This was the standard procedure followed in 2009 to get the trekking permit for Gaumukh.
Call, fax or send a letter to :
CHIEF WILDLIFE WARDEN , UTTARKHAND
5, CHANDRABANI
Mohabewala
DEHRADUN 248001
UTTARKHAND, INDIA
Fax: 0135-2644691
Note: If you need a guide the permit for him also must be obtained by you.
Collect the permit from:
DFO office
Tekla, Kotbangla road
( after entering Uttarkashi, it will take 20 mins ( approx 2-3 km ) to DFO office )
Show the permit and start trekking:
First you need to travel to Gangotri and make a halt there to acclimatize yourself to that height.
Gangotri is 3000m above sea level and Gaumukh is at 4000 m.
If you have a guide ( you have to add guide to your permit ) then they will guide you.
Otherwise the path to Gaumukh starts from a steep stairways about 50 m behind the main Gangotri temple.
After climbing those steps you will reach the main gate of the Gangotri National Park after a short hike.
The gate at gangotri national park opens at 6 a.m. Here your permit will be checked and you have to pay a nominal fee of 50rs/per person(check the latest fee structure) and then only you will be allowed in.
There is an additional charge for the local municipal tax which is also collected here.
Some more additional important FAQs:
- Permit is required to visit Gaumukh :In order to control the number of people travelling on this ecologically sensitive area, the Govt. of India has introduced the permit system to allow only 150 people per month (earlier it was per day).
- No refreshments: Before 2008 not only refreshments but even ponies were allowed to a certain extent.
Today there is nothing on that 14 km trek to Bhojwasa, just you and the mountain. Water bottles and some food like dry fruits, biscuits are required. - Staying at Bhojwasa: There are two ashrams. Ram baba ashram and Lal baba ashram (GMVN was also there, but not sure whether they has reopened or not). Food options in these ashrams are limited. Hot tea is available in plenty.
- Temperature at Gaumukh: During the summer when it opens is when most people travel to Gaumukh.For the trek, light woolens and good shoes are recommended.
However once you reach Bhojwasa, the temperature drops dramatically during the evening
and throughout the night (below zero degree) and its better to have heavy woolens / jackets in your backpack. The ashram provides blankets for overnight stayer. - No walking on snow: If you are going all the way to Gaumukh then no. But if you are a seasoned trekker and travelling beyond Gaumukh and on to Tapovan then please inquire before you proceed.
- Can not go near Gaumukh glacier: There is a 500 m barrier put outside the main glacier approach so you can’t get any closer than that. This is not only to protect the glacier but for your own safety because huge chunks or pieces of the glacier breaks off occasionally.
- Guide: If you have very less or no trekking experience, then please consider a guide. However there is absolutely no way you will lose your way. There is only one path that leads to Bhojwasa.
- Acclimatization is required: People living in the plains not habituated to the Himalayan heights often experience mountain sickness. It takes some time for the body to adjust which is called acclimatization and at least one day (staying at Gangotri) is recommended.
- Trekking route: Gangotri – Chirbhasa : 8 km
Chirbhasa – Bhojwas – 6 km
Bhojwasa – Gaumukh – 4km - At least 6 hours for a good trekker. Can go upto 8 to 10 hours depending on your experience.
- Condition of trekking route: Well this is the Himalayan range isn’t it ! and the path to Gaumukh is cut through these range. Its rocky in some places, very narrow and steep too.
Carry a trekking stick with you which you can buy in Gangotri.
Read our trekking experiences at Gangotri – Gaumukh trek and check out other travels in Uttarakhand
If you have any latest travel related news pertinent to these regions, do let us know, through comment section, it will help us to keep this post updated and for the benefits of other travellers too. Any latest news will be highly appreciated
64 Comments
sanjeev
May 18, 2012 at 12:01 pmi have to planned a trip for gaumukh tapoven trekking with few of my friends in mid june 2012. Please inform any govt permission needed for that. what is govt norms and how much time it will take for that. what paperwork we must complete and for how much days we must be prepared for the permission if any.
If there is any govt. formality to be completed please inform me if that can be done in advance from our hometown
what are your charges for various events.
Sanjeev
Karnal-Haryana
09467675570
saffronstreaks
May 18, 2012 at 6:18 pmHi Sanjeev
Thanks for visiting our blog. First you must understand that this is not any agency that will help you in the travel to gaumukh.
We went there three years back and so I have documented the details for the convenience of other trekkers and travellers.
Permit to Gaumukh-tapovan is required which you can obtain from the DFO office at Tekla, kotbangla, Uttarkashi. In the post I have mentioned in detail how to obtain the permit, whom to write the letter (fax no and tel no are same) and even if you have not received the permit beforehand, you can collect it from the DFO office by showing the copy of the letter.
Hope that helps, if you have any other queries do let us know, we will try to help you as much as possible.
Happy treeking
Sukanya @saffronstreaks
AMULAYA JOHARI
May 20, 2012 at 7:35 pmkindly suggest me is there granting permission online by the concerning deptt….what things r required for permit …can we take permitt instantly on the journey to gangotri or it will take month or week before trakking
saffronstreaks
May 21, 2012 at 4:45 pmThanks for visiting Amulya, as I have discussed here, trekkers do need to show the permit for gaumukh and Tapovan and this permit can be obtained from DFO office at Uttarkashi, upon arrival after showing them the copy of your letter / fax to Cheif wild life warden (address given above). It will take roughly 1 hour to get the permit. Except letter, no other documents required. It was the procedure followed in 2009.
There are no online process to get the permit, however one can also approach the GMVNL to get the permit.
Happy trekking
Sukanya @ saffronstreaks
sandeep
May 25, 2012 at 3:27 amHello i am planning for going gangotri glacier trekking so plz suggest mee good travel agents for pakage i will plan on 1st week of june and i m single so any group going on this trip plz join mee…
saffronstreaks
May 29, 2012 at 3:20 pmSorry, am not aware of any travel agents who offered trekking packages, we did it alone and if you are planning to go till Tapovan, you will need a guide too.
Permits are required for gaumukh and tapovan.
For trek partners and similar queiries, you can approach fellow trekkers at Indiamike forum – http://www.indiamike.com/india/trekking-and-mountaineering-in-india-f89/gangotri-gaumukh-tapoban-solo-oct-2012-a-t165522/
sunil
December 14, 2012 at 3:55 amHi sandeep, I have also plan to visit gaumukh june-13. I am also single and if u want to join me u can contact at 9417440679
Gopal Trivedi
May 13, 2013 at 11:00 amHi,
I will be reaching Gangotri on 27th May 2013 and wish to trek to Gomukh next morning. I am solo and amateur trekker and would welcome company from fellows having similer plans.
Thanks & Regards
Gopal Trivedi
E.: gopaltrivedi@gmail.com
Phone: +91 98390 86401
Gopal Trivedi
May 13, 2013 at 11:04 amp.s. @Dear Blogger, it is great content, very well written. Thanks buddy.
rgds
Gopal
saffronstreaks
May 13, 2013 at 5:01 pmThanks Gopal for your kind words. we felt happy to see that the post served you well in your trek planning. I am sure you will get good comapanions on the way.
Happy Trekking !
Sukanya
Arnav Singh
June 24, 2012 at 2:37 pmAre there cellphones allowed?
I mean like… You don’t have to switch off your cellphones there or something?
saffronstreaks
June 28, 2012 at 10:39 pmNo Arnav, you dont require to switch the cellphones there, but where is the network ??? 😀
Beyond Gangotri, you wont get any cell phone network coverage, in general in Uttarkhand, BSNL coverage is good.
Trekkers (for long treks spanning days) and mountaineers usually use the sat phone there.
Happy trekking
saffronstreaks
Vishal
October 16, 2012 at 5:41 pmhello sir,
we planning to go gangotri, gomukh and tapovan this weekend. from your blog I came to know that we have to take the permission from the DFO, uttarkashi. Can you please give the format of the application letter so that I can have the idea what to mention in the letter.
plz reply me as soon as possible.
Thank u…
saffronstreaks
October 16, 2012 at 6:01 pmThanks Vishal for visitng here. For Gaumukh and tapovan you will need the permit from DFO Uttarkashi, the letter will be adressed to the Chief wild life warden as mentioned above.
You have to mention :
your age
your travelling companions
your guide or porter, if you are taking any, the permit has to be issued before.
Place of camping – bhojwaasa or tapovan or both
Total duration of stay
Citizenship (India)
Address
I think these are sufficient details you will need to mention.
Happy trekking
Sukanya
Vishal
October 17, 2012 at 2:22 pmthank u sukanya…
Sanjib Nayak
November 19, 2012 at 10:16 amPlease tell me how would I go from Gangotry to Gomukh by trek.
I want to visit 2nd or 3rd week of May 2013.
How would I take permission & Where will get.
Please let me know in details.
My Phone No :- 09563200300
My Email Address :- sanjib.nayak30@gmail.com
saffronstreaks
November 19, 2012 at 10:45 pmHi Sanjib,
you will get all the info required for Gangotri – gaumukh trek here : http://saffronstreaks.com/travels/gangotri-gaumukh-trek/
and to get the permit details are here – http://saffronstreaks.com/travels/gaumukh-trek-permit/
Thanks for stopping by
sunil
December 14, 2012 at 3:53 amI have plan to visit gaumukh in the month of may last-2013. If anyone want to join me welcome. 9417440679
Sanjeev
February 9, 2013 at 12:46 pmThis is an effort to organize regular trekking campaigns on various peaks and glaciers in India. An attempt is to arrange indifferent challenging expeditions on very simple basic non-lavish economical norms based on personal duties, risks & efforts, intended to crack heavy expenditure.
After Saung Pindari Glacier in Kumaon Himalayas in May-1990, Garhwal Himalayas-Manimahesh (Origin of River Ravi) in Sept-2005, Aug-2006, Jodhpur in Dec-2008, Amarnath Ji in June-2009, Sri Hemkund Sahib in June-2010, Udaipur Mount Abu in Dec-2010, Kedarnath Badrinath Mana in June-2011, Sikkim Darjeeling in Jan-2012, Yamunotri-Gangotri-Gaumukh Tapovan in June-2012. Deep in Thar Desert Jaisalmer, Barmer, Bikaner in Jan-2013.
This year planning in Uttrakhand for NANDA DEVI PARBAT for a week in end and only within June-2013. (We can change date/place as per suggestions and preferences).
(Sanjeev Call Prefered: 9467675570)
Ankit Jaiswal
May 2, 2013 at 6:13 amHi Sir,
I just want to know that my group is planning for trekking for Gangotri to Gaumukh and Tapovan so can u guide me that is it the right time to go there. We will be going there 8 May 2013 by road and reaching Gangotri 9 May noon. And also for trekking do I have to take permission from here or we can take permission from there when v will be reach to Gangotri ji. And please tell me any contact number if I have to take permission from here.
Thanks,
Ankit Jaiswal
saffronstreaks
May 2, 2013 at 8:33 pmHi Ankit
Yes May is the right season to do trek in Gaumukh – Tapovan. You can read our trek expereince here at – http://saffronstreaks.com/travels/gangotri-gaumukh-trek/
Yes you will required to take permit do trekking at Gaumukh – Tapovan which you can obtain from DFO office at Uttarkashi.
Here is the details mentioned – http://saffronstreaks.com/travels/gaumukh-trek-permit/
Hope that helps you
Happy trekking
Sukanya
gopal
May 15, 2013 at 7:55 amHello Sukanya,
I will be travelling to Uttarkashi on 26th May morning and wish to take earliest possible public transport available. What will be the best starting destination? Dehradun / Haridwar / Rishikesh having maximum frequency.
I have read at a hotel site about a a new service, called ‘Vishwanath Seva’ from Dehradun. Also that these buses take a shorter route via chamba and not via Rishikesh.
please suggest.
saffronstreaks
May 15, 2013 at 11:47 amHello Gopal,
First let me tell you, whatever mode of transport you choose to travel, you have to be in Uttarkashi latest by 3.00 pm to avail the permit for gaumukh. So it is better to reach there within noon. After 8 pm, you can not leave Uttarkashi as the town gate closes. So you will be left with few hours in Uttarkashi and if you can not find DFO office in one attempt, it will be all rush-rush for you.
Second, May being the high piligrim sesaon, all public transport can be expected to be overfilled. Expect long delays on the road. So I will advise you to take a taxi from Haridwar or Rishikesh, that will take 6 hours.
Third, if at all you have to travel by public transport, then buses runs frequently from Haridwar to Maneri via Uttarkashi, may take 7 – 10 hrs to reach Uttarkashi.
Dehradun might be good choice, ISBT busese runs from 5 am at every hour till 12 0r 1 pm. Do not know much about Vishwanath seva, except that they have a sevice from haridwar to Uttarkashi at 6.30 am in the morning and takes 7-8 hours to reach Uttarkashi. From dehradun they operate on route dehradun – gaurikund daily, probably via uttarkashi.
You can ask them in their Facebook site – https://www.facebook.com/VishwanathTgmouLtd . Hoping they are the same people.
But distance travelled will remain same – 6-7 hours. I think so.
Hope the info helps you
Sukanya
Sam
June 19, 2013 at 6:07 amAt the age of 13 I went for Gaumukh with my Dad, but couldn’t make it…I stayed at Lal Baba Ashram and fell sick…i still curse myself for not making it…
Thanks for the blog really liked it..
saffronstreaks
June 19, 2013 at 6:28 pmGaumukh at 13 ! That is truly incredible Sam. I can understand your feelings, but if life and time permits, you must revisit it. One of a lifetime expereince. And thanks for loving the post. We really enjoyed our days at Bhojbasa and looking forward to go there once again. Hopefully !
Sukanya
soumik debgupta
October 5, 2013 at 4:34 pmwe are a group of 2 person. planning to go gamukh tapovan on may 14
i want to know that is there any serious risks present there if we go alone without guide. and risky is the trek to tapovan from gamukh crossing a passage of active glacier there as par map.
saffronstreaks
October 5, 2013 at 9:01 pmHi Soumik, as far as Bhojwasa is concerned, there exist no such risk as we did it few years ago, just two of us. But once you crossed the bhojwasa, for gaumukh and beyond there are no definite trek route to follow. Route to tapovan is through glacier, and you will need permit for tapvan. If you cannot decide now, you can go till bhojwasa, camp there and you will come in contact with guides and porters. If require you can hire one there. For a group of two, I will prefer a guide if I plan to go till tapovan. You will need snow hiking shoes, trekking sticks and other gears for tapovan.
May is also the time when snow melts, so most of the trekkers prefers september.
Sukanya
Ajay Sharma
May 22, 2014 at 10:47 amD.Sir,
I want to go gomukh & tapovan pls tell me where I got bus for gangotri & any guide how much fees he taken pls give other information required for this trip. thanks awaited reply
MANINDRA B. SINGH
July 30, 2014 at 2:38 pmJai maa,
I plan to visit Gomukh, 1st week. Of September 14,
What will be better to way to go Gomukh from Gangster.
What precaution should be taken. I am 62.
Please advise according.
( MBSINGH)
saffronstreaks
July 31, 2014 at 10:46 amHi,
Gomukh from Gangster ????
September would be cold. So be prepared with heavy woolens. Few stretches of the trek would be pleasant but if you are staying in Bhojwasa, be prepare for the heavy cold. If you have any bretahing problems, it would be difficult. As air is very thin there.
You can certainly look for these post for some advice – http://saffronstreaks.com/travels/gangotri-gaumukh-trek/
barney
September 9, 2014 at 11:20 pmHello sir,
I’m barney ..I’m from newyork I’m planning to see the divine beauty of goddess ganga
Heard about it alot …
Please tell me exact procedure
How to get there?
And I would love to see some places around …
I might be going on a motorbike
So it be safe in April?
Daddas
September 29, 2014 at 1:02 pmHello
I’m an Italian and I’m coming to visit Gaumukh the first week of november.
Is there any particular procedure for not Indian people or I must send the letter as well?
Thanks for attention
Barshan
July 4, 2015 at 1:59 pmhey…i actually wanna know about the fee structures for treking in gaumukh,ladakh and garhwal himalayas…can u please provide me the detailed fee structure?
it will be my first trek…waiting for u to reply…
Stanley Arokianathan
December 6, 2015 at 4:17 pmWe are four of us from Kolkata who would like to trek to Gaumukh in the second week of May 2016. Please let me know whether I should apply now for the permit and what is the procedure for the permit. I would be grateful if you send me the details at the earliest through my email so that I can make all arrangement.
saffronstreaks
December 22, 2015 at 11:44 amHi Stanley, please go through the article and the comment section as well. Hope it will clarify your doubts.
santosh
January 11, 2016 at 1:11 amhi.stanley, i m from pune single i like to join ur group for gaumukh trek 2016.
santosh
January 11, 2016 at 1:17 amhello ,
i m from pune ,single ,anybody interested for gaumukh trek 2016, i have visited to gangotri in 2013
Please contact on my Email below:
my email -santoshpawar05@yahoo.in
Girish
January 25, 2016 at 11:20 amHi Santhosh…i’m Girish from kerala …I have been in gangotri on 2009..and its a long time dream to trek to gaumuk….please share your plans…I’m also looking for some body to form a a group
-Girish-09847061224 …giri.kg@gmail.com
Smit Joshi
March 11, 2016 at 10:58 pmI’ve traveled Gangotri once, I am solo Traveler to Gaumukh – Tapovan (Nandanvan if possible), I’ll be reaching Gangotri by 21st May 2016, & Planning to start Trek by 22nd May. I want to Join any group of Trekkers (Mo : 9167078889, joshismit1994@gmail.com)
Girish
January 29, 2016 at 11:30 amHi …i’m Girish from kerala …I have been in gangotri on 2009..and its a long time dream to trek to gaumuk….please share your plans…I’m also looking for some body to form a a group
-Girish-09847061224 …giri.kg@gmail.com
santosh
February 3, 2016 at 5:21 pmhi… girish i m santosh nice to here ur interested in gaumukh, i have send u msg from my moblie,on ur whatsup so please reply to me
so Guys Anybody more people are interested contact me
santosh-9960838550
Nithilan
April 10, 2016 at 4:50 pmHi Santosh,
I am Nithilan from Chennai, visiting Rishikesh by end of April, I am planning to trek the Char Dham. I am interested to trek Gaumukh and Tapovan from Gangotri.
VIKRANT
May 11, 2016 at 7:47 pmyes friend, we the group of 6 teachers hav planned for 2016 trek (3rd june)
Shiva
March 24, 2016 at 9:19 amHi, I’m Shiva from Singapore. I’ve planned to trek Gaumukh on Jun 11-12, if possible go to Tapovan as well. Anybody travelling during that time? My mail shi77sg@yahoo.com
Kingshuk Ray Chowdhury
May 9, 2016 at 11:59 amHi, I’m Kingshuk from Kolkata. I’ve planned to trek Gaumukh on Oct 07-16 if possible go to Tapovan as well. Anybody travelling during that time?
My mail kingshukroy230@gmail.com
T S Balasubramanian
September 26, 2016 at 6:16 pmam planning gaumukh tapovan terk from Gangothri on 3rd OCT .am alone.May be if you can advance your trip can go together
Sanjeev Kumar.
June 3, 2016 at 10:43 pmDear friends. I need to go for some trekking in Himachal/Uttarakhand in June-2016.
I had been to various trekking campaigns Manimahesh, Gaumukh, Gangotri, yamunotri, Amarnath ji, Badrinath, Hemkund Sahib. Pls if I can join with some group.
I’ll love to join any group for any new place.
Pls contact at sanjeevkarnal@yahoo.com.
Sanjeev.
09467675570.
Nomadicshiv
August 17, 2016 at 11:24 pmHi all, Gomukh is must visit place but food in Gangotri is not hyegenic so take care of it. Trek is little arduous carry dry fruits yourself its very costly to buy here. If you are planning to go to Tapovan hire a guide and do advance booking of Gangotri national park permit.
Sudipta Samanta
September 12, 2016 at 10:46 pmDear friends,
We have planned to go to Gaumukh-Tapoban on 22.10.2016. Please let me know how will be the weather and also the contact numbers of some guide/porters, as I have heard that permissions should also be obtained for them. Is there any e-mail id of the Chief Wildlife Warden?
My mail Id is soumyadipta001@yahoo.com.
thanks & regards,
Sudipta Samanta
Kolkata
Shiv Bhan Singh
December 31, 2016 at 5:55 pmHi,
I hope you are doing well!
I have visit your blog so i have a plan to visit Gaumukh please guide me which month may i go there and when and how and where may i take permit from the government also please guide me any age limit to go in Gaumukh and how many days should we have for visiting Gaumujh. I am waiting your response.
Name – Shiv Bhan Singh
Age – 28
Location – Delhi
shashikant
January 13, 2017 at 6:57 pmHi,
My friends and I are planning to do the gangotri-gaumukh-tapovan trek in the last week of January. We are a group of 5 people. We have our own vehicle. Following are my queries:
1. Is it possible to do the trek by reaching on the night before the trek day ?
In other words, can permission be obtained on the trek day itself ? As you have mentioned that the permission can also be obtained from Gangotri, in the morning 5am- 7am.
2. Are there any restrictions for doing this trek in January, as there would be snow?
Thanks in advance 🙂
saffronstreaks
January 17, 2017 at 5:28 pmHi Shashikant,
1. Based on your personal level of fitness and how well your body get acclimatized to higher altitude, depend upon that you can take the decision. If you are new to Himalaya, it is best to reach at least a day before at Gnagotri for trekking. At least 12 hours you must get.
2. As far as I know permission has to be obtained at Uttarkashi dfo office. I have never mentioned permission can be obtained in Gangotri. Please read the post in detail.
3. Road to gangotri open or not is entirely depend upon the snowfall of that year. Even though if road is open and there is light snowfall, be prepare for the rough weather.
Hope The answers will help you.
Thanks for visiting us
Sukanya
Sanjeev Kumar
May 2, 2017 at 9:38 pmI want a company for any trekking expedition.. In Uttarakhand or himachal .. Within June 2017 … I’ll love to accompany…..please contact love to hear u on 9467675570.. Thanks
Trek Himalaya
September 20, 2017 at 5:48 pmHi sanjeev wen are a group who organize trkking in uttrakhand if you intrested please contact us on 9711427404
jadavharshadv
May 30, 2017 at 9:47 amWe 08 person group reach at Haridwar on Dt. 31/05/2017 for Gangotri & Hemkund Sahib. If any guide or travels’s contact number is available please share with me on 9724097692
Vijay Bahuguna
September 20, 2017 at 5:05 pmhi. we are a group who organize trekking in uttrakhand we are heading gaumukh in this September 29th to October 3 if you intrested please contact. 9711427404
Trek Himalaya
September 20, 2017 at 5:44 pmOur group organize trekking and adventures trips to explore the places. To spend time with nature and friends.
This time we’ve decided to plan a trip to Gaumukh Tapovan in Uttarkashi (Uttarkhand) which is a beautiful valley situated in Himalaya.
You will encounter the immense beauty of Himalayan mountains and greenery on the trek!!!
sumit narula
May 18, 2018 at 1:08 amHi ,
We are 3 People going for Gomukh Trek in June 2018.
Can somebody please confirm how we can get a permit for that whom we need to write a letter and what should we write in the letter any documents required at DFO office please confirm.
My Email is : sumit.narula16@gmail.com
Soumyadip
April 20, 2019 at 2:22 pmCan i get permit for trek from gangotri??
Rajendra I. Tailor
September 16, 2019 at 5:21 pmThe phone number isn’t good anymore
Sukanya Ghosh
October 31, 2019 at 10:25 amYes, i understand that. If you have their new numbers, please share with us. Thanks
Tanusri
November 20, 2020 at 3:30 pmIs there any age limit to get permission for gan gotro trek