gaumukh trek permit

– September 17, 2010Posted in: > Uttarkhand, India, Travels

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

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