Why You Should Do Gaumukh Tapovan Trek
Gaumukh Tapovan Trek is one of the holiest places in India. You will trek to the source of the river Ganga ‘Gaumukh.’ The trek is a blend of spirituality, mythology, and exciting adventures. Some of the main excursions of this trek are listed below.
- Beautiful Meadows – On the first day, when the trek starts from Gangotri, trekkers can walk along the river bank and climb up to a high alpine meadow called Tapovan. Tapovan is best for meditation, as sages meditate here to attain spiritual bliss.
- Apple Orchids – Harshil is famous for its apple orchids, and it is the best place to enjoy picturesque evenings in the mountains. Harshil apples are favorites all over the country because they taste delicious, so the demand for apples is very high.
- Hot water springs – Surya Kund and Gaurikund are the two hot water springs you can visit in Gangotri. Both hot water springs are on both sides of the iron bridge near the Gangotri temple.
- Forest – From Chirbasa, walk through the Bhagirathi River, which flows through stunning deodar forests, blue pines, and silver birches. The place takes its name from the Chir trees that surround it.
- Views of the mountains – Bhojbasa is a magnificent meadow surrounded by mountains. From here, you can see the majestic peaks of Bhagirathi sister. You can also see Mount Shivling along with the breathtaking Sudarshan Parbat. Mount Meru is another peak that you can see on this trek. You will see Manda Peak and Bhrigu Parbat at this beautiful campsite.
- Trolley over the bridge – To reach Tapovan, we must cross the river, which we can do by manually pulling the trolley over the bridge. There are no bridges to cross the river, so we need a trolley.
- Wildlife – The foreground forest areas are home to various wildlife, including musk deer and Himalayan black bears.
- Glacier – The Gangotri glacier is believed to be one of the biggest in the Himalayas. It’s a water source for the Ganges River, also called cow’s mouth. The Ganges is a major pilgrimage destination for Hindus.
- Crevasses – You would also be walking on the glacier, where you would see a lot of crevasses. There are a lot of crevasses, some small and some big enough to take the men whole. The big ones have color of green and bluish tinge on the ice walls.
- Mythology – There is a religious mythology that King Bhagirath prayed to Lord Shiva to let the River Ganga flow and purify the ashes of his sons.
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Know Everything About Acute Mountain Sickness
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Important
Guidelines
Special Casual Leave (SCL) for Government Employees
Government employees joining our trekking expeditions can avail of Special Casual Leave (SCL) under the following conditions:
- Eligibility Criteria:
- SCL is available exclusively to Indian government employees.
- Applicable only for treks conducted within India.
- Leave Details:
- As per Pay Commission rules, government employees are entitled to up to 30 days of SCL in a calendar year for trekking or mountaineering expeditions.
- Treks must be organized by a registered organization, such as Trekup India, recognized by the Indian Mountaineering Foundation (IMF).
- Application Process:
- You need to apply for leave at least 20 days before the trek departure date.
- How to Apply: The following details are required to apply for IMF certification through the IMF.
- Email info@trekupindia.com with the following details:
- Your booked trek date.
- The trek name.
- Aadhar Card
- Designation
- Office Address
- Additional Fee of Rs. 250/ per person will be applicable.
- Note: It might take 20-25 days to receive a certificate from the IMF, subject to their approval.
- Email info@trekupindia.com with the following details:
- Documentation Support:
- Trekup India will provide the necessary documents to facilitate your SCL application.
Age-Based Requirements for Junior Trekkers
- A parent or guardian must accompany trekkers below 15 years of age.
- Trekkers Aged 15 to 18 or above Years: Can trek solo but require a Disclaimer Form signed by a parent or guardian. And Medical Form that Provides health details and confirms fitness for trekking by MBBS Doctor
- Trekkers Aged above 18 Years: Require a Disclaimer Form self-signed. And Medical Form that Provides health details and confirms fitness for trekking, Signed with an MBBS Doctor stamp.
Medical Fitness Required for Trek
If you’re planning a trek, you must ensure that your health parameters meet the fitness requirements for physical exertion at high altitudes or rugged terrains. Below are guidelines for each of the parameters mentioned:
1. Pulse Rate (Heart Rate at Rest):
- Normal: 60 to 100 (bpm) beats per minute.
- Required Fitness: Physically fit person may have a resting heart rate closer to 50 bpm, which shows that he have good cardiovascular efficiency.
2. Blood Pressure (BP):
- Required BP: 120/80 mmHg. A Bolood Pressure within this Range ensures adequate oxygen delivery to muscles and organs during physical exertion, especially at high altitudes.
- Your specified blood pressure (BP) Range—Systolic: 100–140 mmHg and Diastolic: 70–90 mmHg—is appropriate and generally considered safe for trekking activities.
- Acceptable Range: <140/90 mmHg for trekking. Elevated BP could increase risks during strenuous activity or at high altitudes.
Recommendations:
- Pre-Trek Checkup: Monitor your BP multiple times & ensure that it should be normal.
- Stay Hydrated: Dehydration affect BP, so maintain proper fluid intake during your trek.
- Avoid Alcohol & Excess Salt: These can destabilize BP, especially at altitude.
- BP Monitor: If you have a history of BP issues, regularly check your BP during the trek. Our Trek Leaders are equipped with a BP machine.
3. Respiratory Rate at Rest:
- Required Rate: 12–20 breaths per minute.
4. Diabetes Mellitus:
- Acceptable: Well-controlled blood sugar levels (HbA1c <7% or fasting blood glucose <126 mg/dL).
- Fitness Requirement: Carry quick glucose sources and monitor regularly during the trek.
5. Bronchial Asthma:
- Acceptable: Only when your doctors allow it & you have to submit an MBBS doctor NOC that you can undergo this trek.
- Fitness Requirement: Bring prescribed inhalers/medications and consult your doctor about high-altitude risks.
6. Heart Problems:
- Acceptable: Individuals without recent cardiac events (e.g., heart attack within the past 2 years).
- Fitness Requirement: Clearance from an MBBS Doctor (cardiologist) is required.
7. Hypertension:
- Acceptable: Controlled hypertension (BP <140/90 mmHg) with no recent complications like hypertensive crisis.
8. Pacemaker Implant:
- Generally not recommended for high-altitude treks.
9. Body Mass Index (BMI):
- Required BMI: 18 – 26 kg/m² for a good trekking fitness.
- Overweight or underweight individuals may face additional strain on joints or fatigue.
Additional Recommendations:
- High Altitude Acclimatization: For treks above 10,000 feet, ensure have some acclimatization Trekup India have designed Itinary of this trek accordingly to it but its not granted that this itinary works fine with acclimatization. For more information, click here.
- Fitness Level: Regular aerobic and strength training exercises before the trek are essential. For more information, click here.
- Medical Clearance: Consult a healthcare professional (MBBS Doctor) to assess your suitability before coming on this trek.
Would you like assistance preparing for your trek or calculating specific health metrics? Call Your Trek Co-Ordinator