Auli vs Gaumukh & Tapovan
Pick Auli for
snow, family trips, first-timers, an easier walk, fewer days
Pick Gaumukh & Tapovan for
nature, adventure, a spiritual journey, a smaller budget
| Auli | Gaumukh & Tapovan | |
|---|---|---|
| Region | Uttarakhand, Joshimath, Chamoli | Uttarakhand, Gangotri, Uttarkashi |
| Highest point | 3,050 m | 4,460 m |
| Difficulty | Easy | Moderate |
| Trek distance | No trek needed | about 36 km |
| Days on the ground | 4–5 | 6–7 |
| Best months | Jan, Feb, Mar, Oct, Nov | May, Jun, Sep, Oct |
| Snow likely | Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar | Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr |
| Crowds in season | Moderate | Moderate |
| Daily spend | about ₹3,500 | about ₹2,800 |
| Gateway | Dehradun / Rishikesh | Dehradun |
| With kids | Great | Not advised |
| With seniors | Good | Not advised |
| Permits | None. | Gangotri National Park permit; daily entry cap — book in advance. |
Auli: when to go
- ❄︎Jan
- ❄︎Feb
- ❄︎Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- ❄︎Dec
BestPossibleNot recommended❄︎Snow likely
Gaumukh & Tapovan: when to go
- ❄︎Jan
- ❄︎Feb
- ❄︎Mar
- ❄︎Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
BestPossibleNot recommended❄︎Snow likely