Gangotri Vasuki Tal Trek

Taking yourself deep into the core heart of the Indian Himalayas in the wild Gangotri National Park

📅
Duration
10 days 10 nights
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Altitude:
4810m
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Grade:
Strenuous
how we grade
👍
Best Time:
May, Jun, Sep, Oct
🌞
Temperatures:
-5 to 12 Degrees Celcius in higher camps. 12 - 22 degrees in lower altitudes.
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Starts From:
Gangotri
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Airport:
Jolly Grant, Dehradoon
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Railway:
Rishikesh, Uttrakhand

Key Geographical Highlights

5 Popular Peaks:

Meru Peak ( 6803m ), Satopanth ( 7075m ), Shivling ( 6543m ), Sri Kailash ( 6932m ), Thalay Sagar ( 6904m )

1 Lakes:

Vasuki Tal ( 4914m )

1 Glaciers:

Gangotri Glacier

1 Rivers:

Bhagirathi

1 National Parks Or Forest Reserve:

Gangotri National Park

Reach Gangotri find other treks

Daywise Itinerary For Gangotri Vasuki Tal Trek

(click to read detailed route briefing, elevation graph, altitude time info and photos from the day)

▼ Day 1Arrival DayUttarkashi 1150m
Arrive In Uttarkashi
Overnight In: Uttarkashi (1150m )
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Lunch, Evening Tea Snacks, Soup, Dinner, Dessert, Hot Drinks
Cost Of Transport Included: YES
Where and How To Reach Gangotri
Today we take the winding drive to Uttarkashi via the magnanimous Tehri Lake where we spend enough time enjoying the vast and beautiful lake. From here, we move further towards Uttarkashi - the hub of mountaineering in Uttrakhand. We check in to our beautiful hotel and rest for some time and freshen up. In the evening we pay a visit to Nehru Institute Of Mountaineering.
Day 1
555 - Rishikesh
Day 1
1150 - Uttarkashi
180Km, 7hrs.
▼ Day 2Exploration DayGangotri 3100m
Excursion to Gangotri Dham & Nearby.. Return To Gangotri - 5 Hrs. 100 Kms
Overnight In: Gangotri (3100m )
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Morning Tea, Breakfast, Lunch, Evening Tea Snacks, Soup, Dinner, Dessert, Hot Drinks
Today we drive up the winding roads to Gangotri. It's a beautiful drive passing by the orchard village of Harshil, beautiful Gngnani before we reach Gangotri which is at an altitude of 3048 meters. It is an important day today from an acclimatization perspective, especially after the hectic drive the previous day. We need to make sure that we rest enough as it helps us acclimatize well for the trek preventing us from any sickness. After lunch, we take out some precious time to visit Gangotri Dham - one of the purest shrines of Hindus
Day 2
1150 - Uttarkashi
Day 2
3100 - Gangotri
Day 2
3050 - Gangotri Dham
Day 2
3100 - Gangotri
100Km, 5hrs.
▼ Day 3Trekking DayBhojbasa 3792m
From Gangotri (3048m ) To Bhojbasa (3792m ), Via - Chirbasa (3600m ) - 5 - 6 Hrs. 14 Kms
Overnight In: Bhojbasa (3792m )
Accommodation: Camping
Meals Included: Morning Tea, Breakfast, Lunch, Evening Tea Snacks, Soup, Dinner, Dessert, Hot Drinks
We trek on the well laiden trail beside the Baghirati river, through the dense forest up till Chirbasa, beyond which the barren trail on both sides reveal itself.

Get great views of Bhagirathi peaks and the gorge of the Bhagirathi river on the way.

Chirbasa is a lovely campsite surrounded all round by the beauty of the Himalayas. There is a government run Tourist Rest House there.
Day 3
3050 - Gangotri
Day 3
3600 - Chirbasa
Day 3
3795 - Bhojbasa
14Km, 5 - 6hrs.
▼ Day 4Trekking DayTapovan 4463m
From Bhojbasa (3792m ) To Tapovan (4463m ), Via - Gamukh (3890m ) - 5 - 6 Hrs. 10 Kms
Overnight In: Tapovan (4463m )
Accommodation: Camping
Meals Included: Morning Tea, Breakfast, Lunch, Evening Tea Snacks, Soup, Dinner, Dessert, Hot Drinks
Today we trek to Tapovan which is the basecamp for Shivlinga (6543m.), Meru (6660m.), Manda I, II & III (6856m, 6512m & 6529m). We mostly climb for the day. As we start the day, we come across Gaumukh -The source of Bhaghirathi river believed as the source of river Ganga, which is considered the lifeline of India.

The trail climbs further steeply to over the glacial moraine and climbing up a steep ridge by the waterfall of Akash Ganga, opening up to a wide beautiful meadow, marked by the towering Shivling over it. Mt. Meru hovers behind you Here we camp for tonight. We are gifted with great views throughout the day.
Day 4
3795 - Bhojbasa
Day 4
3890 - Gamukh
Day 4
4465 - Tapovan
10Km, 5 - 6hrs.
▼ Day 5Rest DayTapovan 4463m
- 5 - 6 Hrs. 8 Kms
Overnight In: Tapovan (4463m )
Accommodation: Camping
Meals Included: Morning Tea, Breakfast, Lunch, Evening Tea Snacks, Soup, Dinner, Dessert, Hot Drinks
We are in a wonderland, and it will be a misery of us on us if we do not explore this place to our heart's content. Tapovan being the base camp to so many mountains Shivlinga (6543m.), Meru (6660m.), Manda I, II & III (6856m, 6512m & 6529m), there are lots on offering for us. We may go to the Meru Glacier and to the Advanced Base Camp of Shivling. There is a lake around if we like to visit.

The glacial system of Gangotri used to be a tributary system of more than 10 other glaciers. Now as if in its ruins, it has fallen down to just about 5.

The tranquility of the place gets us lost into our own world, appreciating the beauty and roughness of the Himalayas. Infact, roughness can only be glorified by the mighty Himalayas
Day 5
4465 - Tapovan
Day 5
4465 - Tapovan
8Km, 5 - 6hrs.
▼ Day 6Trekking DayNandanvan 4340m
From Tapovan (4463m ) To Nandanvan (4340m ) - 5 - 6 Hrs. 12 Kms
Overnight In: Nandanvan (4340m )
Accommodation: Camping
Meals Included: Morning Tea, Breakfast, Lunch, Evening Tea Snacks, Soup, Dinner, Dessert, Hot Drinks
Today's trail will become one of the most cherished experiences of you life.. However, be careful and remain alert to tell your tale to others.. Till now you might have seen a rough glacier from distance, or might have even walked by it, but today you will traverse it !!

As you start the day, we descend down to the glacier, and then start our thrilling trek to cross the wide glacier with its roughness in form of crevasses, tarns, huge boulders, loose rocks, and beneath is an unstable moving river of ice.. Be careful !!

It takes immense energy and good motivation to cut cross the wide glacier. After crossing it, we start our steep climb to Nandanvan, a beautiful meadow surrounded by giant peaks and glaciers.
Day 6
4465 - Tapovan
Day 6
4340 - Nandanvan
12Km, 5 - 6hrs.
▼ Day 7Trekking DayVasuki Tal 4880m
From Nandanvan (4340m ) To Vasuki Tal (4880m ) - 5 Hrs. 7 Kms
Overnight In: Vasuki Tal (4880m )
Accommodation: Camping
Meals Included: Morning Tea, Breakfast, Lunch, Evening Tea Snacks, Soup, Dinner, Dessert, Hot Drinks
Today we negotiate the fairly easier Vasuki Glacier and climb us a steep ridge to the other side taking us to Vasuki Taal, the base camp for Satopanth ( 7075m). With hovering peaks of Satopanth and Vasuki Parbat above you, there is an immense sense of pleasure reaching this place, witnessing the beauty created by the landscapes around.

Day 7
4340 - Nandanvan
Day 7
4880 - Vasuki Tal
7Km, 5hrs.
▼ Day 8Trekking DayBhojbasa 3792m
From Vasuki Taal (4880m ) To Bhojbasa (3792m ) - 8 Hrs. 16 Kms
Overnight In: Bhojbasa (3792m )
Accommodation: Camping
Meals Included: Morning Tea, Breakfast, Lunch, Evening Tea Snacks, Soup, Dinner, Dessert, Hot Drinks
We start retracing our steps back to civilization today with an intermediate stop in Bhojbasa. We don't forget to keep looking behind, a little excited and a more sad about having to return. This would be our last campsite on this trek and we make it as special as we can.
Day 8
4880 - Vasuki Taal
Day 8
3795 - Bhojbasa
16Km, 8hrs.
▼ Day 9Trekking DayUttarkashi 1450m
From Bhojbasa (3792m ) To Uttarkashi (1450m ), Via - Gangotri (3048m ) - 4 - 5 Hrs. 14 Kms
Overnight In: Uttarkashi (1450m )
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Morning Tea, Breakfast, Lunch
We trek down to Gangotri from where we go down to Uttarkashi to end our super adventurous trek.
Day 9
3795 - Bhojbasa
Day 9
3050 - Gangotri
Day 9
1450 - Uttarkashi
14Km, 4 - 5hrs.
▼ Day 10Departure DayRishikesh 552m
Departure From Uttarkashi
Accommodation: None
Meals Included: Morning tea, Breakfast
Cost Of Transport Included: YES
Today we bid goodbye and end our memorable journey to the Himalayas.
Day 10
1450 - Uttarkashi
Day 10
555 - Rishikesh
150Km, 6 - 7hrs.

Gangotri Vasuki Tal Trek - An Elaborate Description

The Gangotri Tapovan, Nandanvan Trek is one of the few treks in the Indian Himalayas which offers a combinationn of beauty and roughness to its best.

With giant, beautiful peaks of the Gangotri region namely Shivling, Bhagirathi hovering over you throughout the trek, the mere glance of these elegant peaks wins your heart right away. The campsite of Tapovan is probably one of the best in the Himalayas of Garhwal with Shivling towering over you. It is also the base camps of over 5 / 6 himalayan peaks. We have a buffer day in our itinerary to explore the vast and the beautiful region of Gangotri near Tapovan.

tapovan nandanvan Trek
Majestic Shivling Seen From Tapovan

The Gangotri Tapovan, Nandanvan Trek requires negotiating the volatile glaciers and their moraines. It is always advised to hire a proper knowledgeable guide for this trek. The Gangotri Tapovan, Nandanvan Trek also takes you to the serene lake of Vasuki Tal and other small meadows of the otherwise silent, rough looking terrain.

Panorama From Tapovan Nandanvan Trek

Are you a trekker who loves to talk with the silence offered by the Ultra Himalayan Landscape ?Does a scary looking sight excite you ? Or do you enjoy accepting the challenges offered by a difficult trail?

If you answered YES to the questions above, the you need to trek the Gangotri Tapovan Vasuki Taal trek to satisfy your spirits and soul.

Gangotri National Park Permit Rules and Fees:

Gangotri Tapovan Vasuki Taal trek fall in the Gangotri National Park is it is one of the well maintained and strict National Parks in our country. The restriction increases the trek operation cost and it often puts the cost out -of-proportion for a smaller sized groups, but looking towards the benefits of restricting over sized trek groups and permit fees levied even on the locals, restricting the entry of mules, etc, we are much in favour of such restrictions in all of our National Parks.

Gangotri Vasuki Tal Trek - Why Its A Must-Do

Up close views of Mt. Shivling ( 6543 mtrs) ; Bhagirathi I ( 6856 mtrs) ; Bhagirathi II ( 6512 mtrs) ; Bhagirathi III (6454 mtrs) ; Mt. Meru(6660 mtrs) ; Mt. Satopanth ( 7075m) and Kedardome ( 7904m)
The pious and serene lake of Vasuki Taal Gaumukh - The source of Baghirathi river considered as the source of rive Ganga - The lifeline of India.
Viewing, traversing negotiating the Gangotri glacier and Chatturangini glacier Gangotri is one of the 4 holy shrines of the Hindus.

How We Grade Our Treks and Expeditions

Easy

Usual daily walks of 4 - 5 hours in altitude below 4000 meters. The sleeping altitude on these treks are below 4000 meter and the trails are gradual involving no steep ascent or descent. Sometimes, the trail may be longer, but on level trails. The duration of trek may be a week or lesser than it. The trek is not too remote and evacuation might be possible from almost any point of the trek

Moderate

The trek duration each day may span from 4 - 5 hours, but on some days, it may push up to 8 - 9 days. The trail might involve steep ascents or descents on occasions This kind of treks demand good fitness, and trekkers must involve themselves in cardio exercises regularly to do these treks comfortably. Sleeping altitude are below 4000 meters or little above it, but the trail might go as high as 4500 - 5000 meters. The trek is bit remote and evacuation might be possible from almost all, but not all campsites

Moderate+

This type of treks are bit more demanding than the moderate ones. It might involve few days of very long walks at higher altitude, or serious gradients, exposures, more remote or involves sleeping at higher altitudes for more days.

Strenuous

The trek duration each day may span from 5 - 8 hours, and may go up to to 8 - 9 on few days. The trail involves steep ascents and descents. Good fitness are demand of these treks, and trekkers must involve themselves in cardio exercises regularly to do these treks comfortably. Sleeping altitude may go above 4000 meters or little above it on couple of days, but not more than that. The trail might go as high as 4500 - 5200 meters. These trek are remote and evacuation might not be possible from all the campsites

Challenging

The trek duration each day may span from 5 - 8 hours, and may go up to to 8 - 9 or even more than that on few days. The trail involves steep ascents and descents. Crossing a glacier or a scree zone might be a feature of these treks. You might on some occasions, require technical equipment like rope, ice axe and snow stacks etc to complete these treks. Good fitness are demand of any treks, but these treks demands strong character. Sleeping altitude may goes well above 5000 meters on some days. The trail might go as high as 5000 - 6000 meters. These trek are high or remote or both. The trek usually might be a week long.

Sometimes irrespective of altitude and distance, a trek may ge graded Challenging if the route is treacherous, which might demand some footing skills or assistance of ropes and other equipment

Challenging+

The trek duration each day may span from 5 - 8 hours, and may go up to to 8 - 9 or even more than that on few days. The trail involves steep ascents and descents. Negotiating glacial moraines, scree zones, crossing them, camping on them etc are features of these treks. You might also require technical equipment like rope, ice axe and snow stacks etc to complete these treks. Good fitness are demand of any treks, but these treks demands strong character. Sleeping altitude may goes well above 5000 meters on some days. The trail might go as high as 5000 - 6000 meters. These trek are high and remote. A good technical support team and knowledgeable local guide is a must. Only experienced trekkers are advised to do these treks. The trek goes over 2 week and may be longer than that.

Sometimes irrespective of altitude and distance, a trek may ge graded Challenging if the route is treacherous, which might demand some footing skills or assistance of ropes and other equipment

Page Cost Inclusions and Exclusions For The Gangotri Vasuki Tal Trek

WHAT'S INCLUDED IN THE PRICE

Duration: 10 Days / 9 nights of the trek cost from Rishikesh to Rishikesh
Accommodation In Base Villages (Uttarkashi & Gangotri): 2 nights in Uttarkashi and 1 night in Gangotri with emphasis on local organic food and cultural exposure.
Accommodation On Trek: Spacious, sturdy, and High-Quality All Season Dome Tents will be provided on twin sharing basis.
Sleeping In Tents: Thick Waterproof Mattress complemented with Sub Zero Sleeping bags supported with Warm Fleece Sleeping Bag Inners For Extra Hygiene and Warmth will be provided by us
Dining On Trek: We will provide Dining and Kitchen Tents with camping stools and tables for extra hygiene and comfort.
Toilet On Treks: Dry eco-toilet will be set up with a toilet tent and toilet seat.
Meals: All meals starting Lunch on Day 1 till Lunch on Day 10 morning. 3 meals (B,L,D) suited for high altitude with evening snacks, soup, hot drinks, and extra energizers/juice for summit days
Trail Safety: Gaiters, Anti Slip Crampons, and Ice Axe depending upon snow conditions.
Communication: For efficient management of the trek, the team will be communicating with each other and trek base with the help of long-range wireless sets.
Medical Safety: Oxygen cylinder, Pulse Oximeter, Thermal temperature scanner, and Emergency Medical Kit accompanied with a trek leader knowledgeable on high altitude medicine and physiology
Trek Leader and Guide: Experienced and Well Equipped English/ Hindi Speaking Trek Leader maintaining guide to trekker ratio of 1:6. That is 1 guide for every 6 trekkers.
Local Support Staffs: Expert and Knowledgeable local guide with cooks, helpers, porters, mules, etc
Permits: All required forest entry permits and camping fees as per the rules of Gangotri National Park
Transfers: All transfers from Rishikesh to Gangotri and back for the trekking team and support crew.
Max Team Size: Small private group of not more than 12 members.

Add Ons: Make A Comfortable Trek

Single Tent Supplement: Rs 10000
Personal Baggage Porterage: Rs. 6000, up to 11 Kgs

Add Ons: Personal Equipment On Rent

High Ankle Waterproof Trekking Shoes (Quechua): Rs 1000
-20 degrees Down Jackets: Rs. 1200
Windproof/Waterproof Jackets: Rs. 500
Windproof/Waterproof pants: Rs. 500
Headlamps: 200
Poncho: 200
Trek Pole: 200
Rucksack: 200
Waterproof Gloves: 200

WHAT'S NOT INCLUDED

BAGGAGE OFFLOAD: ( optional at extra cost at Rs. 6000 per bag weighing not more than 10 Kgs)
Personal Travel Insurance
Personal Purchases
Bottled Water and Food Purchased Outside Our Menu
Personal Gears
Transport to Rishikesh/Dehradun
Anything not mentioned in the inclusion list

Cost Terms For The Gangotri Vasuki Tal Trek

Cost Terms

The above-mentioned cost is in the range of minimum to maximum per-person cost for this trek as per 1 - 12 people team.PackageInclusions as per this cost can be read below.
5% GST (goods and service tax) is applicable for all our purchases.
We follow dynamic pricing as per the actual team size on the trek. Going by our standardized service, appropriate safety measures, quality equipment, and ecologically sustainable - small group commitment, a higher team size will lower the cost whereas a lower team size will significantly increase the cost.
Group segmented pricing if not provided here, please write to us using the contact page or text us on Whatsapp number +918017216725.
You may choose to keep the trek open or make it private depending upon your requirements or choice. The actual per-person cost of the trek is subject to the actual team size joining the trek. If you make any customizations that drastically change the itinerary and cost as mentioned here, then it will mandatorily have to be a private group only.
If we have dates listed on our website on Our Upcoming Treks and it is not marked as private, it means other people have booked this trek for that date and have opened it up for other members to join to lower the cost. If your dates and choices match, you may join these treks
You may join an existing open group listed on our website or create your own group as per your convenient dates and choose to either keep it private or open it up to lower the cost if other members join the trek.
At any point, the team size cannot be more than 12 members ( 10 for challenging treks) unless there is a unique exception requested or agreed upon by all the team members.

International Guests

Trek cost for foreigners is slightly higher than the cost for our Indian guests, mainly due to the higher permit fee applicable for admission to National Parks or protected forest areas. Sometimes, it may be higher due to higher local crew wages and other specific arrangements we make to ensure a safe, comfortable and enriching travel experience in India. However, we absolutely DO NOT 'hyper-charge' our International Guests ever and at the same time, ensure that we meet all the standards for highly qualified trek leaders and guides, safety, medical preparation, evacuation strategy, rescue arrangements, eco-sensitive travel, high-value knowledge sharing about the area and customs of the locals.

Extra Cost For International Trekkers Rs. 5000 per person.

Booking Process

Booking can only be done after multiple communication via email / Whatsapp / Calls. After connecting with us and discussing your needs, we finalize the trek and its requirements. After finalization, partial booking fees can be paid online or through direct bank transfers after which we trigger our preparations and arrangements for your trek. International Trekkers can pay the partial booking fees using PayPal, Wise, Western Union or Direct Wire Transfer.

Customized Private Group For Gangotri Vasuki Tal Trek

Trekking is a very personal activity and is perhaps one of the very few activities that give you enough time to indulge with yourself or your beloved people, a group of special friends, or close family members. It helps you transform personal bonds to the next level as it brings out everyone's best and truest self. Trekking is most enjoyed when it is done in a small private group, personalized to serve your specific needs. The Himalayas are best experienced when there is silence and solitude around and when you are surrounded only by your best people. Your trek is most enjoyable when all the pain of arranging a smooth trek is taken care of by us, and you focus just on your trek and yourself. Most importantly, a small private trekking group is very flexible, personalized, and more enjoyable, is the safest, and follows the principles of Sustainable and Responsible Tourism. Most trekkers book us for arranging personalized private treks catering to their specific and unique requirements - Customize This Trek

ENQUIRE FOR PRICING

We work exclusively on Personalized Private Groups – its perfect for solo climbers, couples, families, friends or teams.

We keep it small for low ecological footprint, better experience, flexible itinerary, highest safety standards and superior success rate on the summits. Team size: 1 to 10 max.

Enquire for detailed pricing based on your preferences and group size.

Email Us

Customize

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