Gangotri - Gaumukh hike

Sorry to repeat the post from India Travel Itinerary Advice, but I was not getting any replies. SO posting my query here.

Hi. I and 2 friends from Bangalroe were planning on a trip to the Gangotri and for a hike from there to Gaumukh. We plan to do this between Aug 20 - Aug 28. So, I was wondering if I could get some advise on my plan for the trip.

Itinerary:
Day 1 - Chandigarh to Dehradun by bus. Stay at Dehradun overnight.
Day 2 - Catch an early morning bus from Dehradun to Uttarakshi. Visit NIM and stay in Uttarakshi overnight.
Day 3 - Catch an early morning bus to Gangotri. Overnight stay in Gangotri.
Day 4 - Acclimatization / rest day. Do some small hikes and visit shrines in Gangotri.
Day 5 - hike from Gangotri to Bhujbasa. Overnight stay at Bhujbasa.
Day 6 - hike from Bhujbasa to Gaumukh and back to Gangotri (hike / bus?). Overnight stay in Gangotri.
Day 7 - Gangotri to Chandigarh.

So here are some of questions on this itinerary.

1. Aug 20 - Aug 28: Is this period generally alright for a visit / hike in the region? Will the route to Gaumukh be open?
2. Should I book a bus tickets Chandigarh to Dehradun & Gangotri to Chandigarh, or can I get them when I am there? If I need to book, any recommended bus services?
3. Is there a bus service from Gaumukh to Gangotri? How frequent are the services?
4. Do I need to get a permit for the hike from Gangaotri to Gaumukh and back? If yes, where and how can I get that?
5. Accommodation: Dehradun, Uttarakshi, Gangotri, Bhujbasa - any recommended places? Preference: cheap cheap cheap! Easy access to transport.
6. Trek route: Is the route well marked? Will I need a map for the hike? Can I hire a local guide from Gangotri for the hike? Would I need to book for a guide early?

And generally speaking of the hike, how hard is it? One of my friends has never hiked in the mountains before, and want to make sure that the 2 day plan for 40km odd hike will not be too much for him.

1.Route should be open but landslides are possible due to rains. It is one risk you need to consider during monsoons.

2.You can get the tickets when you are there.

3.No. Walking and Mules are the only options.

4.Yes. I got the permit in gangotri town but heard on this forum they are not issuing permits there now. So, you need to get it at Uttarkashi.

5.Gangotri has accommodation options for all budgets. Bhojbasa has GVMN guest house(need advance booking) and a couple of ashrams and these are the only accommodation options available.You can find affordable and cheap accommodation at rest of the places.

6.No need for a map or guide.The trek route is well marked.

Not really hard, but if its your first time, slow and steady is the way to go. The weather above 3000 metres has an affect on your breathing and metabolism. Drink plenty of water; you'll have the river/streams for your company all along the route.

Caution: Monsoon weather/Landslides.

Thanks for that update prince09. Just to confirm on point 4, I can directly get the permit to enter Gangotri NP from the DFO in Uttarakshi, without a lead time?

And, I will keep a tab on the weather conditions. Thanks for that.

regarding permit go through this link.

New Govt Regulation: Restricted Permits at Gangotri National Park

Keep a few hours in hand. Carry some ID and photos.

You have enough time for the trek can visit the link for a Idea what you will face on the Trek to Gaumukh. Click on Tapovan

@cliffhanger: Thanks for the link
@Dilliwala: Thanks for the heads up.
@ RamboTheShock: I could not see the pics from your Tapovan post, but saw the pics from Dodital post. They look amazing. In the same post I also read about hiring guides. Do you think its necessary to hire one? If so, do you have a contact number of any person you know? And what are the likely rates for hiring a guide?

for high altitude treks guides are always must...
you can check with www.whereeaglesdare.in i have done couple of treks with them and found them just amazing... they just involve you with nature... i am going with them to roopkund next month..

If you click on TAPOVAN you can see the tapovan trip details with pics.

Yes I would say take a guide if you are going to TAPOVAN or NANDANVAN. But if going upto Gaumukh only you dont need a guide. The path is very well laid out and there is not a single path emerging out of the original. And Bhojbasa is down in the valley while the path encircles it at a height so there is no chance of missing it.

There are two places where you can miss the path slightly. These are the two places where you cross two streams. To cross one has to go down to the stream level while the rocks surrounding are higher and as only rock and sand is present there it becomes difficult to find the track. But if you keep track of the pony dung you can easily find the way. Also if you climb up the sides of the glacial track in which these streams run, you will find the path again. So nothing to panic or worry. Its the easiest trek.

Take guide from Gangotri. There are many present there. One is Ganesh who has a small hut and tea shop behind Birla Mangal Niketan. Though I had taken my guide from Uttarkashi as he had taken permit from the DFO on my behalf in advance.

Taking guide from Uttarkashi will increase your cost as you will have to pay him for the extra days he is with you and also his fooding and lodging.

Hi All....

Can any one give me trek route from Gagotri to Tapavab Via Gaumukh...

---Sandipan

Yes you can do it at this time. Can help you.

route is Gangotri- chirbasa-bhojbasa-gaumukh-tapovan... its 22-23kms

Hi everyone we 7 people going for Gangotir-Gaumukh-Tapavan 20th Sept. Is that rite time to go for tapavan trek? can any one tell me the accommodation facility there?? what was the good route for us.?? please help us....

Thanks--
Sandipan..