Are you bored with the daily monotony? Well, here is a trek that you should try out to get the adrenaline to restore pack. Get past the coniferous trees at Chirbasa and birch at Bhojbasa, explore the retreating glacier at Gamukh which is the source of river Bhagirathi (which later becomes river Ganga), experience a trek of your lifetime by seeing the Himalayan giants such as the Bhagirathi massif, Mt. Shivling, Mt. Meru and many more. As a matter of fact Mt. Meru is one of the toughest peaks to climb in the entire world, with only a very recent successful attempt of the Sharks' Fin route by Jimmy Chin, Conrad Anker & Renan Ozturk. Very interestingly, this peak (Mt. Meru) was once mythologized to be the center of the whole universe according to an old Indian mythological theory. The Mount Meru Base Camp trek starts from Gangotri and goes beyond the source of Ganga to the meadows of Tapovan. Although the Meru trek seems to be an easy one but isn't for real. Keeping aside fitness, you also should have prior trekking experience. This trek is strictly not for beginners, you need to know about the equipment and how to use them. Trekking in Uttarakhand is always a pleasure with the shining white snow on the huge mountains at distance, and the typical trails with pine trees and meadows all around. So, enjoy the Meru Base Camp Trek in the holy Himalayas and get ready for a magnificent and thrilling experience that you will remember for a lifetime.
Trip Highlights
Go beyond the source of the holy Ganga.
Explore the meadows of Tapovan
Glaciers at Gomukh
Peaks like the Bhagirathi massif, Mt. Shivling, Mt. Meru
Itinerary Details
Drive in a cab to Kuflon village also known as Camp Kuflon which is near the road head for Dodital. It is 11 km from Uttarkashi in the valley of Assi Ganga (which is a 5-hour drive). Stay the night at Kuflon. Alternatively, you can also cover more ground and reach Gangotri at 10,200 ft which will take you around 10-12 hours to reach. The drive will be mostly along the sacred banks of the river Bhagirathi. You can also explore the local markets and temples in the evening.
The next day, a 4-hour drive to reach Gangotri. After visiting some temples you can start your trek towards Gaumukh which is the source of the holy river Ganga. The trek is almost gradual thanks to the frequent trekkers and pilgrims. Just before reaching Chirbasa you will see the beautiful Bhagirathi peaks. Trek along the tree line and the river Bhagirathi and it will take you around 6 hours to reach Chirbasa which is at a height of 11,761 ft. After reaching, come down from the main trail and we will set up camp close to the river.
You will have a comparatively relaxed day as you just have to trek 5 km which will take you around 3 hours of time. Bhojbasa is situated at a height of 12,450 ft. The trek from Chirbasa to Bhojbasa is a narrow one, where there are points where you won’t even find a clear way to tread upon and just a single wrong foot will take you some 164 ft down the hill. It is recommended that you take an evening walk to one of the high points nearby for better acclimatization of your body, also don’t forget to take your camera as you just might sight a group of ibexes and a beautiful sunset.
The next day walk for about 2 hours to reach Gaumukh at 13,123 ft which is the source of Ganga. Stay there for a while and admire the beauty of nature as river Ganga gushes out of the snout of the Gangotri glacier. After you are done, cross the glacier and start a steep ascent to reach Tapovan which is at 14,650 ft. The journey from Bhujbasa to Tapovan is a challenging one. The trek will take 3 hours from Gaumukh. Tapovan is the base camp of Mt. Meru and Mt. Shivling which is considered to be one of the most beautiful peaks in the world by climbers. Enjoy seeing Bharals (blue mountain goats) which is a common animal up there and get astonished by the sight of the Bhagirathi I, II and III with the majestic Mt. Shivling standing tall in front and Mt. Meru behind it.
Start your day early, following a full day trek to Kirti glacier. From here you can see the Kedardome peak, Kedarnath, Bhartekuntha, Thalay Sagar, Bhrigupanth, Meru and the majestic Shivling from the east. The trek will not be easy, as you will make it through the uncertain crevasses. You will be walking over a glacier, so you won’t know where there is a deep split marginally covered with snow. So take caution in walking over the ridges. After exploring the glacier return to the base camp, and feel the real sense of achievement. Enjoy hot dinner and camp overnight at Tapovan.
Enjoy the day relaxing and exploring nearby places. Seeing a breathtaking view every time you step out of your tent is amazing. Enjoy the lush green meadow filled with wildflowers right at the foot of the giant Shivling. Spend your day walking around the campsite or interacting with sadhus. Get amused every time you look at those big, mountains covered in snow, read a book sitting at the lap of Mt. Meru and Mt. Shivling and do other stuff to refresh yourselves.
Leave early and bid adieu to these beautiful mountains and a wonderful campsite at Tapovan while heading back to Chirbasa. Enjoy the early morning sunrise while you trek down. The road from Tapovan leads you through the upper section of the meadow till down and finally onto the glacier. Explore the huge crevasses gaped here and there. You will take around 5 hours to reach Chirbasa at a height of 11,761 ft. The descent will be much faster than the ascent ever was. Reach Chirbasa and camp near the river, have a hot dinner and stay overnight.
Have a hot breakfast at Chirbasa and continue walking down on your trail towards Gangotri which will take you around 4 hours to reach. After reaching Gangotri board one of the share cabs or get your personal one and drive back to Camp Kuflon and once again enjoy the comforts of hot water, barbeque and not to mention, campfire. At Gaumukh, if you want, you can also take a holy dip in the river Ganges. The water will be very chilly but it will be a lifetime experience that you would not want to miss.
After a small hot breakfast at Camp Kuflon, drive to Haridwar which will be a long journey or alternatively you may also go to Dehradun and take a train or a flight from there. It will be much more convenient for many and much faster too. This will complete your Gaumukh Meru Glacier trek for this time.
How To Reach
How to reach Gaumukh Meru Glacier Trek Pickup Point:
By Air
Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun is the nearest airport to Haridwar and is easily accessible, it
is just 40 km away from the city. Daily flights from New Delhi are available to this airport.
By Train
Haridwar railway station. Overnight trains hail from Delhi to Haridwar at regular intervals.
People often prefer railways over airways because with trains you get to see the landscape in
its full glory, it is also cheaper and you will definitely enjoy your way till Haridwar.
By Road
Regular bus service is available from Delhi ISBT Kashmere Gate which plies government buses
that are safe and you can rely on them more than the private buses.
Inclusions
- To and Fro economy class air trave
- Travel by comfortable A/c or Non A/c coach / Vehicle as per the tour itinerary
- Entrance fees of all sightseeing places to be visited from inside
- Accommodation in comfortable and convenient hotels
- All Meals – Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (set menu) as mentioned in the itinerary
- All Tips – Guide, Driver & Restaurants
Exclusions
- Govt Tax of 5.00% over and above the Tour Cost mentioned
- Any applicable new taxes from Government
- Any upgradation in Airline class or hotel room category
- Any extra expense such as route change, Airline change, Date change, Accommodation facilities, etc incurred due to the unforeseen, unavoidable forced majeure circumstances during the tour
- Porterage (coolie charges), laundry, telephone charges, shopping, wines & alcoholic beverages, mineral water, items of personal nature and food or drink which is not part of a set group menu
- Any extra cost incurred on behalf of an individual due to illness, accident, hospitalisation, or any personal emergency