Regarding Gaumukh - Tapovan trek....

nilanjan_lahiri

Hi,
I am a new member over here.

I have planned for a Gomukh - Tapovan trek early November this year. Is it the right time ??? I got to know that after the Gangotri Temple Closing Ceremony, one cannot go beyond Gangotri and he needs special permission for that ???

Can someone please tell when does this Gangotri Temple Closing Ceremony takes place ??? Is it after Diwali ??? We have a plan to reach Gangotri by the 3rd of November....

Please elucidate on this and suggest.....

roy_supratim05

Hi,

Nov. 3rd ??? !!!If u servey the weather report of Gangotri region for past few years, u will find that after 20th Oct there is 100% chance of snow fall and in that case temp. falls to -8 to -15. I'm not saying that Tapovan is not doable at that time but it will really going to be a hard situation and u will not be able to enjoying too much. If still u decide to go at that time, be prepared with good Snow Boot, Father filled Jacket etc. And at that time, I think, must take a guide. Happy trekking.

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nilanjan_lahiri

Any idea whether there is any tax/security deposit to be paid as permit ??? What's the approx amount ???

Kindly elucidate on this....

arjunm

Dear Nilanjan

There isn't any security deposit to pay for the Gaumukh trek. But you do have trekking, camping, porter and mule charges (I think cleaning charges too). I forget the rate, but it's not too much. I'll dig into my notes and let you know later. I have it written somewhere.

You'll have to pay this amount about 2 kms outside Gangotri, at a temple check post on the Gaumukh trail.

Arjun

Bhaswaran

Early November is not a very good time to trek to Tapovan, unless you want to make some "out of the book" experiences. At least take a good guide and gear.

ks_bluechip

I went to Gaumukh recently between 17-19th July 2007.

To visit Gaumukh, for Trekkers there is a Forest Check Post (about 1 km beyond Gangotri on the trail, that takes Rs 50/- per head as Entry Fee/Charges.

I later found that *Pilgrims* (suitably dressed in orange dress and carrying jerry cans for gaumukh water) are allowed free but still make entry in group leader' name. I don't think there is a seperate charge for Tapovan.

BTW: I was told Tapovan route is not good and Guide is a must. A Guide referrred by GMVN-Bhujbasa caretaker, was asking for Rs 500/- per day (irrespective of group size) for that Bhujbasa-Tapovan-Bhujbasa. But i didnt do the Tapovan trek finally.

- KS

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arjunm

500 per day is daylight robbery. Rs 350 a day is reasonable, 400 if you can't haggle. But more than that...

VSK Sharma

Hi,
Yes Rs 500/- are too much for the Tapovan visit.
Well, I was just interested to know what nilanjan_lahiri had asked in is starting post. What about the permission after the temple closes. There are no facilities available after that and one has to be on his own.

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nilanjan_lahiri

Bhaswaranji,
This is going to be the first trek of my life...... What do you suggest ??? Shall it very cold ???

In that case, we still have the time to drop the idea....

VSK Sharma

Hi,
There is no problem with the trek during the season and anyone can do it. However,it is not a good plan to try after the temple closes. If you have leave during that time only plan something else.

Bhaswaran

This is the first trek of your life.....and you are going to Tapovan...still okay....but in winter....sorry.....If I was at your place...I would have dropped it.

Firstly, to check your capabilities as a trekker....the Sandakfu trek...which is nearer to Kolkata...is the best bet. There are ups and downs...but clear road....ultimately at around 12000 feet...good views....basic accomodation facilities...perfect for the begininer from Kolkata.

I would recommend you Sandakfu in October-early November.

I did Sandakfu as the first trek in my life and found that I can trek...but very slowly compared to other trekkers. I reached one hour after our group reached Sandakfu.

Tapovan is above a number of glaciers...so it is below freezing point....and very very cold when you are planning to go.

I was also planning to go to Tapovan this October, but now have planned to go only uptil Gomukh and also do Kedarnath-Chorabalital instead to cover two places in the same holiday outing.

nilanjan_lahiri

Thanks Bhaswaranji,
Not only its my first trek, but this perhaps would have been a solo trek as well...... 3 of my office colleagues planned to go initially, but our leaves have not been approved..... but I am very desparate and mentally prepared for the trek..... but now I think that I would really have to drop the idea of the solo trek.

Let's see --- whats in store for me !!!!

But a trek is for sure in the making !!!

arjunm

Dear Nilanjan

Cut out the Tapovan adventure plan in November. Once the area closes, the whole area (including Gangotri) is deserted. Bus services are hit too and even getting to Gangotri can be an issue (trekking comes later).

Last year, we trekked to Tapovan in October and this is what happened:

We started trekking a few days before the Gangotri temple closed. Gangotri was a beehive of activity -- like what Gangotri is expected to be. Bustling, chaotic, a place you want to leave behind as soon as you can.

On the trail we camped at Chirbasa and then at Gaumukh. Chirbasa was activity as well. Dhabas everywhere haggling for business.

Just 4 days later when we were getting back, the temple in Gangotri had closed. We had planned to trek from Gaumukh to Gangotri in one long day of trekking, hoping to stop at Bhojbasa and Chirbasa for some snacks and food.

Bhojbasa had only Baba maning the ashram. When we got to Chirbasa, there was no dhaba in sight. Not even a human soul. The only thing we saw were some waste papers lying about. It was hard to believe that 4 days back this was a bustling bustee. We were not carrying any food and only when we reached Gangotri we could get something to eat.

Gangotri was semi deserted. There was only one morning bus to Uttarkashi which was packed to the hilt. Unless you are good at acrobatics, prepare to stand all the way to Uttarkashi (90 kms).

Point two. It's going to be pretty cold in November. On October 20, last year, inside tent temperature at six in the morning was 1 degree. Outside it was about -2 (I carry a thermometer whenever I trek). Tapovan was -14 in the night, the earlier day (a few foreigner trekkers told me from their readings). Did I mention that it started to snow, the day we left Gaumukh? We just got out with a few hours to spare. When we reached Gangotri, we learned that there was about 2 feet of snow at Gaumukh that had fallen during the day.

In November, there is almost a 100% chance of snow.

Now, do you still want to do this trek?


Arjun


Arjun

ks_bluechip

Yes, that was just his opening bid ... I told him if I decide to go.... will negotiate rate with him. He immediately said Rs 450. I said will discuss rate only if I'm going. He might have come down to 350/- I think ... which is OK. There was also a Mexican girl in Bhujbasa who was thinking of going with same guide. The the cost would have got reduced to half for me. The guide also said some Ashrams in Tapovan are open and can provide stay and basic food.... KS

Bhaswaran

Go ahead for Sandakfu in October-November. Only a weeks leave can do that. I also trek solo, after my first trekking at Sandakfu. It helps me to concentrate more and without any hurry to reach with others.

Do a solo trek to Sandakfu and you will definitely enjoy.

regards,

Bhaswaran