Best Time to Visit Gaumukh Tapovan
Gaumukh Tapovan Trek is not just a trek—it’s a journey to the source of the River Ganga. The trek starts from Gangotri, one of the important temples in the Uttarakhand Char Dham Circuit. It holds immense spiritual significance and, at the same time, offers an adventurous experience for trekkers. This high-altitude trek takes you to Tapovan, situated at an elevation of 4,329 meters above sea level—higher than the summits of many popular trekking destinations in India. Due to its high altitude and remote terrain, the trek is accessible only for a limited duration each year.
It can be done either during the summer season or post-monsoon. To be precise, the best time is from early May to mid-June in summer, and from mid-September to mid-October in the post-monsoon period.
Let us walk you through what to expect during these months:
Summer (Early May to Mid-June):
The trek opens in early May as the snow from the previous year starts to melt. In early summer, you may find snow along the trail and at the Tapovan campsite. By mid-summer, the snow melts away, giving way to some greenery, creating a scene that looks like a painting—blue skies, rocks, boulders, and a river flowing right through the landscape. You can often spot Bharals or Himalayan blue sheep along the way.
The weather is pleasant, and the trek is quite doable. Daytime temperatures range between 15°C to 22°C, while at night it can drop close to 0°C. By mid-June, the rains begin, making the trail a bit tricky. We do not recommend doing this trek after 20th June, as the monsoon sets in, and the fragile trails become prone to landslides.
The main advantage of doing this trek in summer is fewer weather-related challenges. A slight disadvantage, however, is the heavy rush on the roads due to the ongoing Char Dham Yatra. That said, the trek itself is not crowded, unlike other popular trails—you’ll find fewer people on the route.
Post-Monsoon (Mid-September to Mid-October):
This is when the trek truly comes alive. The greenery left behind by the monsoon, combined with clear blue skies, makes the trail incredibly scenic. Different flowers bloom along the way, adding to the beauty. The biggest advantage of trekking during this season is the breathtaking scenery—arguably more beautiful than in summer.
Also, since it is not peak season for the Char Dham Yatra, there is much less traffic on the roads. It does get colder than in summer, and temperatures at the Tapovan campsite may dip below 0°C. At least four warm layers are recommended at night. On a lucky day in mid-October, you might even witness fresh snowfall at Tapovan.
To summarise, both summer and autumn are considered the best seasons for this trek. You can plan it according to your available leaves and which season suits you better.
If this trek has been on your bucket list for a long time, connect with us to know more.
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