Gaumukh
This is the snout of the Gangotri glacier and the present source of the  Bhagirathi River, an important tributary of the Ganga. The devotees who do not miss the opportunity to have a holy dip in the bone chilling icy water hold it in high esteem, it is a traditional Hindu pilgrimage site. The 18 km distance from Gangotri has to be covered on foot or by ponies. The trek is easy and many people come back to Gangotri the same day. Porters and ponies are available at Gangotri.
The Gangotri glacier is roughly 30 km long and 2 to 4 km wide. The source of the Gangotri Glacier is said to resemble a cow's mouth, and the place is called Gaumukh (gou, cow + mukh, face). Gaumukh is situated near the base of a mountain called Shivling In recent times, it has been pointed out that the retreat of  the glacier has quickened significantly.
Trekking beyond Gaumukh
Nandavan - Tapovan
Traversing the Gangotri Glacier to Tapovan and Nandavan. Ever changing view of Shivling.
A possible 3 or 4 day trekking Itenerary to Tapovan ccould look like this:
Day 1: Gangotri – Bhojbasa (3800m) in 5 hours.
Progress along a picturesque trail, through dense deodar
forests before emerging into the wide unforested valley. The trail is congested with porters, mules, pilgrims and mobile traders. From Raj Ghat, the glacial valley gets wider, and soon we can see the Bhaghirati massif, which rises above 6500 m. Alternatively one could walk to Chirbasa, literally the abode of pines, in aporx 5 hours (13 km). Camp
on a grassy meadow beside the Bhagirathi. One could easily spent a few day here.
Day 2: Bhojbasa – Gaumukh (3900m) - Tapovan (4450m) in 4 hours.
From Gaumukh, the scenery is fascinating, with praying pilgrims and half-naked saddhus meditating along the banks of the tumultuous stream that pours out of the glacier. The trail crosses Gangotri moraines before reaching Tapovan and its gorgeous meadows, furrowed with streams and scattered with flowers. From here the panoramic view over Shivling  (6540m), Meru (6660m) and the Bhaghirati massifs (above 6500m) is stunning.
It is not surprising that sadhus chose this area to meditate in summer time. The trail leaves its way through the terminal moraine before cutting across the Gangotri glacier and climbing steeply up to the grassy slopes to the vast ablation valley of Tapovan.
The vast meadows strewn with wild flowers are situated at the base of Shivling. The Bhagirathi peaks are now almost within touching distance. Camp is set in the heart of high mountains.
Day 3: Tapovan – Bhojbasa in 3 hours.
In the morning, lazily enjoy the charms of this magic spot. In the afternoon descend towards Bhojbasa.
Day 4: Bhojbasa – Gangotri in 4 hours.
Visit temples of Gangotri in the afternoon.
Instead of returning To Gaumukh from Tapovan, many other destinations are open to the trained hiker from here.
Tapovan - Kirti Bamak - Tapovan 
A full Days walk to the Kirti Bamak glacier and to the base of peaks Kedarnath Dome 6850 m, Kirti Bamak 6500 m and to a view of Shivling from the east. Return to camp same day
Trek time : 6 hours, 7 km.
Tapovan - Meru Glacier - Tapovan (4800 m).
Another full days walk. Crossing the meadows of Tapowan the trail climbs into another valley, which is traversed to the base of Mount Meru (6400 m), yet another of the spectacular Garhwal peaks. It's mythical name is "The mountain of Gold". Return to camp same day,
Trek time : 5 hours, 6 km trek.
Tapovan - Nandavan (4570 m).
This day is largely an exercise in boulder hopping. Crossing the moraine covered Gangotri glacier to Nandavan located at the confluence of the Chaturangi and the Gangotri glaciers. Literally meaning the four coloured glacier. The Chaturangi is truly multi-hued. The massive meadows of Nandavan are situated at the base of the Bhagirathi massif. The area provides excellent sightings of Bharal (blue sheep). Overnight in camp.
Trek time : 6 hours, 7 km trek.
Nandavan - Vasuki Tal (4800 m).
A full Days walk to the picturesque Vasukita.  The trail follows a grassy ridge running parallel to the Chaturangi glaciers, across a small glacier-eroded valley to Vasuki tal. It then continues along the lateral moraine of the Chaturangi glacier to views of Mount Satopanth. Return to camp.
Trek time : 6 hours, 7 km trek.
Nandavan - Gaumukh
Another boulder hop back along the Gangotri glacier to its snout at Gangotri.
Trek time : 5 hours, 13 km trek.
Shivling
Shivling Expeditions have become popular in recent years. Only for the well trained climber.
Bhavishya Badri Temple
Dense forests near Tapovan surround the Bhavishya Badri. The Bhavishya Badri is at a distance of about 17 km east of Joshimath. Pilgrims trek beyond Tapovan up the Dhauliganga River to reach this holy spot. The idol of Narsingha (the god with the head of lion) is enshrined here. Traditionally, it is believed that a day will come when the present route to the Badrinath will be inaccessible and the Lord Badrinath will be worshipped here and this is why the place is called Bhavishya Badri.
See Also
References
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