → Rishikesh → Gangotri. Total travel from Delhi: 14–16 hours by road. Our Gaumukh Trek packages include complete transport arrangements.