Glorious Gomukh

Gomukh is also referred to as "Gaumukh" or "Gomukhi" literally means "Mouth of a Cow". According to some sayings, earlier the snout exactly looked like "Mouth of a Cow".

Gomukh is mentioned in the Puranas. It is said there that searching a lost sheep a shepherd boy reached near a glacier in Gangotri, the snout of which exactly looked like the mouth of a cow, and thus it got its name 'Gomukh'. From then many saints, holy travellers, as well as religious people went there to worship the place.

The trail to Gomukh begins from Gangotri, about 18 km (11.2 mi) from Gomukh.
9 km ahead of Gangotri is Chirbasa, the abode of Chir trees. After 3 km of Chirbasa comes the dangerous Gila Pahar, the place well known for its landslides. Here the Bharals, a type of mountain antelope are sometimes seen.

The Bharals are found above the altitude of 10,000 ft. Only 4 km from here is Bhujbasa, the only night halting place on the way. One can stay at the GMVN Bunglow, or at the Lalbaba's Ashram or at Ram Baba's ashram; both ashram charge Rs 300 for a day that includes lodging and food. After trekking 41/2km from Bhujbasa, one reaches Gomukh, the snout of the Gangotri Glacier. A little before Gomukh, the majestic view of Mt. Shivling welcomes the trekkers to the place.
On the trail no horses are allowed, so one must take preparations to walk on foot. The trek to Tapovanan and Nandanvan starts from here.

Some boulders make the route after 'Bhujbasa' quite difficult. One has to cross a boulder zone to reach near the Gomukh snout. The trek beyond Gomukh is quite difficult. Crossing the glacier & going towards Tapovan is become quite dangerous nowadays (because of the landslides). There is actually no road, one must have a guide and should be prepare to face any type of accident which can even a life-threatening one. The last climb to reach Tapovan is very stiff, within 2 km a stiff of about 70 degree, which gain a height of around 1500 foot and is quite a challenging experience.