Some guidance needed on visit to Gaumukh/Tapovan

lakshit

Hi Sam,
Before I answer ur queries, let me tell u that ur schedule is too jam packed. U need to acclimatize at Gangotri if u intend to do Gangotri Tapvan in one day ( ~22 km) uphill, which I wud advise u against. If u don't want to have a rest day at Gangotri, then u can probably trek till Bhojbasa, rest there and go to Tapovan the next day. Another thing not clear to me is y r u coming back via Nandanvan, if u don't wanna stay there? Again, Tapovan Nandanvan Bhojwasa in 1 day is dicey for me. So I would advise u to extend ur program by atleast 2-3 days to enjoy the real Himalayan beauty.

Regarding ur questions:
1. since i am alone going over for this expedition would there be a need of porter on the trek?
If u intend to go to Tapovan, u need a guide as it involves crossing the Gangotri glacier. Need for a porter depends on how much weight u r carrying
2. Do u suggest me to visit NIM in utterkashi? in what ways they can help me in going over this trek?
I don't thing they would offer any assistance as it's a simple trek rather than an expedition
3. Do i need to carry a tent as well since i am going alone?
U have ashram at Bhojwasa and Tapovan. So no need of a tent, but if they r full, then u may need a tent. Check it out with the guide at Gangotri and he will guide u.
4. where i can find out the experianced guide for these treks and what will optimal charge for a guide.
Gangotri itself. The one we went with, his name is Hikmut Singh Butrola. He works with ISRO.


Cheers
Lakshit

alokeban

@ supratim
How are u?

We are also going to trek on this route Gangotri-Gomukh-Tapoban-Neeltal/Nandanban at 15th to 26th May'2008. I heared and read the article(also u post reply at IM) that Uttarkhand Govt. now regulate the number of traveller to 150 per day. Do u have any information from where the permission is available to enter to the Park? Details needed.

roy_supratim05

yah, I'm fine, going to trek Satopanth Tal and Valley of Flowers in June '08. How abt u.

Actually permits till now not 100% necessary. But sometimes checkpost officers creates problem. So better u collect permission from Uttarkashi DFO's office. Ask anyone in uttarkashi, they will give u the direction to the office.

U will find snow in Tapovan and Nandanvan at this time. Be prepared for that.

Happy trekking.

__________________
Supratim

Please visit my Homepage.

alokeban

@ Supratim
thanks for quick response. we will collect the permission from uttarkashi when we reach at there. if we get the permission instantly we'll go ahead to Gangotri same day, otherwise will go next morning.

Aloke

ashutosh69

Lots discussion on this one....

My additional input...

May is a unpredictable month in Tapovan - Gangotri Glacier region. Lat year it snowed on 28th May. When I wnt there in 2003 it had snowed on 4th of May. There were few years when it didnt snow in May. Its better to be prepared for snow.

Yatra season starts in May ...probably the temple would open on 1st week of May this time as per the Hindu Calender...teh day the temple opens is "Akshyay Tritiya". This means that there would be traffic at Tapovan as well. I have a feeling that the permission system would only increase the consistency of tourist travel to Tapovan. (A foolish Policy indeed... education training and capcity building of the guides as well as trekkers would have helped better) anyways.....Baba caves may not be a sure accomodation. Better to take tent and kitchen.

Camping plan at Nandanvan is a risky one. Nandanvan is notorious for its water supply since there is no permananent flowing stream (like you find Akashganga in Tapovan) there. Just be careful to inquire about water availability there before lifting camp from Tapovan.

For an account of travel experience in these areas you may like to visit my blogsite at the following links. They are a bit long but have tried to piece togethe as much detail as possible for that area

http://snowscapes.blogspot.com/2008/...e-tapovan.html

http://snowscapes.blogspot.com/2008/...ead-of_26.html

BMP RAO

Dear Saurabh,

Could i call u like that?

I am from Jayanagar bangalore
I did this trek last year (2007). It is mote of jumping from rock to rock.

I was 61 then and could do it very easily. was trekking alone. took a guide (G S Chouhan) from Gangothri. His ph No. 01377-222221 or mob 9411399626. he was good and charged me rs.300/- per day.

at bhojbasa i stayed in gmvn guest house. it is good for a trekker.
at tapovan you could meet a sanyasin from JP nagar(Bangalore.)

We started fr Gangothri at 9.30 am-reached chirbasa at 1.30 pm-left chirbasa at 2.30 and reached bhojbasa at 5.15 pm.

Next day left bhojbasa at 7.00 am and reached tapovan at 10.30.



bmp rao.

samiran

for god sake,dont carry cell phone in high mountain as why do you want to spoil the serene environment of imposing Shivling-Gangotri glacier-Bhagirathi group of peaks with your ring tones ,even if the connectivity would have been available?
forget the whole world to feel the high world!!!

sam4u

hi all,
thanks for ur suggestions. depended upon your suggestion i've made some changes in the itenary.

Day1:reach haridwar by early morning and then would catch the bus to uttarkashi-will stay there
Day2:will board a shared taxi or a bus early in the morning to get down at gangotri. temple visit and also the pandu gufa as suggested by u.will stay there
Day3:early morning will proceed further towards bhojbas. will stay.
Day4:early morning will start my journey towards tapovan and will stay.
Day5:will march towards nandanvan and will comeback evening to bhojbas.
Day6:bhojbas-gangotri
day7: return back to haridwar and poosibly to delhi.

there are certain more questions which are to be clarified as yet.
1. what things should i carry along for nandanvan trek since tapovan i heard is not that steep as compared to nandanvan?
2. do i need a certain kind of permission for the trek of nandanvan and tapovan?plz give the details.
3. is there any other place which i am missing out in this itenary near to nandanvan or tapovan plz let me know?
4. is there any bus service from delhi to utterkashi or may be till gangotri.

i am planning to go in the mid of the month-may. what will be the whether will there be snow?and if anybody is also planning to go over there between 15th may-24th may do let me know?

thanks in advance
sam4u

spicetrekker

DO check out Neelatal at Tapovan

kalsi75

Thanks everyone for the expert comments and a healthy thread...
Can any one let me know any phone no of a guide at Gangotri, we might would like to book before we move from Delhi.

grizzlyofalaska

HI

I am very pleased to see this thread. I can see many aspirations here!

I too have a calling to visit Gaumukh and Tapovan(Sam and Saurabh pls get in touch if you are looking for a travel partner). Thing is i am not a trekker and i don't live in India.

I am 29, Male from London and of Indian Origin(delhI). I will be in India on the 18th of May.

I have recently quit my job due to stress and i am taking some time out to travel to India. I will be doing the char dham temples.

If anyone wants to share this journey with me then please get in touch. Gangotri - Gaumukh is on top of my list and also Kedarnath.

I am looking for like minded laid back people who want to do this trip for the purpose of spiritual growth, reclose and most importantly enjoyment.

If you are interested then pls Email me on ssandhu321@aol.com

or PM me

Thanks,

Sumit

Dilliwala

Job stress at 29? Phew!

Anyway, don't have anything of value to add, just wanted to write in to say nice pics in your profile.

grizzlyofalaska

yes!! but i did good.

Thanks for the comment on the pics

S