Gangotri & Gaumukh Glacier Trek 2026
The source of the Ganga — 19km through the Bhagirathi valley to the glacier snout. Real permits, costs, and what this trail looks and feels like in June.
Delhi · Visited: Kedarnath, Gangotri, Manali, Shimla, Rishikesh & more · April 6, 2026 · 13 min read
4,255m
Max Altitude
19km one way
Trek Distance
May – Jun, Sep – Oct
Best Time
₹4,000/day
Budget From
The Bhagirathi valley opens up suddenly after the treeline ends — grey rock, white ice, and a sky so blue it looks edited. Standing at the glacier snout where the Ganga begins, with no other sound except water, was the most quietly powerful moment I've had in the mountains.
— Surya Pratap, trekked June 2023
📋 Permits — What You Actually Need
Gangotri to Gaumukh requires a Forest Department permit. Without it you will be turned back at the Forest Department checkpost 3km before Bhojbasa.
🥾 Trek Route: Gangotri → Gaumukh
Gradual ascent through birch forest then treeline. Bhojbasa GMVN camp at 3,775m. Spectacular open valley. Arrive before 4pm.
Early start for Gaumukh glacier snout (4,255m) — 5km from Bhojbasa. The glacier is visibly retreating year on year. Return to Gangotri the same day or stay another night at Bhojbasa.
At the Gaumukh glacier snout, June 2023 — 4,255m
📸 Personal photo💰 Real Costs (2026)
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Forest permit (2 days) | ₹300 (Indian) |
| Camping at Bhojbasa (GMVN) | ₹500–800/person |
| Rishikesh → Gangotri taxi | ₹3,500–5,000 (shared ₹500–800) |
| Guide (recommended) | ₹1,000–1,500/day |
| Food at Gangotri/Bhojbasa | ₹300–600/day |
| Gangotri accommodation | ₹600–1,500/night |
| Total 4-day trip | ~₹5,500 budget / ₹10,000 mid |
💡 Tips From Personal Experience
June is the sweet spot
Snow has mostly cleared, flowers are out, the valley is vivid green. Avoid July–August (monsoon, landslide risk).
It's cold even in June
Bhojbasa overnight drops to 2–5°C even in June. A proper sleeping bag and down jacket are non-negotiable.
Hire a guide for Gaumukh
The moraine near the glacier shifts. A guide who knows the current safe path saves you from literal crevasse situations.
Drink the river water at source
The water straight from the glacier snout at Gaumukh is clean and pure. Carry a filter just in case.
Best light is 7–9am
The valley faces east. Morning light on the Bhagirathi peaks is extraordinary. Wake early.
Book GMVN Bhojbasa early
Only 40 beds at GMVN Bhojbasa. Book at gmvnl.com well in advance for peak season. Tents are an alternative.
❓ FAQ
Is Gaumukh trek difficult?+
Moderate. The 14km to Bhojbasa on Day 1 is long but not technically demanding. The route to Gaumukh next morning is shorter but at higher altitude. Overall easier than Kedarnath.
Can I do Gangotri without trekking to Gaumukh?+
Yes. Gangotri town and temple alone is worth the trip. The Bhagirathi gorge, the temple aarti, and the town itself are the experience. Gaumukh adds 2 more days for the serious trekker.
Is there mobile network at Gangotri?+
BSNL/MTNL works in Gangotri town. Beyond that, nothing until you're back. Download offline maps before leaving.
How to reach Gangotri from Delhi?+
Delhi → Haridwar/Rishikesh by train/bus, then Uttarkashi → Gangotri by shared jeep or taxi. Total ~14–16 hours. Break journey overnight at Rishikesh or Uttarkashi.
Where to Stay in Gangotri
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