Gomukh or Gaumukh is the physical source of river Bhagirathi or the river Ganga is at an height of 13,200 ft above sea - level.
Gangotri is an important yatra site located at 3,048 m above sea level. Gangotri is situated in the northern part of the state of Uttaranchal and is very close to the Indo - Tibetan border.
The Gangotri glaciers are in the Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand India.
Gomukh is one of the most important pilgrim centres of Uttarakhand and is a part of the Char Dham Yatra with around 6 lakhs pilgrims visiting here every year.
According to legends Kind Bhagiratha did severe penance, pleased Lord Shiva and asked for the holy river Ganga to come to earth in order to cleanse the ashes of his ancestors.
Goddess Ganga agreed and came to the earth in the form of Gangotri glaciers and travelled all the way to Haridwar and granted salvation to King Bhagiratha's ancestors.
The Gangotri glaciers are one of the most biggest glaciers of the himalayan regions and the starting point of the glacier resembles a cow’s mouth, this place hence came to be known as Gomukh or Gaumukh.
Please arrange for necessary permits that are required to reach Gomukh. The permits can be required from DFO Office Tekla, Kotbangla Rd Uttarkashi or Chief wildlife warden 5, Chandrabani Mohabewala near ISBT Dehradun.
Start for the trek early at around 7.00 am in the morning from Gangotri.
The Gomukh trek begins from around 100 mts behind the Gangotri temple. One has to climb a steep stairways in order to reach the starting point of the trek. Here the permits are checked and one can clear all doubts of the trek from the guards.
Please do carry ample dry fruits, chocolates, food packets ( that can be cooked in boiling water ) and drinking water.
Overnight stay in camps or stay in ashrams or GVMN guest house in Bhojbasa.
The beauty of Gomukh is amazing and diverse we have rocky lands, peaceful environment, small network of streams and surrounded by huge snowy mountain peaks make it one of the most awesome sights in the region.
The Gauri Kund and Surya Kund are the bathing kund of goddess Parvati and be reached by a 1km trek from the market after crossing the Gangotri river in the forest.
The Pandav Gufa legends say that it is the place where the Pandavas stayed during their banishment years. It can be reached by the same Gauri Kund and Surya Kund route 1km trek further in the forest.
Gomukh has an average temperature of 15°CC - 16°CC during the summers and around 5°CC - 6°CC during the winter months of September - October - November.
Heavy snowfall during winters and landslides during rainy season can disrupt your visit to this shrines so the summer season from May to June and September - October - November is the best time to visit Gomukh.
Note:- Gomukh and Gangotri has no ATM or banks so any money requirements should be taken care of in Uttarkashi itself.
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Gomukh can be reached from Gangotri and is at an elevation of 3900 mts above sea level. It surrounded by huge majestic mountains peaks of Gangotri I, II & III peaks of the Gangotri Group.
Gomukh is uninhabited and the only people living here are some sadhus which live in Ashrams here.
These are hot sulphur springs just halfway to Gangotri. Find time to have a break after competing your trek of Gomukh and take a refreshing hot water bath here. It clearly removes all your tiredness of the trek.
Gomukh has a lot of 2 and 1 GMVN hotel in Bhojbasa. This is your only source of food there. No alcohol or non veg food is served here strictly. If you plan to camp there then food can be arranged during the trek.
Some shopping can be done in Gangotri only, the only shopping in Gomukh is pure and natural Ganga water that is available for free.
Image courtesy - Panoramio - Prasenjit Nag
Gomukh - Wikipedia
Origin of Gomukh - All World Gayatri Parivar